"Hehehe~~ Charge, Gorilla Beast!"
On the stable 'Four Seasons Island,' Luffy was riding on the back of a long-armed bear, with Billy the golden electric duck flying beside them.
As a 'Beast Tamer,' Luffy was enthusiastically taming the enhanced beasts on the island to prevent them from attacking the people living there. Of course, Luffy's method of taming was simple:
Hit!
Once he hit them, he would ask if they had submitted. If not, he would hit again!
Enhanced beasts: We submit, we submit~~~
"Based on the remaining images and texts, this should be a branch of the Imel Civilization from 400 years ago..."
Meanwhile, Robin was studying the island's ruins while Franky and Brook served as bodyguards — since Robin's powers didn't work well against the tough, giant beasts.
"This windmill can help you grind flour, saving a lot of labor..."
"Thank you, thank you, Master Usopp!"
"Hahaha, even if you call me Master, I won't be happy~~"
The sniper with his nose in the air.
"I've cleared the toxins from your body. Just rest and recover..."
"Thank you, thank you, Doctor Chopper!"
"Ugh, even if you call me doctor, I won't be happy~~"
The little reindeer twisting and turning.
"These two guys..."
Sanji brought over nutritious meals for recovery, placing them impatiently in front of Zoro.
"Eat!"
?!
Wrapped in bandages, Zoro was holding a huge rock for his rehabilitation exercises, glaring darkly at Sanji's rude attitude. He hesitated to take the food, but after a second:
It smells so good!
After defeating the Golden Lion, this island was designated as Roman's "private territory."
Don't think it's slavery— the civilians on the island actually welcomed it. In this world, any village or town without a strong leader or affiliation with a powerful force would quickly become a playground for pirates.
The injured members of the Straw Hat Crew were resting and going on their own adventures here.
Only poor Nami was being dragged around by Roman, keeping busy.
——————
Holy Land Mariejois,
"Hahaha, our 'Dove' Admiral has arrived~~"
"…Teacher, please stop teasing me."
Faced with Garp's teasing, Roman rolled his eyes helplessly. Since 'capturing' the Golden Lion, Roman had been promoted and was now a Vice Admiral. Within the Marine, he was considered a prospective Admiral, and his title as 'Dove' was well-earned.
He was being wildly praised in major newspapers as the "Marine's future pillar," "the youngest Vice Admiral in 800 years," "Admiral is just around the corner," and "Fleet Admiral's seat is within reach," which made Roman think of the Five Emperors from his past life...
If it weren't for Roman and Morgans having no grudge, he would suspect that birdman was trying to ruin his reputation.
"Vice Admiral Roman, nice to meet you."
As a seasoned Marine and Roman's mentor, Garp naturally had the liberty to tease Roman. Others, however, wouldn't dare to act so recklessly.
At the very least, Iceburg, the serious mayor of Water 7, had already stood up and extended his right hand to Roman with genuine respect.
"Mayor Iceburg, there's no need to be so formal."
Remaining calm and composed, Iceburg could deliver lines like "Nice to meet you" without flinching. However, behind him, Barry, the vice president of the Galley-La Company, looked visibly shocked, his expression practically shouting that something was off.
"Ahem, Barry."
Iceburg turned around and looked at his subordinate with a composed expression.
"I understand you admire Vice Admiral Roman, but please show some restraint in such a serious setting."
"Ah, huh? Oh... uh…"
Admire my foot! Isn't this guy the strategist of the Straw Hat crew? How did he become a Marine Vice Admiral so quickly? And that secretary behind him... isn't that the navigator of the Straw Hat crew? Turns out she was a Marine Captain, too?
This world is insane—like a cat acting as the bridesmaid for a mouse!
"Yes, yes, I've admired Vice Admiral since I was a kid..."
?!
A scruffy man saying he's admired me, a Marine Vice Admiral for less than a year, since childhood? What kind of nonsense is this?
Roman held back his complaints. Thankfully, everyone present was a seasoned veteran who wouldn't ask unnecessary questions. Well, except for one silver-haired old man wearing a smug grin—Garp—who might as well have had "Luffy is my grandson" written across his face.
"Now then, let's begin the meeting on the proposal to construct the second and third 'Sea Trains.'"
Ever since the opening of trade routes with the massive multi-fleet Marine flagship "Marine Justice," East Blue and South Blue had seen significant material circulation. However, the Grand Line was a different story.
Many specialties unique to the Grand Line were considered miracles in the other four seas. Exporting such goods could yield profits dozens or even hundreds of times their value! But transporting them through the Grand Line had always been a major challenge.
The rough seas, frequent pirates, and countless sea monsters often caused ships, cargo, and crew to disappear altogether. Moreover, the limited capacity of typical merchant ships made it difficult for nations within the Grand Line to benefit from these trade routes.
How could this be tolerated? Absolutely not!
"That's why we're here today—to solve this problem."
With retired Vice Admiral Garp and Vice Admiral Tsuru present to hold the line, Roman confidently addressed the kings seated around the round table.
"The solution lies in the 'Sea Train.' With this tool, we can connect islands and efficiently centralize cargo. Now, let me hand it over to Mayor Iceburg of Water 7 for further explanation."
"Everyone,"
Though Iceburg was "just" a mayor, the difference between him and a king was merely in title. The Galley-La Company he controlled was the economic lifeline of Water 7 and its largest employer. The shipwrights of the company also served as the city's armed force, with foremen who carried bounties in the tens of millions acting as captains.
For most of Water 7's citizens, life revolved around three milestones: birth, joining the Galley-La Company, and death. Even those not directly employed by the company often worked in related industries or services. This prompted Roman to joke inwardly:
Isn't this just like the Samsung conglomerate in my past life?
Thankfully, Iceburg was a man of high moral character. Otherwise, even if he declared himself king tomorrow, the entire city would likely accept it without objection.
Of course, for ordinary people, it didn't matter whether their leader was called "king," "chief," "chairman," or "mayor," as long as they could provide a stable life.
"Our company has over a decade of experience with the 'Sea Train,' and we haven't encountered a single technical accident so far…"
"The train tracks are submerged beneath the water's surface, minimizing the impact of ocean waves. Additionally, the noise emitted by the train naturally deters Sea Kings from approaching…"
"The Sea Train can withstand winds and waves up to Force 8, ensuring smooth operation except in extreme weather…"
While this string of technical explanations left the kings somewhat baffled, Iceburg's next statement immediately grabbed their attention.
"It can transport up to 500 tons of cargo in a single trip. This limit is mainly due to the challenges of the marine environment—"
"King Iceburg!"
A muscular king knocked on the table, completely ignoring the title of "mayor" and directly asking the most pressing question.
"Just tell me, how much does it cost to build a sea train?"
"..."
Seeing Iceburg raise a single finger, the king, known for his strength, frowned.
"One billion Berries?"
That's a bit pricey...
"No."
This—
"Ten billion Berries?"
Another king with a long beard stroked his chin. If it's that much, even pooling funds from several nations would be a stretch...
"It's one hundred billion Berries."
?!
"Then what's the point of discussing this! Who could afford such an expensive thing? And what happens if pirates attack?"
The muscular king stood abruptly, ready to leave, but was immediately stopped by the bearded king beside him.
"Wait, wait, King Luciano. The Marines..."
The bearded king nodded toward Roman.
"They haven't made their stance clear yet. Surely, we didn't come all this way for nothing—"
"Right, Vice Admiral Roman of the 'White Dove'?"
"Everyone, calm down."
Roman raised a hand, gesturing for them to stay seated.
"The Marines will also invest in building the sea train, so you don't have to worry about Iceburg overpricing things. A sea train capable of withstanding category 8 storms and waves is worth the cost. Furthermore:"
Roman placed a metal block on the table, causing the surrounding kings to exchange confused glances. What does this mean?
"King Luciano,"
Roman lightly flicked the metal block, sliding it over.
"Can you bend this piece of metal?"
"Hmph, how hard could that be!"
As a king renowned for his strength, Luciano was his nation's strongest warrior, capable of lifting immense weights. A piece of steel like this should be nothing—
He gripped it tightly.
?!
It wouldn't budge!
His face turning red,
"Ugh—"
Still no movement!
"Phew, I can't bend it." The muscular king admitted openly, then asked curiously, "Where did the Marines dig up such a sturdy metal?"
This wasn't mined—it was synthesized using a Devil Fruit ability.
"Sea trains made of this metal are impervious to common sea monsters, swords, guns, and cannons. Safety is absolutely guaranteed, and they can withstand pirate attacks."
It's worth noting that while sea trains in this world resemble trains from the previous life, they're not quite the same:
Sea trains can run even without tracks!
The primary function of the tracks is to guide the train and repel sea monsters. Even if the tracks are destroyed, the sea train can still move forward. However, traveling in unexplored waters carries greater risks.
And with the sea train's speed, most pirate ships wouldn't even be able to keep up—they'd just be left eating waves.
"Everyone, natural obstacles and human threats have been addressed. While the cost of building a sea train is undoubtedly high, the returns are equally astonishing! If your country's specialties could be transported to the South Blue or East Blue, you're well aware of the profits."
"Hmm..."
The kings began murmuring among themselves, quietly discussing with their advisors.
Standing behind Roman as his secretary, Nami observed the kings treating him with respect—this man who, with a single decision, could shape the fate of thousands. He exuded an extraordinary charisma.
To Roman, when one has the means, they should not only improve their own life but also uplift the world.
Now that safety was no longer a concern, he could help bring about some changes to this world.
As the old saying goes: "If you want to prosper, first build roads."
Stagnation only leads to falling behind. Frequent trade and communication are the keys to developing cities, nations, and even the entire world. The sea trains of Water 7 are a technological breakthrough that can transform this world!
Once islands are seamlessly connected, people can exchange resources, and many nations reduced to ruins could avoid destruction. Likewise, many individuals wouldn't need to turn to piracy.
Take the World brothers, for example—their dream initially was just to sail around the world.
...
After leaving the World Government, Marine, and several allied nations to discuss the funding shares and freight allocations for the sea train, Roman and Nami stepped out of the meeting room. Behind him, Nami hesitated for a moment and then spoke:
"Roman, do you think if the sea trains become common, ships might become obsolete..."
"You mean, will pirates become obsolete?"
Roman instantly saw through Nami's concerns. Rationally, Nami had once deeply disliked pirates. But emotionally, she didn't want the Straw Hat crew to lose their place in the world.
"Don't worry. This world is vast. It's impossible to cover the entire ocean with sea train tracks anytime soon."
"Besides, we're more like adventurers than pirates. Tell me, when has Luffy ever done something a pirate is supposed to do? Relax, it won't affect us at all."
There was one thing Roman didn't say:
As long as humans exist, conflict will never cease. In fact, human progress is born out of competition. Without it, what would separate humans from lifeless fish?
It might not take long before new pirates emerge to hijack the sea trains...
"Vice Admiral Roman!"
A Marine officer came running urgently:
"The Marine has been attacked!"
?!
Well, it seems Roman underestimated the people of this world.
The "new pirates" had already arrived!
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