Chapter 199: The Power of Reputation
The scene shifts back to the Overcharging Bar.
After Shanks asked when the Dream Exploration Group would enter the New World, the entire bar fell silent.
"I can't answer that question right now because our dream is to map the entire world!
That means we have to travel all seven routes in the first half of the Grand Line, from Twin Cape to Sabaody Archipelago.
Right now, we've only completed one of them.
There are still six more to go, and no one knows how long that will take." Ryuen looked at Shanks for a moment before replying.
"All seven routes?" Shanks was shocked.
"That's right!"
"Otherwise, how are we supposed to complete the map?" Ryuen looked at Shanks like he was an idiot.
"I see..."
"To be honest, your dream is truly amazing." Shanks' tone carried a hint of bitterness as he spoke.
Right now, they had only mapped East Blue, yet the Dream Exploration Group had already gained incredible fame.
Once they finished mapping the first half of the Grand Line, sailing in Paradise would become much easier.
Aside from the occasional extreme weather, most of the risks would be greatly reduced.
That meant that pirate adventures in Paradise would lose much of their thrill, which was the reason for Shanks' bitter feelings.
"Of course!"
"Our dream has always been great!" Ryuen said proudly.
Even Hogg puffed out his chest in pride.
Shanks then glanced at Beckman, as if asking him something. Beckman gave him a small nod in response.
"Hey, hey, hey!"
"What are you two playing at?" Ryuen asked with some annoyance.
There was no way their little silent exchange could escape his sharp eyes.
"To be honest with you, Captain Ryuen…
The reason we want to know when you'll enter the New World is because of the tense situation there right now.
Everyone in the New World is trying to guess which force you'll go after first once you arrive.
A lot of people are waiting to watch the show." Shanks said seriously.
"Oh..." Ryuen let out a long "Oh" as he rubbed his chin.
He now understood the Red-Haired Pirates' concerns—they were afraid the Dream Exploration Group would stir up trouble in the New World.
He looked at Shanks again, his expression shifting slightly.
After all, a major event was about to happen in the New World soon.
"Captain Ryuen, this is a very important matter.
Your reputation is already known across the world.
The moment you enter the New World…
Even though you're not pirates, I can guarantee that many pirates will be eager to follow you!
Your reputation is that powerful!" Shanks said seriously.
"You've got to be joking."
"Shanks, we're not pirates. Why would they want to follow us?" Ryuen found it strange.
"This isn't a joke!
Even though you haven't even entered the New World yet, you already have a massive number of admirers there.
When the time comes, whether it's people who genuinely want to follow you or those looking for a way out of the pirate life…
Many of them will seek to join the Dream Exploration Group!" Shanks said with a heavy tone.
Now that Shanks had laid it out so clearly, Ryuen finally understood the bigger picture.
He almost forgot—this world was crazy about idols and worshiping strong figures.
Once someone became an idol to these fanatics, they would follow them with absolute loyalty, no matter what.
That's why many pirates loved having high bounties. A higher bounty meant greater fame, and with enough fame, they could attract followers.
"Ahhh—"
"This is really a headache… followers and all that…" Ryuen said with a troubled expression.
"Huh???"
"Why? Isn't it better to have more followers—"
*Thud!*
"Ouch! Beckman, why did you hit me?" Shanks turned around and looked at Beckman with a wounded expression.
Before he could even finish speaking, Beckman had already smacked him on the head.
Seeing Shanks get hit, Ryuen silently lowered his raised hand, acting as if nothing had happened.
—
Island 1.
At the auction house of the employment agency, Violet received word from her father. The Marines had gotten involved, which made her very happy.
*Knock, knock, knock…*
"Violet, what are you doing? The young master said we need to gather immediately!" A voice came from outside the door.
"I'm coming!"
Violet called out, quickly adjusting her outfit before stepping out.
Inside a large room, Doflamingo was already waiting. Everyone from the Donquixote Family who had come to Sabaody Archipelago was present.
Beside Doflamingo, Sugar, the user of the Hobby-Hobby Fruit, was munching on blueberries. Behind them stood Trebol.
Also in the room were Gladius, Machvise, and Dellinger.
Including Violet, the Donquixote Family had sent a total of seven people for this mission at Sabaody.
"In about an hour, those useless fools will be arriving. I'll be gone for roughly half an hour during that time.
Your job is to protect Sugar. Her safety is absolutely critical—she is the key to this operation.
Understood?" Doflamingo said in a strict tone.
"Understood!"
"Young master (Doffy)!" the others responded immediately.
Doflamingo scanned his officers with satisfaction and gave a small nod.
Then, he turned to Violet and asked, "Violet, where is the Dream Exploration Team right now?"
Violet raised her palm over her right eye. After a few seconds, she lowered it and said calmly, "They're currently at a bar on Island 13."
Only she knew how shocked she truly was—those women had completely disappeared from her sight. She couldn't find a trace of them anywhere on the island.
But she didn't mention it. Her job was to cooperate with the Dream Exploration Team, though she wasn't sure when they would contact her.
"Island 13…" Doflamingo frowned in thought.
He had just received news that the entire Red-Haired Pirates crew was heading to Island 13. That made things much more complicated.
However, with nine Celestial Dragons arriving soon, there would also be an Admiral assigned to protect them. That thought put Doflamingo at ease.
"Fufufufu…"
"Dream Exploration Team, let's see if you can survive an attack from a Marine Admiral and multiple CP0 agents at the same time!"
"Fufufufufu!!!"
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