The issuance of bounties by the Marine Headquarters and the pursuit of those bounties by bounty hunters is a common sight in the pirate world.
However, the bounty hunting industry is inherently a grey area, filled with a mix of characters. There are mighty lone hunters, shadowy underground assassins, and even many bounty hunters who are wanted criminals.
If they were to bring the heads of pirates to Marine Headquarters to claim the bounties, they might end up in prison themselves.
Thus, the Hunter’s Guild, a semi-official, semi-underground organisation, came into being.
The forces behind the guild are complex. They primarily consist of the colossal World Government, which is a puppet for those in power. Then there are the great nobles of various kingdoms, merchants with influence spanning multiple seas, and even the dark kings of the underworld.
Because of this, although Marine Headquarters mainly issues the guild’s public bounties, many underground bounties also involve assassinating enemy leaders or gathering intelligence on enemy nations.
…
In the central seas of the first half of the Grand Line lies a kingdom known for being part of the infamous Black Triangle area, a haven for countless pirates, often referred to as the “Sea of Thieves.”
Thus, the local branch of the Hunter’s Guild in this pirate haven mainly deals with these underground bounties.
Ironically, the most frequent visitors to this guild branch are the pirates themselves, who would casually observe others cashing in bounties, contemplating whether to rob them.
Even without transactions, they would sit, drink, and boast loudly.
However, the ordinarily noisy guild branch was silent enough to hear a pin drop.
This was all because the man sitting at the front desk wore a demon-faced mask.
“Gulp! Is that guy really Demon Blade Rougishu? What if he goes berserk and kills us all? They say he makes slaughterhouses look tame when he kills!” A pirate captain, infamous enough to scare children, whispered fearfully, not daring to raise his head, afraid that eye contact might get him killed.
“I don’t know, but it’s best not to run into such a monster. I heard the Cannibal Ogre Barlow, with a bounty of 92 million Berries, cried for mercy like a baby before he was killed by Rougishu. I can’t imagine the torture that could make such a brutal pirate beg for his life,” another pirate shivered, recalling the ghostly wails that still echoed in his mind.
“I am Rougishu. You all should have heard of my name. I am now planning to form my pirate crew to challenge for the Pirate King, and I need to recruit experienced crew members…”
The Hunter’s Guild almost erupted after hearing Rougishu say he was recruiting. This was a powerful adventurer who could defeat pirates with near-billion Berries bounties!
Though Rougishu had a reputation for cruelty, cruelty was synonymous with strength among pirates. Most pirates prefer following an influential, ruthless captain over a weak, amiable one.
If they could join Rougishu’s crew, they might become founding officers of a future major pirate group!
“Mighty Rougishu, although my bounty is only 27 million Berries, I have always admired your strength. Please allow me to follow you!” An infamous pirate stood up, excitedly pleading.
“I don’t care if you are strong or weak. Even Cannibal Ogre Barlow was just a matter of one or two strikes for me!” Rougishu’s voice was cold and indifferent beneath his mask.
The crowd grew even more fervent.
“Rougishu, please take me. I am the 35 million Berries bounty Gravekeeper Ross!”
“And me, let me witness your legend!”
Soon, Rougishu had recruited most of the pirates, nodding slightly as he said, “We have enough people now. The next issue is the ship. Only a top-tier ship made from Treasure Tree Adam is worthy of me.”
Though unsure of Rougishu’s intent, a newly recruited follower flattered, “Of course. Legend has it that the Pirate King Roger completed his Grand Line voyage on a ship made from Treasure Tree Adam. Rougishu deserves a similar top-tier vessel.”
Rougishu nodded in approval, “There are rumors of Treasure Tree Adam being auctioned in Water 7, estimated to fetch three billion Berries. Hand over your money, and I will buy it. When I’m in a good mood, I’ll kill some billion Berry bounty pirates to repay you double.”
At this, the pirates hesitated.
“What’s this? My first command as your captain, and you hesitate? Remember, three billion Berries is nothing to me. I’m just eager to get that Treasure Tree Adam.”
“Uh…” The pirates exchanged uneasy glances, uncertain of what to do.
Creak!
The door opened, and a tall man carrying a suitcase entered wearing a demon-faced mask.
Seeing this, the pirates’ eyes darted suspiciously between the two, their enthusiasm fading.
The man behind the desk gritted his teeth, turning and stepping down to approach the tall man with the suitcase.
Only now, standing, did he realise the newcomer was over 2.4 meters tall, imposing even on his 1.8-meter frame.
“Gulp!” The desk man swallowed nervously, whispering, “Brother, you’re in my territory. I’m Jack the Shapeshifter.”
“Let’s just get through this. We can split the money 90-10.”
Seeing no response, Jack gritted his teeth, “Fine, 80-20… 70-30 at most… Alright, 60-40, but no less… Come on, let’s keep this civil. 50-50, final offer.”
As Jack kept shifting his terms, the tall man finally spoke, “You’re in my way.”
Relieved at first, Jack asked, “What did you say?”
The tall man finally looked down, meeting Jack’s eyes. The sheer terror in that gaze, a blend of death, slaughter, and bloodlust, froze Jack’s soul. It was as if the man’s calm demeanour barely restrained a demonic storm.
This guy was Demon Blade Rougishu, wasn’t he?
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