Three days later.
The Ark Maxim's dark golden hull silently pierced through the clouds and landed steadily on its exclusive berth in the main port of Hachinosu.
It was midday, and the sunlight shone on the bustling port. Merchant ships came and went, and workers loaded and unloaded goods, creating a peaceful scene.
But when the iconic spaceship appeared, the port fell silent for a moment, then erupted in cheers.
"It's Captain Roy's ship!"
"The captain is back!"
Long live the captain!
On the dock, countless people waved their hands, their faces beaming with heartfelt joy and reverence.
Roy stood at the bow of the ship, his black trench coat billowing in the sea breeze. He slightly raised his hand.
He gestured to the crowd, then led Tesoro and Yamato down the gangway.
Several people were already waiting at the port.
Bullet had returned to Hachinosu first, grinned and strode forward, punching Roy on the shoulder.
"Hahaha! Roy! I heard you took down that old bastard Garp in Wano Country?!"
Roy dodged his fist and laughed.
"It was just a brief exchange; it wasn't a complete victory."
"That's impressive enough!"
Bullet's eyes were full of excitement.
"Next time I get the chance, let me have a go at that old guy!"
Hawk Eyes, holding Black Blade Yoru, stood quietly to the side, nodding slightly as a greeting.
Crocodile, cigar in mouth, exhaled a smoke ring, "Is Wano Country completely settled?"
Roy nodded.
" Kozuki Oden died in battle, Kurozumi Orochi was captured, Wano Country is now Kaido's territory."
We own 50% of the Seastone mine.
Upon hearing this, a glint of light flashed in the eyes of the people present.
A 50% Seastone vein means a continuous source of wealth and strategic resources.
"Well done." Crocodile rarely smiled.
Stella stood quietly at the back, holding a stack of documents in her arms, clearly important matters that Roy needed to review in the near future.
Roy glanced at everyone, his gaze settling on Tesoro. "Let's settle that 'guest' in first."
Tesoro understood, turned around and went back to the ship. A moment later, he came down carrying a figure bound by Seastone chains.
Kozuki Toki was still unconscious, her simple kimono stained with blood and dust, her face as pale as paper.
"This is..." Bullet raised an eyebrow.
" Kozuki Oden's wife," Roy said calmly.
The expressions on everyone's faces varied.
Bullet chuckled.
"Why arrest her? If you want to kill her or torture her, just deal with her directly."
"She Time-Time Fruit on her body, and also..."
Roy paused,
"Something I need."
Roy didn't say much, and no one pressed him for details.
Roy glanced at the genetically engineered warriors peering curiously behind Bullet.
"Send her to Vera and get her proper treatment. Don't let her die."
"Besides--"
Roy called out to Tesoro, who was still bragging to his friends.
"You're quick. Go to Vera and get three of those 'potions.' Tell Vera you need them."
Tesoro glanced at the three members of the Kurozumi Family who were being escorted off the ship by the gene warriors, and understood.
Tesoro nodded.
"Clear."
"Go ahead," Roy waved his hand.
As Tesoro held Kozuki Toki, he flashed and transformed into a golden bolt of lightning, disappearing from the port.
Roy's office, on the top floor of the main island palace.
The heavy wooden door closed behind me, shutting out the noise from outside.
Roy walked behind the large desk and sat down, placing the stack of documents on it without immediately flipping through them.
He leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.
Everything about Wano Country flashed through my mind.
Oden's resolute decision, Kaido's arrogance, Garp's iron fist, and the prophecy amidst the sea of fire...
Twenty years later, nine shadows fell from the sky, Wano Country was founded.
Will this prophecy come true?
Roy opened his eyes, a complex light flashing within them.
Twenty years...
For ordinary people, that was a long period of time.
But for a powerful figure like him who stands at the top of the world, twenty years is but a blink of an eye.
What will he be like twenty years from now?
What would Hachinosu look like?
What will this world be like?
He didn't know.
But he knew that no matter what the future held, he had to make his power stronger.
It is strong enough to cope with any variables.
Roy took a deep breath, pulled himself back to his senses, and silently unleashed his mental Telekinesis.
" Stella, Crocodile, come to my office."
A few seconds later, two mental fluctuations responded simultaneously.
"Understood, Captain."
"Coming right away."
Roy withdrew his Telekinesis, leaned back in his chair, and waited quietly.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the office door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and Stella and Crocodile walked in one after the other.
Stella remained as capable as ever, carrying a stack of documents as she walked to the desk and stood there.
Crocodile, cigar in mouth, leaned lazily against the wall, exhaling a smoke ring.
"Captain, you wanted to see me?" Stella spoke first.
Roy nodded. "How's the situation inside Hachinosu lately?"
Stella opened the file in her hand and began her report:
"Everything is normal."
"We have ample supplies, including the billions of Beli seized from the Celestial Dragons' treasure vault."
Construction work has been carried out successively, the accounts are clear, and there are no problems.
Regarding new recruits, 372 people applied to join in the past month, and after screening at Bullet's Training Camp,
One hundred and twenty-three people ultimately passed the assessment, passed the initial loyalty review, and have been assigned to various positions.
"Over in the scholars' quarter, the scholars of Ohara have already adapted to life here."
They are currently organizing the documents they brought from Ohara; Master Tom occasionally goes there to consult ancient shipbuilding techniques.
"Over there with the Sun Pirates, Mr. Fisher Tiger is leading his warriors..."
Training alongside our genetic warriors, our teamwork is becoming increasingly seamless.
Mr. Fisher Tiger repeatedly expressed his gratitude for our help and his willingness to be at our beck and call at any time.
Stella closed the file and looked at Roy.
"Overall, everything is normal on Hachinosu, and all matters are progressing according to plan."
Roy nodded in satisfaction. "Thank you for your hard work, Stella."
"It's what I should do," Stella smiled slightly.
Roy looked at Crocodile, "What about the New World?"
Crocodile exhaled a smoke ring and said slowly,
"The five major powers of the New World have been relatively calm for the past month."
Whitebeard's side remained calm and composed, making no expansionist moves.
They've simply increased patrols in the area bordering Hachinosu's sphere of influence, seemingly observing the situation.
"Big Mom is still trying to find out through underground channels what good stuff we've snatched, especially food-type Devil Fruit."
Her eldest son, Perospero, sent someone to test the waters again, but I dismissed them.
"As for the Golden Lion, since the raid on the G-1 Branch, he has retreated to his own territory and seems to be digesting the spoils of war."
That old guy made a lot of money this time; he should be able to behave himself for a while.
As for the navy...
Crocodile took a deep drag on his cigar, a cold smile playing on his lips.
" The G-1 Branch suffered heavy losses and is undergoing a complete reconstruction. Akainu is wounded, Garp is stationed at the entrance to the New World, making him temporarily unable to launch an expedition."
"Over there in the Sengoku, it's said that he was scolded in front of the Five Elders, and he's been keeping a very low profile lately."
"Overall, the New World has entered a period of relative calm for the time being."
All the major powers are consolidating their gains and are unlikely to make any major moves in the short term.
Roy nodded. "Very good."
He paused, then looked at the two of them. "You've both worked hard these past few days. Go and rest."
Stella and Crocodile exchanged a glance and nodded simultaneously. "Yes, Captain."
The two turned and left, the office door closing softly behind them.
Roy leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.
Everything is normal.
This is the best news.
But calm is often just the prelude to a storm.
The Navy will not give up easily, the World Government will not give up easily, and the Five Elders will certainly not give up easily.
They are just waiting for the right opportunity.
Waiting for an opportunity to strike decisively.
What he needs to do is to become stronger, and to make Hachinosu stronger, before that day comes.