Chapter 438: Chapter 438: The Women's Comments, Violet's Troubles
Every time Luffy came here, he couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
Even though his G-66 branch base was situated on a high hill, standing five stories tall with a wide perimeter of land around it, it still couldn't compare to the towering Olive Company building.
Despite being a newly established business, Olive had started strong—acquiring a prime location, luxurious floors, and the tallest building in the district from a powerful chamber of commerce.
Looking at its grandeur, Luffy felt a strong urge to rebuild his own branch base into something just as extravagant, if not more. However, he restrained himself.
"No point in rushing," he thought. His business was still in its early stages, and unnecessary expansions could be a waste of resources.
Besides, Olive Company was technically his as well. There was no need to be envious of something that already belonged to him.
With those thoughts in mind, he quickly took the elevator to the 22nd floor.
As soon as the doors slid open, he found himself stepping into Olivia's office, which was located directly outside the elevator.
Alpha and the others who had separated from him earlier had also gathered here, their chatter filling the room.
However, Olivia, the company's president, was absent. She had gone with Vegapunk on other business.
Seeing Luffy enter alone, Alpha tilted her head and asked curiously,
"Where's your good brother? Didn't he come back with you?"
Luffy strolled over to the central office chair and sat down without hesitation. Before he could answer, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," he called.
The door was gently pushed open, revealing a graceful woman dressed in a maid outfit, her long, slender legs accentuated by black stockings and high heels.
The former princess of Wano Country, Hiyori, walked in leisurely, carrying a steaming cup of coffee.
"Master Luffy, the moment I saw the exclusive elevator signal, I knew you had arrived," she said with a soft smile.
"This is your coffee. Please enjoy it."
Luffy nodded, allowing her to place the cup on the table before turning back to answer Alpha's question.
"They left to resupply on the island and prepare for their return to Saobody Archipelago. Once they've mastered Haki, they'll re-enter the New World."
Hearing this, Kujaku tapped her chin thoughtfully before reclining on the sofa. She folded her arms across her chest and crossed her long, beautiful legs.
"That makes sense. They've only been out at sea for less than a year. It's already impressive that they managed to defeat a Shichibukai so early on," she mused.
"But if they think that alone is enough to let them charge into the New World without a care, that would be far too naive."
As she spoke, Kujaku silently placed another cup of coffee in front of Luffy and then quietly retreated to the side.
Pouring herself tea, she added,
"I've read the reports on your two brothers. For rookies, they do have promising potential, especially Ace, considering he has a Logia-type Devil Fruit."
She took a small sip before continuing,
"If they refine their abilities and master Haki, they'll definitely earn a place among the powerhouses of the New World."
Sitting at the table, Violet lazily stirred the tea in her cup, resting her chin on her hand.
After Kujaku finished speaking, she smirked and added,
"But they're still far from reaching your level, Luffy. I've heard the same thing from Ain, Hina, and the others—Haki is the key to stepping into the true battlefield."
She sighed dramatically and leaned back.
"Honestly, learning Observation Haki has been a nightmare for me. Even with my Glare-Glare Fruit's enhanced vision, I still struggle with it."
She let out a frustrated sigh before mumbling,
"And let's not even talk about Armament Haki. With my current physical abilities, the only people I can overpower are ordinary weaklings."
Hiyori listened quietly as she moved around the room, refilling everyone's tea.
In the past six months, her life had taken a drastic turn.
Initially, Luffy had taken an interest in her, but it wasn't long before he lost interest in the fallen princess of Wano and handed her over to Olivia instead.
Under Olivia's leadership, Hiyori had completely redefined herself.
She discarded her traditional Wano attire, abandoned her old identity, and fully embraced her new role.
At the same time, she made a significant offering—she voluntarily gave Luffy her father Oden's two legendary swords.
These weren't just ordinary blades.
They were famed among the Twenty-One Great Grade Swords:
Enma – A blade so powerful it was said to "cut even through hell itself." Luffy had gifted it to Zoro.
Ame no Habakiri – A sword fabled to be able to "sever the heavens." Luffy had given it to Ain as a present.
Since Hiyori had willingly surrendered the swords, Luffy had loosened his vigilance over her. He even allowed her the freedom to settle wherever she wanted, be it Onigashima or Wano Country.
Surprisingly, rather than running away or trying to reclaim her status, she embraced her new life.
In fact, the people of Wano had come to revere her even more.
If Luffy hadn't evolved his Observation Haki to the point where he could read thoughts, he might have suspected Hiyori had hidden motives—perhaps biding her time for revenge.
Even the other women in his circle initially distrusted her, believing she was scheming something.
However, there were no deceitful intentions—only complete devotion and admiration toward Luffy and his people.
As the conversation returned to Haki training, Violet groaned again.
She massaged her temples, still struggling to accept how difficult it was for her to learn.
Noticing her distress, Hiyori stepped behind her and gently placed her hands on her shoulders, beginning a soothing massage.
Violet let out a pleased hum, her body relaxing as the tension eased.
"That feels amazing," she murmured, closing her eyes.
As she enjoyed the massage, a thought suddenly popped into her mind.
Remembering the unique use of Armament Haki in Wano, she couldn't help but wonder…
She turned her head slightly and asked curiously,
"Hiyori, Wano is famous for its mastery of Haki, right? Do you know any unique training methods for Armament Haki?"
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