Chapter 69: in Motion.

The early morning light filtered through the Marine base on Sabaody, casting long shadows across the grounds as Vulcan observed the training fields. In the past four months, he had watched these Marines transform from a disorganized and hesitant group into a focused, well-disciplined force. The once-aimless training field now buzzed with energy; every Marine in sight seemed driven and committed to the purpose Vulcan had instilled.

The sight stirred a sense of satisfaction in Vulcan, though he kept his expression neutral as Commodore Rys joined him.

"They're different now," Rys murmured, nodding to the Marines sparring and practicing combat techniques. "Feels like a real base here."

"Good," Vulcan replied. "They needed to wake up, and now that they're finally awake, it's time to give them a mission worth their training."

Rys raised an eyebrow. "You've got something big in mind, don't you?"

Vulcan's lips curled into a slight grin. "I do. Gather the senior officers and meet me in the briefing room."

Within minutes, the officers assembled in the briefing room, all of them curious about what Vulcan had planned. He began by pacing in front of the gathered Marines, arms crossed as he assessed them.

"Sabaody," he began, "has always been chaotic. Pirates, slavers, and criminal organizations treat this place like a free-for-all, while the Marines have been too scattered to make a real impact."

He looked around, meeting the gaze of each Marine in turn. "But we're changing that. We've got order here now, discipline—and that means we can start building something new. Something to bring stability to this island, and maybe even beyond."

The room was silent, anticipation thick in the air as the Marines waited for him to continue.

"We're establishing a new base: a Bounty Hunter Headquarters."

Rys shot Vulcan a questioning look, but he continued without pause.

"This won't be a Marine-only operation. The Bounty Hunter Headquarters, or BHH, will be a neutral space where bounty hunters can come for information, share intel, drink and even team up in organized hunter groups. We'll provide a safe environment for them to gather without clashing with one another, and we'll provide intel on pirates or high-value targets within the Grand Line."

One of the lieutenants raised a hand, skeptical. "Are we sure we want bounty hunters around our Marines? They're not known for their… restraint."

Vulcan nodded, understanding the concern. "That's where the Marines come in. We'll keep order and discipline. The BHH will include a training area, open to both Marines and bounty hunters, where we'll enforce rules and demonstrate what it means to follow Marine conduct. If they want access to our information and resources, they'll comply with our standards."

A murmur rippled through the officers, and Vulcan could see a mix of intrigue and doubt in their faces.

Rys, still wary, asked, "And why involve bounty hunters at all?"

"Because," Vulcan answered, voice steady, "even with our improvements, we're still understaffed. Our base can't possibly patrol every corner of Sabaody effectively on its own. But if we work with bounty hunters, we gain more eyes, more hands—and we get valuable allies who know the island's underworld better than anyone else."

The officers exchanged glances, some nodding in agreement.

"We'll also provide training to bounty hunters, giving them the same techniques we use, under our supervision," Vulcan continued. "This not only equips them to help us but also gives us insight into their skills and loyalty."

Rys leaned forward, interested now. "And what's in it for them, besides the intel?"

"Simple." Vulcan smirked. "They get access to real-time pirate information, and they'll be able to group up safely without worrying about Marine interference. They'll also receive rewards and recognition for bringing in valuable targets. And, if they prove reliable, they could become trusted allies."

The room fell silent again as Vulcan's words settled. He could see the shift in their expressions—skepticism fading into cautious optimism.

"All right," Rys said, sighing in resignation but giving a slight grin. "It's ambitious, Rear Admiral. But if you think it'll work, I'm in."

Vulcan clapped his hands, signaling the end of the briefing. "Good. Then let's get started."

That afternoon, the first steps were taken to convert an old, unused warehouse into the BHH. Vulcan and Rys oversaw the work, clearing out debris and bringing in supplies for a bar, training area, and meeting space. Marines installed security equipment, keeping tabs on key areas, while the renovations transformed the space into a hub for incoming bounty hunters.

Once the setup was complete, word was quietly spread to select informants and reliable contacts around Sabaody. Within hours, bounty hunters began trickling into the BHH, curiosity piqued.

Vulcan waited for them in the main hall, where he had stationed several of his senior Marines to maintain order. He stood at the front of the room, hands clasped behind his back as he looked over the faces of the bounty hunters gathered before him—some curious, some cautious, others openly skeptical.

One bounty hunter, a grizzled man with a scar over his eye, stepped forward and crossed his arms. "So, what's all this about, Marine?"

Vulcan met his gaze without flinching. "This is the Bounty Hunter Headquarters. A space where you can gather, plan, and share information with one another—and with us."

The man raised an eyebrow, glancing at the Marines around him. "You Marines are usually our biggest problem. Why change that now?"

"Because we're interested in results," Vulcan replied. "Sabaody needs stability, and neither of us can achieve that alone. You bring us intel, work with us to take down criminals, and in return, you get safe access to information, rewards, and resources. This is a partnership that benefits us both."

The room murmured with interest, and a few of the bounty hunters nodded.

"And what about rules?" another hunter called out. "We're not used to taking orders."

"You're free to come and go as you please," Vulcan answered, "but if you operate within the BHH, you'll follow our standards. That means no infighting, no cheating, and no freelance brawls. You cause trouble, and you're out. Simple as that."

The grizzled bounty hunter scratched his chin thoughtfully, then gave a nod. "Fair enough. Guess I can handle a few Marines watching my back if it means getting the jump on some pirate scum."

With that, the tension in the room began to dissipate, replaced by an understanding among the bounty hunters. They didn't have to like the arrangement, but they recognized its potential value.

Over the next few days, Vulcan led the first training sessions at the BHH, bringing together bounty hunters and Marines alike. They ran drills, sparred, and trained side-by-side, gradually breaking down the barriers between the two groups.

Rys watched with mild surprise as Vulcan orchestrated the sessions, ensuring that both groups worked together seamlessly. Some of the bounty hunters proved skilled fighters, earning the respect of the Marines, while others quickly realized they had a lot to learn.

Gradually, the Marines' skepticism faded as they saw the advantages of Vulcan's plan firsthand. By the end of the week, the initial alliance between Marines and bounty hunters began to take shape, and the BHH was buzzing with activity.

Late one night, Vulcan and Rys sat in Vulcan's office, reviewing the reports from their intel-gathering efforts. The Marines who had been sent on surveillance missions returned with valuable information on hidden pirate coves, slave auction locations, and criminal strongholds.

"This is solid work," Rys commented, scanning through the reports. "If we use this intel right, we can start turning the tide here."

Vulcan nodded, satisfaction evident in his gaze. "We will. We'll start by cracking down on the areas with the highest pirate activity, make Sabaody a place they don't want to be."

Rys leaned back, letting out a breath. "It's working, Vulcan. It's actually working."

Vulcan allowed himself a small smile. "It's just the beginning."

With that, they turned back to the reports, the foundation of their plan now firmly in place as they prepared to reclaim Sabaody, one step at a time.

"Den Den Den"

"Den Den Den"

A DenDen Mushi rang in the office, Rys ever the curious asked "Who do you think it is?"

Vulcan looked at the denden mushi and said "Probably nothing good, if they call at this hour" carefully Vulcan grapped the denden mushi.

"Rear Admiral Vulcan speaking"

"YOU STUPID BRAT, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING, WHO GAVE YOU AUTHORIZATION FOR THIS"

The yell was so loud that even when Vulcan threw the denden Mushi out of his hands, the volume of the yell did not decrease. "Ahhh, I forgot about him"

"DON'T STAY SILENT, EXPLAIN YOURSELF"