Reddy glanced at the new genetic samples in the gene bank, unsure whether it was the right or wrong decision.
Bartolomeo's enthusiasm made it hard for him to refuse.
Not only was the guy willing to provide his own genetic sample, but he also proactively asked if the amount of blood was enough and whether he should donate an extra 1000CC.
How could Reddy refuse?
After some thought, Reddy realized that accepting Bartolomeo might not be entirely without benefits.
First, Bartolomeo was extremely obedient and single-minded.
Second, he had no sense of morality, acted on his own whims, and was quite brutal.
Loguetown still needed someone to manage it.
A ruthless, amoral, and blindly obedient thug like Bartolomeo was undoubtedly the best candidate.
Third, he was an unlimited genetic donor.
The Barrier-Barrier Fruit ability was incredibly powerful. Even someone as strong as Oden couldn't break through a barrier.
By extracting the Barrier-Barrier Fruit ability from Bartolomeo's genes, Reddy could create a specialized defensive army to protect the islands under his control.
With a group of Barrier-Barrier Fruit clone soldiers, even if Marineford launched a full-scale attack, they could hold out long enough for Reddy to bring reinforcements.
When Deza saw that Bartolomeo had actually been accepted by Reddy, she was shocked and immediately tried to sneak away.
"Lord Reddy, she's a gang member!"
Between his idol and his childhood friend, Bartolomeo decisively chose his idol, looking at Deza with disdain as if ashamed to be associated with her.
"Bartolomeo!"
Deza completely lost her composure, even screaming until her voice cracked.
Reddy had some impression of this punk girl who wore her biker gang jacket as everyday clothing, so he decided to return Bartolomeo's favor. "She's yours to deal with."
...
The arrest of gang members served two purposes.
The first was to eliminate hidden threats in the town.
The second was that the large-scale island infrastructure project required a massive workforce.
Reddy didn't have enough funds to hire townspeople, so the captured gang members became the best source of labor.
Turning Loguetown into a top-tier commercial hub in the East Blue—or even the entire world—was a crucial part of Reddy's plan.
This island would become both his money-making tool and a supply channel.
Beyond commerce, Reddy also planned to build entertainment facilities on the island, including at least one large amusement park and a casino.
The bustling commercial sector would attract countless women chasing luxury fashion.
The casino would cater to all gambling-loving men.
And the amusement park would draw in hordes of children.
Men!
Women!
And children!
Once Loguetown's reconstruction was complete, wealthy individuals of all ages would become his cash cows.
After handing Deza over to Bartolomeo, Reddy immediately began implementing his plan to rebuild Loguetown.
First, he used the Float-Float Fruit ability to transport large rectangular stones to construct eight roads extending from the island to the sea's surface.
At the end of each road, he built flat, expansive sea platforms to serve as future docks for Loguetown.
Reddy had no intention of lowering the island back to sea level.
An island floating 100 meters above the ocean would become one of the new Loguetown's biggest selling points.
Just like Water 7 and Sabaody Archipelago, it would have unique attractions to draw tourists.
With the Float-Float Fruit ability, the eight roads and eight platforms were completed in just half a day.
Although long-term control of the Float-Float Fruit ability was necessary, Shiki was already imprisoned in the underground cells of Punk Hazard's research facility. Soon, Pyo—this important combat asset—would be freed up.
A tool didn't need top-tier enhancements—just strengthened physical abilities would suffice.
Next came the island's infrastructure.
Reddy didn't encroach on Loguetown's existing land.
The island where Loguetown was located was quite large, with the town occupying only a portion of it. Much of the land remained undeveloped.
In front of the clones, leveling the land wasn't even worth describing in detail.
Soon after, the recently captured gang members were put to work.
Reddy didn't have spare funds to hire townspeople as labor, but hiring a few experienced craftsmen wasn't a problem.
Under the direction of these skilled builders, the area around Loguetown transformed into a massive construction site.
Over ten thousand people worked busily on the project.
Trees cut down during land leveling were processed into planks, while rocks were split and polished into building materials.
Reddy spent another sum of money to purchase nails and other supplies.
The framework of the new district gradually took shape.
"As expected of Lord Reddy!"
Bartolomeo watched the bustling construction site with starry-eyed admiration.
He couldn't care less that among the labor force were his former subordinates.
"When can I leave?"
Deza, on the other hand, was furious and bluntly demanded to be let off the island.
Bartolomeo looked at her as if she were an idiot. "Lord Reddy hasn't kicked you out yet, and you actually want to leave?"
Deza kicked him in frustration and yelled, "You idiot, don't you realize this island is doomed?!"
Bartolomeo picked his ear, completely ignoring her.
With Lord Reddy here, how could this island possibly be doomed?
Deza, seeing his "I'm not listening" attitude, angrily shouted, "Do you even know what Loguetown means to the World Government?!"
"What does it mean?"
Bartolomeo, who had always been lawless, wouldn't pay attention to such things.
Deza sneered. "That guy took over Punk Hazard, and now he's taking Loguetown. Do you think the Marines will just let it slide?"
"This is Loguetown, where Pirate King Roger was executed!"
"The Marines will definitely take this island back!"
"Since you're my childhood friend, I'm warning you—cut ties with that guy and leave with me to avoid this disaster."
Unlike Bartolomeo's ignorance, Deza—despite her punk appearance—wasn't as careless as she seemed. She had studied the Marines and knew they possessed the Buster Call, capable of destroying an entire island.
Without a doubt!
Reddy taking over Loguetown without moving the island away was like a sharp thorn stabbed deep into the Marines' hearts.
If they didn't remove this thorn, the Marines' authority would be severely undermined. It might even provoke movements from the Emperors in the New World, or even unrest across the world.
Unless the Marines truly didn't care, they would inevitably launch a Buster Call to retake—or outright destroy—Loguetown.
In short, this island would soon face an unprecedented catastrophe.
Either the Marines would lose and forfeit the island entirely.
Or Reddy would lose and be sent to Impel Down.
There was no third option.
"Not good, I have to warn Lord Reddy!"
After hearing Deza's explanation, Bartolomeo immediately rushed toward the construction site.
"This idiot!"
Deza stomped her feet in frustration. Even after explaining everything, this fool still couldn't stop thinking about warning his idol.
So she gave up on Bartolomeo and turned to leave for the edge of the island.
When she reached the nearest road, Deza became even more convinced of her judgment.
The road was bustling with activity, packed with merchants and their guards transporting purchased goods toward the docks.
No merchant who dared to travel the seas was a fool.
They all understood that while the future Loguetown could become a top-tier commercial hub, another possible future was complete ruin.
Unless Reddy could truly defeat the Marines at full strength, Loguetown wouldn't have a bright future.
Every merchant wanted to leave as soon as possible and wait for the outcome of this battle.
If the Marines won, everything would return to normal.
If Reddy won, then there was nothing more to say.
This place would be full of money and fools—come quick!