Chapter 87: The Most Diligent Shichibukai, All Bounty Hunters?

Group Jade Pavilion, Conference Room

Natsu gathered the officers of the Smile Pirates and the captains of the affiliated pirate crews for their first-ever meeting.

"Everyone is here, so I hereby declare that the first general meeting of the Smile Pirates is now starting."

"I have the following points to announce for this meeting: First, the Smile Pirates will enter a hunting era for the next three months. The goal is to eliminate all nearby pirate crews to ensure the absolute safety of the Smile Pirates' surrounding seas."

"Second, gather information on the Sky Pirates and locate the legendary pirate, Gold Lion Shiki!"

"Third, the Smile Pirates will implement a points system. All pirate crews can accept bounty missions at the central hall of Smile Island, and upon completion, they can exchange points for weapons, equipment, Smileist techniques, cultivation methods, and even Devil Fruits."

As soon as Natsu finished speaking, the captains of the affiliated pirate crews became excited and began whispering to each other. After all, a Devil Fruit could instantly raise their strength to the level of a powerful pirate.

While they may not become the strongest in the world, it couldn't stop their enthusiasm. Devil Fruits were the easiest way to become stronger, and who wouldn't want to make a name for themselves and shock the world?

Wealth, fame, and power—no one would refuse them. After all, why would anyone go out to sea if not to achieve these things?

Three hours later, the meeting ended, and everyone left with excited smiles on their faces. As they looked back at the grand and towering Group Jade Pavilion, the captains tightly clenched their fists. This was the place they had always dreamed of.

This was the center of power for the Smile Pirates, a symbol of strength.

One month later, the seas around Smile Island were free of pirate ships, except for the Smile Pirates' vessels and merchant ships that came to trade. The seas had now become infamous among pirates and were whispered about as the "Demon Sea."

To enter Smile Island, pirates now had to buy tickets.

At Marine Headquarters, Marineford.

Sengoku's face was extremely grim. Recently, the number of captured bounty pirates had skyrocketed. He initially thought it was due to the efforts of his subordinates in the Navy, but upon investigation, he discovered that it was all thanks to the Smile Pirates.

They had collected all the bounties, and in just one month, they had received a total of 2.5 billion Berries. From pirates with bounties of a few million Berries to notorious pirates with bounties of 200 million Berries, a wave of fear had spread throughout the pirate world. Whenever the name Smile Pirates was mentioned, pirates would tremble in fear.

Privately, the Smile Pirates were being called the most loyal dogs of the World Government. After all, there were currently six Shichibukai, but why was it only them who seemed to be running around hunting pirate crews?

"Hahaha, Sengoku, isn't it a good thing that there are fewer pirates?" Garp, seeing Sengoku's grim expression, laughed happily and patted him on the shoulder.

"Good thing? As a Shichibukai, if you're truly serving the World Government, why are you still taking bounties?!" Sengoku snapped. "In just one month, the Navy has spent 2.5 billion Berries. Do you think the Navy is rich enough to pay for this? Natsu, what is that guy doing?!"

"Hmm, isn't that right? Then why are there prices marked on the bounty posters? (*￣rǒ￣)," Garp said with confusion, picking his nose. He flicked a piece of dirt from his finger, which disappeared, causing Sengoku's blood vessels to bulge in frustration. He immediately kicked Garp out.

"Get out of here, Garp! Just seeing you pisses me off! (눈益눈)"

"Tch, you're really boring," Garp muttered as he left, then walked toward the office of the Chief of Staff.

...

In a certain part of the Grand Line, the Smile Pirates' affiliated pirate crew was enveloped by a massive shadow after eliminating a group of pirates. Everyone looked up in terror as several enormous islands were floating high in the sky above them.

This scene reminded them of Natsu's instructions and the ability of Gold Lion Shiki, who possessed the Float-Float Fruit, which allowed him to make islands float thousands of meters in the sky.

"Captain, we've found Gold Lion's territory!" a pirate shouted excitedly. This was a big achievement. Over the past period, many pirate crews had used their points to exchange for powerful weapons and equipment, and some even bought Smileist techniques.

As for the strongest, the Ironclad Pirates, their captain, who had eaten the Ironclad Dragon Devil Fruit, had successfully exchanged for a Devil Fruit. While its ability was unknown, it had made all pirate crews excited. With points, anything was possible.

"Alright, let's go quickly! We must not be discovered!" Captain Kyojin of the Tank Pirates said with a serious expression. He immediately ordered a swift retreat toward the Sea of Chaos.

After all, he was also eager for a Devil Fruit, and the points for discovering Gold Lion's location were quite rewarding. With the points he had accumulated, he could now open a Devil Fruit blind box.

He hoped to get a powerful Devil Fruit.

The Devil Fruit blind box was the Smile Pirates' latest system to encourage pirate crews. Inside were Devil Fruits that Natsu didn't want. Most were ordinary Zoan-type fruits, but there were also a few Paramecia-type fruits.

While the Smile Pirates were busy hunting, Natsu wasn't idle either. He enjoyed opening lottery boxes. Although he didn't get many valuable items, it was great for improving his subordinates' abilities. Most of the items he exchanged were products he had won from the lottery.

...

"We've found Gold Lion's location?!" Natsu exclaimed with a smile, his handsome face breaking into a grin. Just at this time, he had spent all his Berries on lottery draws. This was the moment he'd been waiting for—the legendary Gold Lion. How much was his bounty again?

"Kumo, gather the crew! We're setting sail!" Natsu ordered Kumo beside him. Regardless of whether Gold Lion was a has-been or still strong, he was still a legendary figure, a power from the old era that couldn't be underestimated.

This time, all members of the Smile Pirates, except Karina and Noriyuki, who stayed behind to watch the base, set sail. It was going to be an exciting battle.

The Smile Ship set sail, attracting the attention of everyone on Smile Island. Countless members of the affiliated pirate crews cheered loudly. Many of them had never seen their big boss in action before. Normally, only Kumo and a few others would come to Smile Island to eat and drink.

The entire Smile Pirates crew leaving for this mission caused a stir, also drawing the attention of marine undercover agents and CP0 from the World Government.

After all, even as Shichibukai, pirates were still pirates. The Navy and World Government would closely monitor the Smile Pirates, because, although they were strong, they had been appointed Shichibukai for certain special reasons.

The threat level was terrifying, and the Navy and World Government wouldn't trust them.

To be continued…

Support me!!!

( Follow me on Patreon.com/ Pirate_Kingman!) To read up to chapter 100+

} Don`t forget to give Power Stone if you like this story {