"?" Buggy looked utterly confused. "What do I need these people for?"
Hikaru revealed a mysterious smile and lowered his voice. "Think about it. If you capture three pirates from the Worst Generation, wouldn't your reputation soar throughout the New World? Pirates would come flocking to pledge allegiance to a celebrity like you, and your forces would grow ever stronger. From then on, as long as you build and develop properly, your power could easily become one of the major forces in the New World. Besides, you've been a Shichibukai for so long—have you ever made any contributions to the Marines? They've probably disliked you for a while now. But if you hand these pirates over to them, not only can you collect a substantial bounty from the Marines, you might even make them see you in a new light. That way, you gain fame, wealth, and power, establish ties with the Marines, and make an ally out of me. It's simply a win-win-win situation!"
After Hikaru's patient persuasion, a dreamlike gleam immediately burst from Buggy's eyes. Scenes of a glorious future seemed to unfold before him, letting him see a flawless tomorrow.
"Cough, cough!" Mr. 3 coughed softly from the side, dragging the daydreaming Buggy back to reality.
"Ahem!" Buggy coughed as well and steadied himself, but before long, his true nature was exposed. "Hahaha! You're far too kind, bringing such a generous gift the moment we meet. I truly don't deserve it!"
"No, no, no. You absolutely do deserve it!" Hikaru said with a smile. "I happen to need your help with something right now... ahem... actually, half of it is helping you as well. That's why I offered this small gift, to build a good friendship between us."
"Hm?" Buggy and Mr. 3 exchanged suspicious looks, an