119 Bounty Hunting and Incidents: Free Meal Challenge

Yhwach walked through the bustling streets of Sabaody, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of their next move. Ginjo's voice echoed in his mind, a constant presence that kept him grounded amidst the chaos of their surroundings.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) So, what's the plan now, Yhwach? We've dealt with those pesky kidnappers, but we still need to figure out how to get your rowboat coated for deep-sea travel. Any ideas?

Yhwach glanced around the crowded streets, his keen eyes scanning the bustling activity as he considered Ginjo's question. It was clear that they needed to acquire the necessary funds, but the question remained—how?

Yhwach: (Mental Link) We need to find a way to obtain the funds for the coating. Perhaps there's a job we can take on or a service we can offer in exchange for payment.

Ginjo's laughter echoed in Yhwach's mind, his tone light but tinged with amusement at their predicament.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) Well, I hate to break it to you, Yhwach, but it looks like we're fresh out of options. Unless you plan on robbing a bank or something, I don't see how we're gonna get the money we need.

Yhwach paused for a moment, considering Ginjo's words carefully. In this era of pirates and seafaring adventures, traditional banks might not exist as they did in other worlds. However, there were still ways to acquire wealth, especially in a place as lively and diverse as the Sabaody Archipelago.

Yhwach: (Mental Link) Indeed, Ginjo. While traditional banks may not be prevalent in this era, there are still opportunities to acquire wealth. We'll need to think outside the box and find alternative means of obtaining the funds we require.

Ginjo's laughter echoed in Yhwach's mind once more, his amusement evident as he responded to Yhwach's assessment of their situation.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) Ah, leave it to you to find a loophole, Yhwach. Well, I'm all ears. What's the plan?

Yhwach's lips curved into a thoughtful frown as he continued to walk through the crowded streets of Sabaody, his mind racing with possibilities. Suddenly, his gaze fell upon a bustling restaurant, its doors open wide to welcome patrons from all walks of life.

Yhwach: (Mental Link) Perhaps we can offer our services to this establishment in exchange for the funds we need. It appears to be a popular spot, which means they likely have a need for additional help.

Ginjo's laughter subsided as he considered Yhwach's suggestion, his tone more serious as he weighed the potential risks and rewards.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) Hm, not a bad idea, Yhwach. It's worth a shot, at least. But just remember, we're not here to cause trouble. We're just looking to earn an honest living, like everyone else.

Yhwach nodded in agreement with Ginjo's assessment, his expression resolute as he approached the entrance to the restaurant. Yhwach pushed open the door to the restaurant, his mind already formulating a plan to offer their assistance in exchange for the funds they needed.

As Yhwach stepped into the bustling restaurant, his eyes scanned the interior, taking in the lively atmosphere and the delicious smells wafting from the kitchen. Just as he was about to approach the owner to offer their services, a colorful poster caught his attention.

It was a promotion for a "Free Meal Challenge" – eat fifty meals within a set time limit, and the meal would be on the house. Yhwach's lips curled into a thoughtful smirk as he read the details. It seemed like fate had presented them with an opportunity.

Yhwach: (Mental Link) Ginjo, I think I've found a solution to our problem. This restaurant is offering a free meal challenge. If we can finish fifty meals within a certain time frame, we'll get the coating funds we need.

Ginjo's voice echoed in Yhwach's mind, his tone filled with skepticism as he responded to Yhwach's revelation.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) Fifty meals? Are you serious, Yhwach? Do you really think you can eat that much?

Yhwach chuckled softly at Ginjo's skepticism, knowing full well that consuming fifty meals was an impossible feat for any ordinary person. But Yhwach had never been one to play by the rules, especially when it came to securing what he needed.

Yhwach: (Mental Link) No, Ginjo, I can't eat that much. But who said I'll have to eat it all?

Ginjo's voice echoed in Yhwach's mind, his curiosity piqued by Yhwach's cryptic response.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) What do you mean, Yhwach? Are you planning to cheat?

Yhwach's lips curved into a mischievous grin as he considered his options. While he wasn't fond of cheating, desperate times called for desperate measures.

Yhwach: (Mental Link) Let's just say I'll find a way to make it work.

Ginjo's laughter resonated in Yhwach's mind, his amusement evident as he responded to Yhwach's ambiguity.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) Well, I can't wait to see what you come up with, Yhwach. But you know, if Zaegar were here, we wouldn't have to worry about any food challenge. That crazy hollow could eat the whole island and ask for seconds.

Yhwach's thoughts drifted to Zaegar, The Primordial Hollow whose appetite was as infamous as his strength. It was true that having someone like Zaegar on their side would make things much easier.

Yhwach: (Mental Link) You're not wrong, Ginjo. We definitely don't want a hollow-induced feeding frenzy turning this into a disaster. I can't help but wonder, though, where has Zaegar wandered off to?

Scene Break - On the Other Side of Sabaody Archipelago

The chaos orchestrated by Zaegar and the Four Kings unfolded before us.

Zaegar: Rocks are too boring, mates! Let's give 'em a taste of... rummages through the pile ...spicy coconuts!

The Four Kings squawked and chirped in agreement, each grabbing armfuls of coconuts and launching them like cannonballs at the unsuspecting Straw Hat pirates, who were taken completely by surprise.

First King: Let's give 'em a taste of our coconut fury, boys! Operation: Coconut Cannonball, commence!

As the Four Kings continued their coconut onslaught, one of the Straw Hat pirates, Brook, the skeletal musician of the Straw Hat crew couldn't help but find amusement in the absurdity of the situation. He chuckled at the sight of four birds and a peculiar lizard-like creature hurling coconuts their way.

Brook: Yohoho! What a sight! Four birds and a lizard with wings? This is quite the spectacle!

However, Brook's laughter was cut short when his eyes met Zaegar's gaze. At that moment, a wave of indescribable fear washed over him, gripping his very soul with icy tendrils of terror. It was as though he was staring into the abyss itself, and it was staring back at him.

Brook's jovial expression faltered, replaced by a look of profound dread. His body shuddered uncontrollably, his bones rattling with fear even before Zaegar drew near. It was a fear that transcended rationality, emanating from the depths of his being and consuming him entirely. what Brook was currently feeling was the weight of unfathomable darkness emanating from the Hollow's very being.

Brook: (In thought) W-What... is this feeling? It's as if... as if I'm staring into the eyes of Death itself...

His words trailed off into a whisper as he struggled to maintain his composure in the face of Zaegar's chilling presence. The once-merry skeleton now found himself paralyzed by fear, unable to tear his gaze away from the creature that seemed to embody all his deepest fears and nightmares.

Zaegar's gaze, filled with curiosity and a hint of amusement, fixated on Brook as the skeletal musician trembled in fear. It had been a long time since someone had reacted so strongly to his presence, and Zaegar found himself intrigued by this unexpected turn of events.

Zaegar: You... You can sense it, can't you? The darkness that dwells within us?... The fear that grips your very soul.

Brook's bones rattled even more violently as Zaegar spoke, the sheer magnitude of the Hollow's presence sending waves of terror coursing through his being. He struggled to find his voice, to form coherent words in the face of such overwhelming fear.

Brook: Y-Y-You... Who are you? What... What are you?

Zaegar's grin widened as he disappeared from his previous location, utilizing Sonído to appear right in front of Brook. The suddenness of his appearance only added to Brook's fear, causing him to take a step back involuntarily.

Zaegar: Me? Oh, I'm just a humble little hollow that's searching for his good ol' partner that's currently lost.

His voice carried a deceptive charm, belying the darkness that lurked within him. Despite his seemingly friendly demeanor, there was an undeniable aura of menace surrounding Zaegar, a fact that did not escape the notice of the nearby Straw Hat pirates.

Luffy, the captain of the Straw Hat crew, observed Brook's state with concern, his expression shifting from confusion to determination. He recognized the danger posed by Zaegar and was quick to react, leaping into action to protect his crewmate.

Luffy: Hey! What do you think you're doing to Brook?

Just as Luffy said this he lunged forward, aiming a powerful punch at Zaegar. However, before his fist could make contact, Zaegar vanished once again, leaving only a faint afterimage in his wake.

Scene Break - Back at the Restaurant

Meanwhile, inside the bustling restaurant, Yhwach had just finished the last of the fifty meals required for the free meal challenge. Despite the incredulous stares of the staff and other patrons, he had managed to complete the daunting task in record time.

Yhwach wiped his mouth with a satisfied grin, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him. However, his moment of triumph was short-lived as the restaurant's owner approached him with a smug expression on his face.

Restaurant Owner: Well, well, well, looks like we have a winner! Congratulations on completing the challenge... and racking up quite the bill in the process.

Yhwach slowly turned to face the smug restaurant owner, his expression darkening with a hint of irritation. With a piercing gaze, he spoke in a tone that brooked no argument.

Yhwach: I believe our agreement was for a free meal in exchange for completing your challenge. I trust you intend to honor your end of the bargain.

From within Yhwach's mind, Ginjo couldn't help but comment on the situation.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) Looks like someone's about to learn the hard way not to mess with us, huh?

The restaurant owner, undeterred by Yhwach's intimidating presence, pressed on with his demand for payment, oblivious to the danger he was courting.

Restaurant Owner: I don't care who you think you are, buddy. You ate fifty meals, and that's gonna cost you. Ten thousand berries, to be exact!

Before the owner could finish his sentence, Yhwach lifted his finger with a calm yet imposing gesture. In an instant, the air around him crackled with energy as his reiatsu surged forth, emanating from his very being.

With a flick of his finger, Yhwach released a fraction of his spiritual pressure, causing the ground beneath the restaurant to tremble and crack. The building groaned and creaked under the immense force, before finally collapsing in on itself with a deafening crash.

The patrons screamed and scrambled for safety as chaos erupted within the restaurant. The owner, who had been standing defiantly just moments before, now found himself sprawled on the ground amidst the rubble, his expression one of shock and disbelief.

Yhwach stood amidst the wreckage, his demeanor calm and composed despite the destruction he had wrought. His eyes bore into the owner with a silent warning, daring him to challenge him further.

Yhwach: Let this be a lesson to you and anyone else who dares to deceive me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more pressing matters to attend to.

As Yhwach stepped out of the wreckage of the collapsed restaurant, he cast one final glance back at the chaos he had left behind. The restaurant owner lay amidst the rubble, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief.

As he strolled through the lively streets, Yhwach couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at having dealt with the deceitful restaurant owner. However, his victory was short-lived as he realized that they were still no closer to obtaining the funds they needed for the coating of their rowboat.

Turning his thoughts inward, Yhwach reached out to Ginjo through their mental link, his voice echoing in the recesses of his mind.

Yhwach: (Mental Link) Ginjo, it seems we're back to square one. Any ideas on how we can acquire the funds we need?

Ginjo's voice, ever present in Yhwach's mind, responded with a hint of contemplation as he considered Yhwach's question.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) Well, Yhwach, we could always try our hand at some honest work. There are plenty of opportunities in a place like this, especially for someone with our skills.

Yhwach nodded thoughtfully at Ginjo's suggestion, considering the possibilities as he continued to walk through the crowded streets.

Yhwach: (Mental Link) True, Ginjo. Honest work might be our best bet at this point. But what kind of work do you have in mind?

Ginjo's voice echoed in Yhwach's mind, his tone tinged with excitement as he offered up a few suggestions.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) Well, we could always try our hand at bounty hunting. With your abilities, I'm sure we could track down some wanted criminals and collect the rewards.

Yhwach considered Ginjo's suggestion carefully, weighing the risks and rewards of such a venture. While bounty hunting was certainly a viable option, it also carried its fair share of dangers, especially in a place as lawless as the Sabaody Archipelago.

Yhwach: (Mental Link) Bounty hunting could work, but we'd need to be careful. The last thing we want is to draw unwanted attention to ourselves.

Yhwach nodded in agreement with Ginjo's suggestion, his expression thoughtful as he considered the possibilities.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) Fair point. How about offering our services as mercenaries instead? There's always someone looking to hire muscle in a place like this.

Yhwach's lips curved into a thoughtful frown as he considered Ginjo's suggestion. While becoming mercenaries was certainly a viable option, it also carried its fair share of moral implications.

Yhwach: (Mental Link) Mercenaries, huh? It's certainly an option worth considering. But we'll need to be selective about the jobs we take on. We don't want to end up on the wrong side of the law.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) Agreed. We'll need to choose our contracts wisely. But I have a feeling we'll find plenty of opportunities in a place like this.

As Yhwach walked through the bustling streets of Sabaody, contemplating Ginjo's suggestions for acquiring funds, he eventually stumbled upon a lively bar tucked away in a corner of the archipelago. The raucous laughter and chatter emanating from within piqued his curiosity, drawing him closer to the establishment.

Ginjo's voice echoed in Yhwach's mind as they continued their conversation, discussing the merits of various potential avenues for earning money in their current predicament.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) Bounty hunting might be our best bet, Yhwach. It's risky, but the rewards can be substantial if we're successful.

Yhwach considered Ginjo's words carefully, his mind already formulating a plan as he approached the entrance to the bustling bar. Stepping inside, he took in the lively atmosphere, the scent of alcohol and sweat mingling in the air.

As Yhwach scanned the crowded room, his eyes fell upon an empty chair at the bar. Without hesitation, he made his way over and took a seat, his mind buzzing with anticipation.

Just then, the bartender approached, a knowing glint in his eye as he sized up the newcomer.

Bartender: What can I get ya, newcomer?

Yhwach leaned in closer, his voice low as he posed his question to the bartender.

Yhwach: How does one go about bounty hunting in these parts?

The bartender chuckled, pouring a glass of rum for a customer seated next to Yhwach before turning his attention back to the eager newcomer.

Bartender: Ah, you're new to the game, huh? Well, let me tell ya, bounty hunting ain't for the faint of heart. It takes guts, skill, and a bit of luck to make it in this business.

As he spoke, the bartender gestured subtly toward a burly figure with a rugged beard seated at one of the nearby tables.

Bartender: You see that big guy over there? The one with the beard? He's one of the best bounty hunters in these parts. If you want to learn the ropes, he's the one to talk to. Just be careful, though. Bounty hunting can be a dangerous game, especially for newcomers like yourself.

Yhwach nodded in understanding, his gaze drifting toward the indicated individual. Despite the bartender's warning, he felt a surge of determination coursing through him. If bounty hunting was the path to securing the funds they needed, then he was more than willing to rise to the challenge.

Yhwach approached the table where the bounty hunter was seated, As he drew closer, he could feel the gaze of the other patrons lingering on him, their curiosity palpable in the air. The bustling bar seemed to quiet down ever so slightly as all eyes turned to watch the interaction unfolding before them.

As Yhwach drew closer, one of the men seated at the table caught sight of him and nudged the big guy with the beard, signaling his presence. The Bounty Hunter turned his gaze towards Yhwach, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the newcomer.

In one swift motion, he kicked the man seated in the chair next to him, sending him sprawling onto the floor with a loud thud. Then the Bounty Hunter gestured to the now empty chair next to him, a silent invitation for Yhwach to join them.

The man grumbled and cursed as he picked himself up off the ground, shooting daggers at Yhwach as he begrudgingly vacated his seat. Meanwhile, Hunter's expression remained unreadable as he watched Yhwach take the offered seat.

With a flick of his hand, Hunter signaled for the bartender to bring another round of drinks, his gaze never leaving Yhwach's face. It was clear that he was sizing up the newcomer, trying to gauge his intentions and capabilities.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of silence, The Bounty Hunter spoke in a gravelly voice.

Bounty Hunter: So, what brings a newcomer like you to my table, eh?

His voice was rough yet tinged with a hint of amusement, as though he found the situation somewhat entertaining. 

Yhwach met the Bounty Hunter's gaze his expression serious as he spoke.

Yhwach: I've heard that you're one of the best bounty hunters in these parts. I'm here to learn how to earn berries through bounty hunting.

The men seated around the Bounty Hunter erupted into laughter at Yhwach's words, their boisterous amusement filling the air.

Man #1: Did you hear that? This old man thinks he can be a bounty hunter!

Man #2: I've seen it all now! An old-timer like him trying to make a living through bounty hunting? What a joke!

Their laughter echoed through the bar, filling the air with their mocking tones. However, the bounty hunter remained silent, his expression unreadable as he studied Yhwach with a calculating gaze.

Bounty Hunter: Are you serious, old man? Bounty hunting ain't no joke.

Yhwach met the bounty hunter's gaze with unwavering determination, his voice steady as he responded.

Yhwach: Do I strike you as someone who jokes around? I'm here because I'm serious about learning the trade.

The bounty hunter's expression softened slightly at Yhwach's words, his gaze lingering on the newcomer for a moment longer before he nodded in acknowledgment.

Bounty Hunter: Hmph, I suppose you've got a point there. Very well then.

With a curt nod, the Bounty Hunter signaled to the man seated next to him, gesturing for him to bring up the list of wanted individuals currently on the island.

Bounty Hunter: Fetch the list, Sol. Let's see what we're working with.

As Sol retrieved the list of wanted individuals, the bounty hunter turned his attention back to Yhwach, a glimmer of respect in his eyes.

Bounty Hunter: Alright, old-timer. Since you're serious about this, I'll give you a crash course in bounty hunting.

He gestured to the list of posters as Sol returned, spreading them out on the table for all to see.

Bounty Hunter: These are the wanted individuals currently on the island. Each one has a bounty on their head, and it's our job as bounty hunters to track them down and capture them, dead or alive.

Yhwach nodded, understanding the basic premise of bounty hunting. It was a simple yet dangerous profession, one that required skill, cunning, and sometimes brute force.

Bounty Hunter: Now, the bigger the bounty, the more dangerous the target. Some of these individuals are notorious criminals with hefty rewards on their heads, while others are small-time crooks with minor offenses.

As he spoke, the bounty hunter pointed to one of the posters on the table, depicting a rough-looking individual with a scar across his cheek.

Bounty Hunter: Take this guy, for example. He's wanted for robbery, assault, and murder. The authorities are offering a hefty reward for his capture, dead or alive. Your job would be to track him down, subdue him, and bring him in for questioning. If you're successful, you'll collect the bounty and get paid.

Yhwach listened intently to the bounty hunter's explanation, his mind already racing with the possibilities. While he had never been a bounty hunter before, he was confident in his abilities to become a bounty hunter since it would be similar to his time with Night Raid.

Yhwach: it's essentially a matter of tracking down these individuals and bringing them to justice, either by capturing them alive or eliminating them if necessary.

The bounty hunter nodded in response, his expression serious as he continued to explain the finer details of the trade.

Bounty Hunter: That's the gist of it, old-timer. But make no mistake, bounty hunting can be a dangerous business. These criminals aren't going to go down without a fight, and some of them are more dangerous than others. You'll need to be prepared to face whatever comes your way if you want to make it in this line of work.

Yhwach nodded in understanding as the bounty hunter spread out the posters of wanted criminals and pirates on the table. There were ten in total, each depicting a different individual with their respective bounties listed beneath their images.

The bounty hunter gestured to the posters, inviting Yhwach to take a closer look and choose his target.

Bounty Hunter: Take your pick, old-timer. These are the wanted individuals currently causing trouble on the island. Choose wisely, and you might just make yourself a tidy sum of berries.

Yhwach scanned the posters with keen interest, his eyes lingering on each individual as he assessed their bounties and offenses. After a moment of deliberation, his gaze settled on one particular poster, depicting a notorious pirate with a wild mane of hair and a distinctive metal arm.

Yhwach pointed to the poster, indicating his choice of the bounty hunter.

Yhwach: I'll take this one.

The bounty hunter's eyes widened in shock as he followed Yhwach's gesture, his expression one of disbelief.

Bounty Hunter: Are you out of your mind, old-timer? That's Eustass Kid, one of the most dangerous pirates on the island! His bounty is through the roof, and going after him is tantamount to suicide!

Yhwach furrowed his brow in confusion, his lack of understanding evident in his expression.

Yhwach: I don't understand. Isn't a higher bounty indicative of a more dangerous criminal? If so, then capturing someone with a high bounty would yield a greater reward, would it not?

The bounty hunter let out a frustrated sigh, realizing that Yhwach was still unfamiliar with the nuances of bounty hunting in this world.

Bounty Hunter: Normally, yes. But Eustass Kid is a special case. His bounty is so high because he's a member of the Worst Generation, a group of rookie pirates who are causing quite a stir in the New World. Taking him on would be suicide for someone like you, especially without any experience in bounty hunting. the risk far outweighs the potential reward. He's not someone you want to mess with, old-timer. Trust me on this.

Yhwach frowned in frustration, feeling a pang of disappointment at the bounty hunter's reaction. He had hoped that by going after a high-value target like Kid, he could secure the funds they needed for the coating of their rowboat.

Ginjo's voice echoed in Yhwach's mind, his tone tinged with amusement as he commented on the situation.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) Looks like you've got a lot to learn about bounty hunting, Yhwach. Going after someone like Kid is a surefire way to get yourself killed, especially if you're still green around the edges.

Yhwach sighed inwardly, realizing that perhaps he had underestimated the dangers of bounty hunting in this world. It seemed that acquiring the funds they needed would be more challenging than he had initially anticipated.

Yhwach: (Mental Link) It appears I still have much to learn about the intricacies of this profession. Perhaps it would be wise to start with a smaller target, someone less notorious.

Ginjo's voice resonated in Yhwach's mind, his tone supportive as he offered his guidance.

Ginjo: (Within Yhwach's mind) That might be for the best, Yhwach. It's better to start small and work your way up than to bite off more than you can chew. Besides, there are plenty of other targets on that list that would still net us a decent reward.

Yhwach pondered Ginjo's words, weighing the risks and rewards of his chosen path. The prospect of taking down a high-value target like Eustass Kid was undeniably tempting, promising a hefty reward that could potentially solve their financial woes in one fell swoop. However, the bounty hunter's warning echoed in his mind.

_______________________________________________________________

Alright, here are the options for Yhwach's next move:

A) Listen to the bounty hunter's advice: Yhwach heeds the bounty hunter's warning and decides to pursue a lower-level wanted criminal instead of risking his life by going after Eustass Kid.

B) Go after Eustass Kid: Despite the bounty hunter's warning, Yhwach remains determined to take on the challenge of capturing Eustass Kid, believing that the potential reward outweighs the risk.

C) Quit bounty hunting: Yhwach decides that bounty hunting may not be the right path for him after all, and he seeks out alternative ways to acquire the funds needed for his rowboat.