Tsuru sighed inwardly.
Dalmatian's death was like a thorn stuck deep in her heart.
Regardless, it was her error in judgment. She failed to keep Hiroto in check, leading the situation to its worst possible outcome.
However, Hiroto...
He was the first pirate she had encountered in many years who could exceed all expectations.
Even the current Warlord, 'Heavenly Yaksha' Doflamingo, although he escaped her hands repeatedly in the past, never gave her this kind of almost unpredictable situation that shocked her every single time.
Sengoku sighed, "How to find the Hiroto Pirates is the biggest issue."
If they could be found, he wouldn't mind having Kizaru make a trip. After all, the growth rate of Sea-Cleaving Swordsman Hiroto was simply too terrifying.
Looking at the other party's track record, one could clearly see a curve rising from low to high, and after every battle, Hiroto's strength would skyrocket. And it wasn't a conventional increase of a few levels, but doubling or even multiplying several times over.
When Garp reported earlier, he mentioned something that Sengoku was particularly concerned about: Hiroto had managed to injure Garp during their clash before escaping.
Even if it was just a small nick and Garp hadn't used his full strength, Sengoku knew very well what this information represented.
Hiroto's strength had taken another leap forward after defeating Moria.
According to the surveillance ship's records, when Hiroto fought Moria, there were clearly times when he struggled and was even wounded.
During the fight with Dalmatian, Marines also witnessed him getting injured.
With just a bit of thought, Sengoku could sense Hiroto's terrifying potential, which was constantly being realized with every passing moment and event.
He hadn't even left the East Blue yet and had already caused such a massive commotion.
Who knows what kind of terrible disaster he would become once he entered the Grand Line and the New World.
Most importantly, Hiroto had already developed hostility toward the Marines, refusing to be controlled and turning his blade against them.
Dalmatian was a prime example.
If Hiroto couldn't be captured and eliminated in a short time, Sengoku had a vague feeling that the next time an opportunity arose, even an Admiral might not necessarily succeed in capturing him.
Faced with the problem Sengoku posed, even the most furious Akainu had no answer.
To eliminate Hiroto and his pirate crew, the first hurdle was how to find him.
The high-ranking Marine officers present also frowned in deep thought, smoking one cigar after another.
Someone suddenly muttered a sentence.
"It feels like facing Golden Lion..."
Sengoku remained silent, then said, "First, let's set Hiroto's new bounty."
Soon, the Marines drafted the new bounty amount.
...
A beautiful day began with the flapping of a News Coo's wings, as fresh newspapers were carried everywhere.
People in the four seas, the Grand Line, and even the New World saw the report splashed across the front page.
"One of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Gecko Moria, is dead? Killed by Sea-Cleaving Swordsman Hiroto!?"
"How is that possible? Moria's bounty from his early years was already 320 million berries, while Hiroto's last bounty was only 100 million berries."
"So Sea-Cleaving Swordsman Hiroto's bounty has gone up too.£
People discussed the matter noisily.
Another loss for the Warlords caused quite a wave of public opinion. After all, just a few months ago, a Warlord had been defeated by Ace.
"Look, what did I tell you? Sea-Cleaving Swordsman Hiroto's momentum is much greater than Ace's."
"What are you so proud of? Look for yourself below. Ace burned Whitebeard's flag and attacked one of the Four Emperors' territory."
"Damn it, why is Ace's report placed below?"
Once positions were taken, the debate became fierce.
Amidst the clamor, Mihawk, who had returned to the New World to visit friends after a fruitless journey through the Grand Line, also bought a newspaper.
His gaze first fell on 'Fire Fist Ace Provokes the Whitebeard Pirates.'
He shook his head and looked at the rest of the page. The 'seed' he had noticed last time was growing at a speed that caught even his attention.
[Sea-Cleaving Swordsman Hiroto]
[Bounty: 400 Million Berries]
[Dead or Alive]
"Quadrupled the last bounty... This kind of situation is quite rare."
"To be able to kill Moria and a Vice Admiral from Marineford at such an age, and as a swordsman to boot. It seems I can look forward to this pirate named Hiroto?"
A hint of anticipation flashed in Mihawk's hawk-like eyes.
Ever since becoming the world's greatest swordsman, he had been in a state of prolonged boredom. He craved the strong, wanting to exchange blows with powerful fellow swordsmen.
Especially after Shanks lost his arm, there was almost no one left to spar and practice swordsmanship with him.
"What are you looking at? Come and have a drink." A sudden voice interrupted Mihawk's thoughts.
Turning his head, he saw a cheerful man with one arm, red hair, and three scars over his left eye.
If any outsider were present, they would surely cry out his identity in terror.
One of the Four Emperors, Red Hair Shanks!
Around him, the laughing members of the Red Hair Pirates were holding a banquet to celebrate Mihawk's arrival.
A massive bonfire flickered with light, the aroma of roasting meat filled the air, fruits from the island were abundant, and an array of precious liquors was on display.
"I've discovered an interesting seed." Mihawk folded the newspaper and stood up to walk toward Shanks.
Shanks seemed to think of something upon hearing this. "The guy who killed Moria? It seems he's quite a decent swordsman, since he's piqued your interest."
"If it's to pass the time, it might be a good choice."
Mihawk said calmly, "But I can afford to wait. A ripe fruit will emit its own fragrance."
"Hahahaha, you really are a wicked fellow."
Shanks laughed loudly, then pushed Mihawk forward with his one hand as the welcoming banquet began.