In addition to the main crew, the bounties for the other members of the Heart Pirates also increased, though the jumps were less extreme. Bepo's bounty rose to 50,000,000, while Shachi and Penguin both reached 70,000,000. Jean Bart's bounty saw a significant increase to 300,000,000. This was logical; while Bepo and the others mostly fought smaller fry, Jean Bart had clashed with a cadre of the Blackbeard Pirates and held his own, justifying the higher reward.
However, Bepo, Shachi, and Penguin found it difficult to accept being overshadowed by their newcomer. As veteran crew members, they felt a sense of pride, though they remained on good terms with Jean Bart. They mostly just emphasized their seniority to keep him in line and ensure he cooperated with the crew.
There was no bounty for Reiju yet, and it remained unclear how the World Government and the Marines would handle the Kingdom of Germa. Since Germa was a member nation, Reiju wondered if it would be removed from the alliance. She knew the World Government had long coveted Germa's advanced technology and might use this opportunity to strip them of their status and seize their assets. However, she knew her father, Judge, would never compromise easily. A thought flashed through her mind, but she quickly cast it aside; she did not need to dwell on those issues now, as she had decided to live for herself.
While the Straw Hats recuperated, newspapers spread across the sea in an instant. In Windmill Village, Makino found the village chief with a smile on her face, holding the new bounty posters for Luffy and Carl. Look, village chief, Luffy and Carl's new rewards are out! One is 3,500,000,000 and the other is 3,000,000,000. They are both amazing!
The village chief acted annoyed. Hmph! There are two big pirates in the village, what is there to be happy about? He snatched the posters, his eyes softening with nostalgia as he looked at them.
The village head says that, but he is actually worried about them, Makino teased.
Who would worry about the Emperors of the Sea? I eat and sleep well every day. I don't have time to worry about those two brats!
Hee hee, then why is there a reward poster posted in your room? Makino asked.
Ahem! Never mind that! Makino, don't talk nonsense. There is no poster in my house! the chief replied. Makino just laughed, choosing not to expose him further. Seeing that Luffy and Carl were safe, she felt a wave of relief. She had been terrified when she heard the Straw Hats were being besieged by two major pirate groups and had nearly reached out to Shanks for help.
At Mount Colubo, in the bandit hideout, two bandits rushed in with the newspaper and the snatched bounty orders. Boss! Boss, it's bad! Luffy, he...
What happened to Luffy? Is he okay? Dadan shouted, rushing to snatch the newspaper. Her eyes filled with tears as she read, and she slapped her two subordinates onto the floor.
What are you two talking about? Isn't Luffy doing just fine? His bounty has increased significantly! You scared me; I thought he was dead!
Boss, you were still worried about him! the subordinates flattered.
I'm worried about that brat? Are you blind? Hurry up and get back to work, or there's no dinner for you tonight! Dadan chased them away and continued to read the newspaper carefully. Though she was not well-educated and struggled with the details, she was certain of one thing: Luffy was alive and well. It's good to be alive, she whispered to herself. You three brats had better keep living. If any of you dares to die again, I'll spank you myself!
In Shimotsuki Village, Koshiro took out the new reward posters for Zoro and Tashigi and pinned them in his room. Reading the news, he showed a relieved expression. Defeating Armand, a cadre of the Big Mom Pirates... my good apprentice has really grown up. It is great to see. As a teacher, I can finally feel at ease. He stared at Tashigi's poster with a wide, bright smile. As for Zoro, his master in Wano seemed to have long forgotten about him.
Many other acquaintances, including Kaya, Nojiko, Vivi, Iceburg, and Rebecca, also saw the news and felt a mix of nostalgia and excitement.
Meanwhile, some within the Marine headquarters reacted violently. Smoker and Hina rushed into the Marshal's office, looking furious as they held Tashigi's bounty poster.
Marshal, why did you set Tashigi's bounty so high? Smoker demanded. You should remember she is our undercover agent within the Straw Hats. If her bounty is too high, it will be dangerous!
Hina added, Hina agrees. We strongly demand that Tashigi's reward be lowered!
Their outburst stunned Fujitora and Green Bull. As the new Admirals, they were not aware of the undercover arrangement. Fujitora frowned in thought, though he could not see the poster. Kizaru continued clipping his nails, seemingly uninterested. Akainu looked annoyed at the intrusion, though for once, he remained silent.
Vice Admiral Tsuru spoke up from the side. Don't get excited, you two. Listen to me first.
Oh, Vice Admiral Tsuru... who are you calling a young couple? Smoker grumbled. Hina and I are just the same age!
Vice Admiral, please don't talk nonsense, Hina added. Hina doesn't have the slightest interest in this blockheaded man, and we are certainly not a couple! Despite her words, the slight blush on her face gave her away.
Tsuru smiled. Listen to my explanation. In the North Blue battle, Tashigi defeated Charlotte Armand, a cadre known for her excellent swordsmanship. If we didn't give her a high reward, it would look suspicious and abnormal.
But won't this make her dangerous? Smoker asked.
Tsuru shook her head. You are blinded by your concern. Her high bounty will actually keep her safe. Think about it: if someone wants to target the Straw Hats, they start with the lowest bounty. If hers were too low, she would be an easy target. Furthermore, a higher bounty ensures the Straw Hats treat her with more respect, which will help her participate in important decisions and make her undercover work much more effective.
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