Author: Xiao Yifeng
Translator: PapaSmurf0700
In Shimotsuki Village's dojo in the East Blue, the air was buzzing with excitement and curiosity. Young pupils huddled around their master, Koushirou, their eyes wide with admiration and wonder.
"Master, can senior brother Zoro really cut through iron?" one of the pupils asked eagerly, his voice reflecting a mix of awe and disbelief.
"I heard the older brothers saying that you taught Brother Zoro the secret of cutting iron, is that true?" chimed in another, barely containing his excitement.
Koushirou, surrounded by his inquisitive students, felt a wave of pride and surprise. The source of all the commotion was the piece of paper he held in his hands. He adjusted his glasses, his gaze lingering on the bounty order that had brought such an uproar to his usually calm dojo.
The paper clearly read: Iron Slashing Swordsman - Roronoa Zoro, with a bounty of 80 million Bellys.
-----
In the bustling corridors of Navy Headquarters, Ripper decided to take a brief break from his duties. As he stretched, his gaze landed on a bounty order lying on his desk. He couldn't help but pick it up, curiosity getting the better of him.
As he looked at the name and the figure printed on the paper, a wry smile crossed his face. Shaking his head, he talked to himself, "This time, the Navy's bounty should definitely meet your expectations, Mr. Bai Ye."
The bounty order displayed a significant amount that reflected the recognition of his deeds:
Priest - Bai Ye, with a bounty of 125 million Bellys.
-----
On a island somewhere in the Grand Line, in the dimly lit corner of a lively tavern, sat a freckled man donning a cowboy hat. His eyes sparkled with anticipation as he carefully examined the piece of paper in his hands.
The man's excitement was palpable as he muttered to himself with a hint of eagerness in his voice. "Luffy," he whispered, "it looks like our paths are about to cross again."
He held the bounty order tightly, staring at the number and the name printed on it with a sense of resolve. It was an impressive figure, one that spoke volumes of the person it was assigned to:
Straw Hat - Monkey D. Luffy, with a bounty of 150 million Bellys.
-----
Aboard the Golden Merry, Luffy's laughter filled the air as he repeatedly slapped Bai Ye's shoulder. His face beamed with joy as he exclaimed, "Hahahaha, Bai Ye, my bounty is higher than yours!"
Bai Ye, caught off-guard by the forceful slaps, gave Luffy a speechless look. "Okay, okay, surpassing me is fine," he said, rubbing his shoulder, "but could you please be a bit gentler next time?"
Bai Ye knew Luffy well enough to understand that his boisterous behavior wasn't meant to be a jab at him. He turned his attention to Zoro and Sanji, who were engaged in their own competitive banter, and couldn't suppress a chuckle at their antics.
Zoro, flaunting his bounty order with a smirk, teased Sanji, "60 million Bellys, not too shabby for a perverted cook like you." His tone was lighthearted, but his grin betrayed a hint of mockery.
Sanji, visibly irked by Zoro's comment, quickly retorted with equal fervor, "Oh, please. They probably just felt sorry for your blunt sword skills and gave you a high bounty out of pity." His words dripped with sarcasm.
Zoro's expression turned into a scowl, "What was that?! I ought to chop you into pieces, curly eyebrow!"
Sanji, not one to back down, shot back, "You want to go, cactus head?!" Their heated exchange continued, much to the amusement of their crewmates.
In the midst of the excitement over their new bounties, Nami and Usopp were more focused on the practical implications. Nami sighed, feeling a bit overwhelmed, "Oh, with this bounty increase, we're likely to encounter even stronger enemies now."
She then quickly shifted the conversation, her tone laced with dissatisfaction, "Who came up with 'Thunder Enchantress' as my nickname? It sounds so unflattering." Nami had a clear preference for her original moniker, 'Cat Burglar.'
Usopp chimed in from the side, "There's no helping it, Nami. After all, you did take down Crocodile's casino with a thunderbolt." Nami's affinity for the thunder element in her attacks was undeniable.
Contemplating his own new title, Usopp mused, "I'm not too fond of 'Elemental Gunner' either. I'm a sniper, after all." After a moment's thought, he added, "But ever since I took the marrow washing pill and received Bai Ye's gift, I guess I have been a bit more bold than a typical sniper."
Accepting his new role, Usopp seemed to come to terms with the nickname. However, not everyone was as adaptable. Chopper, staring at his bounty order, was visibly upset. "Pet...?!" he exclaimed in disbelief. "I'm the ship's doctor, not a pet! And 50 Bellys is ridiculously low! Bastards!"
As he vented his frustration, Robin gently scooped Chopper into her arms, comforting him with her soothing voice. "It's alright, Chopper. You didn't get to show your abilities in battle this time. I'm sure your next bounty will reflect your true value. You're amazing, you know."
Chopper, feeling a mix of emotions, tried to maintain his composure, "Even if you praise me like that, I won't be happy!" Yet, he couldn't hide his delight as he snuggled deeper into Robin's embrace, his face buried in her chest.
Amidst the excitement over their new bounties, the crew of the Golden Merry hadn't noticed the encroaching danger. Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by the sound of a cannonball striking the ship. The impact sent a shockwave through the Golden Merry, causing it to rock violently on the waves.
The crew quickly snapped back to reality. Zoro, ever vigilant, was the first to assess the situation. "It's the navy, five warships," he announced, alerting the others.
Sanji, with a cigarette dangling casually from his lips, turned to Luffy. "What's the plan, Luffy? Are we going to fight them off?" he inquired, ready for action.
Luffy, with a determined look, adjusted his iconic straw hat and gazed at the approaching naval forces. "Let's try to lose them this time," he declared, showing a rare moment of restraint.
Nami, the skilled navigator of the crew, sprang into action. She took command, issuing orders with precision and urgency. The Golden Merry's sails billowed as the ship picked up speed, attempting to escape the clutches of the navy.
However, the naval warships were faster and relentlessly pursued the pirate ship. For a time, the Golden Merry struggled to shake off its pursuers.
Amidst the chase, Bai Ye observed a figure on one of the warships. He pondered for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he contemplated something.
On board a navy warship, two seasoned officers were closely observing the Golden Merry. One was an older woman with short purple hair, wearing the distinctive navy headband. Beside her stood an older man with short blonde hair, dressed in a navy coat and black vest, who had just lowered his binoculars.
"That's the one, alright. It's the Straw Hat boy's pirate ship," the man confirmed with a nod.
A navy soldier approached them, saluting crisply. "We've been firing warning shots, but they're not stopping. We might need Lieutenant Commander Rapanui Pasqua to step in," he reported.
The blond old man, known as Pasqua, removed his navy coat, revealing a coin held between his fingers. He was known for his unique ability to sink ships with a flick of a coin.
But as he took aim at the Merry, something unexpected happened.
"Achoo!" With an accidental sneeze, Pasqua's shot went awry, hitting a nearby warship instead of the Merry.
"Oops, missed that one. But no harm done," he remarked nonchalantly, while chaos ensued around him.
The navy soldier was in disbelief. "Commander, what just happened?!" he exclaimed.
Taking advantage of the confusion, the Golden Merry skillfully navigated out of the encirclement.
"Get the men out of the water and head to Ruluka Island as planned," Pasqua directed, unfazed by his mistake.
The purple-haired woman, Isoka, watched the scene unfold and commented, "The wheel of fortune is turning."
Pasqua smiled in response, "Indeed, everything is driven by destiny."
He looked thoughtfully in the direction where the pirate ship had disappeared. "Long time no see, Straw Hat Boy Luffy, and... Bai Ye," he mused, his eyes reflecting a mix of recognition and anticipation.