Chapter 10: SPOP Chapter 10 Reporting the Fugitive
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For ordinary people, even 10 Million Berries is an enormous sum. Let alone 110 million. Wealth can stir the heart, and such an immense amount of riches was enough to push these modestly living individuals toward daring action. Moreover, they believed they had a justifiable reason:
"In the name of justice, assisting the Marines in capturing the world's most notorious criminal, Gol D. Rojen!"
The light of greed flickered in their eyes as they exchanged glances, silently agreeing on their course of action.
Hant descended the stairs to the ship's basement, where Lovins was busy at work.
"Lovins, I've got something you'll definitely be interested in," Hant began, his tone sly.
Lovins, a middle-aged man with loose golden hair, raised his head and frowned. "What do you want?"
Usually, Lovins was a reserved and serious man, and he held Sefiya in the highest esteem. As for Hant, whose personality was petty and erratic, Lovins couldn't stand him.
"Rojen. You know him, right?" Hant asked bluntly.
"Of course. What about him? Get to the point— I don't have time to waste chatting with you," Lovins replied impatiently, focused on his tasks.
"That guy is a Criminal with a bounty of 110 Million Berries!" Hant dropped the bombshell.
"Oh? And?" Lovins paused his work, his expression showing mild interest. "What are you planning to do?"
"Arrest him yourself? Become a bounty hunter?"
"Not at all. Sure, the guy looks delicate and harmless on the surface, but for the Marines to set such a high bounty, he's definitely out of our league," Hant admitted with a shrug, acknowledging his limitations.
"Does Sefiya know about this?" Lovins asked.
Hant's expression flickered before he forced a smile. "Of course. I told her before coming to you. That's actually why I'm here."
Lovins gave Hant a dismissive glance and smirked. "Save your pathetic schemes. If Sefiya had a problem, she'd come directly to me. What do you really want? Stop beating around the bush."
Hant's face darkened with suppressed anger before he composed himself. "I've discussed it with the others. We plan to report Rojen to the Marines and let them deal with him."
"This way, even if we don't get the full bounty, we'll still be rewarded handsomely for the tip-off."
"Haha!"
Lovins listened silently, then chuckled. "Not a bad plan. Rojen seems like a decent kid... but money is undeniably more compelling."
With a casual flick, Lovins tossed the Den Den Mushi to Hant, who caught it in surprise before breaking into a grin.
"Don't worry, Lovins. We'll make sure you get your share."
Hant wasted no time dialing the nearest Marine branch with the Den Den Mushi.
"Mushimushi, Marine Branch 7310, Second Division. Please state your purpose," A clear male voice answered.
Clearing his throat, Hant spoke in a serious tone. "Hello, Marine officer. This is Hant from the Sia Chamber of Commerce. I have information regarding your recent wanted target, Rojen."
"Rojen? What Rojen?" The Marine officer sounded puzzled.
Hant hesitated, then clarified, "Gol D. Rojen, with a bounty of 110 Million!"
"Gol D…"
The Marine officer cut himself off mid-sentence, and another voice soon replaced him on the line.
"This is Captain Oakwood, commanding officer of the branch station. Report your exact location immediately."
"Also, under no circumstances should you alarm him. Keep a close watch on his movements at all times."
The voice carried an overwhelming sense of authority. Even over the Den Den Mushi, Hant found himself intimidated by the imposing manner of the speaker. He stammered out a compliant response.
"Half an hour from now, the Marines will arrive. Stay in constant contact until then!"
With that, Oakwood concluded briskly and hung up.
Hant could clearly hear the sound of hurried footsteps on the other end. The Marines were already mobilizing.
A grin spread across Hant's face. Once the Marines arrived, the hefty reward would soon be his. Even a small fraction of the 110-million-berry bounty would be enough to allow him to live comfortably for the rest of his life. No more enduring the hardships of drifting on the sea through wind and rain.
In this world, there were three kinds of people who lived their lives at sea.
The first were commoners like Hant, surviving through hard labor. The second were the ruthless pirates, plundering and killing wherever they went. And the third were the Marines.
Of these three, Hant's kind were the weakest, facing the least danger but living the harshest lives, scraping by at the lowest rung of society.
The world, Hant thought bitterly, was truly unfair.
As Hant ended his call, another scene was unfolding near Rojen.
"Rojen, I need to tell you something. Prepare yourself!"
The ship's doctor, Fred, spoke in a rare, serious tone, a stark departure from his usual jovial demeanor.
"Fred, what's wrong with you? Why the long face?" Rojen asked with a grin, though his eyes held a glimmer of unease.
"Your identity has been exposed. You must leave here immediately."
"The crew has already conspired to report you to the Marines. Once they arrive, it'll be over for you," Fred said in a low voice.
"My identity?" Rojen froze for a moment, his expression hardening. "So, you all know now?"
"Your wanted poster has been circulated. Everyone knows." Fred nodded gravely.
"What about Sefiya?" Rojen asked, his voice tense, as he bit his lip.
At that moment, a strange feeling welled up in his chest. The camaraderie they all shared— the warmth and closeness he thought genuine— now seemed fragile. The revelation of his identity had changed everything.
He could imagine what they must be feeling now: greed, hesitation, perhaps even fear.
"Sefiya sent me," Fred said, giving Rojen a deep look. "She asked me to tell you to take care of yourself."
The heavy weight on Rojen's chest lifted instantly. His entire body seemed to relax, and the tension in his face melted away.
Though some would betray and doubt him, there were still those who chose to believe in him and lend their support.
"She said she'll always believe in you."
Fred sighed, patting Rojen on the shoulder.
Rojen's shoulder trembled, and an even heavier feeling settled in his heart.
The gratitude of a kind soul was often the hardest to repay. His expression grew complicated as he struggled to find the right words.
"Go quickly! If you linger any longer, you won't get another chance to escape."
(End Of The Chapter)