A legend of the New World, part four

Soon, Amin's men came over to report on the Hawkins Pirates. They were on the island and had only arrived the day before.

They were also curious about why Rogge and his crew were interested in this particular pirate crew. Although no one knew exactly how strong the Asura Pirates were, they were undoubtedly one of the New World's top pirate crews.

The Hawkins Pirates were not especially famous and kept a low profile in the New World. Still, Hawkins was a member of the Worst Generation, so he drew plenty of attention.

His bounty had reached 320 million Beli, which was respectable, though it fell short of Kid's.

Kid had picked a fight with Red-Hair and lost an arm, then run into the Big Mom Pirates and taken down a Sweet Commander. He and Luffy, who had disappeared for nearly two years, were both more famous.

Although Hawkins belonged to the Worst Generation, he kept a very low profile. Even someone like Amin was curious about why Rogge had sought him out. What did a Shichibukai, a man hailed as the strongest pirate beneath the Three Emperors, want with a pirate from the Worst Generation?

Rogge offered no explanation. Amin led him into the city, introducing it as they walked. Ballywood was a powerful kingdom, largely because it lay right along an ocean current. The current provided a reliable shipping route, and a port had gradually developed there.

But the country had struggled in the past. It had even nearly failed to pay its Heavenly Tribute because it had run out of money.

After the Great Pirate Era began, pirates were everywhere. The World Government did nothing for the kingdom. Even when it paid its Heavenly Tribute, the Marines made excuses and dragged their feet whenever asked to send