In the world of the Hunter Guild, the rules are clear: they don't care about the bounties set by the Marine, only about the rewards offered by the clients. While the client determines the reward, the price must be fair; otherwise, no one would take the job. The Hunter Guild operates as a middleman, taking a cut for facilitating the deal, and thrives in an environment of absolute freedom.
But Fei has bigger plans. To attract more powerful individuals, he needs a significant incentive. And that incentive is none other than the Hōgyoku. However, instead of offering it whole like the Golden Lion did, Fei plans to shatter the Hōgyoku into fragments, akin to the shards of the Four Souls' jewel. These fragments, when collected, can grant immense power, and those who gather them will see their strength grow exponentially.
Anyone who manages to piece these fragments back together, much like the Golden Lion did, will earn the title of Espada within the Guild. This could rapidly increase the Guild's influence as people, eager for power, join the ranks, all while Fei can manipulate a force strong enough to take on both the pirates and the World Government. These 94 pieces, once spread among the members, will also help harvest the souls needed to empower the fragments.
But Fei isn't naïve. He knows that the World Government and the Pirates won't stand idly by as another powerful faction rises. The Golden Lion's connections and strength will be crucial in this battle. The idea is to align with Marine forces, and although the Marine's situation is far from ideal, once the great pirate era dawns, the World Government will likely welcome the Guild's neutrality, seeing it as a potential ally.
"By the way, pay attention to the Golden Fruit. If possible, acquire it," Fei instructs the Golden Lion, aware of the fruit's potential. "I don't know much about its full power, but with the right wielder, it could control nearly 60% of the world's transactions."
Fei, with his modern mindset, can easily dismantle the World Government's financial system by replacing their currency with something like checks, controlling the circulation and settling the world's debts with nothing but a blank sheet of paper. However, while this could be an effective strategy, Fei knows that power is paramount. Without it, wealth is meaningless—just a tool for someone else's agenda.
The Golden Lion, acknowledging the importance of the Golden Fruit, assures Fei he will keep an eye out for it.
But Fei isn't done. He plans to leak the existence of the Hōgyoku fragments to the outside world, claiming they grant eternal life. This will no doubt cause a frenzy, as powerful individuals and factions scramble for the fragments. After all, immortality is a temptation few can resist, and the World Government's hefty bounty on the Op-Op Fruit shows just how far they will go for power.
Golden Lion, ever cautious, expresses his concern. "Aren't you worried the World Government will just send someone to kill you for that information?"
Fei smiles coldly. "If you die, I'll just find another agent for the Guild. It's all about strength in the end. Weakness gets discarded."
Golden Lion, unfazed, lets out a dismissive grunt. He understands the ruthlessness in Fei's words, as it mirrors his own nature. He knows he's not irreplaceable, and neither is Fei.
But despite his nonchalance, Golden Lion is confident in his own power, fueled by the Hōgyoku's influence. "I'm not going down that easily. Let the World Government come—they'll see what happens when they try to take me down."
Fei chuckles at Golden Lion's resilience. "It will be interesting," he muses. The Hunter Guild is about to become a force to be reckoned with, and the world is about to get a lot more chaotic.
"You've become stronger, Golden Lion. Now, let's see how far you can push yourself," Fei remarks, impressed by the fierce determination in the Golden Lion's eyes.
The rise of the Hunter Guild is inevitable, and as it does, the world will change in ways no one can predict.