The Marine's Pursuit and the World's Shock
Jia Ji, realizing his joke about Hawkeye being Bai Yu's father had gone too far, quickly changed his tune.
"…Well, when a disciple grows up, it's only natural for the teacher to support them. Maybe that's why Hawkeye is backing Bai Yu."
Sengoku didn't argue.
"Anything is possible. Even the Golden Lion theory I made up could turn out to be true. After all, we still have no news of him."
"But," Sengoku continued, "regardless of Hawkeye's motives, his involvement makes capturing Bai Yu much more difficult."
"We must capture him alive if possible. But—if the situation calls for it—"
"Do not hesitate to kill him."
The room fell silent.
"In addition to Kizaru, Momousagi, you will also join the mission. And Garp—who is currently in East Blue—will link up with you there."
The assembled officers exchanged stunned looks.
This lineup…
Three top-tier Marines, plus CP agents working in tandem—
It was more than enough to take down one of the Four Emperors.
Sengoku understood their surprise.
But the more he thought about Bai Yu's abilities, the more dangerous the young pirate seemed.
Sometimes, a rising star with limitless potential posed a greater threat than even the current Yonko.
Just like Roger…
Vice Admiral Tsuru asked calmly, "Should we increase Bai Yu's bounty?"
Sengoku thought for a moment—then shook his head.
"The timing isn't right. If we raise his bounty too soon, we'll attract too much attention before we have a chance to act."
"As soon as we confirm Bai Yu's route—move immediately."
"Understood, Fleet Admiral."
"Good. Now, onto the next topic: adjustments to the Shichibukai system…"
Around the World: Reactions to Hawkeye's Allegiance
Morning.
As the sun rose over the Grand Line, newsbirds soared through the skies, delivering newspapers far and wide.
In just a few short hours—
The entire world knew the news:
"HAWKEYE JOINS THE BAI YU PIRATES! ROLE: THE SHIELD!"
At Reverse Mountain
The Island Cloud hovered over the towering cliffs as the girls marveled at the sight of the mountain's upside-down currents.
Nami, however, was locked in fierce negotiation—with a newsbird.
"What?! Five hundred berries?! Are you kidding me?!"
The newsbird tilted its head, eyes gleaming with an expression that clearly said: Buy it or leave it.
"Ugh… Fine! But I'll remember this!"
Reluctantly handing over the money, Nami clutched the newspaper and ran back toward Bai Yu.
"Brother Bai Yu—look at this!"
Taking the paper, Bai Yu scanned the front page—
And let out a long sigh.
"I knew this would happen… Hawkeye, you old sixth!"
The headline was impossible to miss:
"HAWKEYE: THE SHIELD OF THE DEMON KING!"
"Admirals and Yonko Beware—Bai Yu is Coming!"
"The Other Shichibukai? Not Even a Threat!"
"Want to Test Your Luck? Challenge Bai Yu—If You Dare!"
"Hawkeye Himself Declares: 'I Would Call the Demon King Bai Yu the Strongest!'"
"Seriously?!" Bai Yu rubbed his temples.
"First, I become the enemy of the entire world… and now this?!"
Hawkeye hadn't even officially joined—and yet the headlines made it sound like they were already inseparable.
"Is he trying to spice things up for me?!"
Bai Yu clenched his fist.
"I swear, that old sixth… I'm going to get him back for this someday!"
In the New World
Whole Cake Island
"…Mama? Should we—"
Big Mom was too busy eating cake to notice the newspaper.
Katakuri and the others exchanged glances—then decided not to interrupt her.
On Onigashima
Jhin lowered the newspaper and spoke with uncharacteristic urgency:
"Contact Jack. Tell him to abandon his mission at Sabaody and return immediately."
Quinn whistled, leaning back with a grin.
"These new rookies are something else… Even Hawkeye's on board now?"
But Jhin didn't smile.
He could feel it—
The winds of change were blowing.
Aboard the Moby Dick
Silence hung heavy over the ship as Whitebeard's crew read the headlines.
Vista gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, knuckles white.
"Hawkeye… You of all people…"
As a fellow swordsman, Vista had always respected Hawkeye's strength.
But now—
"An eighteen-year-old kid made you bend the knee?!"
"…What do you expect the rest of us swordsmen to think?!"
Vista's voice was thick with frustration.
"Don't overthink it," Marco said, resting a hand on Vista's shoulder.
"Maybe Hawkeye was tricked—or controlled somehow. There are all kinds of abilities in this world, right?"
"Gurarara… Kids, you're missing the point."
Everyone turned as Whitebeard chuckled, setting down his sake cup.
"No matter how he did it—"
"—That young man has already changed the world."
Aboard the Red Force
The atmosphere aboard Shanks' ship was practically electric.
After all—
Hawkeye wasn't just an acquaintance.
He was a drinking buddy. A mentor.
And Shanks had spent years trying to convince him to join the crew—without success.
Now, Hawkeye had sworn loyalty to a kid barely out of his teens?!
"…I don't believe it."
Shanks stared at the newspaper, eyes narrowed.
Does Bai Yu have the Nika Fruit?
Is he the one from the prophecy?
Could he be connected to Joy Boy?
None of it made sense.
"Bai Yu… I'll remember this."
"Captain, want me to call Hawkeye?" Benn Beckman asked, already reaching for the Den Den Mushi.
"…Yeah. I need to hear this from him directly."
"Bluu Blu Blu…"
The Den Den Mushi connected quickly.
"…Hawkeye here."
"Hawkeye—you serious?" Shanks asked without preamble.
"You told me once that you'd never bow to anyone. What changed?"
"You told me you staked your left arm on the new era, didn't you?"
"Well, I've staked my future on it."
Shanks fell silent.
"Bai Yu… He's really worth that much to you?"
"Yes."
"…Does he have the Nika Fruit?"
"No."
"…Is he Joy Boy?"
"No."
"Then why—"
"Send me your location," Hawkeye interrupted.
"I'll come drink with you right now."
"…Wait, just like that?!"
"Hmph. I'm still Hawkeye, after all."
Shanks laughed bitterly.
"Damn it… Bai Yu, I'll remember you."
Dressrosa
Inside the palace, Doflamingo strolled through the grand hall, laughing as he read the newspaper.
"Multiple abilities… immune to seawater…"
"What secrets are you hiding, Bai Yu?"
"I'm getting more and more interested in you, fufufufu…
Suddenly, his smile faded, replaced by a thoughtful frown.
"But Hawkeye… That's not like him at all."
Doflamingo had tried—and failed—to recruit Hawkeye in the past.
And he knew countless others had done the same.
Hawkeye had always refused. Always.
So why now?
"What did Bai Yu show him that was worth staking his future on?"
Suddenly—
"Bluu Blu Blu…"
The Den Den Mushi rang.
An unfamiliar number.
Doflamingo raised an eyebrow as he picked up.
"Who's this?"
"Is that you, Brother Ming?"
"It's Bai Yu."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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