The distribution and guidance of Devil Fruit acted like a powerful stimulant, injecting vitality into Hachinosu.
The newly acquired abilities began intensive development and adaptation training, working day and night.
Meanwhile, the existing cadres also felt the incentive and subtle competitive pressure, and they worked even harder in their training.
The entire Hachinosu is filled with a vibrant atmosphere of positivity and a desire to become stronger.
Roy, stationed at the central command, not only cultivated himself but also closely monitored the changes both internally and externally.
Internally, various affairs are handled by Stella, Scarlet (and her increasingly skilled alter egos).
Under Xiong and his team's management, things went smoothly, and the scholars of Ohara gradually settled down.
Preliminary data collection and research work began in the designated "scholars' area." Saul's injuries had also healed, and he remained on the island temporarily.
Sometimes he assists with training, and sometimes he stares at the sea in a daze, lost in thought.
Externally, news of Hachinosu easily annihilating the Pirate Alliance continues to circulate.
It deterred many petty criminals, but it also attracted more watchful eyes lurking in the shadows.
This relative calm did not last long, given the steady increase in Hachinosu's strength.
The lower-ranking pirates might be intimidated, but the mid-ranking pirate crews who already had some territory and ambitions in the New World...
And some of the established powers' vassals, both fearful and greedy, are eyeing the increasingly lucrative Hachinosu and the rapidly expanding sphere of influence of the Roy Pirates.
Finally, at a routine meeting after several core members had completed their training and the new ability users had gained initial mastery of their abilities, Bullet was the first to lose his composure.
Roy!
"Staying on the island all the time for training, my bones are practically rusting!"
Those flies scattered around, peeking out every now and then, are so annoying!
Now that we have a strong and well-equipped army, it's time to take the initiative and thoroughly clear out the waters surrounding Hachinosu.
Let's secure a truly safe rear area, and incidentally, let those greenhorns see real blood!
Tesoro, toying with the gold coin between his fingers, also spoke up:
"Boss, Bullet is right."
For our business network to expand outwards, stable shipping routes and secure trading partners are fundamental.
Eliminating those disobedient or hostile forces in the surrounding area will not only expand our influence,
It also allows them to acquire more resources and wealth.
The trade routes I recently set my sights on have been harassed by a few reckless small pirate crews.
Hawk Eyes didn't speak, but he nodded slightly while holding Black Blade Yoru.
A stable rear and a clearly defined sphere of influence are equally important for a sound defense system.
Crocodile exhaled a smoke ring.
Intelligence indicates that within a 300-nautical-mile radius of our surroundings,
There are at least seven other sizable pirate crews or independent island factions that are either openly or covertly hostile to us.
Some had even been lobbied by remnants of the previous alliance.
Keeping them around will always be a hidden danger.
Proactive cleanup can serve as both training grounds and a means of gathering intelligence and supplies.
Roy listened to everyone's opinions, his fingers lightly tapping the table.
The Hachinosu has been initially stabilized; it's time to extend its reach outwards.
A strategy that relies solely on defense and internal development will ultimately lead to a passive and reactive approach.
Proactive and controlled expansion can eliminate threats, acquire resources, further hone the team, and establish a position in the New World.
"Can."
Roy made a decision.
"But we are not expanding blindly."
Clear objectives:
Clean up the forces around Hachinosu that pose a direct threat to us or hinder our development.
Establish buffer zones and stable outer territories.
Actions should be strategic, swift, and decisive, minimizing unnecessary losses and damage.
Roy stood up and walked to the huge New World northern sea chart.
The distribution of forces around Hachinosu has been marked above.
"Divide the troops into three groups and launch a simultaneous attack, sweeping away the enemy with Lightning speed." Roy began to deploy his forces.
"The first route is in the northeast direction."
Bullet, you lead the team, including Savi, Enel, and five hundred elite men from your Training Camp.
Equipped with ten fast ships and two medium-sized warships, their targets are the ' Bone Crusher Pirates ' (with a total bounty of approximately 500 million) and the ' Iron Hook Island ' forces.
Use overwhelming force to quickly defeat them; those willing to surrender are dispersed and incorporated, while those who resist are eliminated.
Be sure to collect loot, especially information related to Devil Fruit.
"Haha! Leave it to me!" Bullet clenched his fist excitedly.
"The second route, northwest direction."
Tesoro, you lead the team, Kyros, Pea, and a portion of the commercial escort and combat personnel, totaling four hundred men, all on the same ships.
The targets are the remnants of the ' Tidal Chamber of Commerce ' and the ' Black Sail Alliance '.
Your mission is to defeat their armed forces and seize the ports and trade routes they control.
Assess the feasibility of acquiring its commercial assets. Kyros Pea is responsible for support and maneuvering.
"Understood, boss. I guarantee all their gold will belong to Roy." Tesoro replied with a smile.
The third route, southwest.
Mihawk, you will lead a force of three hundred elite troops from Charon, Yamato, and the main island's defense forces.
Their targets are the ' Rock-Splitting Pirates ' and ' Poison Swamp Island '.
A swift victory is sufficient; eliminate the leader and the main resistance force. There's no need to venture into dangerous territory and linger.
Charon's naval warfare capabilities can prove highly effective when necessary.
Hawk Eyes nodded calmly. "Alright."
"Then, the reconnaissance and clearing operations in the southeast direction, and beyond, will be handled by the fourth team."
Roy looked at Crocodile and Moria.
Crocodile, Moria, you two will form a team.
Lead your intelligence personnel and a group of elites skilled in infiltration and assassination in a small, well-concealed boat.
Your mission is to clear out scattered hostile forces in the southeast and eliminate any potential spies and informants.
At the same time, we will conduct reconnaissance further afield to ascertain the extent of the influence of major pirate forces such as Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Golden Lion in this direction.
The strategy should focus on infiltration, division, and decapitation, avoiding large-scale direct conflict as much as possible. If encountering a tough opponent, report back promptly.
"Hmph, this kind of work that operates in the shadows suits me just fine," Crocodile sneered.
"Hehehe, I'm best at shadowy secret operations!" Moria chuckled strangely.
"Remember,"
Roy glanced around at the four team leaders.
"Our expansion has limits."
Once they come into contact with or approach the edge of the clearly defined spheres of influence of great pirates such as Whitebeard, Charlotte Linlin, and Golden Lion,
Immediately halt advance, establish observation posts, and avoid direct conflict.
We are neither in a position to nor prepared to wage war against multiple powerful pirate forces simultaneously.
Our goal is to solidify our surroundings and gain room for development, not to blindly make enemies.
"Understood!" the four replied in unison.
The rest of the group—Bear, Stella, Scarlet, Ginny, Kalifa, and others—remained on Hachinosu to maintain operations, strengthen security, and prevent possible sneak attacks or diversionary tactics.
Lucci, Kaku, Blueno, continue to assist Crocodile's intelligence network and familiarize yourselves with your new abilities, ready to provide support at any time.
"Yes!" The others who remained behind also accepted the order.
"The operation will take place at dawn three days from now. Go and prepare." Roy gave the final instructions.
Once the order was given, the entire Hachinosu sprang into action like a sophisticated war machine, operating swiftly and efficiently.
Ship repairs, material allocation, personnel organization, intelligence gathering... a chilling yet invigorating atmosphere replaced the usual tranquility.
Roy stood atop the palace, watching the bustling port and gazing out at the vast, turbulent sea in the distance.
The curtain has been raised on expansion.
This time, the Roy Pirates will no longer be on the defensive, but will actively expand their territory in the New World.
Leave your own clear mark.