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Chapter 520: Bakki, Be the Bait
Chapter 520: Bakki, Be the Bait
Bakki, who was specially invited to Delta Island to act as the Sheriff, was initially quite proud of himself.
After becoming one of the Seven Seas Fleet Admirals, such business opportunities had always been available, and this particular job was especially easy. All he needed to do was ensure that no major chaos occurred, and with his reputation as a Fleet Admiral, he could suppress any disturbances.
As for dealing with pirate fights and vendettas, that wasn't part of his agreement.
He wasn't here to provide security for the region; instead, he was responsible for dealing with that Festa guy. Essentially, he didn't have to worry about much, and the security situation had unexpectedly gone smoothly. As a Fleet Admiral, his reputation was enough to handle the pirates in this area.
Those who caused trouble would either be fearful or reverent upon hearing his name, and the few who dared to challenge his position would be taken care of by his subordinates.
It was ridiculously easy; wherever he went, he attracted intense attention, and under his watch, no one dared to cause trouble.
But then, what did he hear? Someone kept talking about robbing and looting.
Under the protection of Bakki, the Fleet Admiral known as 'Living Bakki,' who had a bounty of one thousand ryo, someone still dared to be so bold?
Then, he saw someone he hadn't seen in a long time, someone he could only find on a bounty poster.
With just a glance, Bakki, hidden under a large cloak, was so terrified that his head seemed to fly up. His eyes bulged, and his red nose ran with clear mucus.
Sag waved at him.
"Me? Did you call me? Bakki? Erection? En Liki!"
Bakki quickly turned his head and roared at Moki, standing next to Lion Liki: "When someone calls you, at least respond politely!"
"Ah?"
The pampered Lion Liki stood up and took several steps back, shaking his head vigorously.
"Ah! That's you, Moki!" Bakki's hands flew out, grabbing the nearly obese Moki, and roared: "Go over there quickly!"
"Captain, this has nothing to do with me. They're looking for you!"
Moki's head shook at the same frequency as his pet lion, and despite his plump body, he somehow found the strength and speed to dodge Bakki's hands and hide behind Liki.
Liki was startled and quickly hid behind Moki, who then jumped in surprise. As they took turns hiding behind each other, they moved further away and disappeared into the crowd.
"It's you, Bakki."
Sag said, "Come over here."
Bakki pointed at himself, then looked left and right to confirm it was indeed him, before crossing his arms and laughing: "Ahaha, ahahaha! It's been a long time, Sag!"
After laughing for a while, he realized that Sag's eyes hadn't left him, so he reluctantly drifted over to the table and sat down obediently.
How could this guy show up here in person! Although the Pirate Expo was said to be open to all pirates worldwide, it was just talk. That idiot Festa couldn't even control himself, let alone control a Four Emperor.
A pirate of this caliber wouldn't come here to attend some grand event; especially the one standing before him.
He had participated in the Big Mom battle, guarding the edge of Sag's territory, and somehow won, not only earning a large sum of money but also gaining more prestige.
Normally, he should have been able to catch up with Sag directly and even boast to his subordinates about their friendship in the East Sea.
But the crucial issue was,
"Bakki?"
Lily looked over and frowned: "Sag, last time he took a batch of special cannonballs, and we sent him an invoice, but we still haven't received the payment."
"Oh, that's right."
Sag glanced over and smiled: "Speaking of which, I've always wanted to meet you, but I never had the time."
"I..."
Bakki was about to give in, but when he saw his subordinates with stars in their eyes, his expression of surrender turned into laughter again:
"I've been busy with business too, and I really don't have any extra time. Invoice? I didn't see it. Maybe one of my subordinates forgot to give it to me. Sag, you're actually participating in this celebration. We must have a good drink together."
He waved to his subordinates and said generously: "Go and buy me the best wine. I want to drink with my brother!"
"Wuwu, it's indeed the Living Bakki!"
The subordinates were so excited that they shed tears, "Not only is he a brother to Red Hair, but he even knows the most notorious 'Cataclysm'!"
"That's Cataclysm! Currently, he's known as the Four Emperor with the largest territory and the strongest power!"
"Bakki, we want to follow you for life!"
After the subordinates collectively roared, they scattered to buy wine.
"Are those the idiots you recruited in Propulsion City?"
Lily looked around and said, "It seems like there are more idiots now.
"The prisoners from Impel Down, those ordinary ones, were all taken in by Bakki, and he even managed to convince a group of dim-witted fellows to follow him."
"However, their numbers are significant, and they do pose a formidable threat on the high seas."
"Hey, calling someone an idiot is too rude. Regarding the cannonball, I just picked it up. How was I supposed to know it belonged to you? It's not like I can return it now." Bakki whispered.
During the feast after his victory, he had indeed 'picked up' a batch of cannonballs. His drunken subordinates thought they were valuable and brought them to him. Bakki couldn't refuse in front of them, so he reluctantly accepted the cannonballs.
As for the bill, he genuinely didn't receive it.
If he had, he would have secretly paid it off. It's well-known on the high seas that you can't afford to owe anyone money.
"If it comes to that, I'll pay you whatever the cost is. Don't judge me by my appearance; my business is quite substantial. It's just that this fellow Festa is too easygoing, so I came here." Bakki proudly straightened his red nose.
"What other big business do you have? Aren't all your funds invested in your pirate crew?"
Sag laughed and shook his head, then put his arm around Bakki's shoulder and said, "But that doesn't matter now. It's been so long since we last met, Bakki. Let's go fishing!"
The money Bakki used for his business dealings came from Old Sha, and a significant portion of Old Sha's investments and resources belonged to Sag. In this sense, the more successful Bakki's business became, the more he was expanding Sag's channels.
Bakki himself was unaware of this, but it wasn't something worth worrying about.
What truly delighted Sag was encountering Bakki in person!
That was enough!
It had been over two years!
As he kept failing to catch any fish, he sometimes reminisced about his time in the East Blue. Although he had bad luck back then, there were still heartwarming moments, like when he met Bakki and, after falling into the sea, managed to catch a fish instead of encountering a Sea King.
That was a fish!
A fish!!
"There are still a few hours before the start. Since we're bored anyway, let's go fishing, Bakki! If you're the one fishing, I'm sure I'll catch something. As long as I accomplish this, I won't mind the cost of the cannonballs! If you do well, I'll even invest more!"
"Really? Are you serious?!"
Bakki's eyes lit up. "Can you really invest more?"
He had wanted to say that he couldn't possibly be broke, but Sag's next words changed his expression.
It was all because Sag gave so much!
He was truly generous! The biggest deal Bakki had ever made, regardless of the risk, was with Sag, surpassing all the efforts he put into finding wars to participate in.
Pirates on the high seas also needed financial backers, even powerful ones like the Four Emperors. They had to do business too!
"I guarantee it. Let's go!"
Sag pulled Bakki up and said, "Let's find a spot on the shore to fish. If I catch one, I'll keep my promise."
"Okay, okay. Hey, I need to inform my subordinates first. And this feast is about to begin. I heard there's a significant treasure too. Isn't that why you came here?" Bakki asked.
"Hahaha, I'm already here."
Sag flashed a grin, revealing his white teeth. "They won't get away. What's the rush? The martial arts tournament will have to wait for my fleet to arrive before it can be held! Marika, send a package to me later."
Eat?
What are they eating?
Fishing is more important!
This is a rare opportunity to catch a fish!
He had already chosen a good spot before coming here, and now he wanted to give it a proper try. This was his chance to test his incredible luck.
"If I catch one, I'll be happier than if I had stolen a billion Beli. Bakki, give it your best shot!" Sag said excitedly.
"Huh? What kind of fish is worth a billion Beli? Don't you want the money?" Bakki was stunned.
"How is that possible? I want the money and the fish. I'm an adult, so I want it all!" Sag laughed heartily.
As he forcefully pulled Bakki away, at a nearby table, two people quietly put down their newspapers and stared at the departing duo.
"Admiral Smog, who is that?"
Dasqui, dressed as a pirate, had beads of sweat on her forehead. "Why? Is this pirate activity related to the Calamity?"
"I don't know."
Admiral Smog's face was solemn as he held two pieces of paper in his fingers and handed them to Dasqui:
"This Buena Festa is the mastermind behind the gathering of so many pirates here. Our task is to confirm if it's him, and also this man, Douglas Barrett. Headquarters denies that he's still alive, but according to my investigation, he might appear here."
"But now, all that is irrelevant. Someone even more ruthless has arrived."
Admiral Smog, disguised as a pirate captain, had infiltrated this celebration with the purpose of investigating these two individuals.
Although headquarters had denied it, the Marshal and Fleet Admiral hadn't, which was why he was taking action.
Sometimes, the Navy's actions are not always unified.
Within the Navy, aside from the World Government, there's also the Marine Criminal Investigation Division, which investigates both external and internal matters. The power structure within is too decentralized, leading to frequent disagreements.
These Navy personnel who capture pirates and those involved in internal administration often don't work together, so for certain matters, solid evidence is required before the Navy can exert greater force.
This is also why Smog is unhappy. Initially, he came to the East Sea as a Navy Headquarters Colonel, and this was part of the reason.
The Navy only needed to capture pirates.
But in the past two years, especially after the Alabasta battle, he has matured significantly and has begun to take advantage of the convenience brought by the Navy's status.
"Dasqui!"
"Yes!"
"Inform the Headquarters that I'm heading there."
Smog stood up and followed the direction Sage had left.
Douglas Barrett is just a disappeared pirate, but this one is different. At this moment, he should be digesting the fruits of his victory, but now he's here, which means he's up to something big.
By his side is the Seven Seas Fleet Admiral, Baggy, a smart guy. Since Sage can cooperate with Don Flamingo and other Seven Seas Fleet Admirals, Smog wouldn't be surprised if he had collaborations with them.
But when the two of them met...
Norton Sage wouldn't do something meaningless; there must be another secret! Just as Smog was about to move, the host of the celebration feast, standing on the rooftop of the tallest building, began his speech. He instructed the pirate gangs participating in the treasure hunt game to prepare and gather in the center of the town square.
Soon, a skyward current erupted from the center of the town, and from it emerged an island wrapped in bubbles. At the very top of the island sat a wrecked ship, and from below, one could see a dazzling golden glow emanating from the ship and its surroundings.
The rules of the game were simple: first, one had to ride the skyward current and reach the island to qualify for the treasure hunt.
But as for the rest...
"This is it."
Sage led Baggy to the edge of the island, a small hillock overlooking the vast sea. And on the hillock, a fishing rod was already prepared!
Before coming, he had marked the spot and brought his fishing rod, intending to fish here after strolling through the town.
Baggy's presence was an unexpected delight.
"Hmm? Just a fishing rod?"
Baggy watched as Sage walked over, sat down, and started fishing. "Um, what am I supposed to do?" he asked.
"Just watch," Sage replied. "Stand by my side, and I'll catch a fish!"
That's it? Baggy blinked, standing obediently and watching Sage fish.
On the hillock, under the sun, a gentle sea breeze ruffled their hair, capes, and cloaks, causing Baggy's captain's hat to flutter.
An hour passed.
Suddenly, Baggy touched his nose, his eyes welling up with emotion. "So that's how it is? Sage, when we were in the East Sea, you should have listened to my words. It's not that I'm being presumptuous, but our identities prevented us from catching up. It's been a long time since I've experienced such tranquility."
He gave Sage a thumbs up, his teeth glinting in the light. "Brother! Rest assured, I, Baggy, will acknowledge you as my brother!"
How sincere! A single sentence from the East Sea had stuck with Sage until now. Despite Sage owing him a debt of gratitude for saving his people, he still considered him a friend and brother.
Otherwise, why during the Big Mom's expedition, would he have gained a fortune without lifting a finger?
The one who values property the most didn't even care about the lost batch of cannonballs.
And now, they were catching up in such a unique way, fishing.
After all, he was the Pirate Emperor, the king of a powerful nation, unlike that stinky Shanks.
This brother, Baggy, would definitely acknowledge!
"Baggy," Sage suddenly turned around, his eyes burning with intensity as he looked at me.
"Brother!" Baggy was almost moved to tears.
"You be the bait!"
"Okay?!"
Sage reeled in the fishing line, his eyes fixed on the hook below, his joy intensifying.
The bait was gone! A fish had bitten the hook! Baggy was useful!
But ordinary bait wouldn't do, so...
"Help!"
With his feet on the ground and his entire body tied to the fishing line, Baggy swung back and forth, tears streaming down his face. "Help! Don't do this, I can't swim! I'll pay! I'll give you money! I'll pay ten times, no, a hundred times the price of those cannonballs!"
(End of Chapter)
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