Tiger Shark Island
This place is a den of lawlessness.
For a long ti, it has existed in a state of complete anarchy, where violence and conflict are rampant.
However, even on this island, an unspoken rule prevails: no one dares to rob the shops.
Even the most notorious pirates who arrive here understand that they must spend their hard-earned Berries to purchase goods. Fighting and killing are confined to disputes amongst themselves, never spilling over to affect the rchants who operate on the island.
This is partly a customary understanding within the underworld. Pirates who indiscriminately rob here would be ostracized by all, finding no safe haven for resupply in the future. On the other hand, anyone capable of establishing a business on such a volatile island is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with.
"Excellent! Full of spirit!"
The Polaris gently glided to a stop along the shoreline. Sensing the raw aggression and skirmishes echoing across the island, Rhodes licked his lips, a predatory grin forming.
What he craves most right now is a good fight!
But they can't be too weak.
"I'll stay here and keep watch over the ship."
Law, still bearing the fresh marks of recent beatings, volunteered.
Only he knew the extent of the tornt he had endured these past two days.
However, Rhodes wasn't one for empty gestures. After days of relentless training, Law seed to be on the verge of grasping sothing new, a burgeoning power within himself.
"Bepo will stay and watch the ship with you."
Looking at Law, whose body was a canvas of bruises, Bepo spoke hesitantly.
Even though Law insisted he was fine, Bepo felt a strong urge to remain by his side.
Hehe, bear is so dependable.
"Alright then, Penguin, Shachi, Grey, Nia, the four of you head out to procure supplies, and make it quick. Neru and I will scout for information and see if we can locate a chef."
"Do I have to go too?! I want to stay on the boat!"
Even from the relative safety of the ship, Grey could clearly hear the cacophony of gunshots and the chilling screams of those eting their end. The air itself was thick with the acrid sll of gunpowder and the tallic tang of blood.
"What are you talking about? We don't understand your contraptions. You need to acquire the necessary materials for your research yourself."
Nia waved dismissively, practically dragging them off the ship and towards the chaotic island.
Penguin and Shachi exchanged a look, positioning themselves on either side of Grey, acting as reluctant bodyguards as he disembarked.
In truth, they possessed a rudintary understanding of chanics, having assisted Dr. Wolfe on occasion.
However, since Captain Rhodes had given the order, Grey was going whether he liked it or not.
Furthermore, Grey needed so toughening up. While not a fighter, he couldn't afford to remain completely defenseless. This sea was a perilous place, and their ambition was to conquer it.
"Let's head out too. Law, I'm leaving the Polaris in your capable hands."
Watching Nia and the others disappear into the island's fray, Rhodes nodded to Law, then led Neru in the opposite direction.
His keen perception sensed several individuals with significantly strong auras in that direction, likely sources of valuable information.
"Is that their pirate flag?"
On a nearby hillside, a man and a woman lay prone, binoculars pressed against their eyes, observing the pirate ship anchored along the coast.
"Crossed swords and guns with a fist on top... yes, that's undoubtedly the Rod Pirates!"
The man glanced down at a well-worn booklet in his hand, his voice tinged with excitent.
"This is a big catch! The combined bounty of the entire crew has reached 185 million Berries!"
"Incorrect! It's 185 million and 200 Berries!"
"Don't fuss over the small change."
"Be ticulous in your work! Shoji!
With that attitude, when will you ever get promoted? The reason I chose to partner with you was because I saw your potential and believed you had a real shot at moving up the ranks soon. But if you can't correct your sloppiness and maintain a rigorous work ethic, I'll have to request a different partner!"
The strikingly beautiful and fiery woman fixed her partner with a stern gaze.
"Yes, yes, I understand! Margaret!"
Shoji nodded profusely, his eyes wide as he looked at his partner beside him.
They were both mbers of Baroque Works, but rely on the lowest rung on the ladder.
Baroque Works, the organization they belonged to, was a formidable power originating from the Grand Line. The company boasted a strict hierarchy, descending from the President to the Chief Commander, Executive Commander, Billionaire Agent, and Millionaire Agent.
They currently languished as Millionaire Agents, the very bottom tier.
Their ambition was to be promoted to Chief Commander, a position that ca with significant benefits provided by the company. Chief Commanders were only deployed for challenging missions and held the authority to command both Billionaire and Millionaire Agents at their discretion.
However, advancent within the company was notoriously difficult. Promotions required demonstrable rit, and Chief and Executive Commander positions were subject to re-election whenever vacancies arose.
Yet, a golden opportunity had presented itself!
By reporting intelligence on the Rhode Pirates, and if the company dispatched senior officers to apprehend them, the two who first discovered the prey would receive considerable rewards and recognition.
As for whether such high-bounty pirates could be successfully captured?
Baroque Works hailed from the Grand Line. These North Sea pirates must have committed truly heinous acts to warrant such a substantial bounty from the Marines. Their actual strength, however, might not be as impressive as their reward suggested.
As luck would have it, Mr. 11, an Executive Commander within the company, was currently on the island for unrelated business.
"Shoji, use the Den Den Mushi to contact Mr. 11 imdiately. I'll keep watch over them."
Due to her captivating appearance, Margaret had been personally chosen by the Executive Commander and entrusted with a Den Den Mushi that allowed them to contact him directly, facilitating the swift reporting of valuable intelligence.
"Okay!"
Shoji fumbled in his pocket, retrieving a small Den Den Mushi and quickly dialing Mr. 11's number.
Bru~ Bru~ Bru~
"Wait, where did they go?!"
Margaret, peering through her telescope once more, was visibly bewildered.
While they had been talking, the figures that were initially on the ship had vanished. All that remained was the large polar bear with a paltry bounty of 200 Berries, babbling and gesturing nonsensically, its actions indecipherable.
As for the individuals who had been led away by the Catwoman, Nia, their heading suggested they were likely headed towards the comrcial district for resupply, and could probably be located there later.
But where were their captains? The "Mad Sword" Rod, with a bounty of 71 million Berries, and the "Black Gun" Neru, carrying a 44 million Berry price tag? She had clearly seen them just monts ago.
Frantically scanning the surroundings with her telescope, unable to locate the two elusive figures, anxiety etched itself onto Margaret's face.
They wouldn't have run off, would they?
Kacha~
"This is Mr. 11. What is it?"
"We are the Millionaire Agents, Shoji and Margaret. We've located traces of the Rod Pirates on the west coast."
"Hahahaha, a pirate crew with a total bounty of 185 million and 200 Berries! You keep a close eye on them, and your efforts will be duly rewarded upon their capture."
Mr. 11 chuckled heartily, and after issuing a few brief instructions, he hung up the Den Den Mushi.
"We have a real chance at promotion!"
Having ended the call, Shoji couldn't contain his excitent, only to find his partner staring at him, beads of sweat trickling down her temples.
"What's wrong, Margaret?"
"Looking for ?"
Margaret didn't respond. Instead, a slightly nacing voice echoed from behind Shoji.
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