Chapter 40: A River Of Blood

# The Recruitment Frenzy

Big Mom launched a solicitation for Gangplank, hoping to strengthen her crew with his formidable power. Meanwhile, Kaido of the Beasts also expressed interest, offering Gangplank a position on the big billboard of the Beasts Pirates.

Jack hadn't yet become the Drought, but having an Ocean Disaster within the Beasts Pirates first would certainly enhance their power. Kaido, ever the strategist, sought to form a powerful pirate group composed of numerous Zoan(strongest Devil Fruit users). However, he didn't limit his interest to just Devil Fruit users; powerful non-Devil Fruit wielders also caught his eye.

Kaido's recruitment of the Red Scabbard Nine, supernovas like Scratchmen Apoo and Basil Hawkins, and now the potential addition of Gangplank highlighted his focus on building a versatile and strong crew.

# Reactions of the Four Emperors

On the Red Force, Ben Beckman observed the slightly frowning red-haired Shanks, who was holding Gangplank's bounty poster. Beckman asked with a smile, "Why don't you try to recruit him? Defeating an alternate Admiral is no small feat."

Shanks, letting the bounty poster slip from his hand, responded, "That kind of guy isn't easily recruited. Besides, can he really reach the New World? The World Government and Navy Headquarters won't let him continue to cause chaos on the sea."

Shanks knew the Five Elders well and understood they wouldn't tolerate anyone who might challenge their authority. Gangplank's journey to the New World would undoubtedly be fraught with danger.

In contrast, Whitebeard was optimistic. "Ku la la la, what a great newcomer," he laughed. "A man on the sea will never fall easily. The New World is his real stage! I'll be waiting for him!"

Whitebeard's crew, confident in their captain's invincibility, joined in his laughter, though Marco's smile was slightly forced. As the ship's doctor, Marco knew that Whitebeard's physical condition was deteriorating, despite his outward Bravado Hanako is a young pirate.

# Gangplank's Predicament

Gangplank, having faced relentless pursuit by Tea Dolphin, Dauberman, and others, found himself deviating from Duke's planned route. The Grand Line's treacherous climate and the constant need for a fixed navigational path added to their struggles. Janna, transforming into a breeze, secretly boosted the fleet's speed, preventing Gangplank's crew from being completely decimated.

Navy Headquarters and the World Government's relentless reinforcements in the first half of the Grand Line left Gangplank with little time to recruit powerful subordinates. He needed to reach the New World quickly to escape the tightening noose of the Navy Headquarters and World Government.

# Duke's Strategic Moves

Duke, reflecting on the high risk and low profit of pirate plundering, turned his focus to commercial monopolies. His investments in expanding the West Blue's lottery shop, constructing water and electric power plants, and other infrastructure projects were yielding significant returns, directly increasing his wealth by 760 million Berries. 

Though Duke had vast wealth, he continued to invest heavily in infrastructure, knowing it would bring enormous rewards in the future. The treasure of Captain John and Sky Island remained on his radar, but his current heroes were inconvenient to dispatch. Instead, Duke decided to rely on new heroes to achieve his goals.

# The Arrival of a New Hero

Duke, seeking to bolster his ranks, initiated a lottery draw. With a consumption of one billion wealth value, he won an S+ level prize: the Hero Scarlet Reaper Vladimir.

**Vladimir the Scarlet Reaper:**

- Grade: 1

- Strength: B

- Physique: B+

- Spirit: B+

- Agility: B

- Potential: S+

- Equipment: None

- Abilities: Blood Contract, Blood Transformation, Blood Tide, Blood Plague, etc.

- Overall Rating: B+

An ancient master of forbidden sorcery, Vladimir was one of the Noxian Empire's oldest mysteries. His mastery over flesh and blood, coupled with his pursuit of immortality through ancient dark descendants, made him a formidable ally. Vladimir's wisdom and strength grew over time, and he aspired to rival the legendary Darkin one day.

In the shadows, Vladimir appeared, respectfully addressing Duke, "My power will be at your disposal until this world becomes a river of blood."

With the addition of Vladimir, Duke now had a fifth hero with S+ potential, joining Janna, the Fury of the Storm, in his growing ranks.

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