[OP Marine Officer Luffy] Chapter 391- 395

Chapter 391: Soil Quality Improvement and Crop Variety Optimization

"Well, this is a good thing, so I’ll accept it without hesitation," Luffy said as he took the Den Den Mushi from Vegapunk. With care, he tucked it close to his body, treating it like a treasure.

Vegapunk was indeed the last piece of the puzzle in Luffy’s grand plan. With his technological expertise, Wano Country entered a new era of rapid development almost instantly.

The very next day, Vegapunk made an announcement that shocked everyone: the first fully functional computer had been successfully produced. Not only that, but he had already set up a simple automated production line capable of manufacturing hundreds of computers per day.

Luffy was stunned by the sheer efficiency of the scientist. Wasting no time, he personally inspected the computers.

The first batch was immediately snapped up by the Marines of the G66 branch. When Luffy tried one himself, he was amazed to find that Vegapunk had shared almost all the knowledge stored in Punk Records on the computers.

Realizing the potential risks, Luffy quickly stepped in. "Doctor," he said, his tone serious, "this is incredible, but you need to hold back a bit. Some of this knowledge could cause massive problems if it falls into the wrong hands."

Luffy suggested limiting the available knowledge to commonly used, non-dangerous information. For anything more advanced, he proposed creating a professional online platform where users would need to pass rigorous screening before gaining access.

Vegapunk agreed and promptly adjusted the Punk Records system, modifying the programs to meet Luffy’s requirements. After another round of testing, the computers were deemed safe for public distribution.

Satisfied, Luffy decided to use the computers as the main product for future releases.

To promote the computers, Luffy approached Morgans once again. Despite the advent of the internet being on the horizon, the power of print media was still unparalleled. However, Luffy hadn’t forgotten the times when Morgans had charged exorbitant fees for publicity.

When my computers dominate the market and the internet takes over, Morgans will have to pay for underestimating me, Luffy thought with a sly grin.

In addition to the computers, Vegapunk shared various other technologies—many of which were quirky and seemingly useless. But one invention caught Luffy’s attention and left him both surprised and confused.

"Soil improvement? But… why would anyone want to turn fertile farmland into saline-alkali land? Did you make a mistake?" Luffy asked, baffled.

He had heard of transforming barren saline-alkali land into fertile farmland, but this was the first time he’d come across a process that reversed it.

Later that day, Luffy used his anti-spy Den Den Mushi to call Vegapunk. "Doctor, this research of yours—it’s completely backward! Why would you even develop something like this?"

Vegapunk, who was taking a rare break and eating fast food in his laboratory, paused thoughtfully. After searching through Punk Records for the relevant data, he finally recalled the origin of the technology.

"No, no, it’s not what you think," Vegapunk explained. "This wasn’t about turning fertile land into saline-alkali land on purpose. You know how rare seastone is, right? Outside of Wano Country, it’s almost nonexistent. The government once tasked me with trying to artificially synthesize something similar to seastone. I was intrigued and took on the project."

He sighed and continued, "Unfortunately, my experiments failed repeatedly. Then, after the government struck a deal with Kaido and secured a steady supply of seastone, the research was deemed unnecessary, so I abandoned it. This technology you’re referring to was actually a side effect of those experiments. I wanted to transform land to mimic seastone properties, but… well, things didn’t go as planned."

Luffy was left speechless. He hadn’t expected such an explanation. The technology’s origins were far removed from what he had imagined.

But rather than dwell on past mistakes, Luffy saw an opportunity. "Doctor," he said, leaning forward, "since you’ve managed to turn land into saline-alkali terrain, can you reverse the process? Could you transform saline-alkali land into fertile farmland or improve soil quality to make barren land suitable for farming?"

Vegapunk rubbed his chin in thought. After a moment, he nodded. "I haven’t researched that specifically, but it should be much easier than trying to replicate seastone. I’d need some time to study it, but I’m confident it can be done."

Luffy clenched his fists, his excitement palpable. "That’s fantastic! If you can pull this off, it’ll change everything for Wano Country and beyond!"

Encouraged, Luffy pushed further. "Doctor, what about improving crop varieties? Could you develop a way to increase the yield of rice, wheat, and other staples—maybe even double it?"

Vegapunk leaned back and smiled. "That’s a more complex challenge. Crop improvement requires careful cultivation and time. But it’s not impossible. With enough effort, I believe it can be achieved."

Chapter 392: Vegapunk's Enlightenment

Vegapunk gave a firm nod, affirming Luffy’s request, and the young pirate’s excitement was palpable. His enthusiasm practically radiated as he clenched his fists, his voice brimming with urgency.

"Doctor, you have to develop these two technologies as soon as possible!" Luffy declared. "Soil improvement and Crop improvement —these are far more important than all those flashy inventions you’ve been working on!"

"Hey, kid! What did you just say?!" Vegapunk’s face turned red with indignation, his passion igniting like a spark in dry tinder. "Are you suggesting my other inventions are worthless? Each one is a masterpiece—a testament to human ingenuity and a guiding light for mankind's progress!"

The fiery retort left no room for argument, or so Vegapunk thought. To him, the world's boundless resources and vast territories made these "mundane" agricultural technologies trivial compared to his groundbreaking creations.

But Luffy wasn’t one to back down. Holding a microphone in his hand, he fixed Vegapunk with a serious gaze and posed a question that cut deeper than any sword.

"Doctor, have you ever considered who exactly benefits from your so-called technological advancements?"

The question caught Vegapunk off guard, but his response came reflexively. "Why, for all of humanity, of course! Take my island-wide air conditioning system, for instance. I plan to provide it to my hometown one day so that they can finally escape the harsh cold."

"That’s just one isolated case!" Luffy countered, his voice rising. "The truth is that most of your inventions are so expensive that only the wealthy can afford them. They’re luxuries that the common people can never dream of owning. So tell me, Doctor, what progress have your technologies truly brought to the masses? For ordinary people, nothing has changed!"

Vegapunk opened his mouth but found himself unable to respond. The reality of Luffy's words was undeniable. Scientific progress demanded astronomical costs—research, development, manufacturing, and distribution—all of which inevitably drove up prices.

Luffy sighed, his tone softening but carrying a gravity that made Vegapunk listen intently. "Doctor, true progress comes when your creations are accessible to everyone. When your inventions are affordable and widespread, only then can they change lives. Otherwise, they’re just luxury goods disguised as progress, serving the rich while leaving the poor behind."

These words hit Vegapunk like a lightning bolt. His eyes clouded with deep thought, and moments later, they began to shine with a new light—a glimmer of understanding he had never felt before.

Luffy wasn’t done yet. His voice carried a persuasive warmth, as if he were trying to reach the very core of Vegapunk's ideals. "Land and crops are different. They’re the foundation of life for ordinary people. Transform the land, and it will produce food endlessly. Improve the yield of crops, and you can change the lives of countless families."

The young pirate’s words painted vivid images in Vegapunk's mind.

"Imagine," Luffy continued, "if one acre of land could feed a family of five, doubling its yield would feed another family. It’s not just about survival—it’s about giving people the chance to live better lives."

Vegapunk’s head bobbed as he nodded along, his resistance eroding with every word. For the first time, he saw the young pirate not as a reckless troublemaker but as someone with vision—a dreamer with the power to inspire change.

For the first time in his life, Vegapunk felt he was truly in the right place. Here, he had not only the resources to pursue his research but also the companionship of people like Luffy, whose ideas could reshape the world.

A spark of hope lit up his mind. Perhaps, if he followed this path, he might witness a future where peace and freedom reigned—a world where technology truly served humanity.

With newfound excitement, Vegapunk asked, "Your ideas are brilliant. Once these technologies are perfected, will you make them available to everyone for free?"

Luffy’s response was immediate, yet firm. "Free? That’s unrealistic, and it wouldn’t solve the real problem."

The young pirate’s tone turned serious as he explained further. "Doctor, why do you think those poor people are in such dire straits? Is it because they’re lazy or unwilling to work? No. The truth is, their lives are controlled by kings, nobles, and tyrants who exploit them at every turn."

His words were like a mirror reflecting the harsh realities Vegapunk had overlooked.

"Even if you provide these technologies to the people, do you think they’ll truly benefit? The rulers will simply find new ways to exploit them, leaving their lives unchanged. Progress doesn’t come from tools alone—it comes from breaking free of oppression."

Vegapunk fell silent, his thoughts in turmoil. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the orange glow illuminated the fields, abundant with crops. Yet, despite the bounty, many still went hungry, trapped in a cycle of poverty they couldn’t escape.

For the first time, the scientist truly understood the revolutionary army's purpose. It wasn’t just about overthrowing a corrupt government—it was about dismantling an entire system that had chained humanity to suffering and inequality for centuries.

"What should we do?" Vegapunk’s voice trembled with resolve, the weight of his question heavy in the air.

Luffy paused, his gaze distant but determined. When he finally spoke, his words carried the conviction of a plan long conceived.

Chapter 393: People's Justice!

Luffy's voice was steady and commanding as he laid out his plan. "First of all, Doctor, the development of this technology must require oversight. Control of soil and Crop improvement must remain in our hands."

Vegapunk nodded thoughtfully as Luffy continued.

"Secondly, I intend to hand over this technology to the revolutionary army. The nations that have overthrown their corrupt rulers under their guidance are suffering from economic sanctions and embargos imposed by the World Government. These technologies can provide them with self-sufficiency, enabling them to sustain large populations without reliance on external aid."

Luffy’s tone darkened as he moved to his next point. "Finally, we must weaken the dominance of other nations. Through passive propaganda and active absorption, we’ll attract foreign populations, offering them opportunities and safety they could never dream of under their oppressive rulers."

Vegapunk’s curiosity was piqued, but his expression grew grim as Luffy spoke of a harsh truth.

"Doctor, you may not know this, but in some countries, the government actively kills its impoverished citizens to reduce the Heavenly Tribute they owe to the World Government. These are the people we must fight for—the ones abandoned by their own nations. With these technologies, we can reclaim unused land, grow abundant food, and ensure that those cast aside by their rulers find new hope."

The room was silent as Luffy’s words sank in, his voice now filled with fiery determination.

"Those nobles and rulers who see the poor as nothing but tools will tremble before the power of the people. The Red Line Celestial Dragon—those so-called gods—will soon see their thrones toppled by the very individuals they’ve oppressed for centuries."

Vegapunk felt his blood surge with passion. Luffy's words painted a vivid image of a united world, where people of all races and beliefs worked toward a common goal.

For the first time, the scientist saw the narrowness of his previous worldview. He had stood too high for too long, failing to see the struggles of those at the bottom. Now, he was eager to begin developing these revolutionary technologies.

Sharing his enthusiasm with Luffy, Vegapunk promised to begin immediately. After a brief exchange of ideas, the scientist hung up and threw himself into his work with newfound purpose.

Meanwhile, Luffy, still seated in the conference room, rested his chin on his hands and surveyed the group before him.

Around the table sat the captains of the revolutionary guerrilla forces: Ain, Hina, Yamato, Robin, Cook, and the trio from East Blue. Joining them were Rear Admiral Darius and Captain Dev, who had only recently been assigned to the G66 branch.

For this meeting, Luffy had revealed everything, laying all his cards on the table.

While some, like Darius and Dev, were still reeling from the revelations, others, already familiar with Dragon’s vision, were either awestruck by Luffy’s charisma or furiously taking notes on his words.

"Everyone," Luffy began, his voice steady but resolute, "what I shared with Dr. Vegapunk reflects my deepest convictions. This is the justice of the people, and I am determined to see it through."

As he spoke, Luffy rose from his chair, signaling Kujaku in the corner. She nodded and reached for a button on the wall, plunging the room into darkness.

With the room silent, Kujaku activated an oversized Den Den Mushi, which whirred to life, projecting a video onto the screen behind Luffy.

The footage was harrowing. Pirates plundering villages, setting fire to homes, and slaughtering innocents. The screams of women, children, and the elderly filled the air, a haunting echo of the atrocities committed on the seas.

The room grew tense as the images played out, breaths shallow, fists clenched. When the screen froze on a middle-aged pirate mid-swing, his blade poised to strike a defenseless child, Luffy stepped forward.

Holding a teaching stick, he pointed at the image. His gaze swept across the room, his tone deliberate and heavy.

"Pirates are often called the cancer of the seas, scorned as scum and filth by society. From the moment I stepped into the Marine Academy, I was taught that pirates are the enemy—evil that must be eradicated at all costs."

He tapped the screen, and the image shifted to a portrait of Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King.

Chapter 394: Who is Born Evil?

Pointing at the image of Roger on the screen, Luffy's voice echoed across the room with unwavering conviction.

"Some say this is all Roger's fault. If it weren’t for his words at the moment of his death, the Great Pirate Era would never have begun. Countless people wouldn’t have set sail, chasing the dream of the legendary One Piece, and the world wouldn’t be in the chaos we see today."

He paused, scanning the faces of his audience before continuing.

"That might be true. Roger's final words undoubtedly ignited the flames, drawing people to the sea in droves, all seeking that elusive treasure. But let’s be honest—can we really place all the blame on him? At most, Roger was just adding fuel to a fire that was already smoldering. The blaze would have erupted eventually, with or without him."

With a sharp tap of his pointer, the screen flickered, shifting to display images of Whitebeard and Kaido.

"Let’s talk about Whitebeard, the so-called strongest man in the world, and our old acquaintance, Kaido."

The audience stirred at the mention of these infamous names, but Luffy’s tone remained steady.

"Whitebeard. The Sea Emperor. One of the Four Emperors. His legend speaks of unrivaled strength and an indomitable will. But how many of you know where he came from? His origins weren’t grand or noble. No, Whitebeard was born in a poor village on an island in the New World.

That island, unable to pay the Heavenly Tribute, was denied membership in the World Government. Without their protection, it descended into chaos—a lawless land ruled by pirates and human traffickers. Eventually, it was destroyed, leaving countless children as orphans. Whitebeard was one of them, and in a desperate bid for survival, he chose to become a pirate."

The room fell silent, the weight of Luffy's words settling in.

Turning his pointer toward Kaido’s photo, Luffy’s gaze softened as it fell on Yamato in the audience.

"Kaido’s story is no less tragic. He was born in a small country called Vodka, a member of the World Government. But unlike the powerful member nations, Vodka was impoverished, barely scraping together enough to pay the Heavenly Tribute each year.

To make up for the shortfall, the kingdom waged wars against its neighbors, plundering what little they had. In this brutal environment, Kaido joined the army at a young age. By the time he was ten, he was the strongest warrior in the kingdom, leading his nation to victory time and again."

Luffy’s voice grew heavy as he revealed the betrayal. "But at thirteen, despite his loyalty and achievements, the king of Vodka conspired to sell Kaido to the Marines in a bid to secure the kingdom’s right to attend the Reverie. Betrayed by the very country he fought to protect, Kaido managed to escape, but not before being branded a criminal and given a 70-million Berries bounty."

His voice lowered, almost a whisper. "At fifteen, he joined the Rocks Pirates, beginning his journey as a pirate."

Yamato’s eyes widened as she listened. The heroic figure Luffy described was unrecognizable to her—a stark contrast to the cruel and tyrannical father she had always known. Conflicted, she found herself leaning in, captivated by Luffy’s words.

The pointer tapped softly against Luffy’s palm as he paced across the stage, his voice thoughtful yet piercing.

"Do you think Whitebeard and Kaido were born evil? Were they destined to become pirates from the moment they took their first breaths? Did they come into this world with malice in their hearts, ready to commit atrocities?"

The question hung in the air, heavy and unanswerable.

Zoro lowered his head, gripping the hilts of his swords. Sanji lit a cigarette, exhaling smoke as he stared at the darkened ceiling. Usopp clenched his fists, tension visible in his posture. Among the Marines, Ain, Cook, and Darius exchanged hesitant glances, each wrestling with their own thoughts.

When no one spoke, Luffy answered for them.

"No. They weren’t born pirates, nor were they born evil. They weren’t destined to become the feared emperors of the seas. The truth is simpler and far more tragic—they were shaped by the injustices they endured."

Luffy's voice rose, filled with righteous anger. "And who is responsible for those injustices? Can we keep blaming Roger for all of this? No!"

He paused, drawing a deep breath before delivering his conclusion.

"It’s the corrupt king and nobles. It’s our fallen Marine comrades who turn a blind eye to suffering. It’s the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, who sit high above us, treating ordinary people as expendable tools!"

He slammed the pointer against the podium, his gaze piercing through the room.

"And here we are, upholding justice. But is it truly justice if we only help those deemed worthy by the World Government? Are the citizens of non-member nations any less human than those under the Government’s protection? Why do we allow these rules, written by fools, to dictate who deserves salvation?"

Though Luffy didn’t name them, everyone knew who he was talking about. The Celestial Dragons, the so-called gods of the world, were the ones pulling the strings, enforcing these cruel and arbitrary rules.

Chapter 395: The Brothers in the Branch Can Only Suffer

"Those idiots with fish tanks on their heads, parading around like gods, are nothing more than fools," Luffy began, his tone sharp and filled with disdain. "Yet they demand our Marines to protect them, even for the most trivial of injuries or illnesses, sending admirals at their beck and call as if we’re their personal guard dogs."

His voice grew louder, filled with righteous anger. "What’s worse is that these bastards contribute nothing to the world! They produce nothing, they hoard resources, and their so-called 'status' allows them to act with impunity. They’re mentally twisted, indulging in all manner of depravity—buying and selling slaves, raping women, and killing ordinary people for sport.

Every three years, they even hold hunting games, where they pick an island that’s not part of the alliance and massacre all its inhabitants for their amusement."

Luffy’s fists slammed against the table, his outrage mirrored by the horrified expressions of those listening. The room was silent except for the collective gasps that followed his words.

Sanji, usually composed, was so stunned that the cigarette dropped from his mouth, landing forgotten on the floor. Darius’s hands trembled, his mind unable to comprehend the atrocities being described. Ain, Hina, Koala, and the other women clenched their fists tightly, their faces a mix of rage and disgust.

Robin’s lips pressed into a thin line, her expression dark. The horrors Luffy described stirred painful memories within her—a past she had tried to bury but could never forget.

Pacing the room, Luffy’s anger surged. He turned back to face his audience, his voice trembling with fury.

"Gentlemen! A Marine that serves such a corrupt system is not just! As long as those Celestial Dragons exist, corrupt nobles will continue to thrive, and the world will never see peace.

The time has come for us to change. We cannot, and should not, take orders from a government that upholds this madness. It’s time for the Marine to become independent—to become an army that answers only to the people and serves justice!"

Standing tall, Luffy raised his right hand in a salute, his voice ringing with conviction.

"For justice!"

The room erupted. Everyone rose to their feet, their voices booming in unison.

"For justice!!!"

Half a Month Later

It had been two weeks since Luffy’s fiery speech and the abduction of Dr. Vegapunk by the Revolutionary Army. The timeline set by Saint Saturn for Fleet Admiral Sengoku had long passed.

As Sengoku had expected, the Five Elders did not remove him from his position, though they did subject him to harsh criticism. Adding insult to injury, they slashed the Marine’s military budget for the rest of the year and the following one, citing the Marine’s "inadequate performance."

Despite Sengoku’s protests and attempts to justify the Marine’s actions, the Five Elders’ decision was final.

Forced to accept the cuts, Sengoku sat in his office, staring at the budget report from the Ministry of Finance and Logistics. His hands trembled as he scanned the numbers, the gap in funding glaringly obvious.

"Curse that dragon. Curse the Revolutionary Army!" Sengoku roared, his voice echoing through the Marine headquarters. "Despicable, shameless, insidious—they’ll pay for this one day! I’ll catch that bastard and beat him senseless with my own hands!"

The Fleet Admiral’s rant was loud enough to be heard throughout the building, and ordinary Marines whispered amongst themselves, believing Sengoku’s anger was directed solely at the Revolutionary Army.

But the senior officers knew better. Sengoku’s true ire was reserved for the World Government and the Five Elders.

Still, they kept their thoughts to themselves. They weren’t foolish enough to involve themselves in the battles of the upper ranks. Pretending to hear nothing, they carried on with their duties.

After a solid ten minutes of venting, Sengoku finally fell silent, slumping back into his chair as exhaustion took over. Gasping for breath, he turned his attention back to the report.

Despite cutting numerous unnecessary expenses, the Marine’s budget for the second half of the year still faced a shortfall of nearly 10 billion Berries.

"The Marine isn’t a business; we don’t generate revenue," Sengoku muttered bitterly. "Even some smaller kingdoms couldn’t come up with this kind of money, let alone us."

Leaning back in his chair, Sengoku rubbed his temples, his frustration mounting. "Looks like the new warship program will have to be postponed. Maybe I’ll speak with Iceburg and see if he can hold off on construction."

He sighed heavily, muttering under his breath. "As for the rest... we’ll have to make the branches in the Four Seas suffer a bit more. It’s not like we have much of a choice."

Taking his pen, Sengoku began marking up the budget, cutting back wherever he could. Still, even after all his adjustments, the gap remained—3.5 billion Berries short.

"Damn it," he muttered. "If I reduce any more, it’ll affect the Grand Line branch, and that’s our last line of defense. We can’t compromise there. Is there nothing else we can do? Should we push the Four Seas branches even further?"

As he brooded, the phone on his desk suddenly rang, its sharp trill cutting through the silence.

Buru buru buru! Buru buru buru!

Without looking, Sengoku grabbed the receiver, his face a mask of weariness.