Roy looked at Stella:
Stella, you are in charge of overall planning and data statistics.
Within three days, I need to see a detailed development plan for Hachinosu. Scarlet, you will be responsible for assisting Stella.
"Yes, Captain." x2
" Tesoro, you're in charge of business and finance."
The existing business system on the island should be reorganized, and a new tax system should be established.
At the same time, the treasure worth 12 billion Beli should be allocated and used reasonably.
We need this money to start infrastructure construction.
Tesoro's eyes gleamed with gold:
"No problem, boss."
Give me a month, and I'll triple the business tax revenue on Hachinosu!
" Crocodile, you are in charge of overseeing industrial construction."
I will bring Master Tom over as soon as possible.
At the same time, mineral exploration and mining on the island must also be put on the agenda.
Crocodile exhaled a smoke ring:
"Yes, but we'll need enough manpower and technical personnel."
"We can select manpower from the surrendered pirates, and I'll find a way to recruit technical personnel."
Roy continued to assign tasks.
" Hawk Eyes, you are in charge of establishing the island's security and defense system."
Train a new guard, repair and improve fortifications, and establish patrol and guard procedures.
Hawk Eyes nodded calmly:
"I'll arrange it."
"Xiong, you're in charge of residents' affairs."
To calm public sentiment, understand their needs, and establish basic healthcare and education systems.
The bear smiled gently:
"That's my forte."
" Kyros, Savi, Enel, Pea, Charon, Yamato, you six will assist in the above tasks, while continuing to improve your own strength."
"Understood!" the six replied in unison.
" Moria, the CP Five, you will be temporarily in charge of intelligence gathering and liaison with the Underworld."
Hachinosu's location is unique; we need to stay informed about the dynamics of this New World.
Moria chuckled:
" The Shadow-Shadow Fruit excels at stealth and reconnaissance."
Lucci and the others nodded in agreement.
After the tasks were assigned, Roy looked out the window at Hachinosu, which was already bustling with activity.
Workers are clearing the rubble, businesses are cautiously reopening, and children are curiously looking around in the street...
"Gentlemen."
Roy's voice turned serious.
"Occupying Hachinosu is only the first step."
The real test is how to manage this place well, how to make it our true base.
The future of Hachinosu is in our hands.
The crowd stood solemnly, their eyes burning with determination.
They knew that from today onwards,
The Roy Pirates will no longer be a wandering pirate crew, but a force with its own established base.
This means greater responsibility, and also a broader future.
"Meeting adjourned. Everyone get back to work."
Roy waved.
Everyone left the meeting room one after another and began to get busy.
Roy stood alone by the window, gazing at the scene outside, his mind filled with countless thoughts.
Three Devil Fruit, two Great Grade Sword, 12 billion Beli...
These are indeed valuable assets.
But what is truly valuable is Hachinosu as a base, the hearts of its 50,000 residents, and the strategic location of this sea area.
" Island-Island Fruit..."
Roy muttered to himself.
The power of this fruit is indeed tempting; if it could be developed to its fullest potential, it could almost turn Hachinosu into an invincible fortress.
But who will use it?
Most of the core members on the ship already possess Devil Fruit abilities; those without, like Kyros, focus on swordsmanship and have little interest in Devil Fruit abilities.
Savi already has Ancient Zoan;
Enel possesses the Cloud-Cloud Fruit;
Pea is Mythical Zoan;
As Fish-Man, Charon was wary of his Devil Fruit powers;
The CP Five still needs to be evaluated...
"Perhaps... we can leave it for future new members?"
Roy pondered.
The two Ancient Zoan Fruits are easy to allocate – the Model: Cave Bear is suitable for strength-type warriors, and the Model: Dire Wolf is suitable for speed-type warriors.
Two Great Grade Sword, Frost Snow, are suitable for skill-based swordsmen, Dragon Spine is suitable for strength-based swordsmen.
"Let's wait until Bullet identifies promising newcomers, then assign them based on their strengths."
Roy made a decision.
Just then, Stella returned:
"Captain, we have guests."
"Guest? Who?"
"They are representatives from several major chambers of commerce on the island. They want to meet with you to discuss future business cooperation."
Roy's lips curled up slightly:
Let them in.
Perfect, I'd also like to hear what these local bullies have to say.
A few minutes later, three well-dressed middle-aged men entered the conference room, led by Stella.
They all looked a little nervous, but their eyes showed more anticipation than fear.
" Captain Roy, hello."
I am Mario, the president of the island's jewelers' guild.
"I am Carl, a representative of the Freight Forwarders Association."
"I am... cough cough, formerly Ochoku Zhi's... tax officer, and now the merchant's chosen representative, Hans."
The three of them introduced themselves cautiously.
Roy sized them up, his gaze finally settling on Hans:
" Ochoku's tax officer? You're quite resourceful."
Hans broke out in a cold sweat and quickly bowed.
" Captain Roy, I'm just trying to make a living."
Ochoku... no, Ochoku only cares about collecting taxes, he never cares about construction.
We businessmen may seem successful on the surface, but our lives aren't actually that easy..."
"Alright, no need to explain."
Roy waved his hand.
I don't care about your past, I only care about what you can do in the future.
"Speak, what brings you here?"
The three exchanged glances, and Mario, as their representative, spoke up:
" Captain Roy, we'd like to know... what are your plans for the future of Hachinosu?"
How will business policies be adjusted? Will taxes be reduced? Will public security be improved?
The question is direct and practical.
Roy laughed:
Good question.
Then I'll just tell you directly--"
"First, taxes will be adjusted, but not simply reduced; instead, a more reasonable and transparent tax system will be established."
Tax rates will vary depending on the industry and size, but overall will be lower than during Ochoku's era.
"Secondly, public security will improve significantly."
My men are forming a new guard that will crack down on crimes such as robbery and extortion.
Merchants can do business with peace of mind.
Third, infrastructure construction will be fully launched.
The port needs expansion, roads need repair, and water and electricity supply systems need upgrading... all of these require funding and your cooperation.
Fourth, the business environment will become more standardized.
We will establish a chamber of commerce system to provide legitimate businesspeople with the protection they deserve.
However, smuggling, human trafficking, and other illegal businesses are strictly prohibited.
With each point Roy made, the three merchants' eyes lit up even more.
When he heard the last point, Hans hesitated for a moment:
" Captain Roy, banning those businesses... won't that affect the island's economy?"
After all, Hachinosu has always been one of the largest black markets in the New World...
"Black market?"
Roy sneered.
"An economy supported by crime is better off without."
The Hachinosu I want is a prosperous, stable, and civilized commercial center, not a den of thieves and vile thieves.
He looked at the three of them:
I know that some of you may be involved in those shady industries.
Now I'm giving you a chance—within one month, voluntarily end all illegal businesses and switch to legal operations.
If I find out a month later that anyone still dares to touch those things...
Roy didn't finish speaking, but the coldness in his eyes sent a chill down the spines of all three of them.
"Understood! Understood!"
Hans nodded quickly.
We will convey this message to all businessmen!
We will definitely operate legally!
Mario and Carl also repeatedly assured him.
"Very good."
Roy's tone softened somewhat.
"Also, tell other businessmen if there are any good investment opportunities."
Alternatively, if you wish to collaborate on infrastructure development, you can propose a solution.
The Roy Pirates will support anything that benefits the development of Hachinosu.
The three exchanged a glance, all seeing the excitement in each other's eyes.
This is an opportunity!
If what Roy says is true, Hachinosu will usher in an unprecedented development opportunity!
"Thank you, Captain Roy!"
The three bowed deeply and left full of hope.