Settsetse! The Pirate Nemesis

Laughing heartily while wiping away tears of laughter, Rayleigh's eyes were filled with a mixture of amusement and nostalgia—Roger used to be just like that, his first reaction to anyone he didn't want to fight was to run away, regardless of whether he could win. He didn't care what others thought; at least, as Rayleigh remembered, Garp was thoroughly infuriated by Roger back then. Roger chased Garp all the way from the Grand Line to the New World without giving up.

In the end, it was the battle at God Valley that turned hostility into friendship – a bond forged in battle.

Now, hearing about the feud between Sett and Shanks, Rayleigh was both amused and exasperated. After a moment's thought, Rayleigh continued, "Who did you learn from? That little Shanks isn't someone just anyone can defeat!"

Hearing Rayleigh's words, Sett didn't have any doubts. He just nodded and said, "First I studied with Zephyr for a while, and then I studied with that old geezer Garp... No, I came to ask where Shanks is. Don't keep changing the subject."

Rayleigh chuckled dismissively at Sett's words, a hint of lingering affection and amusement flashing in his eyes. He'd thought only dreams were worthy of entrusting someone with a legacy. Unexpectedly, even grudges and entanglements could now be passed down along with it.

If it were anyone else, Rayleigh, simply wanting to help his trainee crew member, might have just given Sett a random direction to search for. But now, after hearing about Sett's background and his entanglement with Shanks, Rayleigh's thoughts changed... Since things are already like this, let the changes of the times come even more violently!!

"Shanks and the others are on islands 40-49 of the Sabaody Archipelago. There are tourist shops and souvenir shops there. They're probably buying supplies for their trip to the New World. Don't blame me for not telling you, there are a lot of Marines there, so it's best to make your move... Oh, I almost forgot, you're just a little Marine, hahaha~"

As they were talking, Rayleigh suddenly remembered that although Sett in front of him was not wearing a naval uniform, he was indeed a disciple of a naval admiral and a naval hero.

Sett shrugged indifferently at this: "Navy? Me? No. I'm a bounty hunter—at least for now!"

"...?"

Upon hearing Sett's words, Rayleigh tilted his head, a hint of surprise showing between his brows—and he wasn't faking it.

This world may not say that good men don't become soldiers, but it's certain that good men would never become some kind of pirate hunter... Putting aside everything else, and not even mentioning the New World, there aren't many bounty hunters left in the latter half of Paradise, the first half of the Grand Line.

After all, most bounty hunters aren't very skilled; they mostly just make a living in their home waters, catching a couple of thugs to exchange for money. Even Rayleigh had never encountered a bounty hunter like this, chasing Shanks all the way to the gates of the New World… and what's even more interesting is that this bounty hunter had actually been chasing Shanks all the way here.

A playful smile appeared on Rayleigh's lips as he became increasingly curious about just who this red-haired young man was.

Go back and ask Xia Qi; she probably knows more than I do.

Thinking this, Rayleigh slowly walked off the ship—the ship was right there, ready to be coated at any time. But if he missed such a good show, the problem would be huge.

On the other side, upon officially entering the Sabaody Archipelago, Sett's face showed a hint of amazement.

The Sabaody Archipelago, known as the "Island of Failure" and the "Island of Rebirth," is located near the Marine Headquarters. It boasts the world's largest mangrove tree, the "Yarchiman Mangrove." The archipelago is called Sabaody because the Yarchiman Mangrove's roots produce resilient air bubbles during respiration.

These bubbles can exist for a long time, but due to the unique climate, they burst once they leave the vicinity of the Sabaody Archipelago because they cannot adapt to the climate. It can be said that all the architecture and technology of the Sabaody Archipelago are closely related to bubbles.

Bubble cars, bubble Ferris wheels, houses built on bubbles… bubble culture has permeated every corner of the Sabaody Archipelago. Similarly, the main material for ship coatings is the resin of the Yarchman mangrove.

There are only two entrances to the New World: one is the naval-only road on the Red Line, and the other is Fish-Man Island, located on the deep seabed beneath the Red Line. Access to Fish-Man Island requires a ship coating made of Yarchman mangrove resin. Only this processed resin coating can withstand the pressure of the deep sea without being affected by humans.

Walking along the streets lined with tourist attractions and local specialties, Shanks' face was full of smiles.

"Let's explore together! There's lots of fun stuff here. Maybe we can rent a bubble car; it'll make traveling easier!"

Upon hearing Shanks' words, Yasopp, who bore a seven-tenths resemblance to the future Usopp, nodded with a grin—meaning he didn't have a long nose. If he did, Usopp and Yasopp would be at least nine-tenths alike.

"Leave it to me~" Yasopp, carrying a modified sniper rifle on his back, said with a relaxed smile, "I just saw a car rental place. You guys look around first, I'll go rent one and then come pick you up later~"

Okay~ then be careful not to get lost~

Ben Beckman, standing nearby, casually puffed on a cigarette and said, "I remember there are quite a few criminals in Sabaody Archipelago... Numbers 1 to 29 are all human trafficking sites. If we get caught, we won't have that much money."

"Hahaha~ You're underestimating me! Anyone who dares to grab me will get their head blown off before they even get close!" As he said this, Yasopp, just like the future Usopp, showed off the muscles on his arms.

Although they are very similar in personality and appearance, unlike Usopp, Yasopp was with Shanks, so his strength when he arrived at Sabaody Archipelago was already greater than that of Usopp when he arrived at Sabaody Archipelago.

Just like now, despite being a long-range sniper, his shoulder muscles are almost as muscular as those of other combatants. In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they're on par!

Arriving at the car rental shop, Yasopp leisurely looked at the cars in front of him.

A small car is definitely out of the question. After all, just one big fat guy like Raziru takes up the space of three people on the ship. A car that's even slightly smaller probably wouldn't even fit Raziru alone!

Just as Yasopp was still picking and choosing, suddenly an arm landed on his shoulder.

Along with the arm, there was a voice gritting its teeth: "Yo yo yo~ Isn't this that damn red-haired crew member? I didn't expect to run into him here?!"

When he first heard the words "Yo yo yo," Yasopp thought he had run into some thugs and was about to show them the power of the strongest marksman from the East China Sea... But as he got closer, after hearing the familiar "Damn redhead," Yasopp quickly realized something was wrong.

Looking up, she was met with Sett's ambiguous smile.

"...It's you?!"

"That's what I should be saying!" Sett sneered upon hearing Yasopp's words, then pulled Yasopp close to him and gritted his teeth, saying, "Back when we were running away, it was you, you little brat, who threw that in the toilet, wasn't it?!"

Upon hearing this, Yasopp felt a sense of foreboding—he had indeed been seen throwing things down the toilet! Damn it, he had clearly covered his face, how could they remember that?!

Upon hearing this, Hawkeye, who had been listless, suddenly widened his eyes. Looking at Yasopp, his face was filled with astonishment, curiosity, and a desire for a detailed explanation!

Slightly coughing awkwardly, Yasopp carefully struggled free, saying, "It was all an accident... yes, an accident. And it was the captain's order... wait a minute, can you let me go first?!"

"No way!" Sett said fiercely, "Who knows if you'll slip away like that damn redhead!"

"It doesn't matter that we didn't catch that red-haired guy, but since we caught you, I'll start by using you to have my fill today!!"

Upon hearing Sett's words, Yasopp quickly calmed down. He considered the possibility of escape versus his chances of winning the fight. He recalled the terrifying fighting power Sett had displayed a year ago…

Okay, the odds of winning are zero.

In that case, there's only one choice left!

Seeing Sett already rubbing his hands together in anticipation, Yasopp nodded firmly: "I'll lead the way!!"

Chapter 191: Reencounter with Shanks

"To be honest, I initially refused when Shanks asked me to flush the toilet. After all, that stuff isn't clean!"

Driving, Yasopp wasn't too nervous. Perhaps it was because Yasopp himself knew that the red-haired man beside him cared more about his red-haired captain than himself—indeed, red-haired men are attracted to each other.

That's precisely why Yasopp sold Shanks without the slightest hesitation or doubt—he wasn't a fool to have gotten this far. He could see that Sett had absolutely no connection to the traditional, unquestionable enemy. And as for seeing his captain make a fool of himself, Yasopp felt no remorse whatsoever.

I felt something was off when I threw the toilet in the first place, and now that I think about it, it was definitely that bastard Shanks trying to shift the hatred onto me!

It's unbearable to repair!

"Don't worry, bro!" Yasopp said with an air of righteous indignation, "I'm definitely taking you to find that bastard Shanks today! How about we go buy a few toilets and put them on his head first? I've already got my camera ready!"

Like Usopp, Yasopp carries a dazzling array of gadgets besides his sniper rifle. Cameras are a given; they're practically essential items for Yasopp's everyday life and travels.

He shook his head indifferently. Then, as if remembering something, Sett slapped his forehead and said, "Right! Let's go to the direct supply depot first!"

"Huh? To the Navy branch?"

Upon hearing Sett's words, Yasopp was taken aback—if it were just settling a personal score, Yasopp wouldn't have given it much thought. But judging from Sett's current tone, it seemed he was going to go find the Navy?

If the navy is involved, then this matter may not be so easy.

Thinking this, Yasopp began to slow down his car. His previously relaxed eyes also gradually became serious… Playing around was one thing, but to force Yasopp to betray Shanks and his brothers over this was absolutely impossible.

Because this isn't a question of whether or not one can win a fight, but rather a question of Yasopp's own character!

He didn't pay any attention to it. After a moment of silence, Sett simply took out a stack of Berries from the side and slapped them on his palm, making a clapping sound.

"It's impossible to bribe me with money." As he said this, Yasopp slammed on the brakes, his eyes now filled with seriousness.

Sett looked at Yasopp with a blank expression: "What? Bribe you??"

"...Huh? Weren't you planning to bribe me?" Seeing that Sett's bewildered expression didn't seem fake, Yasopp belatedly scratched the back of his head.

With a slight smirk, Sett raised the banknote in his hand, wrapped it in Armament Haki, and delivered a vicious blow to Yasopp—

With a bulge in his chest, Sett said disdainfully, "You think I'm a pirate? You think I don't have to worry about anything? I'm a law-abiding citizen! I need to prepare the fine before I start fighting. The houses around here don't look cheap, and they'll probably be a mess after a fight. I'll send the money over to them first, so the Navy won't have to come looking for me later... Tsk, if Tina finds out, she'll definitely give me a good beating."

As he muttered to himself, Sett counted the money. Just like when he beat up Moria before, Sett was still giving the Navy face. Even when it was for arresting pirates, he would pay a sum of money in advance for house repairs... Of course, the main purpose was not to embarrass Zeff and the others because of him.

Having received some favors from the Navy, Sett was willing to be modest in such a small matter.

He rubbed his head, muttered a couple of curses, and then reluctantly restarted the car amidst the yelling from the cars behind him: "You should have said so earlier... I thought something had gone wrong..."

They didn't doubt what Sett said. After all, Sett's demeanor didn't seem like that of someone who would lie... or rather, too arrogant to bother with deception.

After a while, glancing at the wads of cash in Sett's hand, he confirmed that this battle had nothing to do with the Navy. Stroking his chin, Yasopp said, "How about... you bribe me?"

"Huh? Weren't you immune to being bribed?"

Holding the banknotes in his hand, Sett raised an eyebrow, realizing that something seemed off about the kid.

He chuckled a few times and coughed lightly, saying, "Since it's all about betrayal anyway, why don't you give me some money and I'll help you bring Shanks over! To be honest, I've been holding a grudge about throwing things in the toilet for a while now, but I haven't found a good way to get revenge!"

"Goodness, I underestimated you!" Sett gave a thumbs up, then pulled out a wad of cash and handed it to Yasopp: "If you're trying to fool me, the first person I'll beat up next time I see you guys is you!"

"Don't worry, buddy. I'm an expert at selling Shanks!"

Without hesitation, Yasopp accepted the money, looking completely unconcerned—although Shanks was nominally the captain, they mostly acted like friends, joking and teasing each other easily. There was no sense of hierarchy whatsoever… Of course, when faced with a powerful enemy, they would unite against him and follow Shanks and Beckman's orders. And now… Sett was less of an enemy and more of a peculiar friend of the Red-Haired Pirates.

However, this friend of the Red-Haired Pirates spends all his time thinking about how to give Shanks a good beating...

On the other side, even the members of the Sabaody Archipelago naval branch were stunned to see Sett arrive.

"Fifty million? Mr. Sett, you have it with us? Huh?!"

The naval ensign's face was filled with bewilderment. In his understanding, bounty hunters usually came to the naval branch to collect their bounties. Why was Sett, a bounty hunter himself, delivering money to the naval branch?!

Although Sett isn't a Marine, he enjoys immense prestige within the Navy. For instance, Vice Admiral Akainu, a candidate for Admiral, publicly supported Sett's views on pirates in an internal Navy report, believing a reform movement was necessary and a strong crackdown on pirates was needed.

Furthermore, given his mentor-student and friend-like relationship with Admiral Zeff and Marine hero Garpna, Sett could easily afford to exchange bounties. If he needed money, he could even get an interest-free loan. And now, they're actually sending him money?

Sett stretched his shoulders and said, "Take it. I'm planning to beat up a big pirate later, and the damage might be significant. Consider this an advance payment for repairs!!!"

Sett has no intention of going easy on Shanks—what if he shows mercy and lets him escape again like last time?!

Because of this, I might as well pay a little more. After all, who knows what kind of guys I'll be facing after Shanks.

Upon hearing Sett's words, the naval lieutenant beside him fell silent. After a moment, he accepted the fifty million Sett handed over with a strange expression.

In truth, they weren't short of money. After all, the Marine branch in Sabaody Archipelago was no ordinary Marine branch. As the only branch located at the gates of Mary Geoise, the holy land inhabited by the Celestial Dragons, the elite Marines stationed there were even stronger than some of the elite forces at Marine Headquarters.

But... there's no reason to refuse money that's offered up. Especially since this high seas are full of all sorts of strong individuals with unique personalities. The idea of ​​saving money in advance to repair places that might be damaged while arresting pirates... it just sounds strange no matter how you look at it.

If the Navy were to actually charge bounty hunters for repairs, the already small number of pirate hunters on the high seas would likely dwindle even further...

However, this was not within Sett's considerations.

After paying, Sett drove the car and followed Yasopp toward the city's tourist streets.

On the other side, looking at the driver in the car carrying Sett, the naval lieutenant felt he had seen him somewhere before. But upon closer inspection, he couldn't place him. After a long pause, he could only give up helplessly. As the starting point for a new expedition, the Sabaody Archipelago boasts the highest concentration and quality of pirates. Even with a naval branch stationed there, the navy dares not launch any attacks recklessly... because the consequences would be too great.

Behind the Sabaody Archipelago lies the New World, and those great pirates won't stand idly by while the Navy cuts off the path for new pirates to enter the New World. If the Navy were truly determined to blockade the Sabaody Archipelago, it could indeed greatly alleviate the influx of new pirates into the New World. However, as a price, those great pirates would also launch a forced attack… Regardless of what these great pirates achieve in their life-or-death struggles in the New World, they will always share a common hatred when facing the Navy. After all, their battles are merely for territory. And the Navy and the World Government genuinely want them dead.

That's what the Navy and the World Government think. If it were Sett, not only would they ban you from the Sabaody Archipelago, they'd even set up a checkpoint for you at Reverse Mountain in the Grand Line... Want to be a pirate under my nose? Did you pay your taxes?

On the other side, they came to the street. Yasopp grinned and took out a camera.

"Shanks~ come here for a second, I want to take your picture!" A black and white photo needs to be displayed in the lobby during the banquet.

Hearing Yasopp's words and seeing the bubble car he'd rented, Shanks didn't suspect anything and walked over with a grin. As he walked, he remarked, "Such a big car! It must have cost a fortune!"