The meeting room fell silent for a moment as everyone turned toward Kashou with puzzled looks.
This seemingly honest, easygoing vice admiral was one of Instructor Zephyr's prized students, and there was no doubt about his strength.
A pirate who had only recently set sail had actually defeated him?
If it had been their captain, they might have found it easier to accept. After all, he was Garp's grandson—like father, like son.
Back when Dragon was still in the Navy, he had also been monstrously strong at a young age.
Kashou noticed the look Momonga gave him. He pondered for a moment, scratched his head, and smiled calmly.
"Well, before I fought the other side, I'd already fought Lina and suffered severe internal injuries. My wounds happened to flare up at the time, and that gave the other side a chance."
"Oh, so that's what happened."
"Indeed, that makes sense."
The others chimed in. Sengoku's expression was strange, but he seemed to have figured out what had happened.
Kashou was usually quite close to Garp, so he had probably been slacking off on the job back then, too.
"Even so, the other side's strength shouldn't be underestimated."
Kashou's expression remained gentle as he continued:
"Although I didn't fight Roronoa, based on my observations and experience, the two are about evenly matched. He simply doesn't fight with the same fierce, ruthless sharpness as that swordsman."
The others had a general idea now.
A pirate's conduct was also a factor in determining their bounty. It reflected the threat they posed to civilians, as well as the losses the Navy might suffer in a confrontation with them.
The most extreme examples were the few Emperors who ruled the seas.
Without the World Government's permission, they were absolutely not to be engaged in battle.