The next few days were a repeat of the same routine. Morning or afternoon, Zhang Da Ye ran with weights, and occasionally Shark Chili would spot a wanted criminal in the crowd, and Zhang Da Ye would take down the target with his folding stool.
Most of these criminals were small-time, with bounties ranging from hundreds of thousands to a few million.
After a few days, not a single wanted criminal could be found in 59GR. Either they were disguised so well that even Shark Chili couldn't recognize them, or they had escaped to another island.
It was understandable. Many people had seen Zhang Da Ye take down a 1-million bounty criminal with one move, and the same for a 10-million bounty criminal. The golden folding stool had become infamous, giving anyone with a guilty conscience a headache.
According to reliable sources, the golden folding stool was actually the weakest in the tavern.
The criminals instinctively kept a low profile.
After two consecutive days without catches, Zhang Da Ye decided to expand his running area to 58GR and 57GR. The extra distance didn't take much energy or time.
As a result, the three islands became unusually peaceful. Ever since Zhang Da Ye beat up a small-time thief who stole an old lady's fruit without paying, even people attempting free meals became rare.
One day, Zhang Da Ye caught a criminal with a bounty of over 3 million and went to the Navy base to exchange the bounty, accompanied by Artoria and Tom.
Shark Chili and Rui Meng Meng had returned to the tavern earlier. Occasionally, people tried sneaking into the tavern when they weren't around, hoping to get rich.
The legend said the tavern didn't just have a golden folding stool, but also a golden statue.
The folding stool could be carried around as a weapon. The statue, though, probably couldn't be carried around.
Some couldn't resist trying to sneak in at night or when no one was home.
Occasionally, screams came from the tavern's courtyard. Some stepped on mouse traps, others on nails scattered on the ground.
These intruders had a little bit of professional caution, muffling their cries immediately.
But while hopping away on one leg, they often fell into pits or were caught in large nets.
Some tried breaking in through the front door instead, only to step on a rake. The rake would spring up, hitting the intruder's face and knocking them to the ground.
Despite being clearly visible, the rake took down three people in five days. Extremely effective.
The downside? When Tom went to fetch the newspaper in the morning, he often got hit too, leaving his face sore.
Shark Chili and Rui Meng Meng stayed behind to deal with these unlucky greedy intruders as needed.
...
"Da Ye, you've been so diligent lately, bringing in several people almost every day," Major Kuro, responsible for bounty exchanges, complained.
If this continued, it would be a big problem. He couldn't skip work to avoid credit, or he'd cry when payday came.
Zhang Da Ye answered honestly, "I'm short on money."
He was also troubled. Finding criminals was getting harder. Wanted criminals weren't like random game monsters; they roamed in certain areas and would hide, disguise themselves, or flee when they heard a skilled bounty hunter was nearby.
To help, Zhang Da Ye posted wanted notices around the tavern, promising 5% of the bounty for useful tips after capture.
The posters showed criminals wanted in the Sabaody Archipelago. Someone might have seen them.
While helping process the bounty exchange, Major Kuro grumbled. Short on money, and you still have a golden folding stool? Who would believe that?
When leaving the Navy base, Zhang Da Ye saw a familiar face. "Vice Admiral Gion?"
"Ah~ Artoria-chan!" Vice Admiral Gion, about to enter the base, looked pleasantly surprised.
"Hello," Artoria greeted calmly.
"Long time no see!" Gion hugged Artoria, then Tom. "Tom-chan too!"
Then he noticed Zhang Da Ye. "Oh, Da Ye-chan is here too."
"You did that on purpose..." Zhang Da Ye narrowed his eyes. Tom is on my shoulder. Can he see me but I can't see him?
"Hehe~ Da Ye-chan upset?" Gion covered her mouth, smiling, then opened her arms. "Shall I hug you too?"
"No thanks." Zhang Da Ye refused. He had no idea how to handle such a senior officer. The two Navy guards at the entrance suddenly looked much friendlier.
"Is there something important bringing you here today?" he asked.
"What important thing? Da Ye-chan isn't cute at all," Gion said. "I came to see Artoria-chan, just finishing a small task."
"Then we won't bother you." Zhang Da Ye didn't trust her. A vice admiral wouldn't be so free; not everyone is Garp.
"Don't rush off," Gion said. "Is Artoria-chan finally joining the Navy today?"
Artoria shook her head. "No, I'm just here to help Da Ye exchange bounties."
"That Artoria-chan has been blinded by money. We're going to lunch now. Goodbye, Vice Admiral!" Zhang Da Ye didn't wait for her response and pulled Artoria away.
"Really~" Gion turned back into the base. The tavern wasn't going anywhere; she'd finish work first.
...
"Da Ye, why are we walking so fast?" Artoria asked, puzzled.
Zhang Da Ye released her hand. "Nothing, just thinking she's troublesome, the way she talks, that letter last time… always trying to lure you away."
Artoria said, "It's fine. She means no harm. As a senior officer, recruiting talent is normal. I won't agree anyway."
If she meant harm, I'd just hit her with the stool. No harm makes things tricky…
But Artoria was right. She wouldn't agree anyway. The letter had caused enough trouble. Now it was time to see if they could get some Seastone from Vice Admiral Gion.
Speaking of which, it was a mistake not asking Neptune in the Ryugu Palace. Being a kingdom, maybe they had some stock, but now it's too late.
Artoria, not thinking as much as Zhang Da Ye, pointed to a stall. "Da Ye, that cotton candy looks really good."
"Buy it. Didn't we just get allowance yesterday?"
"I spent it all."
Zhang Da Ye: … Did I give too little?
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