Chapter 4

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Not even a day passed when we finally arrived at the Saboady Archipelago by infiltrating a government ship with Blueno's DF power.

As ex-government spy, They knew the quickest route that the ships took when sailing towards the place.

These guys are professional at sneaking and infiltration. I'm glad that they're so competent.

We're currently at Grove 24, A lawless area. Taking a small table for ourselves while looking for information.

Looks like we just missed Nami and the others. I'm reading the latest news. A report about what happened at the human shop.

Even my hunters were surprised by what the Strawhats had done.

They clearly knew what the World noble means, And Luffy sent a noble flying according to the news.

"Hahaha... The Strawhats are really insane!" (Kaku)

"You look like you're having fun, Kaku." (Kalifa)

"It's not only that, Look at this." (Blueno)

I'm watching my hunters conversing. Kaku was back at his fun-loving attitude. If I'm with them, they're not assassins anymore.

Blueno wanted to leave the Frontline so I responded to his request and asked him to gather information. To be our informant.

Back at St. Poplar, Kalifa had experienced the pure gratitude of a kid. Now, she wanted to do more and protect children from pirates and other bad guys.

"Now this is even more fun. I can't believe the Marines are taking a big risk like this." (Kaku)

"Let's see, A week from now? That's a lot of time." (Shikage)

"What are you planning to do, Guildmaster?" (Blueno)

As the creator of the Guild, It's appropriate to call me the Guildmaster.

I took a sip from my drink and look at the three of them.

"We'll wait for the situation to calm down, the Admiral is still here. After that, We'll split up. Kalifa, You'll be going to shop for clothes and our daily needs." (Shikage)

I threw a coin pouch, It's the spare gems and small treasures that I didn't exchange for money yet.

"Understood. Fufu~ I can buy all sorts of things now." (Kalifa)

Kalifa is a vixen. I didn't know if she's doing it on purpose.

"Next, Kaku. I need your skills as a shipwright. So, Buy materials that would help you in repairing a ship. Oh, please consider that we're building a residential area." (Shikage)

"Yare yare, Guildmaster. It seems like you know everything. Hmm?.. what? So, like a town?" (Kaku)

"Yeah... I'm counting on you." (Shikage)

This time, I gave Kaku the money that I exchanged back at the Water 7. These are the funds for our headquarters.

"So, What should I do?" (Blueno)

"Can you be in charge of our personnel? I want you to recruit Bounty hunters and people who'll work for us." (Shikage)

"If it is that, Leave it to me. With my [Air door], I can let them stay there for a while until we get to that place you're talking about." (Blueno)

"Thanks, you guys... Are we done here?" (Shikage)

I had given them tasks. If it works smoothly, Then our rise in power should also be smooth.

"How about you, Guildmaster?" (Kalifa)

"Let the operation 'Star killer' commence! I'll be there earning our money." (Shikage)

Kalifa opened her eyes wide.

The operation is the capturing of a Supernova. Pirates with bounties surpassing one hundred million ฿. With that kind of bounty, They would benefit much with that amount.

After finishing their food, They separated and proceeds to do their task.

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What a nice weather we're having today! Large bubbles were rising from the ground ahead of me.

"S-spare... me..."

A weak voice behind me starts to talk. Looking back, I saw a tied-up pirate that was being carried by my [Doppelman].

It was my shadow's prey. I am constantly hunting pirates in the last few days.

Rumors had already spread and Reports about my situation had been in the news.

An unknown boy who has the abilities of Gecko Moria.

Government officials and Marines had sought me out and interrogate me every time I brought the pirates I've hunted to them.

I only told them that I found a strange fruit and ate it. There's no way they would know the truth. And they're the ones who chose to keep quiet about Moria's defeat to the Strawhats.

But the WG was worried. Only 5 of the Royal Shichibukai were in the Marineford.

"Please... spare me..."

"Tch. Now you know the feeling of your victims." (Shikage)

My shadow was still carrying the pirate. This guy was an infamous pirate who terrorizes grove 21 for protection fees.

All of the hunts I did were chosen carefully. I only hunt pirates and criminals. If they're wanted and have a bounty, Obviously they had done something to alert the WG and gave them that bounties. Especially those who are evil and bad have high bounties.

But there are exceptions. Just like the Strawhats. They're not in my target zone.

After depositing a pirate to the marine base for the nth time. I moved to the nearest eatery.

Most of the tables are occupied. I took a table at the corner and waited for the others to come.

In my hands is the latest newspaper that I got from the grove 66, The marine base.

Pirate hunting was a major success. Due to the lack of marines in this place, Bounty hunters are the ones who profited the most when capturing pirates without the competition of the marines.

"Damn... The World's attention is really focused on Ace's execution right now." (Shikage)

"Of course, It's only two days until the execution will happen."

I put the newspaper down and saw my hunters sitting at our table.

Blueno is the one who replied to me. After they're done with the tasks, The Hunters Guild finally debuted and captured a bunch of pirates at the lawless area of Saboady.

"So, When will we hunt the bigger prey?" (Shikage)

"Tonight. Your full potential shines the most during night time." (Blueno)

"We already knew where he stays." (Kalifa)

We were debriefing at an eatery. I should've bought an office or place to do our jobs in private.

As we were eating our meals, A bunch of marines came inside the eatery and spotted us.

"Reporting to base, We found the 'Kage-Gari'."

(a/n: *Shadow Hunter)

We heard the leader of the squad reporting. The epithet I got was the one I used every time I hunt.

"You must be the one who's upholding the Justice in these areas. I, no, We thank you... Now then, I have an important message from the Headquarters."

My attention was on the marine, I wonder what message did he bring.

"We have found the remains of Gecko Moria and confiscated the ship, Thriller Bark. We don't have evidence hence we don't know what happens. The WG would like to make a deal with you. The Thriller Bark is yours if you become a Royal Shichibukai and help us with the upcoming battle against the Whitebeard pirates."

We were shocked. I didn't expect this! My ship was confiscated. I should've gone back sooner.

The situation is out of my control. I needed the Thriller Bark so much.

"Guildmaster, I thought the ship was in the Florian Triangle." (Blueno)

"Yeah, I don't know how they confiscated it but they should have a way to know where Thriller Bark is." (Shikage)

"Maybe they used an Eternal pose or something like that." (Kaku)

We all turned to the Long and squared-nose guy.

"W-what? You did say it is an Island-ship." (Kaku)

"""That's It!"""" (Shikage, Blueno, and Kalifa)

"Ehem!"

We noticed too late that there's still marines waiting for my answer.

"I would like you to come up with a decision now. The execution will be broadcasted here in Saboady Archipelago. You shouldn't worry about your friends here. The CP9 turncoats. If they're truly your Nakama, They would be pardon if you join as the Royal Shichibukai."

"Okay... Give us a minute to discuss. I'll be back in a moment." (Shikage)

Now that I was recruited. I think that being one of the Shichibukai sounds good.

It also helps my hunters to have a clear name rather than be a fugitive.

Looks like Moria's power is definitely the main drive of this recruitment.

I can also ask the WG to repair the damages done to the ship instead of relying on Kaku.

After a short discussion between us, We decided to take the deal.

"Understood. Come with me now, We should be on our way to the Marine Headquarters."

"About that... Can I join you guys tomorrow? We still have something to do. This would also help me being accepted as the successor of Moria." (Shikage)

"... Fine. We hope that you would come with us sooner. We'll be at the marine base. Just go there and inform the base. Goodbye! See you at the Marineford!"

The marines saluted to us and left right away.

I couldn't help but sigh at what happened. I'll be a Royal Shichibukai if I go to war with the Whitebeard Pirates.

I already know what will happen in Marineford because of my Shikadiary.

Even so, The benefits that I would get are far more beneficial to me.

"Haa... Troublesome. Let's just do our operation first then we'll make a plan for the future." (Shikage)

"Feels weird being employed with the WG again." (Kaku)

I couldn't help but remember that Kaku would be in the CP-0 if I didn't recruit him.

"Did you know, the other day, The kids gave me a present after I saved them from a criminal. How cute~ fufu..." (Kalifa)

"Thanks to that, The public now knows us. As the Hunters Guild. Kalifa, You're the face of our Guild. Many brands had already come at us to sponsor you." (Blueno)

We continue to converse lightly. There are still hours left until we proceed with our operation.

◇5 hours later, In the evening. Grove 24, Lawless district.◇

*Bang*

*Crash*

The place around was in pieces. A destructive battle is happening right now.

"Is that all you can do?! Huh?!"

A large man was challenging me.

"Urouge! You should've just stayed still and get captured." (Shikage)

Yes! I'm now facing a pirate whose bounty exceeds the 100 million ฿. A supernova and also a side character.

He's strong and has a large crew. And if I didn't have my hunters to support me, his crew would likely overrun me.

With just a simple punch, The place we were fighting was blasted and destroyed by Urouge.

"You know I can't do that, I'm lucky enough to escape from an admiral, Why do you think you can capture me?!" (Urouge)

Urouge stood in front of me while crossing his arms. I know he didn't saw me as a threat.

I'm just an unknown boy who has the power of Moria. But soon It will change.

The youngest ever Shichibukai and has enough power to capture pirates with high bounties!

"Then, It seems that your luck has dried enough! You won't escape from me." (Shikage)

I sent a large swarm of bats to the large brute man. And failed to remember that pain is equivalent to helping Urouge in getting stronger.

All the bites of the [Brick bat] made the already huge Urouge into a more muscular Urouge.

(It doesn't matter, As long as I don't get hit by his attacks. I'll win!) (Shikage)

I didn't care much if his power was boosted. He needed a way to prevent me from swapping with my [Doppelman] every time he attacks me.

The stalemate continues, I don't have enough damage to knock him unconscious and he doesn't have a way to hit me.

But the place around us was devastated. The brute didn't care what he punched as he chases me.

Looks like Moria's original technique couldn't be much of use in dealing with guys like these.

Hands made of shadows slowly appear beside me.

"Try to survive this one, [Shadow Arms: Shigan parade]!" (Shikage)

*Swoosh*

The hands passed me and quickly approached Urouge. He took a guarding stance and cover himself up.

The hands pierced through his skin making Urouge's arms bloody. The big guy retreated and was more alert than before.

I still controlled the [Shadow Arms] to hold him down. The Kage Kage no Mi is fit for subjugation and capture.

"It seems you're not kidding... But! I don't need the luck to beat you!" (Urouge)

A massive pillar was in the hands of the big guy. Our fight is now a fight for survival!

I started to change my [Doppelman] into crows, But their beaks were shaped into spears.

Another original move I created. I decided to make Urouge's body filled with spears.

"Take this you big loaf! [Animate! Shadow Crow: Spear rush]!" (Shikage)

Urouge rushed at me, Dodging some of the spears and parrying It with his pillar. He's charging at me like a bull that has picked a target.

I could feel the intensity and the way to deal with this is to meet it with force.

Standing firmly to the ground, I coated myself with shadows. Another new technique.

The [Blackening]!

"Drop dead Amateur!" (Urouge)

Swinging his weapon at me, Urouge was sure that I would die.

But not me!

*Crash*

My two shadow hands transmute into a shield and lance. I blocked Urouge's attack with my left hand and countered the attack with my right hand.

He's wide open and my lance had pierced him.

"Bloom~!" (Shikage)

I calmly said right before I was sent flying by Urouge. And only stops after I passed thru a few houses.

*Smash*

I don't know how much distance I was sent to but I was out of the grove 24.

The hit was painful. Even walking back was painful. I think some of my bones are broken. Urouge's brute strength is not for show.

After arriving back. I was panting and wheezing.

Then I saw, Urouge's figure. He was so bloody that I didn't even know if he's breathing. His body was filled with holes. Likely, because of my attack.

The moment I said 'bloom' the shadow lance inside his body bloomed and wreak havoc inside Urouge's body. Spikes came out of him and damages his insides.

Looks like I won this fight.

"Woah... I didn't think you have it in you Guildmaster."

"Haa... Kaku? hah... *panting... What're you talking about. He's alive, My shadow is keeping the holes blocked to stop his bleeding." (Shikage)

My hunters came, Kaku lends me his shoulder and we all walk to the Marine base.

My shadow doesn't feel any fatigue and I let my [Doppelman] carry the supernova.

Shortly after, We arrived at the Marine base in Grove 66.

"Hey, Can you report that we have a captured pirate? Also, I'm done here and will join you guys to Marineford." (Shikage)

A surprised Marine came and arrested the pirate. Then another batch of marines came and rewarded us.

My dealings with them were successful and I have admitted to a clinic to treat my injuries.

News already spread overnight about my situation. Just like I wanted, I was famous with just one hunt. Proof that the Supernova is so famous and any news concerning them would be the headlines of the news.

Well, Being a Royal Shichibukai also helps in. Making me known wide and far.

Moria's death has also been in the news and That my power doesn't have any connections to his death.

Hahaha~

If only they knew what I'd done.

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