" Pops, is there anything we need to do?"
Third Division Captain
"Diamond?" Jozu asked in a deep voice.
"The location of Hachinosu is not too far from some of our spheres of influence."
"At their current rate of development, they will definitely pose a threat to the Whitebeard Pirates in the future!"
Whitebeard waved his hand, his gaze deep.
"Let's wait and see. Hachinosu is a whirlpool right now; whoever reaches out first is likely to get caught in it."
That brat Roy is no simpleton; Kaido is entangled with him again... The New World is about to get lively once more.
"Gurala la la!"
Marco frowned slightly upon hearing Whitebeard's reply.
" Pops..."
"Are we just going to let them grow up like this? The Roy Pirates might become a threat to us in the future!"
"Threaten?"
The Whitebeard laughed, a laugh tinged with complexity.
"Gurarara~ Marco, the New World is never short of threats."
Golden Lion, Kaido, Charlotte Linlin...
Which one isn't a threat?
But that's not what I care about.
The Whitebeard put down the sake jug, his enormous hand gently stroking the hilt of the Murakumogiri sword.
"What I care about is that Roy has similar 'traits' to Roger."
That quality that can attract others to follow and ignite a flame in their hearts.
Look at his pirate crew— Bullet, that battle maniac, Hawk Eyes, Tesoro, Crocodile...
These unruly fellows are actually willing to follow him.
The Whitebeard paused, then sighed.
"In comparison, our pirate crew..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but Marco understood what his Pops meant.
The Whitebeard Pirates are built around the core of a "family," with all crew members being Whitebeard's "sons."
This model fosters strong cohesion within the pirate crew, but it also presents a problem—
Everyone depended on Whitebeard, their "father."
Once Whitebeard is gone, will this huge family be able to survive?
Who can take up Whitebeard's banner and continue leading this pirate crew?
Marco was silent for a moment, then said softly:
" Pops, we're all growing up."
Vista's swordsmanship became increasingly refined, and Jozu's defenses became increasingly formidable.
Thatch's cooking and fighting skills are improving... and so am I. I will always protect this family.
Whitebeard looked at Marco, a hint of relief flashing in his eyes, but the deep worry remained.
Marco is indeed excellent, strong, calm and wise; he is the perfect second-in-command.
But in Whitebeard's view, Marco lacked something—the magnanimity to bear the weight of an era.
"The level of a first mate of the Emperor"—this was Whitebeard's highest praise for Marco.
But the deputy emperor is ultimately just a deputy, not the emperor.
"Gurarara~ I know, Marco."
Whitebeard picked up the wine jug again and laughed loudly.
"I was overthinking it. Come on, let's drink! We'll drink to our hearts' content today!"
"Yes, Pops!"
Marco smiled and took the glass of wine offered by the crew member.
But both of them knew in their hearts that a storm was brewing in the New World.
The rise of the Roy Pirates is just the beginning; even greater turmoil is yet to come.
The Whitebeard Pirates must prepare themselves.
Looking at his "sons" laughing and playing around him, the Whitebeard thought to himself,
Fortunately, I am still at my peak, and I have enough time to cultivate and explore.
The tide of a new era has begun, and we can only hope that these children can keep up with this surging wave.
Whitebeard raised the enormous flask once more, temporarily drowning his thoughts in the strong liquor.
Onboard the Moby Dick, the revelry continued, but some astute captains...
Marco, for example, could already sense a different kind of solemnity in his Pops's occasional silent gaze.
Under the skies of the New World, the ripples caused by the change of ownership of Hachinosu are quietly spreading.
After more than a month of rapid construction, the initial defense framework and infrastructure of Hachinosu have been completed.
The main island is orderly, commerce is beginning to recover, and residents' mentality is stabilizing. The " Five Star Fortresses " and " Five Star Outposts " on the periphery have also acquired basic garrison and early warning capabilities.
Roy stood in his newly renovated top-floor office in the palace, overlooking the island that was gradually taking on a new look, and he had a general idea of what was going on.
The governance and defense of Hachinosu are on track, with Stella, Tesoro, Hawk Eyes, Bear, and others each fulfilling their duties, and there shouldn't be any major problems in the short term.
It's time to deal with another important matter—relocating the research base of Wano Country to Hachinosu.
Staying in Wano Country would certainly allow them to maintain close ties with Kaido and possess strategic geographical depth.
However, in the long run, core research capabilities and technological reserves must be in our own hands.
Placing it within your absolute control is the safest course of action.
Furthermore, the future development of Hachinosu, especially the " Trial Island " training base and the potential for more scientific research projects,
They all need Dr. Gracia and his team.
After making his decision, Roy did not delay. He arranged the affairs on the island and then quietly returned to Wano Country aboard the Ark Maxim.
Onigashima, Skull Dome.
"Hehehe! Roy, you're back!"
Kaido saw Roy, laughed heartily, and patted him hard on the shoulder.
" Hachinosu is doing a great job! I heard you moved quite a few islands from the surrounding seas? That's quite a large undertaking!"
"It's only at the initial stage, but I still appreciate your support."
Roy and Kaido bumped fists and got straight to the point.
" Kaido, the reason I've returned is to relocate Dr. Gracia's entire research base to Hachinosu."
Kaido paused in his drinking, staring at Roy. The atmosphere froze for a moment, but he immediately burst into laughter again.
"What? Worried I'll swallow your research findings?"
"No."
Roy shook his head and said frankly,
"It's for long-term considerations. Hachinosu needs its own research and development center."
The training facilities on ' Trial Island ', future weapons development, and even further research on ' Lineage Factor ' all require the doctor's team there.
Moreover, having the research base in my direct control area is safer and can avoid many unnecessary troubles and risks.
Roy paused, then added,
"Of course, our alliance will not change, nor will our commitment to technology sharing."
You will receive any progress the Doctor makes on Hachinosu that is beneficial to both of us immediately.
Furthermore, if you have specific research needs, you can bring them up, and I will prioritize arranging research for PhD students.
Kaido stroked his beard and silently drank his wine.
He certainly understood Roy's plan: to keep core technological capabilities in his own hands, a choice any ambitious leader would make.
Roy's willingness to be honest and reiterate his commitment to technology sharing is already quite commendable.
More importantly, this period of time, especially the ability and determination Roy demonstrated in successfully capturing and rapidly developing Hachinosu,
This further convinced Kaido that this ally was worth far more than just a research base.
Rather than letting a desire for control cause unpleasantness, it's better to go with the flow and further strengthen the alliance.