The area around Tesoro was the most lively.
Big Mom's territory has always been the toughest nut to crack among the three major powers.
Each of her dozens of children manages a territory, which they run like an impregnable fortress.
But things are different now.
Katakuri is seriously injured, Smoothie and Cracker are still lying in bed, and Big Mom herself is so angry that she smashed furniture for a week and has no mind to care about those border islands.
Tesoro seized the opportunity and acted swiftly.
He led his fleet south, unleashing lightning upon encountering resistance and incorporating those who surrendered.
If you encounter anyone hesitant, just show off the wealth of Hachinosu —those crates of gold, who wouldn't be tempted?
In one month and seven days, all six islands and three kingdoms south of Big Mom came under the control of Hachinosu.
When Big Mom heard the news, she had just finished smashing the thirty-seventh set of furniture.
"Mama mama mama!!!" she screamed, " Roy! Tesoro! Mommy won't let you get away with this!"
But despite her cries, she didn't send anyone to snatch it back.
Because she knew that sending anyone wouldn't make a difference.
Katakuri is still lying there.
In just three months, the Roy Pirates swept through the land, conquering more than ten kingdoms and dozens of islands.
Those territories originally flew the flags of Whitebeard, Golden Lion, and Big Mom.
Now they've all been replaced with the Hachinosu logo—a red circle with a curved red stripe.
The three major powers did organize counterattacks.
On Whitebeard's side, Marco led his crew to try and reclaim two islands, but they were blocked halfway by Bullet.
They got into a fight, injured several of their brothers, and slunk away.
On the Golden Lion's side, Indigo led several officers to reclaim lost territory, only to discover that the island's inhabitants didn't recognize them at all.
The soldiers on Hachinosu were well-trained and disciplined, far superior to the scattered rabble of the Golden Lion.
Big Mom's side suffered the most.
She sent Daifuku and Oven to lead the team, but they were stopped by Tesoro alone on the sea, and lightning struck them so that they ran away with their heads in their hands.
But as long as Whitebeard, Golden Lion, and Big Mom themselves don't take action, those subordinates are no match for them.
Each of them was more seriously injured than the last, and each of them was less willing to fight.
Just as things were about to escalate to the point where the three emperors themselves would intervene, Roy suddenly gave an order—
"Stop expanding."
Everyone was stunned.
Bullet was the first to call back, " Roy! Give me a few more days, and I'll take those islands too!"
Roy said calmly, "Alright, Bullet."
"But--"
"No buts. If this continues, those three should start getting restless."
Bullet remained silent.
He knew Roy's temper; when he said he'd had enough, he meant it.
The fleet withdrew to Hachinosu, officially ending the expansion operation.
Those newly subjugated kingdoms and islands began to change their flags, systems, and administrators.
There was a disobedient king who wanted to outwardly comply while inwardly contradicting him, saying one thing to his face and another behind his back.
Roy sent Crocodile to "talk," and after the talks, the kings became as docile as sheep.
If they really don't listen, then replace them.
Hachinosu has no shortage of obedient people.
In just three months, more than ten kingdoms and dozens of islands were all brought under the control of Hachinosu.
Whitebeard fell silent.
The Golden Lion pretended not to see it.
Big Mom yelled a few times, then nothing more.
The three emperors tacitly agreed that these territories belonged to Roy.
It's not that they're being generous; it's that they genuinely can't afford to fight.
Marineford, Marine Headquarters.
Sengoku looked at the intelligence report on the table, his face turning ashen.
In three months, the Roy Pirates expanded more than tenfold. If this continues, the New World will truly become the domain of pirates.
" Fleet Admiral, should we send troops to intervene?" an advisor asked cautiously.
The Sengoku remained silent for a long time, and finally shook his head.
"Hold your positions and do nothing."
The staff officer was stunned. "But..."
"I said to hold back," Sengoku interrupted him, "Now is not the time to act."
He paused, looked out the window at the sea, and a hint of weariness flashed in his eyes.
The Five Elders have already approved new military funding; the navy needs to expand, increase manpower, and build up its strength.
Going head-on with the Roy Pirates now would only repeat the mistakes of the Battle of the Pure Gold.
"Wait," said Sengoku, "Until we are ready before we make our move."
The staff officer hesitated for a moment, then finally nodded.
The navy's expansion plan was launched in full swing.
The World Government allocated huge sums of money, and the various branches frantically recruited people. Shipyards worked day and night to build new warships one after another.
The New World has temporarily calmed down.
Hachinosu Port.
The morning sunlight shone on the sea, making it sparkle.
Several patrol ships were slowly turning in the harbor, and the genetically engineered soldiers on board were yawning listlessly.
Since the expansion ended three months ago, daily life on Hachinosu has returned to normal.
Training, patrolling, trading, building—day after day, nothing much changed.
But today is different.
The soldiers on the port watchtower suddenly stood up, raised their binoculars, and peered into the distance.
A ship is coming.
Which company is it?
"Don't recognize it. I've never seen the flag before... Wait, is that a pink pirate flag?"
He rubbed his eyes and looked closely.
In the distance, on the sea, a magnificently decorated and Colossal Battleship is cutting through the waves.
The ship was painted pink, and its bow resembled a Doflamingo with outstretched wings. A row of strangely dressed people stood on the deck.
The lookout was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized—that was Doflamingo's family warship!
"Quickly! Report to the captain!"
The news quickly reached Roy's ears.
He was processing documents in his office when he heard the report, and raised an eyebrow.
Doflamingo?
This guy arrived pretty quickly.
"Have Kalifa go pick her up."
Roy didn't even look up, continuing to review the documents.
"Bring them to the conference room."
Kalifa adjusted her glasses and turned to leave.
At the port, warships slowly docked.
Before the boat had even come to a complete stop, a figure jumped down.
Doflamingo wore his signature pink feather coat, his chest exposed, sunglasses on, and his signature smile on his lips.
That arrogant demeanor exuded an arrogance that ran deep in his bones.
"Fufufufufu... This is Hachinosu?"
He glanced around, his gaze sweeping over the fully armed genetically engineered soldiers in the harbor, the towering defensive towers in the distance, and the clearly modified ships, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.
It's even more exaggerated than what was described in the intelligence reports.
Trebol followed behind him, his body wrapped in bandages, sticky and sticky, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, chuckling.
Diamante, with a long sword at his waist, looked arrogant.
Pica walked silently at the back, each step causing the ground to tremble slightly.
The cadres were all quite conspicuous.
The soldiers on the dock all turned their heads, watching the uninvited guests warily.
Doflamingo ignored him and swaggered forward.
"Stop."
A cool, clear female voice rang out.
Kalifa walked over in her high heels, adjusted her glasses, and looked at them expressionlessly.
" Doflamingo, please come with me. The captain is waiting for you in the conference room."
Doflamingo looked her up and down, then grinned.
"Even Roy's secretary is this interesting?"
Kalifa didn't reply, and turned to leave.