Next Mission

The next day, the newspapers blared with shocking headlines: "Smoker Escapes from Impel Down! 400 Million Bounty Issued!" The Celestial Dragons, upon reading this news, were incensed beyond measure. Their ire sent ripples through the highest echelons of power, prompting swift and drastic actions.

In a bid to mollify the enraged Celestial Dragons, the Five Elders and the top brass of the Navy concocted a plan to frame the Krieg Pirates. They fabricated evidence and stories, declaring that the Krieg Pirates were responsible for the assassination of the Celestial Dragon in the East Blue. As a result, the Krieg Pirates, along with their entire 5,000-strong crew, were ruthlessly executed. This brutal display of supposed justice was meant to serve as a grim warning and a placating gesture to the Celestial Families.

The Five Elders did not stop there. To further appease the Celestial Dragons, they authorized a massive crackdown on piracy. Another 5,000 pirates were captured, regardless of their actual crimes or affiliations, and were gifted as slaves to the Celestial Families. This act of cruelty and oppression was seen as necessary to maintain the fragile balance of power and to satisfy the Celestial Dragons' demands for retribution and control.

With these extreme measures taken, the troops that had been deployed in the East Blue were finally withdrawn.

On the Grand Line, at a secluded Navy branch, Ghost entered the base with a silent, imposing presence. As he approached the bounty exchange office, he waved his hand, and ten severed heads rolled onto the desk. The sight sent a shiver down the spine of the Navy soldier manning the desk, his eyes wide with shock.

"These... these are the heads of the Ancient Bear Pirates," the soldier stammered, his voice trembling. "Captain Wild Bear, 500 million; Vice Captain One-Eyed Jack, 400 million; and the eight cadres, each with a bounty of 250 million."

The soldier, visibly shaken, bowed deeply before Ghost. "Please wait a moment, sir. I need to call the branch head."

He hurried away, returning moments later with Vice Admiral Tosa. Tosa, a towering, bulky man with a long, flowing beard and a massive rifle slung across his back, commanded an intimidating presence.

"Have you verified the heads?" Tosa asked the soldier.

"Yes, sir," the soldier replied, his voice steadier now. "I've double-checked them."

Tosa turned to Ghost, his gaze sharp and scrutinizing. "Can I know your name, sir?"

"You can call me Ghost," Ghost replied coolly. "Now, quickly give me the bounty totaling 2.9 billion berries. Additionally, I have their ships. I hope you can help me sell them."

Tosa nodded thoughtfully. "We can facilitate that, but the price will be 90% of their condition's value. 10% will be kept as profit for the Navy."

"Okay," Ghost agreed without hesitation. "The ships are stationed outside your branch."

As if conjured from thin air, numerous large ships materialized outside the branch. Tosa's eyes widened in surprise. "Adjutant, calculate their worth," he ordered.

The adjutant quickly assessed the ships and reported, "Sir, their condition is excellent. All the ships combined will be about 5.2 billion berries. With 10% kept as Navy profit, the calculated net worth is 4.68 billion."

Tosa nodded in approval and took out a Den Den Mushi (phone snail) to dial headquarters, reporting the significant situation.

As the Den Den Mushi was picked up by Fleet Admiral Sengoku, the urgency in Vice Admiral Tosa's voice was palpable as he reported the situation. "Fleet Admiral Sengoku, we have a bounty hunter here, calls himself Ghost. He decimated the Ancient Bear Pirates and brought back their ships. We need 7.6 billion berries to pay him."

Sengoku, taken aback by the magnitude of the request, paused briefly before responding with a tone that carried both respect and authority. "Alright, I'll send someone with the money. In the meantime, keep him engaged and try to glean any details. See if he's open to the idea of joining the Navy."

"Understood, sir!" Tosa saluted before ending the call, leaving a charged atmosphere in the Navy branch.

In Navy Headquarters, Sengoku turned to Admiral Aokiji, his expression reflecting a mixture of concern and curiosity. "Kuzan, take 7.6 billion berries to the Navy branch where Tosa is stationed. There's a bounty hunter named Ghost there. See if you can convince him to join the Navy."

Back at the Navy branch, Ghost stood with an air of calm authority as Vice Admiral Tosa arranged for the payment. "We're arranging for the payment. While we wait, can I offer you anything? Food? Drink?"

Ghost's response was curt and to the point. "Just the payment. I have no interest in pleasantries."

Tosa, recognizing Ghost's impatience, signaled for refreshments nonetheless. "Very well, but it might take some time. Feel free to make yourself comfortable."

Within three hours, the entrance of Admiral Aokiji brought a distinct aura of authority into the base. Ghost acknowledged his arrival with a casual nod, his demeanor a blend of confidence and nonchalance. "You're always on the move, Ghost," remarked Aokiji, his voice carrying a hint of amusement.

Ghost responded with a wry smile. "Can't deny the allure of money, can we?"

Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Tosa observed the interaction silently, intrigued by the dynamic between the two individuals.

Cutting straight to business, Aokiji issued his command. "Bring the money," he ordered, prompting the Navy soldiers to swiftly produce bags of berries. Ghost, unfazed, effortlessly stored them away, a flicker of satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. "Next time, treasure will do just fine. No need for this much cash hassle," he quipped, displaying his preference for valuable goods over currency.

Seizing the opportunity, Aokiji broached the delicate subject. "Ghost, have you ever considered joining the Navy? I can offer you a direct position as a Rear Admiral," he proposed, the weight of his words resonating in the air.

Ghost, however, dismissed the idea with a shake of his head. "Nah, too much hassle," he replied, embodying his free-spirited nature. "Besides, how much do you make in a year, Aokiji?" he inquired, his tone casual yet probing.

Aokiji's expression shifted subtly, a mix of contemplation and acknowledgment. "I earn around 500 million a year," he disclosed, revealing a glimpse of his financial standing within the Navy hierarchy.

Ghost's laughter echoed through the room, a testament to his boldness and financial prowess. "I make more than that in a few hours," he remarked, injecting a note of humor into the conversation. "Why don't you join me? I'll pay you double what the Navy does," he proposed, his offer laced with intrigue and opportunity.

The surrounding Navy personnel observed the exchange with a mixture of surprise and curiosity, witnessing the unfolding of an unexpected negotiation between two formidable figures.

Aokiji, maintaining his composure, responded diplomatically. "I'll think about it. But for now, I have no plans to leave the Navy," he stated firmly, underscoring his loyalty and commitment to his current position.

Ghost nodded in understanding, accepting Aokiji's decision without protest. "Fair enough. It was nice chatting with you," he remarked, his tone casual yet respectful. With a subtle wave of his hand, the money disappeared into his system space, a testament to his advanced capabilities.

Ghost then produced a paper—the advertisement featuring his motto: "No contract is too dark, no deed too vile, as long as the price is right." The boldness of his statement hung in the air, encapsulating his unyielding determination and pragmatic approach to his mercenary endeavors.

Aokiji accepted the paper with a nod of approval. "I'll have Morgans publish this. Your popularity's bound to soar after dealing with the Ancient Bear Pirates," he remarked, acknowledging Ghost's achievements and impact on the pirate world.

As a parting gesture, Ghost summoned 300 million berries and handed them to Aokiji. "Consider it a token. Don't want you starving on your Navy salary," he quipped, a hint of camaraderie underlying his gesture.

Aokiji, embarrassingly instructed his adjutant to handle the transfer of funds. As Ghost vanished from sight, leaving a lingering aura of mystery and power, Aokiji couldn't help but reflect on the intriguing encounter and the potential ramifications it might have on the future of the Navy and the pirate-infested seas.