This time, the Navy had come fully prepared. After hearing Zhang Da Ye report the bounty, they brought out every wanted poster within range. But after checking one by one, none matched.
A sharp soldier splashed a basin of cold water on Brak's face, waking him up, and interrogated him.
Brak confessed at once: he had faked his bounty. He had drawn an extra stroke on his wanted poster, turning 16 million into 76 million. His so-called crew had all been tricked into following him.
The ship itself had been stolen. He had bluffed a small-time pirate crew into submission using his fake 76 million name, then stolen their ship and forced his "followers" aboard.
Still, the man wasn't completely useless—he knew a little navigation. Thanks to that and his knack for bluffing, they had managed to sail the Grand Line for several months, robbing a fair share of small-time merchants.
Since he hadn't caused any major incidents, his bounty was never updated. And those who didn't pay attention to information never realized their "captain" was a fraud.
Recently, Brak had heard of the lawless zone on the Shabody Archipelago, a place where nobody interfered. He had planned to seize a small territory, then slowly expand his influence by deceiving stronger fighters into following him.
But he hadn't expected to be caught the moment he set foot on the island. Now, he collapsed at T-Bone's feet, sobbing bitterly. "I regret it, I really regret it! Please, let me go!"
But the righteous Lieutenant Commander T-Bone wasn't moved. He kicked Brak aside. "Save those words for the judges at Enies Lobby. If I let you go, what about the civilians' future?!"
Zhang Da Ye felt a wave of disappointment, but remained polite. "I'm sorry, Lieutenant Commander, for filing a report before confirming his true bounty."
"This isn't your fault," T-Bone said sternly. "The seas are full of deceitful pirates. Confirming their identities and bringing them to justice is the Navy's duty. Regardless of the amount, he is still wanted. Later, come with me to the base to claim the bounty."
"Understood. Then, what should be done with this pirate ship?"
Zhang Da Ye had the impression that background ships were usually sunk, and wasn't sure what real bounty hunters did with captured vessels.
T-Bone explained: "Since you defeated the pirates, the ship and all its contents belong to you. If you don't wish to keep it, you may hand it over to the Navy for recovery, or sell it to a local shipyard."
The marines this time were honest. They didn't try to trick him into giving up the ship.
The adjutant even kindly advised him: if he turned it in to the Navy, the price would be lower but fair; if he sold it to a shipyard, he might get more, but it depended on his own bargaining.
Zhang Da Ye had no intention of keeping it. Even if he set out to sea one day, he wouldn't sail such a wreck. Better to sell it. And he had acquaintances in the shipyard.
Never did he expect that his first time aboard a ship in this world would be en route to a Navy base.
Since many of the captured pirates were too injured to move, Zhang Da Ye suggested letting the Navy borrow the ship.
So T-Bone ordered twenty marines to haul thirty pirates aboard, then raised anchor and sailed along the coast toward the base.
Zhang Da Ye's bubble car, filled with goods, wasn't forgotten either.
The marines handled the ship with precision, every action neat and by the book—exactly as Artoria had once described. Clearly, they trained rigorously.
During the short voyage, the enthusiastic marines even cleaned the filthy deck. Accustomed to spotless warships, they couldn't stand the mess.
Following the World Government's special waterways, they entered the harbor behind the base.
Zhang Da Ye had always collected bounties at the front building. This was his first time seeing real warships.
Four ships docked in the harbor: one large, three small. The large vessel had only a few guards on watch; the smaller ships held dozens of marines drilling in formation.
Even the "small" warships dwarfed the pirate vessel he stood on.
White sails, emblazoned with blue seagull insignia, gleamed in the sun. Neatly arranged cannons jutted from camouflaged hulls. The more Zhang Da Ye compared, the more he despised the pirate ship beneath his feet.
Tom, perched on his shoulder, looked left and right with wide-eyed curiosity. Then he hopped onto the deck, mimicking the marines—running, standing at attention, and even giving crisp salutes.
Some sailors chuckled, finding Tom amusing. Unfortunately, as rank-and-file soldiers, they weren't allowed to carry extra supplies during missions. Otherwise, they would've fed him on the spot.
Most marines stationed at Shabody came straight from headquarters. Their discipline and energy were undeniable. Even Artoria, watching their drills, nodded with approval.
Beforehand, T-Bone had called ahead. After confirming identities, the ship was allowed temporary docking, and the pirates were carried off one by one.
"Please follow me," T-Bone said.
They couldn't enter the base buildings directly. Instead, he led them around to the front.
There, at the familiar bounty exchange counter, was the same lazy-faced Major Kuro. At the sight of T-Bone, however, Kuro immediately straightened his posture—he couldn't stand the upright Lieutenant Commander's lectures.
"Long time no see, Da Ye," Kuro greeted after saluting T-Bone.
"Indeed," Zhang Da Ye replied politely. "Sorry to trouble you again, Major."
T-Bone explained the situation. This time, Kuro personally filled out the form, handed it to T-Bone for signature, and processed the bounty.
Brak's official bounty, plus the seized weapons and additional armaments found in the hold, came to a total of 16.5 million. Enough to be carried in a sleek black briefcase.
"Oh, right. Da Ye, here's my Den Den Mushi number," Kuro said, sliding over a slip of paper. "Next time you come to claim bounties, call ahead so I can prepare."
"Wouldn't that be too much trouble?" Zhang Da Ye asked, puzzled by his sudden warmth.
"Not at all. It'll improve efficiency," Kuro said smoothly.
"Well said," T-Bone praised. "That kind of diligence is what every marine should strive for. Keep it up, Major Kuro. I believe it won't be long before you're promoted to my level."
Kuro forced a smile. Once T-Bone and Zhang Da Ye left, his assistant whispered excitedly, "Major, you're finally working toward promotion?"
"Promotion? Hell no," Kuro muttered. "Promotion means transfer, transfer means more dangerous missions. I just want to coast safely until retirement."
"Then why give him your number…?"
"So that when he calls, you'll remind me. I'll take leave and hand the job off to someone else."
"…"
"Even handling bounty exchanges counts as achievement. A few hundred-thousand bounties don't matter, but this guy's already bringing in pirates worth tens of millions. What happens if he keeps this up?"
Kuro frowned, calculating. If Zhang Da Ye kept delivering pirates like this, the accumulated credit might "accidentally" secure him a promotion—exactly what he didn't want.