Bege would never mistake him; the man before him was none other than the renowned Marine Vice Admiral, Mad Tiger.
This Mad Tiger was a top-tier Vice Admiral from Marine Headquarters. He was a master of Rokushiki, and also a Devil Fruit user, possessing the rare Ancient Zoan type: the Smilodon Fruit.
The Ancient Zoan fruit granted Mad Tiger exceptional physical prowess, which, combined with his mastery of Rokushiki, made him terrifyingly strong.
Moreover, he was a swordsman, boasting superb skill.
In short, he was a formidably powerful opponent.
"I'm extremely interested in your Masked Bounty Hunter Group. Would you mind removing your mask and satisfying my curiosity?" Vice Admiral Mad Tiger said nonchalantly.
Bege's heart tightened. It seemed the Marines were already suspicious of him, which was not a good sign.
"You need only know that the goal of our Masked Bounty Hunter Group is to eliminate pirates, apprehend criminals, and hopefully bring a sense of security to the civilians of this world. Why is it necessary to know our specific identities?" Bege replied with a light laugh.
"Is that so?" Mad Tiger remained unconvinced.
Bege continued, "Is it not? Since our debut, we've never massacred civilians, and we've eliminated countless pirates. Surely you Marines are aware of this?"
"I, on behalf of the Marines, thank you for your acts of justice."
Mad Tiger nodded slowly, then added, "However, your strength is formidable, yet your identities remain unclear. This puts us in a difficult position. How about this: Masked Captain, if you reveal your mask and disclose your identity, as long as you are not an enemy of the Marines, we will fully support your work. Whether it's assisting you in hunting pirates or exchanging bounties, the Marines will cooperate fully. This is the best option for both of us."
Bege refused decisively, shaking his head. "That won't do. Bounty hunters, especially ones like us in the Masked Hunter Group, are most hated by pirates. We've made countless enemies. If our identities were to be revealed, I fear for the safety of our families."
"We will not disclose your identities, and we will also protect your families. You can rest assured of this," Mad Tiger stated.
"There's no wall without a crack. Even within the Marines, there are scoundrels and informants for other factions," Bege persisted in his refusal.
Mad Tiger frowned, then said, "Fleet Admiral Kong also mentioned that if you were willing to join the Marines, he would guarantee your promotion to Rear Admiral within two years. You could bring your families to Marineford, ensuring their safety."
Bege's face darkened, and he said solemnly, "I didn't expect to attract Fleet Admiral Kong's attention. However, the Marines have too many rules. I only want to be a free hunter. I'm afraid I must decline Fleet Admiral Kong's kind offer."
Mad Tiger's gaze turned cold. Bege's repeated evasions greatly displeased him. He stroked his hair, looking troubled, and said casually, "I've been ordered to confirm your identity, Masked Captain. Please don't make this difficult for me."
Bege's entire body tensed, his expression turning wary.
In the next instant, Mad Tiger's body vanished in a blur.
The sheer speed stunned Bege. Mad Tiger instantly appeared before him, reaching out to remove his mask.
"So fast!" Bege's face contorted in shock, his pupils contracting. His eyes showed his astonishment.
Almost simultaneously, Bege struck out, his sword swinging in a swift arc.
Mad Tiger, in the blink of an eye, transformed into a blur of light, dodging the descending blade.
"Such a fast sword. I almost got cut."
Mad Tiger frowned, a troubled expression on his face.
Bege sheathed his sword, fixing his gaze on Mad Tiger, his tone unfriendly. "Vice Admiral Mad Tiger, your actions are very dangerous."
"I don't want to fight you either. But I have my orders, so I have no choice. Just take off your mask and let me confirm your identity," Mad Tiger said with a shrug, a helpless expression on his face.
Bege remained unmoved.
Mad Tiger's expression turned serious, and he said solemnly, "Then I'm afraid I must offend you."
Mad Tiger vanished again, a blur of light.
"If that's the case, then I'll experience the skills of Vice Admiral Mad Tiger firsthand."
Intense fighting spirit blazed in Bege's eyes. This was a top-tier Marine Vice Admiral.
The Marines were determined to confirm his identity; Bege knew he might not be able to keep it hidden any longer.
Given the situation, he wanted to test the difference between himself and a top-tier Marine Vice Admiral.
This was a rare opportunity.
Bege's entire body was tense, his focus absolute. Facing Mad Tiger, he couldn't afford even the slightest carelessness.
"I've found you." Bege's gaze suddenly sharpened. He spun, swinging his sword, the fierce blade instantly slashing towards Mad Tiger.
Mad Tiger blocked the sword with a single hand, his blackened palm indicating the use of Armament Haki. Mad Tiger's right hand reached for Bege's mask.
Bege instantly unleashed a whip-like kick, aimed at Mad Tiger's waist.
With a thud, Mad Tiger raised his right leg, blocking Bege's kick.
"No Sword Style – Hawk Wave!"
Bege's left hand slashed out fiercely, forming an eagle-shaped slash with just his bare hand. Mad Tiger swiftly retreated into a blur, pulling back more than ten paces.
Suddenly, his mask cracked with a crisp sound, a fissure appearing. He saw Mad Tiger's raised finger. In that instant of exchange, Mad Tiger's Shigan had grazed the mask.
The mask shattered with a series of cracks, scattering on the ground.
Mad Tiger's expression was grim, his eyes filled with shock as he looked at Bege's face.
"Capone Bege, I never expected it to be you."
"So I've been exposed," Bege said, a hint of surprise in his eyes, followed by a sigh. He had been mentally prepared. Knowing he was facing Mad Tiger, he hadn't expected to protect his mask. He just hadn't thought it would be shattered so soon.
He could only say, as expected of a top-tier Marine Vice Admiral.
"I believe you're only seventeen or eighteen years old, yet you possess such terrifying strength," Mad Tiger said, genuinely shocked. He hadn't expected the Masked Captain to be Capone Bege.
"Thank you for your praise," Bege replied with a light laugh.
"Truly terrifying."
After his initial shock, Mad Tiger's eyes turned sharp and cold, his tone serious and resolute. "The eldest son of the West Blue Mafia Capone Family. Unfortunately, you are not a friend of the Marines. So, fall!"
With those words, Mad Tiger raised a finger, the tip instantly firing an astonishing Shigan.
Bege instantly dodged, the powerful Shigan piercing a hole through a distant house.
"Quickly, notify Modi and the others! Go to the ship and gather!" Bege shouted to his disciples.
The disciples immediately took off running.
"No one is allowed to escape," Mad Tiger said, raising his hand towards the fleeing disciples.
"I won't let you succeed."
A cold snort sounded beside Mad Tiger. Bege instantly appeared before him, his sword slashing down. At the same time, Vice Admiral Mad Tiger drew his own sword, blocking Bege's strike.
The sword trembled, and Bege was sent flying. Vice Admiral Mad Tiger immediately swung his sword at one of the disciples, a blade of energy tearing through the air.
Bege instantly used Soru, but he was a step too late. One disciple was cut in half, blood splattering everywhere.
"Bastard!"
_______
+50 chapters on: patreon.com/Shinobi_Scrolls