Attacking a Celestial Dragon and Mary Geoise was, naturally, an earth-shaking incident.
Koushirou, who had ties to the Revolutionary Army, understood this better than anyone.
But with the kind of overwhelming power Don had displayed this time… the ones who should be panicking now were the World Government.
One man had almost leveled the entirety of Mary Geoise.
Perhaps… this was a chance for the Revolutionary Army.
"Where is Don now?"
Kuina asked worriedly.
"If something had happened to him, the World Government would've immediately released the news. But since they haven't reacted yet… it means they failed to stop Don."
Koushirou answered as he rose to his feet and prepared to leave.
He needed to contact Dragon for information.
After he left, Zoro and Kuina stared at the newspaper on the table.
"Damn it… when will I finally catch up to Don!"
Zoro's fist clenched tightly, frustration written all over his face.
"Am I supposed to be the junior disciple forever?!"
Kuina, who had been about to comfort him, froze.
…So THAT'S what you're upset about?
"You'd better start working harder."
Kuina said seriously.
"I'm definitely going to surpass Don!"
Zoro declared and started to stand—only for Kuina to flick him hard on the forehead, a bump immediately forming.
"Idiot! Don't think you can push me around just because you've learned Armament Haki!"
Holding his forehead in anger, Zoro glared back, and the two stormed outside to fight as usual.
Across the seas, everyone was waiting.
Waiting for news about Don…
and the World Government's response.
But several days passed, and both the Marines and the World Government remained silent.
No bounty was issued.
This abnormal quiet made the world uneasy.
Meanwhile, Marine and Government meetings continued nonstop, all centered around one topic.
"No."
Sengoku shook his head firmly at Kong across the round table.
"A bounty on Don right now will only increase his prestige."
Kong frowned, deep in thought.
"And with the level he's reached now, what amount would even be 'appropriate'? Who could even deal with him?"
Sengoku continued.
"But remaining silent will severely damage the authority of the Marines and the World Government."
Kong said gravely.
"Even so, the Marines' main strength hasn't been harmed."
Sengoku reminded him.
Other than the Holy Land taking catastrophic damage, actual Marine losses were minimal.
Their power hadn't weakened.
Only their prestige.
And in Paradise and the Four Seas, most territories were still firmly under Marine control. As for the New World… their influence was never strong there to begin with.
"I understand. I'll inform you when I have a final answer."
Kong said, rising to leave.
Sengoku watched him go in silence before also leaving.
This was what remained of half of Mary Geoise.
From here, one could see the sword mark that had carved through the entire canyon… and the sunlight gleaming off the smooth, freshly-cut mountain walls.
Sengoku sighed.
There was no answer he could give concerning Don.
This would depend entirely on the World Government and the Five Elders.
The destruction was tremendous. Celestial Dragons had been killed by the slash alone, and many others had died from the shockwaves earlier.
Mary Geoise was under full lockdown.
"The Hunter Guild…"
Sengoku muttered softly.
During the earlier meeting, the Five Elders had attempted to target the Hunter Guild, but Sengoku had stopped them.
With Don alive, that guild would never fall.
If the Celestial Dragons wanted to suffer another catastrophe like this… they were free to attack.
That logic alone was enough to make the Five Elders hesitate.
Sengoku remained in Mary Geoise, waiting for their final decision.
On the side of the Five Elders, Kong finished reporting his discussion with Sengoku.
The five listened in silence, their expressions dark and heavy.
As for Imu—they hadn't even been granted an audience.
And naturally, they would never dare demand one.
"The bounty must be issued."
After a long time, Saint Saturn finally spoke.
"The World Government must respond. Even if it risks another attack, we cannot remain silent."
To them, a collapse of authority was more frightening than Don himself.
They understood clearly:
If the world stopped believing in them…
that would be the true disaster.
"Spread the word. Investigate his whereabouts."
Saint Peter (War God of Agriculture) added.
"Do we need to make a plan against him?"
Kong asked, startled.
"The Holy Knights are already prepared."
A voice sounded from outside.
A tall figure stepped in, hand resting on the hilt of his blade.
The Commander of the Holy Knights—Figarland Garling.
"The Holy Knights are fully prepared. We will begin the hunt for that man."
"Heh. Garling, with the power that man has shown, your so-called 'hunt' will accomplish nothing."
Saturn sneered.
Garling had always coveted the position of the Five Elders, and the two sides held deep political rivalry.
"You need not concern yourselves."
Garling replied coldly, fingers tapping his sword.
"Even during the God Valley Incident, the Holy Knights fulfilled their duty flawlessly."
At the mention of God Valley, the Five Elders exchanged glances.
"…Very well. If you insist, then we'll leave it to you."
Saturn said.
If he wanted to die so badly, they wouldn't stop him.
Given Don's performance…
charging at him was practically suicide.
Be grateful, they thought, that Imu had granted the Holy Knights special power.
"The bounty amount?"
Kong asked as Garling turned to leave.
"The highest."
the Five Elders answered.
The highest?
Kong frowned.
The highest bounty ever belonged to the Pirate King—5,564,800,000 berries.
Were they really going above that?
But at this level… the number had no real meaning.
Anyone capable of killing Don wouldn't care about money.
A bounty, at that point, was purely a declaration.
"A bounty of 9.9 billion berries."
Saint Nusjuro—the bald elder holding the First Generation Kitetsu—said coldly.
Kong froze, stunned.
"The world's most heinous criminal. Whoever kills him will become a Celestial Dragon."
Nusjuro added.
…That wouldn't help anyone, Kong thought silently.
But he didn't object.
The decision had already been made.
Soon after, the World Government and Marines finally announced their response.
A bounty of 9.9 billion berries.
Title: The World's Most Heinous Criminal — Flame Demon Don.
END OF CHAPTER
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