The next day…
The sun had barely risen over the Organ Islands when the tavern's shutters opened slowly, letting in the crisp sea breeze. Wooden crates lined the docks outside, each stamped with a subtle bat emblem of the Wayne Group, signaling ownership and order.
Inside, the scent of simmering stew mingled with the salty smell of the harbor, a small comfort to those who had arrived.
Sanemi arrived walking down the harbor, dressed in a common black suit. Wherever he went whether it was civilians or laborers they greeted him, earnestly. Around him, his employees ignored him and moved like clockwork. Three guards patrolled the entrance of a bar and the small pier beyond, their eyes sharp looking for trouble. Their black uniforms adorned with a small bat emblem on the chest, gave them a professional air that contrasted with the usual casual chaos of the dock.
Sanemi entered the bar, in the kitchen four laborers tended the various ingredients and prepared the morning meal. The cooks worked efficiently, chopping, stirring and seasoning with precision. A pair of servers carried steaming bowls of rice and fish to tables along the wooden floor.
The warehouse, attached to the tavern was more quiet. Two dockhands checked inventory against neatly kept ledgers, while another moved crates of salted fish and preserved goods to waiting merchant ships. Each barrel was marked and each shipment recorded properly. Sanemi had introduced simple systems of tracking, from his past life being a business man on earth. Even here in the East Blue, efficiency was still king.
A few tables were already occupied. Sailors discussed recent voyages, merchants negotiated deals and a lone pirate quietly drank a mug of ale. Unseen, the Wayne Groups's small network of information began creating itself. Rumors of bounty hunters, whispers of ship movements and important information of neighboring islands arrived subtly at Sanemi's ears through his causal observation of his patrons.
Sanemi smiled before moving silently among his workers with a different outfit. He adjusted a stack of crates here and there, offered a brief nod of approval to a cook, and made a mental note of shipments that would require attention later.
Since he chose to not have a manager yet, it was his responsibility to arrive and supervise his business.
The tavern itself was simple but practical, a long bar counter sat on one side, wooden tables and benches filled the main floor, and a small staircase led to a modest loft room used for high-paying guests or confidential meetings. The warehouse beyond was neat and organized, crates were stacked according to type, labels facing outwards, and every item had a recorded destination.
Having lived in the One Piece world for sixteen years, Sanemi had only recently purchased the tavern and the rights to operate a business. Yet in a short time, he had transformed the once dying establishment into a thriving, multi-functional tavern and supply hub. It drew in more customers than ever before, while quietly expanding the network of connections he sought.
The results had been more than satisfying. It was through this tavern that Sanemi encountered one of his most important subordinates.
Jonas.
The Logistics Chief of the Wayne Group, Jonas was currently overseeing sales in the Goa Kingdom, managing their only two ships. A genius navigator and a former smuggler for various nobles, Jonas possessed an unmatched grasp of trade routes and underground contacts. Every deal, every shipment and every route, nothing moved without passing through his hands first.
At first, Sanemi had wondered what it would take to secure such a man. Money? Influence? Perhaps some strange demand?
The answer turned out to be surprisingly simple.
Jonas had only one request, complete anonymity. No one was to know where he was, what he was doing, or why. Sanemi had considered it carefully before agreeing.
A talent of Jonas's caliber was too valuable to let slip away. Whether his decision would prove beneficial or disastrous, only time would tell.
Still, while capable subordinates were crucial, Sanemi knew something even more important in business, connections.
Merchants, nobles, marines, even pirates, he had already begun creating his inner circle.
Take the Mayor of the Organ Islands, for example. Three years ago, Sanemi had returned the man's lost cat, earning his gratitude. Since then, he had made sure to keep close ties with the old mayor and, by extension, with those within his orbit.
The Organ Islands themselves, while modest compared to the Goa Kingdom, were far from irrelevant. Roughly a third of Goa's size, they were a developing cluster of islands with bustling merchant routes and regular marine patrols.
Geographically, they held an advantageous position. Situated east of the Conomi Islands, close to both the Goa Kingdom and Yotsuba Island, they bordered a key outpost, Shells Town, home to the 153rd Marine Branch.
…
"System, bring up my stats." Sanemi muttered, his voice a whisper.
…
[Core Stats]
Wealth: 7,472,000 Million Berries. (Includes all assets, capital and various other investments)
Influence: Local Merchant Circles (Very Low)
Manpower: 15 (11 Basic Laborers, 4 Loyal Subordinates)
Innovation: Tier 0 (Earth Knowledge Locked - Requires Upgrade)
Security: Weak (Untrained, poorly armed)
Overall Analysis: A small company in the making.
[Divisions]
Trade Division: 2 small merchant ships (capacity 20 tons)
Security Division: 3 Guards, trained in basic combat. No official "uniform" yet.
Logistics Divsion: 3 clerks, record keeping + route planning.
Production Division: None (factories not yet built)
…
He gazed over the various different stats with a light chuckle.
More importantly, his quest was about to be completed.
[System Directives (Missions)]
1. Expand Capital
• Objective: Earn 1,000,000 Berries through trade or business.
• Reward: Unlock [Innovation - Basic Product Development.]
2. Recruit Talent
• Objective: Secure at least 2 skilled subordinates (manager, fighter, craftsman).
• Reward: Unlock [Corporate Talent System].
3. Establish Reputation
• Objective: Gain recognition from nobles, marines, or underworld brokers.
• Reward: +Influence Rank -> "Regional Recognition."
[Unique Directive!]
Foundation Year – 0
• Objectives,
Recruit 5 Core Members: (4/5 Complete)
Secure Starting Capital:(7,472,000/10,000,000 Berries)
Establish First Business Operation: (0/1)
Ensure Protection Against Hostile Threats: (Pending)
• Reward: Wayne Group Headquarters (Tier 1), Expansion Options Unlocked]
…
[Ding!] – "Chairman, your current assets are insufficient to dominate the East Blue. Expansion through trade, recruitment, and innovation is recommended. Begin small, think large."
Sanemi stopped in his tracks, fingers adjusting the knot of his tie as a smug smile played on his lips.
"If only you'd shown up earlier, dear system…" he muttered.
He glanced at his reflection in a nearby window, ensuring his hair was neatly parted and the silver watch on his wrist sat just right. Satisfied, he exhaled softly and straightened his suit.
"Well then, time to wrap up two quests. Isn't that right, Mr. Mayor?"
With that, he stepped up to the villa's modest yet well-kept door and tapped his knuckles against the wood.
Knock, knock!
"One moment!" A high-pitched voice called from inside.
Click.
The door creaked open, revealing a middle-aged woman in a classic maid's uniform. She gave Sanemi a brief once-over, her eyes narrowing just slightly before she nodded.
"Come in. The Mayor's expecting you." Her tone was clipped, unimpressed by the polished "business smile" on his face.
Sanemi inclined his head silently and entered, his navy-blue suit brushing against the doorway as he passed.
Old man, he thought as he moved through the hall and pushed open another door into a wide, carefully tended garden. Your tastes are… questionable. But if it gets me that investment, I couldn't care less.