Wayne Group Headquarters.
Sanemi had gone several nights without proper sleep, forcing himself to keep the momentum alive. Trusted men were sent out to manage the newly bought companies, production lines for Iron Bull were hammered together, and contract after contract was signed without pause.
The money came in fast, but it went out just as fast. Berries were spent on workers, ships, equipment, and buildings until his desk was stacked high with ledgers.
Sanemi didn't mind. That was the price of building something real. The Wayne Group wasn't here for short-term profits, it was laying down roots.
…
[Acquisition Complete - Target Companies (4/4)
• Alfred's Merchant Company -Acquired
• Lighthouse Trading Co. -Acquired
• Harborline Traders - Acquired
• Blue Gill Shipping - Acquired
Company integration results…
New Labor force
• +190 Employees & Workers
• + 18 Managers & Skilled Personnel
Fleet Expansion
• +10 Ships (6 medium cargo, 3 light cargo, 1 River Sloop)
Infrastructure
• +4 Company Offices
• +5 Warehouses/Storage Facilities
• + New Trade Routes (Shells Town, Gecko Islands, Loguetown Outskirts, Dawn Island Vicinity)
Reputation Boost
• +High Civilian Trust (via reputable acquisitions)
• +Merchant Network Influence (East Blue recognition increased)
• +Underworld Connections (via Blue Gill Shipping)
Finalized Strategic Impact
• Distribution Lines Secured: Wayne Group can now cover 30% of East Blue's legal trade routes.
• Civilian Markets Penetrated: Iron Bull now has formidable footholds in Shells Town, Gecko Islands, Loguetown outskirts, and Dawn Island trade circuits.
• Smuggling Capacity Unlocked: Blue Gill provides hidden channels for covert operations.
Reward: Wayne Group Headquarters Upgrade – Tier 2
Current warehouses converted into centralized factory-hub (increased production efficiency).
Administrative Offices added —> allows structured management of subsidiaries.
Unlocks Wayne Council (Advisory Board System) —> managers & executives can now be promoted into a governing body.
Expansion Options Unlocked:
Mass Production Line (Tier 2 Factory) – output doubled, demand fulfillment possible.
Maritime Logistics Division – optimize shipping schedules, reducing delivery delays.
Underworld Arm (Shadow Branch) – leverage Blue Gull's network to interact with black markets, discreet trades, and pirate contacts.
…
(A/N: Note that the system never "gives" the mc anything, apart from the important innovation stat which raises his own knowledge. These are all "ways" or "guides" the mc can follow to achieve much quicker progression.
…
Organ Islands, late at night.
Sanemi sat alone in his office, papers scattered across his desk, the faint glow of an oil lamp cutting through the dark. With over two hundred new employees absorbed into the Wayne Group from the recent acquisitions, there were countless matters to address and no room for mistakes.
First came the essentials, the Wayne Group's policies, code of conduct, and internal guidelines. Every worker, from dockhands to clerks, needed to know exactly where they stood. Discipline and order would hold the company together just as much as berries and contracts.
Second was structure. An administrative department had to be formed, capable of managing payrolls, logistics, and communications across the islands. Sanemi had already handpicked a small circle of reliable staff to serve as the backbone of this new department, people he could trust to enforce his vision without compromise.
And third, the most delicate matter, the first gathering of the expanded high command. The newly absorbed managers and executives, many of whom had once been rivals, needed to be brought into the submission. Their loyalty had to be tested, their roles reassigned, and their authority aligned under the Wayne Group's banner. Families, too, couldn't be ignored. Housing and accommodations on Organ Islands were already being arranged so no excuse could disrupt the transition.
Sanemi leaned back, a thin smile curling his lips as he imagined the faces of those once-proud managers. They had no choice but to follow now, whether willingly or by necessity.
As Sanemi bent over his desk, quill scratching against paper, the sudden chime of a snail broke the silence.
Purupurupurupuru… purupurupurupuru…
His gaze shifted to the Den Den Mushi resting beside the inkstand, its tiny face twitching in rhythm with the ring. They had only acquired these "phones" a few days ago, yet he was already growing used to their peculiar charm.
He extended a hand, lifting the receiver.
Gacha.
"Chairman, it's Liora," came a clear voice from the Den Den Mushi, its little lips moving in sync. "All four of our branches have successfully acquired Den Den Mushis and linked them to the administrative office here at headquarters. You can expect daily reports from now on."
Sanemi leaned back in his chair, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Finally, proper communication lines.
Shells Town, Loguetown, Orange Town, and Syrup Village. With those four branches now connected, the Wayne Group's communication was beginning to take shape.
"How do we proceed? It will take a few more days before our sent out members arrive at the branches and start the changes." Liora asked after a moment of silence.
Sanemi thought for a moment before responding in a reassuring tone.
"Tell the branches to continue their operations until our members arrive. They should lower the prices on any remaining Iron Bull before new shipments are sent out, ensure profits for their previous deficits start flowing. For now, their only job is to avoid creating debt that drives away workers. Let us handle the rest," Sanemi commanded, his tone sharp and unwavering. The Den Den Mushi's lips stilled, signaling the end of the transmission.
He rubbed his eyes and let out a long, weary sigh. The Wayne Group was bleeding money at the moment, losses outweighed earnings but it was temporary. Once the branches received fresh Iron Bull shipments and began selling on their respective islands, the profits would return.
A major reorganization was underway. The branches would no longer operate as typical merchants, their sole purpose would now be the distribution and sale of Iron Bull on their islands. Remaining ships would be recalled to headquarters for logistics purposes, while a select few would be dispatched to explore and establish operations on new islands.
…
Wayne Group – Shells Town Branch.
The former Alfred's Merchant Company was no more. Alfred Boyd sat stiffly in the office, flanked by his senior staff, all exchanging nervous whispers. Was this change a blessing or a curse? Only the attitude of their new superior would reveal that.
Before long, the newly acquired Den Den Mushi on the desk began to ring. Alfred motioned for silence and cautiously answered.
"Alfred Boyd speaking… sir?" His voice wavered slightly, unsure what to call the voice coming from the snail.
"It's a pleasure to finally speak with you, Alfred," came the crisp, controlled voice. "I am Sanemi Wayne, Chairman of the Wayne Group, and from now on, your new superior." The tone carried authority, but also a certain clarity that demanded attention.
"Since we'll be working closely from here on, I'd like us to meet in person," Sanemi continued. "Not just you, but also the leaders of the other companies we've acquired. On November 13th, a company-wide gathering will be held here at the Organ Islands, so, roughly two weeks from now."
Alfred listened carefully, absorbing each word. Sanemi's instructions were precise but fair, offering advice on maintaining operations until the new shipments and employees arrived. A reminder they had received from the administration department a few minutes earlier.
"Understood, Chairman. I'll make the necessary preparations," Alfred replied, a mix of relief and apprehension in his voice.
Sanemi concluded with a measured, almost courteous tone. "Good. Keep the branch running smoothly, Alfred. I expect nothing less."
The line went silent. Alfred exhaled, and the room of senior staffers exchanged glances, realizing the era of the Wayne Group had officially begun in Shells Town.