Chapter 9: ROGEN'S BOUNTY

In the days that followed, Rogen learned that the ship's ultimate destination was the island of Nansi in the East Blue, where Hina's family conducted their business. Hina, despite being just sixteen years old, was already responsible for managing the family affairs. Her power and noble nature convinced everyone on the ship of her kindness and earned their trust.

As a month passed at sea, the ship made three stops for refueling and replenishing supplies. During this time, Rogen developed strong relationships with the entire crew, particularly with Hina. Their meeting felt like a miracle, marking the beginning of a great love story that held endless possibilities for their future.

On the day the ship completed its refueling and began to leave the port, the sailors were enjoying a leisurely lunch break under the warm sun. Suddenly, several seagulls appeared in the sky, carrying packages around their necks and dropping newspapers as they flew over the boat. One of the colorful papers landed on a sleeping crew member's face, waking him up. He picked up the paper and read its contents in shock.

"What is this!?"

"Gol D Rogen, wanted with a reward of 110,000,000 berries!"

"Attention, this person is extremely dangerous. If you find him, immediately inform the Marines or eliminate him. The reward is irrespective of his life or death!"

As the crew members read the words on the paper, fear and horror filled their eyes. To ordinary people, such a huge bounty was only offered to legendary pirates in the Grand Line. They couldn't believe that Rogen, who had spent days and nights with them, could turn out to be such a dangerous individual.

"We have to do something. Rogen has revealed himself to be a terrible murderer."

"We must inform Captain Hina immediately and show her the truth about Rogen."

"But during this time, Rogen hasn't shown any signs of being a bad person!"

Some crew members hesitated, unable to believe that Rogen, who had been with them for so long, could be a criminal.

"What do we really know about him? He never spoke about his past."

"And when he fell onto the ship, it seemed like everyone already knew he was at war with the Marines. He was injured and sought refuge on our ship."

After half an hour of whispered discussions, the crew members decided to secretly inform Captain Hina about their concerns.

"Hina!"

Hina, busy checking the family's business documents in her room, looked up when she heard her crew calling her. She glanced at Hant, noticing the tension on his face.

"What's wrong?" Hina asked, setting aside her documents.

"Hant, what's the matter with you?"

Hant took a deep breath and approached Hina, speaking in a quiet voice. He showed her the paper with Rogen's wanted poster.

"Rogen, the person you saved, is wanted with a substantial reward," Hant revealed. "He has been deceiving us all along!"

"He's dangerous, with a reward of 110 million!" Hant continued, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Hina's expression remained unchanged, aware that many rumors were unreliable. However, when she saw the Marine emblem on the wanted poster, her face changed.

"This is the latest order from the Marines, it's authentic," Hant assured her. "Rogen is a vicious criminal—a scoundrel and a bastard! He deceived you and all of us."

Hina clenched her fists, her face transforming with a mix of anger and disbelief. She listened to Hant's words but couldn't find her own voice. Finally, she uttered a single command.

"Get out!"

"Hina, you can't let him deceive you. We must inform the Marines immediately. Otherwise, we don't know what this guy might do to us," Hant pleaded anxiously.

"I said get out!" Hina's gaze bore into Hant. "Get out!"

Hant, stunned by her reaction, attempted to say something but ultimately sighed and left the room.

Hina, frustrated and sighing heavily, stared at Rogen who was still smiling outside her room. She struggled with her decision, knowing it would not only impact her blossoming relationship with Rogen but also the lives of the sailors aboard the ship.

Who was Rogen, really?

During their time together, Hina had found Rogen to be cheerful and optimistic. His smile was sincere whenever he looked at her. Yet, from any angle, Rogen didn't seem like a bad person.

"How could someone with a reward of 110 million berries be like this? He can't even defeat me. Why does he have such a high bounty?"

"I refuse to believe it! I refuse to believe that he's a bad person!"

With determination, Hina struck the table with force, then stepped out of her room and made her way towards Rogen.

Unbeknownst to her, Hant had gathered the crew, his intentions clear.

"I spoke to the captain, but she disagreed with our concerns."

"She's still too young to face her lover; she's been deceived by this guy."

"We must deal with him ourselves."

"Let's call the Marines and inform them about Rogen. They need to take care of him."

The crew reached an agreement. If this dangerous individual remained on the ship, they couldn't find peace.

"His reward is worth every bit of trouble."

Hant's face revealed a hint of greed.

"110,000,000 berries."

The eyes of those around Rogen glittered with anticipation.