A Small Reputation

"Brrr-brrr!"

A Den Den Mushi suddenly began to ring on the desk of Marshal Hill at Marine Headquarters.

"Hello, is this Marshal Hill?"

After disengaging from the battle, Steel Bone Kong immediately used a Den Den Mushi to call Marshal Hill.

"Hello, is that you, Steel Bone Kong? How is the situation?"

Marshal Hill had been waiting for the call. Upon realizing it was Steel Bone Kong, he didn't hesitate for a second and picked up the receiver.

"Are the casualties heavy?"

The very first thing Marshal Hill asked was about the situation and the losses.

In his view, Newgate was, after all, the Second Division Commander of the Rocks Pirates, and he possessed the Tremor-Tremor Fruit; some casualties were to be expected, but he didn't want them to be too severe.

Furthermore, since they were in the second half of the Grand Line, the Rocks Pirates could arrive to provide reinforcements at any moment.

He didn't want to lose his men for nothing—if he failed to capture Newgate and ended up losing Steel Bone Kong in the process, the overall strength of the Navy would be significantly weakened.

"Marshal Hill, the plan failed."

Steel Bone Kong sat in the office of his warship, his brow furrowed and his face filled with disappointment.

The office was deathly quiet, save for the sound of Steel Bone Kong's heavy breathing.

He felt frustrated; he couldn't forgive himself for letting Newgate escape, even though it was due to an unforeseen accident. After all, this had been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

"During the pursuit of Newgate, there was someone on his ship with formidable strength."

He reported to Marshal Hill, hoping to provide some useful information.

"If I had gone all out, I could have killed him in a short time, but the others would have been in grave danger—after all, Newgate was still there."

In Steel Bone Kong's solemn tone, one could hear the respect he held for the strength of this young man, Carl.

This person's power far exceeded his expectations, leaving him feeling incredibly defeated.

"Oh? Do you have any information on him?"

Marshal Hill asked with some surprise. According to intelligence from Marine informants, the Rocks Pirates had no such member. If this person had appeared out of nowhere, it meant their intelligence gathering had been insufficient.

Steel Bone Kong scratched his head. He first searched the room for the most recently issued bounty posters but found no sign of Carl.

For now, he could only assume he was a newcomer who hadn't yet set sail, but for a rookie to possess such strength, it was no wonder Newgate had come specifically to pick him up.

He mistakenly believed Newgate had come to recruit him, unaware that Newgate had simply been blown onto the island by the wind and waves, which was how the two had met.

"There is no information on this person. I will transmit his image to you via the Den Den Mushi."

Steel Bone Kong immediately transmitted the photo of the mysterious figure, Carl, which he had captured during the battle, to Marshal Hill.

"Understood. Leave it at that for now; you all should return quickly. The New World is far too dangerous, after all."

Marshal Hill said with a hint of concern.

"Understood, Marshal Hill."

"Click!"

Marshal Hill hung up the phone. He knew Steel Bone Kong and his men could not stay in the New World for long. He then picked up the faxed image and examined it carefully.

"Summon all officers of Rear Admiral rank and above for a meeting!"

He immediately issued the order to the orderly standing at the door.

"Yes, Marshal Hill."

The orderly at the door heard the command, saluted Marshal Hill, turned, and immediately ran off to summon the Marine generals still at headquarters.

Marshal Hill looked at the Rocks bounty poster displayed on his desk.

"Rocks..."

Marshal Hill's face filled with rage, and he slammed his fist down hard onto the poster featuring Rocks' mocking laughter.

Inside the Marine Headquarters conference room.

Marshal Hill walked toward the front podium with Carl's photo in hand. Dozens of Marine generals were already seated in the room.

He pinned the photo to the blackboard, swept his gaze over the crowd, and cleared his throat.

"This person is named Carl. Steel Bone Kong reported today that he was discovered on Newgate's ship, and there is a possibility he may join the Rocks Pirates."

Marshal Hill's majestic voice echoed throughout the conference room.

Everyone present sat up straight.

Marshal Hill continued, "The purpose of this meeting is to assess the risk he poses and determine a bounty amount."

The generals exchanged glances, feeling astonished by the strength of this newcomer.

"With such an impressive newcomer, why not join the Navy?"

One general asked curiously.

"Exactly. What is so good about being a pirate? Nothing but burning, killing, and looting everywhere they go."

Another general looked rather regretful.

"It is a pity that we do not have enough influence in the second half of the Grand Line to maintain order on the seas. Now, with the Rocks Pirates growing stronger by the day, the Marine branches in the second half of the Grand Line have been almost entirely wiped out."

Marshal Hill sighed, a trace of helplessness flashing across his face.

The conference room fell into silence as the generals sank into deep thought. It was true; ever since the Rocks Pirates began to dominate the second half of the Grand Line, it had become difficult for the Marines to extend their reach. Whenever a major incident occurred in the second half, the Marines were unable to provide support in time.

Maintaining justice on the seas was the duty of the Marines, and they knew it well, but they were truly stretched beyond their capabilities.

The strength of this newcomer before them made them realize that the Rocks Pirates were continuing to develop and expand.

"Since he has joined the pirates, then do not blame us for what comes next!"

Marshal Hill said righteously, for after all, since the man had already joined the pirates, it was impossible for the Marines to recruit him.

"Indeed, indeed!"

"Since he has joined the pirates, there is nothing more to be said."

"It is just a pity that such a formidable figure did not join the Marines."

Marshal Hill responded to the discussions with keen interest; after all, the internal structure of the Marines could not be a stagnant pool. If his subordinates only knew how to execute orders without knowing how to adapt, that would not do.

"Alright, that is enough idle chatter."

Marshal Hill tapped the table, and the conference room, which had immediately quieted down, regained its order.

"The initial bounty is 500 million Beli."

Marshal Hill's voice echoed through the silent conference room.

However, just as he finished announcing Carl's bounty, Vice Admiral Jeremy stood up.

"Isn't that too high for a newcomer?"

Vice Admiral Jeremy said with some concern. He had some doubts about the newcomer's strength, and in this era, a bounty of 500 million Beli represented a value far exceeding the 500 million bounty seen at the start of the original story.

"It is not high, considering he went toe-to-toe with Steel Bone Kong in a short period of time without falling behind."

Marshal Hill's tone was firm and unwavering.

As soon as Marshal Hill's words left his lips, the conference room fell into silence.

"That is true, this newcomer is very strong."

"Is there any more information on him?"

"There is no record of this person. We only know that he first appeared on that deserted island."

The crowd discussed the matter, feeling increasingly shocked by the newcomer's strength.

"Very well, let his bounty be set at 500 million Beli. Hurry and have his bounty posted."

Marshal Hill made the final decision, resolving to broadcast the newcomer's bounty across the entire sea.

Subsequently, the sentry at the door saw Marshal Hill beckoning him, so he immediately stepped forward to take Carl's photo to the communications room, preparing to issue his latest bounty to all Marine branches.

"Next, we need to discuss how to target the Rocks Pirates. We cannot allow them to continue growing."

Marshal Hill gazed at the group, hoping to receive their suggestions and ideas.

"That is one matter; let us first do this..."

The sound of discussion rose once more in the conference room as the group began to brainstorm, striving to find ways to deal with the Rocks Pirates.