Chapter 274: The Red Count's Empty Hunt
The Marines fell silent, studying the old bounty poster of the Red Count.
Powerful pirates were emerging one after another, making the Marines increasingly anxious.
Whitebeard, Golden Lion, World's Greatest Swordsman Charlotte Rockefeller, Roger, and now Patrick Redfield, the Red Count—
Five legendary figures dominated the New World, making the Navy feel suffocated.
Currently, the Marine's top forces were:
Fleet Admiral Steel Bone Kong
Admiral "Buddha" Sengoku
"Black Arm" Zephyr
Hero of the Marines, Garp
Compared to the five legendary pirates, their forces seemed slightly weaker.
This was one of the most dangerous times in Marine history.
If these five pirates joined forces, the Marines could truly be crushed.
Even the World Government sensed the crisis, loosening its control over Marine operations.
"The Red Count's motives are unclear, but he has already gained massive notoriety."
"People are beginning to call him the 'Fifth Legend' alongside Roger, Golden Lion, Whitebeard, and Charlotte."
"We need to suppress this perception immediately!"
Vice Admiral Tsuru laid down a fresh newspaper, revealing the latest headlines from Morgans' World Economic Journal.
The battle that had unfolded—involving Roger's crew, the Golden Lion's fleet, Garp, the Red Count, and the captured Chinjao—
It was making waves across the world.
The scale of this battle was comparable to the one three years ago between Whitebeard and Golden Lion.
"That damn Morgans! He's a menace!"
Fleet Admiral Kong slammed his fist on the table, veins bulging on his forehead.
His officers scowled.
Morgans was a walking time bomb, constantly exposing Marine operations and embarrassing them publicly.
"Redfield's bounty must be raised."
"His current bounty doesn't reflect his true strength!"
Tsuru's voice was firm.
Kong nodded.
"What do you suggest?"
"25 billion berries!"
The room fell into stunned silence.
"A 15 billion increase?!"
The officers exchanged shocked looks.
"Cough, cough… 25 billion is too much."
"If we raise it that high, it will cause public panic."
"How about 20 billion?"
"That would place him just below Whitebeard, Golden Lion, Charlotte, Roger, and Big Mom."
Tsuru nodded, understanding Kong's reasoning.
A 25 billion bounty would stir too much fear among the public.
"Alright!"
"Raise Patrick Redfield's bounty to 20 billion berries."
"Publicize all his crimes so that people understand he deserves it."
Kong handed the matter over to Tsuru, and the meeting came to an end.
The Marines had no time to waste—they still had to manage the Four Seas, the Grand Line, and the New World.
The weather was serene, with gentle waves lapping against the ship's hull.
Charlotte lay on the deck, enjoying the warm sun and sipping coconut juice.
He was completely unaware of what was happening in the New World.
He had no idea that Patrick Redfield was looking for him.
"Charlotte's base should be on Came Island."
"Hahaha! I'm finally here for our six-year-old promise!"
Patrick Redfield grinned, heading straight for Charlotte's stronghold.
"What?! Charlotte isn't here?!"
The Red Count grabbed Carter by the collar, his eyes blazing with fury.
Around them, the sounds of groaning and pain filled the air.
Redfield had stormed into Charlotte's base, cutting down anyone who stood in his way.
Despite their best efforts, Charlotte's subordinates were no match for him.
Now, hearing that Charlotte had been gone for three months, his fury erupted.
A terrifying burst of Conqueror's Haki surged outward, shaking the island.
He released Carter, his anger slowly subsiding.
"Three months..."
Redfield sighed, turning toward the docks.
"If you're not here, I'll fight someone else first."
He stepped onto his small ship, staring at a wanted poster.
It was a familiar face—
"Whitebeard, Edward Newgate."
With that, his ship set sail, heading deeper into the New World.
Carter struggled to stand, clutching his chest wound.
Redfield's attack had nearly crushed his ribs.
"I need to report this to Captain Charlotte immediately!"
Carter didn't know about Charlotte's connection with Redfield.
He assumed Redfield was an enemy.
He wasn't alone.
Other officers of the Rockefeller Pirates staggered back to their feet.
"So that was the Red Count…"
"The man who fought Golden Lion and Garp… his strength is terrifying."
Paul and Isaac supported each other, watching Redfield's ship vanish into the distance.
"Captain Charlotte… when are you coming back?"
Paul smiled bitterly.
Charlotte had only been gone for three months, but—
The first month was peaceful.
By the second month, news leaked—Charlotte wasn't on the island.
By the third month, the attacks began.
Ambitious pirates rushed in, hoping to step on Charlotte's name and make a name for themselves.
Only the Rockefeller Pirates' strength had kept them at bay.
They had realized one thing—
Their dominance was built entirely on Charlotte's reputation.
His name alone made people fear them.
Without him, they were constantly under siege.
Fortunately, no major figures had attacked yet.
Most of the challengers were newcomers from the Four Seas, desperate for a shortcut to fame.
At least those pirates were manageable.
But they knew—
If someone like Whitebeard, Big Mom, or Golden Lion came for them…
They were doomed.
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