Chapter 477: Contract Signing, Wano Country Observations

After carefully reviewing the contract terms, the three Vice Admirals exchanged glances, satisfied smiles spreading across their faces.

Next to them, Luffy—viewed by many as a future Admiral of the Marines or even Fleet Admiral—subconsciously touched his nose, feeling a momentary flash of embarrassment. The feeling quickly passed, however. Seeing the three Veterans' pleased expressions, he caught Olivia's eye and discreetly winked, signaling her to continue with their plan.

Olivia received his silent message without missing a beat. She reached into her folder, withdrew four pens and ink pads, and distributed them to the four Vice Admirals including Luffy.

"Gentlemen," she said with practiced professionalism, "if you find these terms acceptable, please sign. From today forward, we'll be formal partners and strategic allies."

The three visiting Vice Admirals glanced at each other uncertainly. While they agreed the contract posed no issues and could be signed, they were ultimately just here as representatives. They lacked the authority to finalize such a significant agreement.

The person qualified to sign this contract with Olivia would be Fleet Admiral Sengoku himself.

Since they were all colleagues anyway, Comil abandoned pretense and explained their predicament directly.

Olivia simply smiled and waved her hand dismissively. "That's not a problem. The four of you can sign now as witnesses. The contract can be brought back to Headquarters later for Fleet Admiral Sengoku's signature before it becomes officially binding."

Hearing this reasonable solution, the three hesitated no longer.

Comil picked up his pen, preparing to sign. However, noticing Luffy standing aside, he paused and handed the contract to the younger Vice Admiral first.

"Vice Admiral Luffy," he said with genuine respect, "you're the primary architect of this cooperation between the Marines and Olive Company. The first signature should rightfully be yours."

"You're too kind," Luffy replied modestly. "Everything I do is for the Marines."

Despite his humble words, Luffy didn't hesitate. He immediately picked up a pen and signed his name with a flourish, then pressed his fingerprint beside it as was customary.

The contract was then passed to Comil, Momonga, and Doberman in turn, finally returning to Olivia's hands. After adding her own signature and fingerprint, she returned two copies of the document to Comil.

"After you return," she instructed, "please have Fleet Admiral Sengoku sign both copies. One will remain with the Marines, and the other should be given to my representatives when they next visit Headquarters. I'll safeguard it as evidence of our partnership."

The three Vice Admirals nodded in agreement, promising they wouldn't make Olivia wait long for the finalized contracts.

With this exchange, the cooperation between both parties was essentially formalized. Certainly, many details remained to be addressed, but those weren't matters for the present company to resolve. Both organizations would assign professional staff to conduct detailed negotiations, clarifying the obligations of each party more precisely.

Glancing up at the setting sun through the window, Luffy seized the opportunity to suggest their next move.

"It's getting late," he observed. "I've already reserved a private room at Onigashima's finest restaurant. Why not sample some delicacies from across the world? Tomorrow, I'll take you three on a tour of the surrounding areas and Wano Country."

Comil rose with a smile, patting his already rumbling stomach. "If you hadn't suggested it, I would have. After such a long journey by sea, I'm eager for a good meal and a proper night's sleep."

Luffy immediately stood, returning the smile. "Excellent! We'll depart right away, and I promise you won't be disappointed."

He ushered everyone out, and accompanied by a contingent of Marine officers, they made their way to Onigashima's most renowned restaurant.

The three Vice Admirals from Headquarters remained in Onigashima and Wano Country for three days before departing.

During this time, they accompanied Luffy to various establishments for food, drink, and entertainment throughout the region. Most significantly, they traveled to mainland Wano Country to observe the living conditions of local residents firsthand.

The results were unmistakable—they scarcely needed to conduct any formal investigation. Wherever they went, locals who spotted their Marine uniforms greeted them with genuine warmth and broad smiles.

The more enthusiastic citizens even invited them into their homes, insisting on serving them fruits and vegetables grown on the land Luffy had helped distribute among the populace.

This overwhelmed the three Vice Admirals, who felt almost embarrassed by such sincere hospitality. They found themselves too humbled to accept much of what was offered. In the end, they could only retreat in flustered gratitude, arms laden with local specialties pressed upon them by the villagers.

Their experience confirmed everything Luffy had claimed. Far from resenting Marine presence, the people of Wano viewed the Marines—and particularly Luffy—as liberators who had freed them from oppressive rule and restored their dignity. The genuine affection displayed toward them was something none of the three veteran Marines had experienced in all their years of service.