The dust had settled following the Pirate King's execution. In Loguetown, pirates were either captured or had fled, and the East Blue returned to its usual state of stability—still known as the weakest of the four seas.
One day, a newcomer arrived at the Loguetown Marine Base, wishing to enlist.
"Reporting, Captain Stalley! Someone wants to join the Marines," a Marine private reported dutifully to Captain Stalley, who sat processing paperwork and smoking a cigarette.
"What? We don't just take anyone here. What qualifications does this person possess that makes them think they can just join the Marines?" Stalley asked gruffly.
"Well, sir, according to him... he's a Devil Fruit user," the subordinate reported everything he knew honestly.
"Is that so? Do you know what kind of fruit user he is? Never mind, never mind, I'll go see him myself," Stalley became quite excited. If he discovered promising talent and recommended them to Marine Headquarters, leveraging that connection might benefit him later. Stalley felt his own chances for promotion were already slim; without help, he'd likely retire—at best—as a Captain.
Soon, the two arrived at the base's main meeting hall where Vergo was already waiting.
Stalley observed the young man before him. He wore sunglasses, had what looked like remnants of food stuck to his left cheek—a bit odd, perhaps, but he seemed physically capable. Combined with his status as a Devil Fruit user, Stalley felt a renewed hope for his own advancement.
"What's your name? And what's your ability?" Stalley inquired.
"Reporting, sir. My name is Vergo. I am a Devil Fruit user who ate the String-String Fruit," Vergo answered the officer's questions straightforwardly.
"Hmm, good. Starting today, you are officially enlisted in the Marines," Stalley found himself liking Vergo more and more, convinced this recruit could fulfill his expectations.
"Understood, sir," Vergo replied respectfully, playing his part well.
And so, Vergo's journey within the Marines officially began. He would climb the ranks, step by step, like a sharp nail driving deep into the heart of Marine Headquarters.
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters, in Fleet Admiral Kong's office, Sengoku, Garp, and Tsuru were gathered.
"Fleet Admiral Kong," Sengoku began, "now that Doflamingo has eaten a Devil Fruit, his strength has increased significantly. Should we intensify our efforts to capture him?"
Fleet Admiral Kong massaged his temples at Sengoku's question, clearly troubled. Who could have predicted that the brat from back then would become such a major threat? After a long moment of contemplation, Kong spoke slowly, "There's no need to dedicate excessive resources specifically to Doflamingo. The number of pirates on the seas is escalating rapidly, and our manpower is already stretched thin. Pouring more effort into catching him yields diminishing returns, especially since if he's determined to flee, capturing him effectively is difficult."
Hearing Kong's assessment, Tsuru added, "Indeed. Doflamingo is still a relatively minor problem in the grand scheme. No matter how much stronger he gets, we don't need to fear him excessively. The bigger issue is the sheer proliferation of pirates across the seas. And our current defensive forces are certainly somewhat lacking."
"It's time to raise Doflamingo's bounty," Sengoku declared after listening to Kong and Tsuru. "Even if the current situation prevents major operations against him, we cannot simply ignore him. Pressure must be maintained, especially considering the demands from the World Government; we can't disregard those either. As for the rampant piracy... damn that Roger! It's all his fault! Who knew he'd get one over on us like that in the end? While our overall strength might not match the sheer number of pirates right now, we have our three 'monsters'. We don't need to fear anyone. Besides, Zephyr's training camp is doing well. This is also an opportunity to select promising recruits from the four seas to bolster our forces."
"Excellent. Sengoku's proposal is sound," Kong immediately agreed, finding Sengoku's points well-made.
"Bwahahaha! Not bad, old friend, not bad at all!" Garp chimed in playfully.
"Garp, you damn fool! Can't you offer a single useful suggestion instead of just causing trouble?" Sengoku snapped, instantly irritated by Garp's laughter and looking ready to punch him.
"Relax, Sengoku!" Garp boomed reassuringly. "Isn't that why we have you, Fleet Admiral Kong, and Little Tsuru? I'm happy just providing the muscle!"
Fleet Admiral Kong and Vice Admiral Tsuru watched the familiar antics of their old comrades without any change in expression, thoroughly accustomed to it.
"Alright, let's settle on this for now," Kong interjected, playing mediator to cut off Garp and Sengoku's bickering. "Tsuru, continue monitoring Doflamingo for the time being. And it is indeed time to scout for some promising new talent."
"Understood. I will keep a close watch on Doflamingo's movements," Vice Admiral Tsuru confirmed.
"Then the matter of selecting candidates for the new Marine training initiative falls to you, Sengoku," Kong stated, looking at him.
"Very well, Fleet Admiral Kong," Sengoku replied, his serious demeanor restored.
"Good. That concludes this meeting."
And so, the small conference in the Fleet Admiral's office ended.
Across the seas, a new wave of bounty posters for the Donquixote Pirates began to circulate.
Donquixote Doflamingo – Bounty: 160,000,000 BeliDiamante – Bounty: 60,000,000 BeliTrebol – Bounty: 90,000,000 BeliPica – Bounty: 30,000,000 Beli
These were the currently listed key members of the Donquixote Pirates. Vergo hadn't revealed himself to the Marines yet, and Enel was still too new to the crew, so neither had bounties issued. Other members were considered too insignificant to warrant one.
Somewhere on the route from the East Blue to the North Blue, the Donquixote Pirates sailed. They hadn't proceeded to the Grand Line after witnessing Roger's execution, instead heading directly for the North Blue. Why wasn't Doflamingo continuing to the Grand Line? It wasn't out of fear. The North Blue held something Doflamingo needed. Though the time wasn't quite right, he intended to establish control over the North Blue first to facilitate his future plans. Furthermore, Doflamingo was deeply dissatisfied with the current strength of the Donquixote Family. Compared to the crews of the Four Emperors, they were pitifully weak. Doflamingo's ambitions were vast, but one man's power was ultimately limited, and fighting alone was exhausting. Thus, strengthening his subordinates had become a top priority.
Beyond that, Doflamingo wasn't fully satisfied with his own mastery over his powers. Moreover, having acquired Roger's 'soul power', Doflamingo planned to take some time to digest and integrate everything.
Aboard the Donquixote Pirates' ship, Diamante approached Doflamingo with the new bounty posters. Coincidentally, all the core Family members were gathered, saving Diamante the effort of summoning them.
"Doffy, our new bounties are out," Diamante announced.
"Oh? Is that so? How much are we worth now?" Doflamingo asked, genuinely curious about his own price.
Hearing the word "bounty," the others straightened up, listening intently to Diamante.
Diamante laid the posters on the table and began detailing them. "Donquixote Doflamingo, Captain of the Donquixote Pirates, bounty: 160 million Beli. Swordsman Diamante, bounty: 60 million Beli. 'Slimy' Trebol, bounty: 90 million Beli. Combatant Pica, bounty: 30 million Beli."
Hearing the new figures, Doflamingo remained outwardly unfazed. Inwardly, he felt the amount didn't reflect his true worth; he'd expected at least 300 to 500 million this time.
The Marines still don't take me seriously enough, Doflamingo thought privately.
The others whose bounties were announced, however, showed visible excitement at being officially recognized.
"Nenenene, I actually got a bounty!" Trebol feigned surprise, mucus dripping slightly.
"Excellent! I finally have a bounty!" Pica beamed, looking pleased with his poster.
"Only 30 million? What's that even worth? Tch," Seeing Pica's delight, Enel couldn't resist, immediately switching into full taunt mode.
Pica's happy expression instantly soured at Enel's mockery.
"Well, someone doesn't even have a bounty yet," Pica retorted, his voice dripping with high-pitched sarcasm.
"You—! Just wait, next time mine will definitely be higher than yours! We'll see, squeaky voice!" Enel shot back, annoyed and frustrated.
"Bring it on!" Pica snapped back defiantly.
The other crew members looked on, envious of the executives who had received bounties. They wanted one too! It was a mark of recognized strength!
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