Kuzan walked into Makino's bar.
As he approached, he noticed Makino posting a flyer on the bulletin board outside the bar. At the top of the board, four large words were prominently displayed:
[Hunter Column]!
Kuzan, with his hands in his pockets, paused to read the flyer.
"Hunter Guild Mission!"
"Wealth, fame, treasures—whatever your goals, go hunting!"
"Everything is within your reach, get it yourself!"
"Be a hunter and chase your dreams!"
The flyer also bore the badge of the Hunter's Guild, with a detailed explanation of its meaning.
"A hunter must possess the spirit, thought, physique, strength, and wisdom of a dragon, soaring above the nine heavens in pursuit of their dreams!"
"Conditions for Joining the Hunter's Guild!"
"Any lifeform with goals and dreams!"
"As long as you pass the assessment, you can join us regardless of your occupation. This is a free organization!"
"That's right, we don't limit occupations. Whether you're a Marine, pirate, scholar—becoming a hunter allows you to remain true to yourself!"
The Twelve Rules of the Hunter:
1.A hunter must have a hunting target!
2.A hunter must possess minimum force!
3.Hunters must not view other hunters as prey, but those who commit heinous crimes are not protected by this rule.
4.Hunters are forbidden from killing innocent people indiscriminately or acting against humanity. 5.Violators will be expelled and hunted down by all hunters.
6.Hunters must obtain a license and promptly register their personal information, maintaining the honor of the Hunter Association and abiding by its rules.
7.Hunter levels are: SSS, SS, S, A, B, C, D, E. Passing the hunter assessment earns you an E level, with A level being the highest that can be obtained normally!
8.Hunters who make significant achievements in specific fields will be awarded S rank.
9.When senior hunters meeting the seventh rule mentor junior hunters who achieve star honors, they will be awarded SS rank.
10.Hunters who meet the eighth rule and make great achievements in multiple fields will be awarded SSS rank.
11.The president has the decision-making power for hunter selection methods. However, significant changes require the trust of more than half the hunters before implementation.
12.The Hunter's Guild holds a general meeting every four years, conducting a vote of confidence in management. A minimum of 50% support is required to continue holding a position.
Leno, the founder of the Hunter's Guild, serves as the chairman without term limits. Dissatisfied hunters can challenge after becoming SSS-level and winning a decisive victory under the witness of all hunters, followed by a vote of confidence. The chairman holds one veto vote and has final interpretive authority!
"The Difference Between Hunters and Pirates!"
"Hunters pursue freedom and chase their dreams but do not arbitrarily infringe on others' interests or bully the weak..."
After reading the flyer, Kuzan's eyes widened with surprise.
The purpose, rules, and statements were all novel to him, differing greatly from the confusion of the current era.
Not just Kuzan—everyone in the tavern had gathered around, discussing the flyer and expressing their opinions.
The concept was fresh to many.
In this sea, apart from the World Government, no one had proposed such clear-cut objectives, ideas, and rules for an organization.
Revolutionary Army?
No!
Bounty Hunters?
No!
Even the Donquixote Family, Germa 66, Baroque Works... None had anything like this.
"Be a hunter and chase your dreams!"
Those 7 words resonated with many, lighting up their eyes.
In the chaotic era of great pirates, people were often lost. The heavy oppression and exploitation made it hard to breathe.
Many young people, unable to find a clear path, were torn between becoming pirates or joining the Marines.
But now, a new profession had emerged.
Leno had cleverly outlined "The Difference Between Hunters and Pirates," without mentioning the Marines or advocating the overthrow of the World Government. He simply painted a picture of a dream.
Kuzan had to admit, the flyer was highly appealing. Even he found himself looking forward to it.
It listed the crimes of pirates in detail, earning recognition from most people. It also emphasized the legality and justice of hunters, avoiding unnecessary attention from the World Government and Marines.
Of course, some would take notice, but it wouldn't cause major trouble. The World Government and Marines were too busy to monitor every organization, as long as they didn't make a commotion like Fisher Tiger, they wouldn't care.
"Founder Leno?"
The image of the young man Kuzan had met recently flashed before his eyes. He was sure it was Leno. There was something different about him—a kind of temperament that came from education and thought, unlike anyone else in the pirate world.
Kuzan thought of Dragon, leader of the Revolutionary Army. They were very similar in their desire to create a new world.
Kuzan's normally lazy demeanor was now piqued with interest.
"Dreams!"
He recalled the Ohara incident, where he had seen what Akainu Sakazuki had done, leading to confusion about the "justice" the Marines upheld. It had been a shocking experience, one that had dampened his enthusiasm.
He had come to realize that "justice" could vary depending on one's perspective and change with one's position. But he was always a Marine, and could never condone the freedom of pirates.
The confusion had led him into a low period. The flyer before him now offered a sudden clarity.
Hunter! Dream Hunter!
Dreams, for anyone, are the fondest memories of childhood—a pursuit once deemed unattainable.
Dreams are a word that can stir people's deepest yearnings, more inclusive and broader than justice or freedom. They don't need to deny others, only to affirm oneself.
This philosophy aligned with Kuzan's own beliefs.
Kuzan walked into the bar and glanced at Leno and the others.
"Where did those people go just now?" he asked Makino.
"Oh, they left," Makino replied. She knew Kuzan well, as he was Garp's adjutant—good-natured but lazy.
"Where did they go?" Kuzan inquired further.
"They went to find the bandits."
Leno had been asking about the bandits earlier, and everyone in the bar knew about it. If she hadn't said anything, others would have.
Kuzan pondered for a moment but decided not to pursue them. The ship was docked at the pier, so Leno and the others would definitely return.
To avoid missing them, Kuzan decided to find a place to sleep by the pier.
In the mountains, Leno and his group of four followed the drunkard along a narrow path.
"Barry and the others are no longer bandits. After the fire, he seized the opportunity and became the owner of Duanzhen Casino," the drunkard said as he swayed along, deep in thought.
"This is Mount Korpo, the territory of the Dadan Family. Be careful, once you cross it, you'll reach Duan Town."
As he finished speaking, there was a sudden boom!
The ground trembled, and smoke billowed from the forest.
"Luffy, stop!"
The furious shout echoed through the trees, sending birds and beasts fleeing in panic.
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+30 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg
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