New bounty

Nicholas quickly arrived at the towering Yarukiman vine tree marked as 13. Upon entering the 13th area, he soon found the location of the bar he was looking for. The bar was built on the exposed roots of the Yarukiman vine tree.

The name of the bar was rather peculiar: "Shakky's Shakedown Bar," seeming to warn incoming patrons to be prepared to be shaken down. However, considering the surrounding forces in the area, naming it "Shakedown Bar" didn't seem so odd, as it was relatively benign compared to the lawless zones, populated by merchants, black market traders, smugglers, auctioneers, etc.

Although the name was strange, the bar was the only solitary building within the entire area of tree roots. Nearby, around other roots, were clustered several houses, indicating the unique status of the bar in this area and the capabilities of its owner.

On the wooden staircase leading to the bar, two seemingly ordinary individuals sat on either side. One wore glasses and had several grim scars on his head, holding a bottle of strong liquor, while the other sat cross-legged with closed eyes, a sword lying across his lap, seemingly meditating.

Seeing Nicholas approaching the bar, the two glanced at him briefly before returning to their activities. Since Nicholas did not emanate hostility, they did not interfere as per their agreement with the bar owner.

Passing between the two individuals, Nicholas ascended the wooden stairs and entered the bar without hesitation.

Inside the bar, a simple and unassuming bar counter stood directly ahead, devoid of trendy decorations, resembling the typical bars found on small islands.

Behind the counter stood a tall and attractive woman—the owner of the Shakedown Bar, Shakky. She leaned on the counter with her left elbow, holding a cigarette in her right hand.

Upon seeing Nicholas enter, a smile spread across her face.

"Nicholas, are you role-playing with this attire?" she teased.

"Haha, you caught me, Shakky. It's been a while," Nicholas replied, removing his mask.

Shakky flicked the ash off her cigarette, remarking, "That's not something the shy little boy from before would say. Seems like even little boys grow up, huh?"

"Haha!" Nicholas laughed, brushing off Shakky's banter, knowing he could never outwit her verbally.

Taking a seat at one of the chairs by the counter, Nicholas glanced at the assortment of fine wines on the shelf behind Shakky and joked, "Shakky, aren't you going to offer me a drink or two?"

"My stuff here is quite expensive. Are you sure?" Shakky teased back.

"What, not even a single drink?" Nicholas feigned disappointment.

"Just kidding," Shakky chuckled.

She then turned around, fetching a bottle of fine wine from the West Blue and two glasses, pouring a drink for Nicholas and herself.

"I won't hold back then," Nicholas said, raising his glass after taking a sip.

"Oh, by the way, those two outside are...?" Nicholas inquired, referring to the two individuals guarding the entrance.

"Two friends. It's necessary to demonstrate some strength when running a business in this area. But what about you? How did you end up mingling with Garp's son?" Shakky asked, showing her understanding of Nicholas's connections and power dynamics.

Nicholas nodded, acknowledging Shakky's insight into the strength of the guards outside, who were likely on the level of Vice Admirals, sufficient for this location.

Shakky curiously observed Nicholas, waiting for his response.

"I see something in Dragon, and besides, Shakky, don't you find this sea a bit boring?" Nicholas replied, meeting Shakky's gaze.

"Boring?" Shakky looked puzzled.

"Yeah, boring. The Navy, the pirates, the World Government, the Celestial Dragons, the nobles of various kingdoms... Despite the ongoing conflicts between pirates, the Navy, and various kingdoms, it's all just minor skirmishes. So, I want to liven things up a bit and also divert some attention away from me."

For Nicholas, whether it was the Yonko in the future, the powerful Marines led by the three Admirals, or even Doflamingo's thoughts of reform, his greatest enemies would always be the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. The fundamental conflict of interests between the two sides would not tolerate each other's existence.

"Just hearing you talk like this, are you planning something big?" Shakky inquired, seemingly intrigued by Nicholas's cryptic statements.

Nicholas nodded, affirming Shakky's assumption.

The conversation between them fell silent for a long time. Eventually, Nicholas couldn't help but ask, "Shakky, aren't you curious about the big thing I'm talking about?"

"Not really. As a retired person, I'm not interested in your big plans," Shakky replied with a smile, offering Nicholas a cigarette.

Then, Shaking her head, she chuckled, "I almost forgot, Nicholas, you don't like smoking."

Sighing out a puff of smoke, Shakky continued, "Look at these wanted posters"

Looking the table Nicholas picked up wanted posters, featuring Roger's picture prominently. Below were the bounties, with Roger at 2,billion Berry. Following closely were Whitebeard at 1.9 billion Berry, then Kaido at 1.85 billion Berry, Golden lion Shiki at 1.85 billion and even Charlotte Linlin with her 1.85 billion bounty, and finally Albert Nicholas at 1.7 billion berry

"It looks like the World Government is really investing heavily!" Nicholas exclaimed, astonished at the substantial increase in bounties for most pirates in the new round of wanted posters. His bounty had skyrocketed, indicating the government's determination to capture him.

"Nicholas, now you're a walking treasure trove. I wonder how many people want your head for the bounty," Shakky remarked.

"Wait, why is it my head and not Roger's or Whitebeard's? Their heads should be worth more, right?" Nicholas questioned.

"Among them, you look the youngest and most vulnerable, don't you?" Shakky replied matter-of-factly.

Before Nicholas could retort, Shakky exhaled another puff of smoke, earnestly advising, "Nicholas, although I don't know what you're up to, remember one thing: don't underestimate the Celestial Dragons. The names of the Twenty Kings once made the whole world kneel."