After the Celestial Dragons left, Hatchan quickly led everyone away, continuing toward their destination.
However, the group's expressions were far from pleasant—clearly affected by what they had just witnessed.
They had never imagined that such people existed in this world.
Despite their noble status… they were so cruel.
"What a disgusting bunch," Jin frowned. "So just because they have Marine Admirals backing them, they can do whatever they want?"
At this point, he had already figured it out.
The reason slavery was legal in Sabaody was likely because of them.
If even the World Nobles approved it, then of course it would become "legal."
The thought made him feel sick.
"It can't be helped," Pappag sighed. "As descendants of the creators, they've grown used to acting arrogantly."
"Creators?"
"Yes."
Pappag explained, "Eight hundred years ago, twenty kings founded the World Government. These Celestial Dragons are their descendants, so they naturally possess absolute privilege."
Hearing that, Jin's expression turned even more disgusted.
"No wonder they act like that."
Now he finally understood why Luffy's father chose that path.
In some ways, these Celestial Dragons were even worse than pirates.
This world… was rotten to the core.
"No matter what, just don't provoke them," Hatchan said.
No matter how terrible they were, it had nothing to do with them.
All they could do was protect themselves.
Just then, several figures appeared ahead, blocking their path.
"Hm?"
"What's going on?" Usopp asked, confused.
Were they… bounty hunters?
His expression immediately changed.
"You're the Straw Hat Pirates, right?" The leader licked his blade. "Bold of you to walk around so openly with such high bounties…"
"You really don't take us bounty hunters seriously!"
"Hahaha, that's right!"
"Straw Hat! Blood-Eyed Ninja! Your heads are ours!"
The bounty hunters burst into laughter, their eyes reddened with greed.
The Straw Hat Pirates' total bounty exceeding a billion was too tempting.
Their reason had already been consumed by desire.
"So they really are bounty hunters?!" Usopp shouted.
They had only just arrived—and were already targeted?
"Hey! I have a bounty too! Why didn't you mention me?!" Chopper protested.
"Huh?"
"Who are you?"
Chopper: …
Realizing they didn't recognize him, he froze on the spot.
Even if his bounty was only 50 Beli… it was still something!
Why didn't they know him?!
"Let me check…"
"Oh, found it—Straw Hat Pirates' pet, Chopper. Bounty: 50 Beli."
"50?"
"How does that even exist in a crew like this?"
The bounty hunters looked at each other in confusion.
A bounty that low… was it even worth issuing a poster?
"That's right! I'm the one with a 50 Beli bounty—"
"You're not even worth a newspaper. Don't bother introducing yourself."
Chopper froze—
Then burst into tears.
"Waaah!"
"I'm not even worth a newspaper…!"
Seeing him cry, Merry glared at the bounty hunters before quickly rushing over to comfort him.
"You jerks! How dare you bully Chopper!"
Luffy's expression darkened instantly as he jumped off his bubble bike.
"You better be ready!"
The bounty hunters were speechless.
They had only stated a fact—how was that bullying?
"Enough talk!" the leader shouted, charging forward with his men.
"Yohohoho! Bounty hunters, how nostalgic!" Brook laughed. "In that case, let me help as well!"
In the next instant—
Brook and Luffy rushed forward.
Their overwhelming strength was on full display as they effortlessly crushed the bounty hunters like cutting vegetables.
"S-so strong…"
"This is a crew worth over a billion?!"
The fallen bounty hunters were filled with regret.
What were they thinking—attacking such monsters?
"Damn pirates…"
One man struggled to lift his gun, aiming at Jin.
"If that's the case—then take this—"
"Hm?"
Click.
Jin glanced at him.
That single look froze the man completely.
The next moment—
He dropped his gun and screamed in terror.
"N-no!!"
"AHH!!"
With a shriek, he rolled his eyes back and collapsed, foaming at the mouth.
He had fainted from pure fear.
"M-monster…"
The remaining bounty hunters trembled.
Just a glance… and their comrade was taken out?
"That… that's the Blood-Eyed Ninja…?"
Killing with just his eyes—
What kind of terrifying power was that?
No wonder the Marines gave him such a high bounty.
He was a monster.
Jin said nothing.
He simply glanced at another man.
"AHH!!"
"GHOST!!"
That man also collapsed instantly.
The rest immediately lowered their heads, trembling and not daring to move.
"People like this… dare to come after us?" Usopp frowned.
They weren't even as strong as the Accino Family they had encountered before.
"At least that fat guy was somewhat capable…"
"Just a bunch of idiots blinded by money," Jin said.
They saw the bounty—
But never thought about why it was so high.
Luffy didn't bother with them and returned with Brook.
"Let's go."
"Yeah," Hatchan said. "Let's move quickly. Better not run into more trouble."
They were now in a lawless zone—bounty hunters were everywhere.
Not a place to linger.
Soon, they left.
Only after the Straw Hats disappeared did the bounty hunters dare lift their heads.
"Damn Straw Hats…"
"Boss, what do we do? We lost quite a few men…"
"This won't end here," the leader sneered. "We may not beat them… but others can."
His eyes shifted to Camie sitting on Usopp's bubble bike.
If he wasn't mistaken—
That woman… was a mermaid.
The wind earlier had revealed a glimpse of scales.
At first, he thought he was mistaken.
But humans didn't have scales.
That woman… was definitely a mermaid.
"Let's go!"
"Yeah!"
…
Elsewhere—
"Hehe, how interesting."
Shakky smiled as she looked at the bounty posters.
"This year's Supernovas are even more numerous than expected."
Spread across the table were countless wanted posters.
This era… was truly different.
Hearing her, Rayleigh walked in.
"What's got you so happy?"
"Just some interesting rookies."
She pointed at the posters.
"This year's Supernovas are quite something."
She poured him a drink.
Rayleigh sat down, took a sip, and glanced at the posters.
When he saw Luffy and Jin's, he smiled.
"Quite a lot indeed."
By his count—twelve Supernovas.
"You're back earlier than usual this year," Shakky said, lighting a cigarette.
"Did some young girl reject you?"
Rayleigh coughed, nearly choking.
"…Are you jealous?"
"As if," she rolled her eyes.
"I had business this time," he said.
"Oh? What kind?"
"I'm interested in the Straw Hat Pirates."
He picked up Luffy's poster.
"Based on timing, they should arrive at Sabaody soon."
From Water 7, it wouldn't take even ten days.
"Straw Hat Pirates…" Shakky raised a brow. "The boy Shanks has his eye on."
"Didn't expect you to be interested too."
She had been there when Shanks spoke about him.
The straw hat… was once Shanks'.
"He's a man," Rayleigh corrected.
"Right, right—a man," she said lazily.
"So you came back for them?"
"More or less."
Rayleigh's gaze shifted to Jin's poster.
…A ninja.
Memories surfaced.
Oden…
"So you think he's from Wano?" Shakky asked.
"Possible," Rayleigh said. "But not certain. Could be a Devil Fruit user."
The sea was vast—anything was possible.
"But since you're here, you want to confirm it, right?"
Rayleigh smiled silently.
"Another drink."
"You drunk old man…"
"Hahaha!"
Shakky poured him another.
"What do you think of them?" he asked.
"They're impressive," she said. "Highest total bounty among the Supernovas—and more members too."
Not to mention—
They dared to attack Enies Lobby.
That alone deserved respect.
"More members, huh…"
Rayleigh looked at Zoro's poster.
"Three?"
"Yes."
Straw Hat Luffy — 420 million Beli
Blood-Eyed Ninja Jin — 400 million Beli
Pirate Hunter Zoro — 150 million Beli
Even now—
They were strong enough to compete in the New World.
"Things are getting interesting," Rayleigh smiled. "Any news of their arrival?"
"Not yet. All other Supernovas have arrived."
"But the Straw Hats… should be here soon."
As for Moria?
A broken man who lost to Kaido—
There was no way he could stop them.
"They'll be here soon…"
Rayleigh thought for a moment.
"In that case, I'll stay here for now."
Shakky raised a brow.
"Are you sure?"
"Of course."
"Fine."
She nodded—
Then suddenly snatched his glass.
Rayleigh blinked.
"…What are you doing?"
"Just changing it."
After rummaging around, she brought out a special drink and poured it.
"Here. Drink this."
Rayleigh: …
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