NOVEL NEXT Chapter 599: Luffy's Era
The kingdom's handicrafts, commerce, and agriculture all required substantial time to recover. Dressrosa had been reduced to ruins during the previous conflict. Despite significant improvements facilitated by the Dwarves' assistance, critical shortages in essential supplies persisted.
Recognizing these challenges, Viola had proposed a pragmatic arrangement with Wano Country. Under the terms of this agreement, Wano would finance supplies and wages, permitting Dressrosa's residents to seek employment opportunities within Wano's borders. Simultaneously, Dressrosa would market its specialty products to Wano, generating revenue crucial for reconstruction.
Currently, thousands of able-bodied citizens from Dressrosa resided on Onigashima. As their sovereign, Viola bore the responsibility of ensuring both their safety and fair treatment.
This situation prompted Luffy to raise an observation that had caught his attention earlier.
"I noticed something when I was approaching on the Stormbreaker," he began thoughtfully. "Onigashima appears significantly larger than when I departed. Are those new structures Koala's doing?"
Hina glanced appreciatively toward Koala, who remained engrossed in animated conversation with Nami, and nodded confirmation.
"Indeed. Following our previously established strategy, Onigashima serves as our economic hub," she explained. "While the current dimensions seem adequate, we must anticipate future development. As Wano's reputation for economic opportunity spreads, an increasing number of merchants and nobles have begun arriving to conduct business and tourism activities."
She continued, "Consequently, we collectively determined that Onigashima's original size would prove insufficient over time. I tasked Koala with relocating several uninhabited islands I had identified, effectively expanding Onigashima's total area."
"Hancock deserves acknowledgment for her contribution as well," Hina added. "The Calm Belt contains numerous high-quality islands—rich in resources yet undeveloped. She meticulously charted these locations on navigational maps, enabling Koala to systematically transport and integrate them with Onigashima."
Hearing her name mentioned, Hancock's ears perked up attentively. Realizing someone was acknowledging her efforts, she momentarily ceased her self-congratulatory posturing.
Her satisfaction proved short-lived, however, as Ain, Hina, and Kalifa directed stern glares in her direction. Though Hancock normally remained undaunted by their disapproval, Luffy's presence—particularly after his recent intervention—compelled her to suppress her indignation. She lowered her gaze and discreetly recorded their names in her small notebook for future reference.
"I see..." Luffy stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Given these circumstances, perhaps 'Onigashima' no longer seems appropriate as a designation. We should consider renaming it. What about 'Seagull Island'? This would simultaneously represent Marine authority while signifying a peaceful, stable haven."
Since the specific name held minimal importance, and Luffy had proposed the change, the women naturally expressed unanimous agreement.
Thus, Onigashima officially became Seagull Island. Though superficially a mere nomenclature adjustment, this transformation symbolically announced the definitive conclusion of Kaido's era. A new age—belonging to emerging powers and fresh perspectives, or more precisely, an era uniquely defined by Luffy himself—stood poised to commence.
Since returning to Wano Country, Luffy had prioritized developmental initiatives. Through the diligent governance efforts of his capable partners, both Wano and the recently integrated Dressrosa demonstrated remarkable prosperity.
The G66 Marine branch now commanded tens of thousands of soldiers, benefited from Dr. Vegapunk's technological innovations, and enjoyed financial stability through sea stone mining operations. Collectively, these factors had transformed G66 into a formidable power that could not be disregarded.
Indeed, many observed that this single division possessed sufficient capability to potentially dominate the entire New World. Even within Marine ranks, rumors circulated suggesting Admiral Luffy had accumulated excessive power and operated with troubling autonomy.
These murmurings, however, were swiftly suppressed by Marine leadership, spearheaded by Fleet Admiral Sengoku himself. The Fleet Admiral even convened a high-level conference specifically addressing this matter.
Speaking candidly before assembled Marine commanders, Sengoku declared that should any of them demonstrate the capacity to defeat an Emperor as Luffy had accomplished, he would unhesitatingly recommend their promotion to Admiral rank, authorize them to establish a new Marine branch, and ensure they received comparable institutional support.
Following this pronouncement, critical voices among the Marine command structure quickly subsided. The reality remained unspoken but understood: regardless of whether they possessed the strength to challenge an Emperor, even achieving Admiral status wouldn't guarantee the ability to develop an equivalent to the G66 branch.
After all, none possessed access to strategic resources like sea stone in the quantities Luffy controlled. None had established a corporate empire that developed revolutionary computing technology, popularized video gaming throughout the world, and generated substantial tax revenue. And certainly, none maintained relationships with a network of queens and princesses who provided hundreds of thousands of loyal subjects and invaluable political connections.
The man who had somehow consolidated these diverse advantages was Luffy—a singular anomaly in the World Government's eight-century history.