Chapter 8: Soaring Wealth

Within Naval Headquarters at Marine ford,

Sengoku slammed the message onto his desk, seething with anger,

"Since when could a rookie pirate waltz into a Marine Base so easily?"

"That Ulton is a fool,"

"Have we forgotten our vigilance against pirates after all this time in West Blue?"

If Ulton hadn't misused Marine Base's funds,

Even at Gangplank's lower level of power,

It wouldn't have been so simple for him to decimate the 86th branch base's defenses in one go.

"Gangplank's kind is beyond Ulton's league in terms of threat!"

"It seems a formidable pirate has emerged in West Blue!"

Garp picked his nose, flicking a booger onto Plank's photo, muttering under his breath,

"In less than a month at sea, uniting numerous pirate groups to breach a Marine Base directly!"

Such potent rookie pirates have been rare even since the start of the Great Pirate Age.

"Newbie pirates these days are terrifying,"

"If we don't eliminate Gangplank swiftly,"

"He'll surely become this year's supernova!"

After Garp spoke, Admiral Kizaru, present at Naval Headquarters, took a sip of tea, a mischievous smile crossing his lips,

"A bounty of 65 million!"

"Order Rear Admiral Bastille to hunt him down,"

"Capture Gangplank, and Bastille can be promoted to Vice Admiral."

Sengoku sighed, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

"The fight between the New World redhead and Kaido demands constant vigilance. We mustn't divert too many forces!"

"Also, hasn't a hero named Marine emerged in the 86th branch, capable of rivaling Gangplank?"

"For now, let's appoint that Marine as the acting base commander of the 86th branch!"

"With powerful pirates rising, the Marines need fresh strength!"

Compared to the major pirates in the New World,

Gangplank's almost infiltration into a branch Marine Base is relatively insignificant.

The so-called supernovas are mere specks to Sengoku, Kizaru, and others at the apex of the sea.

The harsh sea always reveals the true terror to self-proclaimed righteous pirates.

News of Planck's sixty-five million bounty spread far and wide.

His first bounty of 65 million garnered immense attention,

Especially in West Blue!

Countless pirates hailed Gangplank's audacity to assault a Marine Base and slay a Rear Admiral.

The mighty always draw admiration and pursuit from the weaker.

Many West Blue kings and nobles quivered at Gangplank's infamous name.

He swiftly ascended to branch lieutenant colonel.

Galen, also temporarily leading the 86th branch,

Worked tirelessly to restore the base,

While extracting vital intel from Marine's networks,

Tracking all West Blue pirates' movements!

With Gangplank and Galen's might, they easily bested most West Blue pirate groups!

Yet, locating them proved the greatest challenge.

One key reason for Duke sending Galen to the Marines was to...

With Marine's widespread influence aiding in gathering pirate intel for Duke,

They could also provide cover for Duke's upcoming plans.

Using Marine intel, Planck and Galen launched a fierce hunt in West Blue.

Pirate groups in the region either fell to Gangplank's sway or Galen's might.

The chaos escalated as Plank's presence grew.

Amidst this turmoil,

Duke's fortune soared!

After seizing and looting the 86th Marine branch base, Gangplank gifted Duke 735 million in Berry's!

Ulton's original fortune was over 700 million Berry's,

But much was spent acquiring the Hito Hito no Mi wild boar fruit,

Leaving 735 million Berry's.

This was just from the 86th Marine branch base,

Plus Gangplank's gains from other conquered pirate groups,

Duke's Berry's surged to 1.3 billion.

"In this sea, plundering is indeed the quickest route to riches!"

"Yet, plunder alone won't sustain long."

Duke gazed at the quiet 1.3 billion on the system panel, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Pirate groups nearby were nearly decimated by Galen and Gangplank.

For substantial wealth, attacking Marine bases or conquering kingdoms were the routes.

Ordinary towns held little riches.

Thus, continuous assaults on Marine branches and World Government-affiliated territories were essential for wealth accumulation.

I think I can make a lot of money!

Planck might not live for long.

The current Planck isn't a serious match for the World Government and Navy Headquarters.

Duke had no plans to trade a hero's life for money.

Every hero is Duke's most valuable asset.

Duke never considered relying solely on robbery for money!

How much money can you really get from robbing?

There are many ways to earn money!

But now, the most important thing is,

It's time to draw!

"System, give me an A-level lottery!"

After showering and changing clothes, Duke pressed the draw button!

[100 million Berry's value spent, Host's remaining Berry's is 1.2 billion!]

[Congratulations, Host, for winning the A-level prize and getting the Hex Demon-Drinking Knife!

Hex Demon-Drinking Knife: Provides a small boost to attack power and mental resistance when equipped. Also, creates a shield when the user takes a lot of damage, absorbing damage from Haki or Devil Fruit abilities for the user!]

"The Hex Demon-Drinking Knife?"

"Not bad,"

"But A-level prizes like the Hex Demon-Drinking Knife are just the beginning. What about S-level prizes like the Resurrection Armored Siren Killer?"

Duke glanced at his remaining 1.2 billion wealth and felt uneasy for no apparent reason.

It always feels like there's never enough to spend!

"System, give me another A-level lottery!"

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