Chapter 43 Marine's Attention, A New Reward

In the distant region of the first half of the Grand Line...

At the heart of Marine Headquarters, Marineford...

Stood a grand and imposing structure, the Naval Headquarters building.

The word "Marine" adorned the façade, inscribed with iron gilding and silver accents, radiating a sense of justice that seemed to emanate from within. Its presence invoked awe, commanding reverence from those who gazed upon it.

Within this august edifice...

An expansive hall, adorned with ornate embellishments, lay before us.

Naval Headquarters high-ranking officers had convened, occupying seats on either side of the hall. Platters of delicacies and sake were spread across the tables before them.

A resounding snap drew attention to a bounty poster pinned to a blackboard.

Displayed prominently was the visage of a charismatic figure—magician Alan.

His likeness was accompanied by a staggering bounty of 22 million Berries.

"In this era of the Great Pirates' rise, there's been a constant influx of troublesome newcomers on the seas..."

A Marine officer with verdant hair, the emblem of justice adorning his cloak, spoke solemnly from the podium. "East Blue, often regarded as the 'weakest' sea, is a bastion of peace, yet this year has seen a surge in formidable new pirate arrivals!"

"Two months ago, a young magician renowned for his exceptional magic displays—Badr Alan, became a subject of attention. He attained fame in East Blue, and is now the instigator of the 'Cobylon Island Incident'. His bounty is marked at 22 million Berries, and his actions continue to reverberate..."

"Ah?"

From the audience, a voice chimed in.

"Isn't that the magician known for lethal card throws?"

"I've heard he can slice through steel with a mere playing card, and effortlessly decimate small and medium-sized ships. He's not to be underestimated..."

From another corner, a Vice Admiral leisurely sipped his sake.

This wasn't a formal meeting, hence the atmosphere was relatively relaxed. Major Brannew was sharing new information with the stationed officers at Marine Headquarters.

However, this wasn't without interest or importance.

The talent required to deceive Marine's surveillance was not common among pirates. Few could pull it off flawlessly.

"And now, let's move on to more concerning matters..."

Addressing the officers' intrigue, Brannew grew more serious. "Two years ago, 'Hundred Tricks' Chloe, who had been evading Marine capture, was defeated and imprisoned by a mere 15-year-old magician named 'Magic' Alan. Chloe was then sealed within a mysterious book, with potential Devil Fruit involvement."

"What!?"

"Demon Fruit powers?"

"At 15, he already possessed such strength..."

"No small feat!"

The officers' astonishment was palpable.

Defeating a pirate with a bounty of 16 million Berries at the age of 15 was no small accomplishment.

The potential Alan held was truly remarkable.

"Moreover, the 'magician' Alan has been challenging the bounds of justice repeatedly. He even staged a showdown at the Marine Base's execution grounds in the 153rd Branch. He released 'Hundred Tricks' Chloe, who had been imprisoned for two years, to fight against two budding pirates—Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro. Luffy, a rookie pirate, and Zoro, a pirate hunter who gained fame recently in East Blue."

Brannew's voice lowered.

Photographs of the mentioned individuals were pinned to the blackboard—one depicting a young man with a straw hat, a cheerful smile, and a scar beneath his left eye; the other portrayed a blood-streaked youth wearing a green bandana, clutching knives in both hands and biting another.

It was Luffy and Zoro.

"According to the 153rd Branch's report, both Luffy and Zoro succeeded in defeating 'Hundred Tricks' Chloe, who once had a bounty of 16 million Berries... Additionally, it's been confirmed that 'Straw Hat' Monkey D. Luffy possesses Paramecia Rubber Fruit abilities!"

"Of note, the bounty of 22 million Berries' 'Magician' Alan claims to have joined the Straw Hat Pirates, acting as their vice-captain. Furthermore, Roronoa Zoro, the 'Pirate Hunter,' has also been confirmed to have joined their ranks."

"In essence, the Straw Hat Pirates, though yet to gain much renown, have attracted two powerful additions in a short span. Their potential should not be underestimated. If their power were to burgeon in the future, Marine would need to be vigilant."

Applause followed Brannew's announcement.

Three fresh bounty posters were displayed on the blackboard.

In addition to Luffy and Zoro, a newcomer's bounty was introduced.

Alan's bounty had risen considerably since his previous 22 million Berries.

With a determined voice, Major Brannew declared, "In the name of absolute justice, we mustn't permit them free rein!"

"Aha, the Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, 'Straw Hat' Monkey D. Luffy? Could he really be from that lineage?"

A tall, lean figure entered, seemingly nonchalant, and spoke directly. "But well, let's inform Colonel Naval Headquarters Smoker, stationed at Marine Base in Rogge Town. Let's snuff out these ambitious upstarts in their infancy, before they venture into the Grand Line and become a larger menace!"

"Understood, Admiral Kuzan—"

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