A brief silence fell over the meeting room.
Roy's proposed "recruitment" plan
The implication in his words that "a new era is about to begin" stirred up different thoughts in everyone's hearts.
Bullet was the first to react; he grinned, his eyes burning with excitement.
"Finally, we're getting moving!"
Just hanging out with Kaido's gang is making my bones rust!
Hawk Eyes, however, was more focused on the "talent" Roy had mentioned. He wiped the hilt of Black Blade Yoru and calmly began to speak.
"With our current strength, we can start recruiting. Based on our current development, our current scale is indeed a bit small."
Intelligence personnel and specialists are in short supply.
Stella nodded and quickly jotted down the key points.
Electric arcs danced at Tesoro's fingertips as he chuckled.
"As for their strength and potential, let us test them!"
As for loyalty... hehe, with the boss around, what's there to be afraid of?"
He was referring to Roy's powerful and subtle ability to use psychotherapy.
Roy waved his hand and said seriously,
"Psychological suggestion should be a last resort and should not be abused."
True partners need shared ideals and aligned interests.
What we want to build is a team that can change the world, not puppets controlled by ability.
He walked to the huge nautical chart hanging in the conference room and slowly traced his finger across the New World seas.
"First, we must leave Wano Country and return to the world stage."
On Kaido's side, the base's defenses shouldn't be a problem in the short term.
Stella, based on the intelligence, compile a list of individuals "worthy of attention," including but not limited to:
Promising newcomers, frustrated experts, craftsmen with specialized skills, and...
Some powerful individuals who broke with the World Government or major powers due to ideological conflicts.
"Yes," Stella replied immediately.
"Next, you will prepare some supplies for the flight."
"I'm going to discuss the upcoming arrangements for Wano Country with Kaido!"
The plan was thus finalized.
Next, the entire pirate crew began to operate efficiently.
The Ark Maxim was towed into the dock, where Tesoro and the base's scientists worked together to maintain and modify it.
The navigation system, defensive armor, and internal living and training areas have been significantly enhanced.
Stella buried herself in intelligence analysis, and a preliminary "talent watchlist" gradually took shape.
Bullet and Hawk Eyes, along with the remaining men, arranged the supplies for the voyage.
Roy then took the time to visit Kaido.
Inside the main hall of Skull Dome, after hearing Roy's plan, Kaido took a large gulp of wine.
"Hehehehe... Time to go out and stretch your muscles? Great news!"
"Don't worry about the base. With Queen and Jhin watching over things, plus the surveillance cameras, nothing will go wrong."
A glint of light flashed in Kaido's eyes.
"However, Roy, things aren't very peaceful outside right now."
Roger became the Pirate King, the Marines went berserk like mad dogs, and even the old guys in the New World couldn't sit still anymore.
Whitebeard, Golden Lion, Charlotte Linlin... none of them are easy to deal with.
"I see."
Roy nodded.
Therefore, we will not provoke them.
The main purpose of this trip is to recruit manpower and gather necessary intelligence and resources.
Research in Wano Country needs stability, but our efforts cannot stop Wano Country.
"As long as you know your limits, that's fine."
Kaido patted Roy on the shoulder with a force so great it could shatter an ordinary person's bones.
"Just say you need my help!"
After all, we're allies!
Oh, by the way, Yamato... she's been insisting on going with you."
Roy was taken aback, then gave a wry smile.
Yamato has been pestering him for a long time ever since he learned they were leaving.
"She's still too young; taking her out is too risky," Roy shook his head.
That's exactly what I told him!
Kaido snorted, but a hint of helplessness flickered in his eyes.
"But that girl is as stubborn as an ox, saying that she can learn real skills by following me."
"Fine, you handle it. If you find it troublesome, I'll lock her up."
After a moment 'Roy, considering Yamato's potential and her delicate relationship with Kaido, Roy finally relented.
Besides, with Yamato around, Kaido probably wouldn't bother with those research projects after I leave.
This could lead to some underhanded tactics against the research base.
With that in mind, Roy agreed.
"If she's really determined, she can take her. But I can't guarantee Yamato won't get hurt."
"Hmm... whatever you want. As long as you're not dead or crippled." Kaido waved his hand casually.
Three days later, everything was ready.
The Ark Maxim, now renovated, is docked at the base pier.
The hull underwent metal reinforcement and circuit optimization using Tesoro's abilities.
The ship's hull has also changed from its original striking gold-red color to a more understated dark gold luster, significantly improving both its defensive capabilities and maneuverability.
The newly added extended cabins provide more living and storage space.
On the deck, the members of the Roy Pirates had all assembled.
Bullet, Hawk Eyes, Tesoro, Stella, Savi, Enel, Pea, Charon, Moria, and Vera —all of them are present.
And at the very end of the line, there was another small figure—
Yamato her signature spiked club, " Genzo."
Wearing a practical outfit that allows for easy movement, her long white hair tied in a ponytail, her small face was full of excitement and determination.
"Everyone's here." Roy glanced at everyone, his gaze lingering briefly on Yamato before he nodded.
"Set off!"
The engines of the Ark Maxim emitted a deep hum, and under Tesoro's control, the ship slowly rose and changed direction.
At the base dock, Queen waved goodbye to a group of Beasts Pirates members.
Jin stood atop Skull Dome, the flames behind him flickering slightly, watching the Ark Maxim transform into a point of light on the horizon.
The New World world will be even more unpredictable with the re-launch of this ship.
Inside the ship's conference room, Stella projected the intelligence she had compiled onto the screen.
"These are some potential candidates I've recently gathered."
"Well, in the New World of Dressrosa, there's a swordsman with great potential in the island's arena. It's said he's already won three thousand consecutive matches!"
"Also, the person the boss wants to keep a close eye on is Supernova Newcomer, Crocodile Logia Sand-Sand Devil Fruit User, Crocodile."
"Including the Kingdom of Sorbe in the South Sea, Bartholomew Kuma, and the remaining personnel..."
After listening to the report, Roy tapped his fingers lightly on the table.
" Kyros, Crocodile, and Bartholomew Kuma—all three have good potential,"
" Kyros of Dressrosa, a non-ability user, achieved an undefeated record of three thousand matches in the arena solely through his swordsmanship and physique. His character and potential are worth examining."
Crocodile, Logia Sand-Sand Devil Fruit User, has already shown his talent. He is ambitious and ruthless, and if recruited, he would be a powerful force.
As for Bartholomew Bear...
Roy paused, a strange light flashing in his eyes.
Born in the Kingdom of Sorbe in the South Sea, possessing the special bloodline of the Bakania tribe, coupled with his fate in the original work.
Roy thought it was far too tragic, especially if they hadn't made contact with the Revolutionary Army yet.
Roy didn't mind bringing him onto his boat.
After all, both the bloodline of the bear and its future combat power are worth the trip for Roy.