Chapter 44: The Fruits of Victory

Rose Manor,

A new "master" had arrived, and in the splendid grand hall, a large desk was placed, covered with piles of documents of varying heights.

At the entrance, a group of elegantly dressed "elite individuals" stood in a row, nervously fidgeting, like courtiers waiting to be summoned by a king.

As these ordinary-looking "important figures" entered the manor, the full picture of the fruits of victory gradually came into view.

"The management of the blast furnace factory will continue to be entrusted to you."

"Yes, yes, please rest assured, Mr. Rosinante Nandi. I will do my best."

After the boy seated behind the large desk waved his hand, the suit-clad manager immediately bowed and retreated. Only after he had left the gate did he take out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead.

"Rosinante, you should be tougher on them. That's the only way they'll behave!"

After the factory manager left, Toriborou next to him complained.

Tougher? Should he say things like "I'll kill your whole family" or "I'll throw you to the fishes" a bit more?

Rosinante shook his head.

"We're not extorting them now; we need to manage the production of thousands of people."

"This isn't something I'm good at, and it's not something you're good at either. Maintaining a stable transition is our top priority."

Whether it was factory operations or other business dealings, violence wouldn't solve the issues. For now, they still needed the management personnel who were originally part of the Jeet family.

"But if we're not forceful enough, these guys will embezzle, falsify accounts, and quietly siphon off our money—"

This was the legacy that they fought desperately to establish. How could it be tainted by those people?!

"Don't value money too much, Toriborou."

Due to his severe injuries, Rosinante couldn't engage in intense activities during this time.

So he took the opportunity to sort through the Jeet family's assets and summoned the factory managers and mid-level personnel who used to work under "Big Banknote" Thompson, letting them continue production.

"Three manors, six factories, and two vineyards outside the town, along with some scattered income from casinos and bars. Each year, we can obtain approximately 200 million Beri in cash."

"Yes, some of these assets have already been quietly taken by the town mayor and other prominent businessmen."

Rosinante perused the ledger in his hand. These records were found in "Big Banknote" Thompson's safe and contained the accounts of the Jeet family's assets.

By comparing these records, Rosinante could clearly see that some of the assets that originally belonged to the Jeet family had silently transformed into "spoils of war" for other elites during the turmoil.

Of course, after Doflamingo practiced and swept through a few restless thug organizations while developing the Thread-Thread Fruit, these assets miraculously returned to Rosinante and his group.

"But these are all minor details. The most important thing is our own strength!"

While money was indeed "all-powerful," it seemed pale and weak when faced with the destructive force of violence. The fate of "Big Banknote" Thompson was the best example.

"Doflamingo is continuously developing the capabilities of the Thread-Thread Fruit day and night. Once my body recovers a bit, I'll also start intensifying my training."

Setting down the pen in his hand, Rosinante rubbed his wrist.

There was no other way—Doflamingo had buried himself in developing the Thread-Thread Fruit and was too busy to even eat. As for Vergo and Pica, although their combat abilities were outstanding, they were still just kids in their "10s." It would be too much to expect them to handle paperwork.

As for Diamante and Toriborou... they used to be street thugs, skilled in wielding swords, intimidating, and deceiving. However, suddenly managing the wealth of a massive family, their performance wasn't as good as Rosinante's.

At least Rosinante hadn't lived a sheltered life and had some experience.

"Toriborou, if you're interested, you can manage these matters in the future."

Upon careful consideration, Toriborou's strength wasn't up to par, and his Devil Fruit had significant limitations. Moreover, he was the oldest among them (19 years old), making him a good candidate to oversee things while they were away.

"Hmm?"

Although Toriborou was very interested in managing the affairs of thousands of people and vast assets, Rosinante's implication—

"I mean, I mean, Rosinante, are you planning to go out again?"

"Of course,"

Although they had taken down the Jeet family, how could Rosinante simply stop there and settle down as a local wealthy landowner?

Besides, even if the Jeet family could generate an annual income of 200 million Beri, that would barely be enough to buy an ordinary Zoan-type Devil Fruit. It wouldn't be sufficient.

As for the lucrative business of human trafficking, slave trade, and even organ trade, Rosinante had already wiped them out with a single blow.

"Toriborou, what do you think is the most profitable business in this world?"

Without a doubt, it was maritime trade!

The Age of Great Navigation flourished precisely because of the extensive maritime trade that supported it. The largest number of vessels on the sea wasn't pirates or the Navy—rather, it was merchant ships.

Without a substantial number of merchants, pirates would lack targets to plunder. Could they survive by just drinking northwest winds? The Navy's funding also came from the merchants.

Although Rosinante didn't care whether he ended up with a bounty on his head, running a business seemed more comfortable than pillaging.

"Additionally, the products produced by the six factories under our control need a distribution channel."

Spidamairuz was a manufacturing town; a significant amount of metal products were exported from here to the entire North Sea. These goods were then transported back, bringing various raw materials and essential supplies. It was a town heavily reliant on maritime trade.

"In the past, the Jeet family sold their products to trading ships, which then transported them to other cities. But we have our own ships—why not transport them ourselves?"

Rosinante looked at Toriborou. The term "our own ships" referred to the Plateau and Money ships!

"Are you planning to use battleships as yachts, like Thompson did?"

Conquering the world was difficult, but defending it was even harder.

Even Uncle Liu, who had fought battles his entire life, said, "Can't I enjoy a little? Just keep playing the music, keep dancing!"—a famous quote passed down through generations.

After the Donquixote family conquered Dressrosa, they became engrossed in illegal drug smuggling, human trafficking, arms dealing, artificial Devil Fruits, and other underground businesses. This caused their power to stagnate for a long time.

While money and influence were essential, prioritizing them over personal strength was a skewed perspective.

"Of course not, Rosinante."

"But is setting sail immediately a bit too rushed..."

Toriborou couldn't understand why Rosinante was already planning long-distance sea transport right after taking down the Jeet family. Moreover, from his words, it sounded like this venture would require the direct involvement of family members.

To Toriborou's puzzlement, Rosinante responded:

"In this world, only by setting sail can you encounter experts from various places and become a true powerhouse."

Staying in one place has no future.

The notion of "living secluded in the mountains for XX years, becoming invincible upon stepping outside" was impossible in this world.

Because Haki existed!

Haki—manipulating this invisible and intangible force of spirit, willpower turned into a weapon—was the true source of power in this world.

Only by battling against the heavens, the sea, and other people can one refine their formidable Haki and become a true top-tier powerhouse!

Losing the will to fight is equivalent to losing one's Haki, as seen with the example of the Magic Duck.

Once a lean and fierce man who could clash swords with Kaido in passionate combat, he transformed into a chubby, homebound mage. His strength plummeted, and he became a stepping stone among the Seven Warlords of the Sea, even despised by the Navy for his lackluster power.

"Toriborou, take a look—"

Picking up a newspaper from the desk, the front-page headline featured a composed young man with a serious expression. His black hair fell casually behind his head, and the cheering crowd formed the backdrop.

"Vice Admiral Monkey D. Dragon wipes out the legendary pirate 'Silver Axe'—Aiming for the title of the Navy's youngest admiral?"

The man in the navy uniform, who lacked eyebrows and exuded justice, appeared to be in his early twenties. His presence was a symbol of righteousness and fearlessness.

That's right, it's Luffy's father!

His full name is Monkey D. Dragon. However, at this point in time, not even Luffy's mother knows where he is.

"And this one too—"

"Moonlight Pirates rise unexpectedly, Captain 'Moria' accumulates a bounty of over one billion in just a year!"

A true rising star among the youth, this young man held a long sword with an arrogant and wild smile. Behind him stood a group of ruthless and wicked pirates, each with bounties starting from tens of millions. With bats flying in the sky and an eerie atmosphere, they were captured vividly on paper.

"See, whether it's the Navy or pirates, new talents continue to emerge."

Even those future legends are all in their prime!

Kapu, Trafalgar Law, Gol D. Roger, Whitebeard, Golden Lion, Red Count... They're all in their fifties or sixties now, the age where they're at their fighting peak. With so many powerhouses, how could Rosinante not want to witness their prowess?

"If you don't strive, you'll be left behind by the new era—"

For Rosinante, what he desires is to create his own era with his own hands!

There's no room for complacency in that goal.

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(End of this chapter)