Chapter 69: Nico Robin, Changing Fate, Hunter Recruitment Begins!

"Kuzan has officially joined the Hunter's Guild!!!"

"Leno announced: 'Welcome Kuzan, and all those with dreams and goals in the world, to join!'"

"The fairness of the Hunter Guild dictates that even a former Marine Vice Admiral like Kuzan must start as an E-rank hunter!"

"An induction ceremony for Kuzan is being held in Elegia by the Hunter's Guild!"

"The Hunters Guild has issued a statement: the first batch of hunters will be recruited and assessed. Applicants are requested to arrive at the Zhu-Meta Islands by the end of September!"

"The details of the Hunter Guild recruitment process are explained: novice hunters will have a six-month inspection period, and those who pass will be awarded an E-level license!"

"The initial recruitment phase of the Hunter Guild will only take place in East Blue. The kingdoms of East Blue have issued statements of support, expressing their hope to cooperate!"

"Bounty hunters in East Blue have mixed views on the Hunter's Guild—some believe it disrupts the established rules of bounty hunting!"

"The bounty hunter famil criticized the Hunter's Guild for not understanding the spirit of hunting and vowed never to join!"

Recently, East Blue's news has been dominated by headlines about the Hunter's Guild.

Anything related to the Hunter's Guild sells papers, and newspapers are eager to cash in. All sorts of people, with various motives, are fighting for attention.

Some tabloids even invented romantic stories linking Leno and Kuzan.

After all, East Blue, though known as the weakest sea, allows for a relatively peaceful life compared to the other seas. People tend to focus on such gossip when life is comfortable enough.

But none of this concerned Leno.

In the city of Elegia, which was still undergoing reconstruction, things were finally beginning to take shape.

In a meeting room, the core members of the Hunter's Guild were gathered.

Leno. Former Marine Vice Admiral: Kuzan. Strategist: Kuro. Swordswoman: Kuina. Luwell. Buggy the Clown. And King of Elegia: Gordon.

The general purpose, conditions, and rules of the Hunter's Guild had already been announced publicly. However, its organizational structure remained to be revealed.

Leno began to speak, and the room fell silent.

"The Hunter's Guild will not impose overly strict rules. Hunters must be free to pursue their own goals and dreams. We cannot impose the kind of strict, regimented plans you might see in Marine operations," Leno declared. "That would be contradictory to the very essence of what we're trying to achieve."

He outlined the five key divisions of the guild:

Management: "This division will directly oversee the hunters. It will grow or shrink depending on the types of hunters that emerge—pirate hunters, treasure hunters, mission hunters, and so on. Those who achieve great success in these fields will take on leadership roles. Management will be elected every four years. For more details, refer to the 'Twelve Rules of the Hunter.'"

Logistics Team: "This group will provide essential support—medical care, intelligence, and funds for the hunters. They will also handle the hunter taverns and strongholds on various islands and connect with local hunters. Those in the logistics team don't need to be skilled fighters, but they must be experts in their fields."

Round Table Council: "The council, composed of thirteen seats, will manage the overall operation of the Hunter's Guild. The president—myself—will be directly appointed, overseeing the system's development, rank promotions, and other essential functions. The council members will be elected every four years."

Law Firm: "The law firm will oversee the judgment of hunters who violate specific rules. Hunters convicted may choose to defend themselves, but fugitives will be hunted down by all hunters. It also has the authority to deal with non-hunters who tarnish or impersonate the guild. Arrests will be handled separately by the council."

Hunter School: "This is where hunters will be educated and trained, both in combat and cultural subjects. I'll be the principal, but the school will remain independent of the other divisions."

The details of Leno's speech were soon published in the "Hunter's Guild News." Though only distributed in select areas, the paper was essential for hunters or those curious about the guild. To widen its influence, Leno also partnered with Morgans, allowing mutual cooperation in their reports.

With the structure of the Hunter's Guild solidified, recruitment was officially underway.

Despite having a month before the final deadline, many across East Blue had already begun their journey.

Suddenly, a gunshot echoed through the clear sky.

In the distance, a bird spiraled downward from the sky.

The man responsible, wearing a top hat, calmly wiped down his sniper rifle as cheers erupted from the onlookers aboard the ship.

"Van Augur!" they shouted.

East Blue had no shortage of renowned snipers—Yasopp, Van Augur, and even the future Usopp, were all legendary marksmen.

Elsewhere, amidst piles of treasure, a young man wrapped in iron chains let out a sinister laugh.

"Hunter Guild, huh?" he sneered. "Sounds interesting. There must be some fascinating people there."

On another ship, its sails cutting through the East Blue waters, the flag of the World Government fluttered in the wind.

Though East Blue is separated from the rest of the world by the Grand Line, Calm Belt, and Red Line, some ships can traverse these barriers, thanks to the Mary Geoise.

Rob Lucci, still a bit young but emanating a chilling aura, stood at the bow.

Kaku, with his characteristic long nose, held a stack of documents, flipping through them without expression. This long-term infiltration mission was sure to be a great test for them.

Leno smirked as a guy made his choice. "Torreja, huh? Bold move. He's strong, no doubt, but this isn't just about strength."

As the boats landed on the island, chaos erupted. Groups scattered, each racing to secure survival tools. Buggy's traps were cunningly hidden, waiting for the first careless hunter to spring them.

On the island, Lucci, always the strategist, silently observed the other teams. His cold gaze scanned the area, analyzing every possible advantage. "Kaku, Kalifa, stay close. We're not here to win by brute force."

Meanwhile, Torreja's group was already running headlong into the jungle, his chains rattling as he led them with reckless abandon. His confidence was palpable, but Leno, watching from the live feed, raised an eyebrow.

"Overconfidence can be dangerous."

In the hunting grounds, Kuina stepped forward, arms crossed.

"Leno, do you really think these people will make good hunters? They're too impulsive."

Leno nodded, eyes still fixed on the screen. "That's exactly what this test is for. It's not just about fighting or surviving—it's about thinking under pressure, working together. The ones who rush in will learn the hard way."

Back on the island, teams were beginning to fracture. Torreja's group, while strong, was already bickering over leadership. Lucci's team, on the other hand, moved silently, efficiently gathering their tools without attracting attention.

Buggy, from his vantage point, couldn't contain his laughter. "This is going to be good! Let's see who falls into my traps first!"

Suddenly, a loud snap echoed through the jungle. One of Torreja's crew members had tripped a wire, and a massive net shot up, ensnaring them.

Torreja cursed, pulling at the chains around his body to free his comrade. "Dammit, I knew there'd be traps!"

Lucci, watching from a distance, smirked. "Amateurs."

"Looks like things are heating up. But don't count Torreja out just yet."

Leno leaned back in his chair, arms behind his head. "Oh, I'm not. I just wonder if he'll realize that strength alone won't get him through this."

The screen flickered to another scene: Buggy standing on the bow of his ship, grinning widely. "Heh, this is just the beginning! Wait until they find out what's in store for the second half of the test."

As the clock ticked down, the teams scrambled to find the maps scattered across the island. Lucci's team, ever the silent predators, managed to secure one without a fight. Meanwhile, Torreja, with brute force, fought off another group.

But it wasn't the traps or the maps that worried Leno. His eyes were fixed on the bigger picture. "They're not just fighting for survival—they're fighting to prove themselves. Only those who can adapt and think ahead will make it."

"You might be right, Leno. But sometimes, brute strength and raw talent can surprise you. I wouldn't count Torreja out just yet."

The live feed switched back to the island, showing Torreja's group regrouping after their initial stumble. Despite the setback, they were still in the race, driven by sheer will and determination.

Leno's grin widened. "Let's see who reaches the next test room first. This is just the beginning."

Leno watched as the chaotic sea battle unfolded on the screen. The Sea Kings stirred the water into a frenzy, and amidst the chaos, only Torreja and Lucci's team remained, their rafts barely holding together.

"Looks like your bet is going down, Morgan," Leno smirked, taking a relaxed sip from his drink.

Morgan waved dismissively. "There are still 10 nautical miles left! Anything can happen. You can't count out Torreja just yet."

The camera zoomed in on Torreja, struggling alone on his log. His Devil Fruit powers, typically formidable, were limited by the seawater, rendering his iron chains nearly useless. He paddled forward, but the exhaustion was clear on his face.

Meanwhile, Lucci's team had replenished their strength with food and water, their cooperation keeping them ahead. As the rafts neared the final stretch, ships appeared, bombarding the remaining contestants, forcing some to slow down or retreat.

Leno glanced at Morgan, who couldn't hide his excitement.

He raised his glass, clinking it against Morgan with a confident smile.

"You always know how to push the right buttons," Morgan grumbled, shaking his head with a chuckle. "Fine, I'll pay up when Lucci wins."

As the system's familiar ding echoed in Leno's mind, he knew his Observation Haki had evolved to a higher level. A flood of images flashed in his mind. His senses sharpened, giving him a brief glimpse into the immediate future—just like Katakuri's ability. A slight ache throbbed in his head, but it was a small price to pay for the power he had gained.

Morgan noticed Leno's brief wince. "You good?"

Leno nodded, brushing it off. "Just a thought passing by."

But inside, he reveled in his new strength.

Morgan wasn't convinced. "Another bet, then? Let's see who can finish the second level of the Hunter's Guild assessment faster—physical endurance!"

The second challenge had just begun on the screen, with Kuina, the examiner, overseeing it. The physical test was a brutal gauntlet, measuring everything from weightlifting to speed and stamina. Competitors who passed the first test would face rigorous challenges designed to push their bodies to the limit.

Leno smiled, ignoring Morgan's challenge for the moment.

"You sure you want to bet again? I'm not giving you another chance to win," he teased. Then, casually, he added, "But, if you're interested, I'll tell you a secret."

Morgans, always drawn to juicy information, leaned in. "Oh? What secret?"

Leno's smile widened as he spoke softly, "Roger's child is still alive."

Morgans' bird-like eyes bulged in shock. "What?!" His voice rose, but Leno cut him off with a wink.

"Keep that to yourself," Leno cautioned, sipping his drink.

"You report that, and the World Government will lose their minds."

Morgan sat back, processing the bombshell. He knew the weight of what Leno had just revealed. If true, it would shake the entire world.

"South Blue... there were rumors... but most of the babies born then were killed. Touching that subject is dangerous."

Leno stood, his relaxed demeanor unchanged despite the gravity of what he had just shared. "I'm off to collect my reward. See you at the finish line."

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+30 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg

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