[If we hit 1000 PS before the end of this week, I will drop 5 extra bonus chapters.]
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The Wind Rider left Little Garden, heading toward Alabasta.
During the voyage, Caelan passed by a Marine base. While resupplying, he exchanged Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek for their bounties.
"Mr. Caelan, are you here to turn in bounties?"
The Marine base commander, Captain Rocas, came forward enthusiastically to greet him.
The news that Caelan had exchanged bounties a few days prior had already spread among the Marine branches around Alabasta.
All the local bases knew that a powerful bounty hunter had arrived on the Grand Line.
"Yes, I've had a few small gains these past couple of days."
Caelan smiled.
He waved his hand, and Igaram stepped forward with the depressed Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek.
"Another senior agent of Baroque Works?!"
Rocas's eyes widened, his heart shaken.
This was just a small gain?
A few days ago, they turned in Miss Valentine and Mr. 5. Now it was Miss Goldenweek and Mr. 3. Was this bounty hunter openly declaring war on Crocodile?
Rocas did not dare to ask further and quickly prepared the reward.
"Miss Goldenweek's bounty is 27 million berries, and Mr. 3's bounty is 24 million berries. That makes a total of 51 million berries."
Rocas carefully handed over the bounty.
"Pleasure doing business."
Caelan nodded with satisfaction. This bounty was worth more than the group of over a hundred people he had turned in previously.
"Excuse me… are you planning to go to war with the Warlord of the Sea?"
Rocas couldn't help but ask, though he kept his voice cautious.
"Of course."
Caelan answered casually as he accepted the bounty and turned to leave.
Rocas gasped as he watched Caelan walk away.
"Another challenger…"
He muttered to himself.
Crocodile's infamy on the seas was well known. Many had tried to take him down to make a name for themselves, but all had failed.
"I hope you survive."
Rocas shook his head. Even though Caelan had taken down four senior agents of Baroque Works, Rocas still did not believe he had the strength to defeat Crocodile.
In his eyes, there was an unbridgeable gap between a Warlord of the Sea and their subordinates.
If Caelan could simply survive facing Crocodile, it would already be an accomplishment worth boasting about.
…
Alabasta, Royal Palace.
"The helpers Princess Vivi brought have turned in Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek for bounties!"
Pell reported the good news to King Cobra with excitement.
"Yes. So far, they've already taken down four senior agents of Baroque Works. Their damage is severe."
Chaka was also pleased.
In just a few days, Caelan had captured four senior agents, while their own forces had only managed to eliminate some foot soldiers. It was honestly a bit embarrassing in comparison.
"Good news keeps coming one after another. This is truly encouraging!"
Cobra smiled with relief.
If they could eliminate seven or eight more senior agents and defeat Crocodile, the crisis in Alabasta would be over.
However, as he thought about it, Cobra's expression froze slightly. That would still be a difficult task.
But at this point, they had no choice but to move forward, one step at a time.
"Lately, the people from Baroque Works have been very active. They might be preparing to make a move."
Chaka's tone turned serious.
The recent movements from Baroque Works were likely triggered by Caelan's actions.
"They're attacking non-stop. We can't afford to fall behind either. We must do everything we can to stabilize the situation and crush Crocodile's plot!"
Cobra's eyes were firm.
Hope was right before them. All they could do was endure the pressure and wait for Caelan's arrival.
…
Alabasta, Rain Dinners, Baroque Works Headquarters.
"A newcomer from the East Blue captured four of my agents and had the nerve to mock me!"
Crocodile's face was dark, and the ashtray in his hand shattered into powder once again.
In the office, all the senior agents of Baroque Works lowered their heads, quietly waiting for Crocodile's anger to subside.
After a long moment, Crocodile's expression finally calmed.
"The plan to seize Alabasta has reached its final stage. It must not be disrupted."
His tone was cold and sharp.
He had prepared for five years. Now was the moment to reap the rewards, and he would not allow anyone to get in his way.
"Except for Miss All Sunday, all remaining agents will head to the ports of Alabasta and wait."
This time, Crocodile did not plan to proceed slowly. He intended to crush Cobra's resistance directly and force him to surrender.
The remaining agents were to be used to deal with Caelan.
"As soon as Caelan and his crew land in Alabasta, eliminate them immediately."
Crocodile's eyes narrowed dangerously, his voice low and menacing.
"Boss, we will definitely complete the mission!"
Mr. 1 was the first to speak up, followed by the other agents, all echoing their determination.
"You better keep your word. Don't end up like those two fools."
Crocodile snorted coldly.
Thinking of Mr. 3 and Miss Goldenweek, who had been so confident just days ago only to end up as prisoners, made his blood boil.
"Don't worry, boss. With all of us working together, we can definitely take him down."
Mr. 4 spoke confidently, patting his large belly.
Caelan may have been able to defeat Mr. 3, but with so many senior agents joining forces, they were certain they could handle him.
"Hmph. That better be the case."
Crocodile finally relaxed a little.
Even if they could not defeat Caelan outright, it didn't matter.
All they needed was to delay him long enough for the plan to be completed.
Once he had the time, Crocodile would personally show Caelan the price of opposing the Desert King.
…
Aboard the Wind Rider, Caelan stashed away the bounty and lay back on his bed.
At that moment, his attention shifted to the system panel in his mind.
[Host: Caelan Alaric]
[Template: Berserker Class - Heracles]
[Synchronization Progress: 54.5%]
[Berry: 3 million]
[Strength: B+ ↑]
[Endurance: B+ ↑]
[Agility: B+ ↑]]
[Magic: B+ ↑
[Luck: A]
[Noble Phantasm]: A+
[Personal Skills]: Battle Continuation (B), Mind's Eye (Fake) (B), Valor (A+), Divinity (A), Madness Enhancement (B)
[Other Skills]: Swordsmanship (B+), Armament Haki (C), Observation Haki (C), Conqueror's Haki (B+)
[Noble Phantasms]: God Hand: The Twelve Labours (B), Nine Lives: Shooting the Hundred Heads (C–A+)
…
After the battle with Dorry and Brogy, Caelan had gained a great deal.
Just as he had expected, the fight pushed his Synchronization progress up by 4%.
More importantly, all three types of Haki within him had awakened.
His Armament Haki and Observation Haki both started at C level, which was already the level of pirates with bounties over 100 million in the New World.
As for his Conqueror's Haki, it had directly reached B+.
Caelan guessed that if he could fully comprehend Advanced Conqueror's Haki, his rating could break through to A level, matching the level of the Four Emperors.
After the fight with the giants, Caelan now had a clearer understanding of the system panel's values.
Above A level was the realm of admirals and the Four Emperors.
B and C levels covered the range from Marine headquarters rear admirals to Yonko commanders.
D and E levels were the stages of ordinary people stepping into the realm of the extraordinary.
With his current stats, Caelan was already at the top level of a Yonko commander.
Caelan quietly planned his next move.
His next step was to completely take down Crocodile and claim the 300 million berry commission from Alabasta.
(To be continued.)
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