Chapter 106

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The combined bounty for all the pirates in the Krieg Pirate Fleet amounted to forty-five million Berries.

However, since the news of Arlong's detachment from the Shichibukai needed further investigation, there was currently no way to reinstate their bounties. Actually, there wasn't even a possibility of restoration since they were all dead...

So, Smoker bluntly stated that getting the bounties for Arlong and other officers was nearly impossible.

Zyhark didn't particularly mind this; Arlong hadn't yet committed acts of evil in the East Blue, and the bounty was just as good.

The primary gain this time was actually the gold and treasure confiscated from the Krieg Pirate Fleet. After being sold at the goldsmith in Loguetown, it fetched a total of 180 million Berries!

Adding up previous bounty hunts and the restaurant's remaining assets, Zyhark's total assets now exceeded 250 million Berries! It was a real financial lift-off!

"Smoker, staying in a safe place like the East Blue and facing a bunch of pirate lackeys won't help you grow much. My advice is to try your luck in the Grand Line!" Zyhark sincerely suggested to Smoker upon departure.

In the original story, Smoker chose to stay in the small Loguetown for years to nip pirates in the bud. By the time Luffy set sail, he had already reached middle age and missed the prime time for strength development.

Even his pursuit of Luffy to the Grand Line and New World, where he faced off against monstrously strong pirates, seemed somewhat insufficient and often ended in him getting thrashed.

In terms of pure combat record, he even fell short of Coby after two years — who smashed an island-sized rock with a Haki-wrapped punch. Talk about fantasy!

From a personal angle, Zyhark hoped that Smoker, a future Navy Admiral and new hero of the Marines, would be a just and compassionate character, rather than a hesitant and timid pink-haired youth.

He was also looking forward to titles other than "Akainu," "Aokiji," and "Kisaru" — perhaps "Shirohebi", yeah that sounds cool/

So, go for it, Smoker, and strive to become a Navy Admiral!

"That's exactly what I've been thinking. To truly change the Shichibukai system, just being a branch colonel is far from enough!" Smoker's gaze was filled with unwavering determination.

Having witnessed Zyhark's prowess and courage during the Arlong incident, he too yearned to become stronger.

He was tired of standing by idly as he had today!

"Haha, then when you make it big, don't forget about this friend of yours," Zyhark joked with a laugh.

Smoker waved a hand and departed, leaving behind a silhouette that bore the emblem of justice to those aboard the Endless Dream.

When I make it big, you'll probably be known as a powerful figure across the world, huh?

Watching his long shadow cast by the setting sun, Smoker sighed softly and walked towards the branch with more resolved steps.

After sending Smoker off, Zyhark turned to Aqua and the others, his gaze finally resting on Meowth.

"Meowth, let's go. It's time to pick up the goods from the steel factory."

This was their last task while staying in Loguetown.

"Understood, meow!" Meowth responded cheerfully.

Seeing that she had nothing to do, Aqua stretched lazily.

Planning to sneak into the kitchen for some chips and fried chicken while Zyhark wasn't around.

"By the way, Aqua, if you're free, fix the hole that Garp made earlier. If nothing goes wrong, we should be setting sail tomorrow."

Zyhark called out as he stepped off the Endless Dream, standing at the harbor.

Why should I clean up the mess you and Grandpa Luffy made?!

Extremely displeased, Aqua was about to refuse when Zyhark added from below, "Please, only someone with your formidable abilities can give me peace of mind."

The strongest me?

Hmph, so I still hold a high place in your heart!

Thus, the gullible goddess was sweet-talked into hopping off to repair the ship, a willing smile on her face.

On the other side, Zyhark and Meowth arrived at the steel factory, where the materials listed on the invoice had been fully prepared, just in time.

Zyhark, citing the complexity of bounty collection procedures requiring completion by tomorrow, hoped the manager would deliver the goods first.

With the "East Blue Hero's" justice-laden reputation and the manager's own endless greed, the steel factory manager contemplated for a few seconds before agreeing to Zyhark's request.

To show his "sincerity," he even had his men help load the materials onto the Endless Dream.

Of course, that was just for show.

In reality, the cunning manager wanted his men to secretly observe and ensure Zyhark didn't flee.

The plan was quite comprehensive, except that in the presence of Aqua, with her God's Eye and Observation Haki, the hiding goons were virtually ineffective.

By early morning, when the guards dozed off for a few minutes, the Endless Dream quietly set sail under the push of the waves, heading towards the vast sea.

Their next destination: Reverse Mountain at the entrance to the Grand Line!

Come morning, when the manager, who resembled a con artist, received the news, the Endless Dream was nowhere to be seen.

Realizing he had been duped, he flew into a rage, turning to report Zyhark's pirate-like behavior of swindling an honest, innocent businessman to the Marine branch.

However, as he stepped out, he met Smoker's lieutenant, accompanied by Marines.

"After reports from concerned townfolk, it has been found that your steel factory has been engaging in price gouging, market disruption, and swindling newcomers, among other illegal activities. Please come with us for an investigation!"

Hearing this verdict, the manager collapsed on the spot.

The Marines were clearly prepared, and this time, he was likely done for.

While Zyhark had little interest in the title of "East Blue Hero," maintaining a good reputation was crucial for running a sea restaurant.

A bad reputation could deter customers from visiting.

Not that it mattered much, but it could potentially scare off the plump bounty pirates of the Grand Line, a disastrous blow to the restaurant's financial sources.

So, when Smoker visited, Zyhark had casually mentioned it.

Investigating a swindler like the steel factory manager, who regularly cheated outsiders, was incredibly easy!

As the morning sun rose over the sea, its bright rays shimmered across the waves surrounding the Endless Dream, casting a gentle, radiant glow.

The weather was perfect for setting sail.

Zyhark, feeling cheerful, leaned on his usual spot at the counter, looking at the wall that Garp had punched a hole in.

The hole was not only fixed but also adorned with exquisite carvings, resembling an art piece sculpted over months by a master, gleaming brilliantly.

Indeed, the goddess's craftsmanship was truly impressive!

(End of Chapter)