early morning,
As the outline of Hachinosu became clearer on the horizon, the dock was already filled with soldiers in formation.
The black armor gleamed coldly in the sunlight, the Seastone spears pointed diagonally to the sky, and the entire army was silent except for the sound of the sea breeze rustling the flags.
Bullet, leading the group, crossed his arms and stared intently at the approaching warships in the distance, while Tesoro beside him looked languid and expressionless.
As the warship slowly approached the shore and the deck was lowered, Roy stepped off and was immediately met with Bullet's questions.
Roy!
"You're finally back!"
"So, what did you find on Laugh Tale?"
"Hmm! Quite a haul!"
"However, let's talk about that later when we have time. Now, tell me about the current situation!"
Seeing Bullet's troubled expression, Tesoro stepped forward from behind.
"Boss! Let me explain!"
" The World Government has now completely wiped out all forces in the New World, and the message has been relayed to all fortresses and affiliated pirate crews that no one dares to cause trouble."
Kyros then spoke up:
"Supply lines are open in all areas, recruit training is progressing as planned, and the entire New World is currently under our control."
"We are also constantly increasing our forces at the entrance to the New World. We are just waiting for your order to launch a direct attack on the World Government."
Roy nodded, his gaze sweeping over the soldiers lined up on the dock, then looking at the layers of defensive fortifications in the distance, and nodded slightly.
Well done.
All units should return to their original deployment positions. Those who need rest should rest, and those who need to take turns on duty should take turns. There's no need for everyone to wait here.
Roy waved his hand, and the soldiers saluted in unison before dispersing in an orderly fashion.
Soon only a few core cadres remained at the dock.
" Tesoro, stay a moment." Roy called out to Tesoro, who was about to leave.
Tesoro immediately turned around and adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses:
"Boss, what are your orders?"
"The time for the final offensive is not far off. We need to take stock of our food, ammunition, medicine, and all kinds of combat supplies one last time. We need to replenish what needs to be replenished and stockpile what needs to be stockpiled."
"Especially the production of Seastone weapons and shells, should be increased further."
Roy paused,
"Furthermore, compensation for casualties in all units has been implemented effectively, without any oversights."
"Understood, I'll take care of it right away, I promise it won't cause any delays."
Tesoro nodded in agreement, then turned and walked away quickly.
Once everyone had left, Roy turned and walked towards the depths of the island.
·······················
When Roy arrived at the laboratory deep within the base,
Vegapunk was squatting on the ground, fiddling with a pile of mechanical parts. His hair was a mess, like a bird's nest. Several mechanical arms flew around him, handing him tools and tightening screws, busy as bees.
He didn't even look up when he heard footsteps.
" Roy? You're finally back! That energy amplification device I told you about last time..."
Let's not talk about that now.
Roy walked up to him, took the plain white porcelain bottle from his storage bag, and gently placed it on the workbench.
The black mist inside the porcelain bottle churned slowly, interspersed with specks of golden light; even through the bottle, one could feel its ancient and profound aura.
"This is the primal power of Davy Jones, brought back from Laugh Tale."
Vegapunk stopped moving instantly.
He suddenly raised his head, his eyes wide open, and lunged at the workbench.
His face was almost pressed against the porcelain vase as he carefully examined it, even holding his breath.
" Davy Jones... the very essence of the Earth God?!"
His voice was trembling.
"My God... This is something from legends..."
"Don't get agitated."
Roy spoke calmly,
"I'm entrusting this to you. Analyze its energy composition in detail and find out if there are any hidden tricks or markings inside."
"Do not open the seal until it is confirmed to be safe, do you understand?"
Don't worry!
Vegapunk quickly waved his hand, his eyes glued to the porcelain bottle, unable to look away.
Don't you trust me to handle things?
I'll investigate this thoroughly for you!
Seeing his expression, Roy didn't say anything more and turned to leave the lab.
Once Vegapunk gets going, no one can stop him, but his skills are real; he's never messed up anything he's given.
While Roy returned to Hachinosu to deploy defenses as planned, the entire ocean was already in an uproar because of a piece of news.
--Straw Hat Luffy arrives at Laugh Tale, finds the legendary One Piece, and becomes the new Pirate King.
The news seemed to have grown wings, sweeping across the Grand Line from the New World and spreading to Four Blues.
Whether in a bustling port town or a remote fishing village tavern, everyone was talking about it.
The tavern in Loguetown, East Blue, was packed to the brim.
The bartender, holding up a bottle, shouted at the top of his lungs:
Have you heard?
The Straw Hat Boy who started his journey from here back in the day!
He's really become the Pirate King!
"My God! Really? That's Laugh Tale!"
Why would I lie to you! It's in the newspapers! It's on the front page!
A group of young men at a table slammed their fists on the table, their faces flushed red.
"Oh shit!
He's become the Pirate King!
Let's stop dawdling!
We're setting sail tomorrow!
"Go to sea! Go to sea!"
Let's go explore the New World!
Similar scenes are playing out all over the Four Blues.
Countless young people with dreams of becoming pirates were ignited by this news, raising their flags, setting sail in small boats, and heading towards the Grand Line.
In a short time, the number of pirates skyrocketed, and the naval outposts in various places were unable to withstand the onslaught.
In the Fleet Admiral's Office at Marine Headquarters, Akainu slammed his hand on the desk, causing a crack to appear in the sturdy surface.
The petitions for help on the table were piled up like a small mountain, from Four Blues and from the first half of the Grand Line, one after another, all clamoring for reinforcements.
"A bunch of useless trash!"
Akainu's voice was filled with suppressed anger.
"If they can't even control a few pirates, what use are they!"
At the table, Naval Staff Officer 'Crane' sighed softly:
"We can't blame them."
The Revolutionary Army has been making frequent moves Four Blues, attacking fortresses everywhere, and its forces were already stretched thin.
Now that Luffy has become the Pirate King, a whole new wave of pirates has emerged, attacking strongholds everywhere. It's truly impossible to keep up."
Ryokugyu and Sengoku were arrested, and Aokiji, who had intended to infiltrate the pirate group as a spy, was also recalled. Looking at Luffy's briefing in the newspaper, Aokiji sighed silently.
"Alala."
Now things are really messed up. The first half of the story and the Four Blues are in complete chaos, our people are tied up, and what about the New World...?
"But that's even less of a concern."
Akainu remained silent, his face grim.
He was well aware, of course, that the New World was now Roy's territory, and the power of Hachinosu was as solid as a rock; they simply couldn't get involved.
With the Four Blues in chaos, the main naval force is firmly pinned down here, unable to even send reinforcements to the New World. They can only watch helplessly as the enemy builds up its strength, waiting to attack.
This feeling of being passive is awful.