Settsetse! The Pirate Nemesis

147. Strange Expressions

"The world is sick."

Looking at today's headlines, Hawkeye, who finally doesn't have to do everything himself at sea, also has a rare moment of leisure to read the newspaper—the reason being that a diligent ascetic has joined the ship.

It has to be said that he has experienced too many ups and downs in his life. Whitebeard has long since developed a keen eye, and when looking at many people or things, he can basically determine the future that they may cause based on his own experience. Just like now, the moment he saw Sett called "the sunken country", Whitebeard was certain that the sea would be somewhat disturbed because of this somewhat absurd title.

Indeed, the individual strength of this world is immense. Someone like Whitebeard, if left unchecked, could sink the remaining landmass of this world into the sea for a period of time using only his Devil Fruit power. However, there's one crucial point: people possessing Whitebeard's strength are far too few…

For 99.9% of the world's population, a single nation is an unparalleled behemoth. And the Germa Kingdom, known as the "House of War," is no exception. With the combined strength of technology and military might, the Germa Kingdom's power far surpasses that of ordinary pirate crews. In fact, at this time, there weren't many pirate crews in the New World capable of completely defeating them—excluding great pirates like Whitebeard.

Therefore, many newspapers are now directly criticizing the World Economic News for shamelessly pursuing sales by fabricating images and battle records using Devil Fruit abilities. Some more radical ones are directly attacking the Marine Headquarters, arguing that it only wants to divide the pirates and turn some of them into bounty hunters.

During this process, they also took the opportunity to educate people on just how... uh, lowly? or even despicable the profession of bounty hunter really is?

This annoyed Hawkeye, the bounty hunter. He had never done such dirty work. But Hawkeye also had no right to say anything, because everything they told him about the dirty deeds bounty hunters had done was true.

Similar to how weak and easily bullied pirates steal from shops, or even temporarily impersonate robbers to frame other pirates—it just goes to show that people have a reason to think that bounty hunters are inferior to pirates.

At least pirates openly rob people. Some good pirates, like Shanks, are more like navigators than pirates; they not only don't steal, but also help people along the way to avert disasters. Bounty hunters, on the other hand, vary greatly in quality. Their minimum standard is slightly better than pirates, but their maximum potential is far lower than other professions…

At least, in Hawkeye's opinion, even Sett, who should theoretically be penalized with a negative score just for being brainless, is a high-quality male among bounty hunters because he's the type to fight to the death without caring about anything once he gets excited.

That's outrageous.

"Bounty hunters are even worse than pirates... It's baffling, yet there's no way to refute it."

As he spoke, Hawkeye swirled a glass of red wine in his hand. His lips looked as if they were stained with blood, that unusual... well, Sett isn't a male ketone, so let those who can appreciate this kind of artsy, pretentious beauty sing it.

Glancing at the newspaper, Sett casually propped his feet on the corner of the table, eating as he nonchalantly remarked, "Who cares if he's sick or not, as long as he doesn't have an attack in front of me. Mr. Sett is quite adept at handling doctor-patient relationships."

"..."

Hearing this, Hawkeye glanced at the brazen Sett, shook his head and sighed, then looked away—According to Sett's method, regardless of whether he had healed the other party or not, as long as the other party dared to cause trouble, the first thing he would do was to punch them to let their brains get some fresh air and sober up.

It's commendable that one's thoughts are never disturbed by external things. So why does it feel strangely awkward when it comes to Sett?

In contrast, Sanji, standing to the side, seemed rather indignant.

"These newspapers are lying! Bounty hunters aren't as bad as they say!"

Mihawk's expression was somewhat subtle in response to Sanji's anger—as a bounty hunter, he should have been pleased to hear someone defending the reputation of bounty hunters. But how to put it? Mihawk knew very well that what the newspaper said was indeed true.

Ninety percent or even more of the bounty hunters are weak, cowardly, or even cowardly. Given this, Sanji's anger is completely incomprehensible from an outsider's perspective.

All I can say is that Sanji's first impression of the bounty hunter was extremely positive—he tore down the cage that imprisoned him, was willing to eat the food he cooked, and defeated the father he hated and loathed.

Just as Judge believed that Sanji's mother died from malnutrition because of him, Sanji similarly believed that his father's actions drove his mother to her death. They loathed and hated each other. The possibility of reconciliation between them was virtually zero.

In this situation, Sett took him away from that nightmarish land... It could be said that the moment they met, Sanji decided that he would become a bounty hunter in the future, just like Mr. Sett, fighting evil and helping the weak!

They're just too young; they have no control over their future.

"What's all the commotion about?" Sett glanced at the excited Sanji and said with a sullen face.

"You're covered in soot, did you forget to change your clothes after adding coal? Hurry up and change so we can get ready for dinner."

"Okay!

Although his voice was aggressive, Sanji showed no sign of resistance. As he ran, he even said, "I wear an apron when I cook, it's very clean!" as if he wanted Sett and the others to eat in peace.

Sett seemed unconcerned – a little dirt won't hurt.

Sanji was still changing his clothes when Sett teased him, "You look like a brat. Don't try to make yourself look good as a bounty hunter when you get out there!"

"Huh? Why? I think being a bounty hunter is pretty good..." Sanji was a little confused as to why Sett would say that.

In response, Sett said, "Look at you, you're all black and grimy from working so hard, you look like a coal miner."

As he spoke, Sett pointed at Hawkeye again; "A small boatman, you don't feel sorry for yourself, but instead feel sorry for your master who lives in luxury. Didn't you see that he didn't even try to defend the other bounty hunters?"

"Uh……"

Upon hearing this, Sanji belatedly scratched his head.

Upon closer reflection, it's true. Throughout the entire process, while Hawkeye was dissatisfied with the news reports, he didn't refute the specific details.

Accused by Sett, Hawkeye rubbed his temples helplessly; "The bounty hunter world is a deep and murky place... By the way, when did you become so talkative?"

As he spoke, Hawkeye gave Sett a somewhat helpless look.

Sett seemed quite unfazed by this; "These little brats can be easily fooled by a few words from anyone with a bit of experience. If bounty hunters had such a good reputation, I wouldn't be one!"

Upon hearing this, neither Hawkeye nor Sanji initially understood what Sett meant by saying, "If bounty hunters had such a good reputation, I wouldn't want to be one."

It wasn't until later that Hawkeye suddenly realized—indeed, Sett hated moral blackmail the most.

Thinking about it this way, a good reputation is actually a burden for Sett.

Whitebeard and his crew couldn't understand why Sett didn't join the Marines—in the eyes of ordinary people, the Marines and pirates were practically equal. The Marines, on the other hand, were highly respected and experienced; joining them felt like getting a job at a Fortune 500 company.

Especially with Sett's strength and talent, once inside, he could easily become a legendary high-ranking officer parachuted in—after all, with Zephyr's connections, plus his talent and ability, even if Sett's path to advancement is the fastest in the history of the Navy, they would only be surprised, not question it.

Becoming a pirate is like starting your own business from scratch. But nobody ever considers becoming a bounty hunter... Bounty hunters have a bad reputation, low pay, and can't enjoy the guaranteed income of the Navy or the unbridled freedom of pirates. It's as incomprehensible as a top university graduate with advanced technology going to pull a rickshaw and do manual labor on the street.

Why bother?

There was a time when Hawkeye had the same doubts. But gradually, Hawkeye's doubts disappeared—Sett just liked this kind of profession with low moral standards.

Because he's not short of money at all. Going to sea is simply to see the world and challenge all the strong.

Professionally speaking, Sett's connections are undeniable. It's common knowledge throughout the seas that Marine branches can bully small-time bounty hunters with no connections and underpay their bounties. It's like you bring a pirate's head with a 500,000 Berry bounty to exchange for money, and the Marine branch says the bounty has changed and it's now only worth 300,000 Berry, but the new bounty won't be announced for a few days. What can the bounty hunter say? By the time the next Marine branch comes to exchange the money, his head will be rotting. Even if they drag it out, they can preserve the pirate's head in a refrigerator and stubbornly wait until the new bounty is announced before exchanging it, it doesn't matter.

When the branch navy casually reported to their superiors that the pirate posed no threat, the bounty was actually lowered...

But what about Sett? Sett himself has the strongest backing in the West Blue, and he has an inextricably intertwined relationship with the Navy's rising star. Furthermore, he is a disciple of one of the three most renowned admirals in the Navy.

With his background, connections, qualifications, and power all laid out before him, would the Navy branch dare to withhold money? Would they dare to lower the bounty? Don't be ridiculous, Sett isn't even asking for more money from them, he's already being lenient with Zeff...

Having figured this out, Hawkeye took a sip of red wine with some understanding.

Although it's often said that Sett is brainless and acts recklessly when his emotions run high, Hawkeye is certain of one thing: Sett's carefree attitude is something most people don't possess. Things like reputation are, while perhaps not entirely insignificant to Sett, he certainly doesn't care, but he's definitely not overly obsessed with them.

Like Judge, who would rather have his wife take drugs that alter bloodline factors in order to restore the glory of his ancestors and make his children lose their emotions and become stronger... such a thing is simply impossible for Sett to do.

It's not that he's without cunning, but he's too lazy to hide his thoughts. This is also a major reason why Hawkeye is willing to travel with Sett—whether he's noisy or not doesn't matter. Having grown up in the lower rungs of society, Hawkeye developed an ear that can automatically filter out useless information.

They don't deliberately flaunt their cunning or engage in underhanded tactics. Coupled with their own considerable strength, this is the key reason why people can accept their shortcomings.

After washing his hands and changing his clothes, Sanji arrived at the dining table full of anticipation.

But just as Sanji finished preparing, a violent crash resounded from the ship, followed by a sharp tilt. Previously, the impact boat's strength would have inevitably led to its capsizing. However, after Judge's major overhaul, the impact boat's center of gravity was now much more stable. Especially without activating the Impact Gear for acceleration, its stability was more like that of a small cruise ship.

The shaking was followed by the clanging sound of food on the table sliding onto the floor.

"What's going on? Is another storm coming?"

Sett rubbed his head, looking annoyed. Sanji glanced outside and then trotted back, saying, "It's a big ship! It hit us!"

"..."

Hearing this, Hawkeye shook his head helplessly. But after waiting for a long time, he found that Sett hadn't made a sound—wait a minute, according to his personality, he should be cursing by now.

Turning his head, Hawkeye saw that Sett's face was also filled with frustration. But besides frustration, there was also a hint of melancholy and helplessness. This made Hawkeye somewhat curious—Hawkeye didn't know that this was the third time he had been hit by a ship since setting sail.

numb.

"It's alright, it just hit a boat, no one was hit..."

I let out a long sigh, feeling a mix of emotions, but still filled with dissatisfaction.

"I'm going out to take a look...day."

Watching Sett walk away with a disgruntled expression, Sanji tilted his head curiously, then looked at Mihawk beside him; "Is Mr. Sett always like this? It doesn't seem like Mr. Sett's personality at all..."

"Don't ask me..."

Hawkeye glanced at Sett's departing figure, a hint of curiosity on his face—Hawkeye could understand Sett's sudden outburst of anger, and he could understand Sett rushing out and smashing the opposing ship. But to see him walk out to argue with a hint of irritation...

This was the first time he had ever seen Sett with such a peculiar expression—he'd have to ask him about it later.

----------------

My mother is coming tomorrow to check on the things in the house and tidy up. She'll leave the day after tomorrow or the day after that.

148. The Ultimate Casino in the West Sea

In the past, if anyone dared to come up to him, Sett would punch them without saying a word, to show them what violence is.

But after being rammed by the ship one after another, even Sett began to wonder if he had offended something unclean—just so unlucky!! Such a weak ship, anyone who didn't know better would think it came from a Cthulhu movie set!

His face was filled with impatience as he went up to the deck. What had collided with Sett's assault boat wasn't a pirate crew, but a luxury cruise ship.

Sett glanced at the cruise ship, then with a slight leap, his body shot into the air like an arrow, before landing steadily on the deck.

By this time, people on the cruise ship's deck had already discovered the collision, which attracted many passersby and staff who rushed to the scene.

A ship collision is a very serious matter, especially in a world where 90% of the land is sea. After confirming that a collision had occurred, the ship's management, including the captain and first mate, rushed out.

Although this world is chaotic, the Four Seas are ultimately within the jurisdiction of the World Government. Upon discovering the ship, or perhaps upon witnessing Sett leap from the small yacht directly onto the cruise ship several meters high, it became clear that Sett was no ordinary person.

Having spent years at sea, the cruise ship captain knew all too well that this high seas were teeming with powerful individuals. These powerful men varied in personality, but one thing was certain: they all possessed distinct personalities. Regardless of their individuality, since they were simply out there doing business, it was best not to antagonize them. You never knew when you might need their help!

Thinking this, the captain took off his hat and said apologetically, "I'm sorry, I am the captain of the Orbit. The wind and waves are a bit rough today. The navigator told us that a storm would be coming to this area soon, so we were sailing a bit too fast and didn't notice the yacht next to us."

"...They're quite good at handling things."

He glanced at the captain, who stood apologetically holding his hat. Then he looked around at the passersby—it was indeed a yacht, with a large swimming pool in the center of the deck. Clearly, there wasn't the powerful figure Sett was chasing who could rival him.

"Then you tell me yourself, how are you going to compensate me?"

"We'll definitely have the money ready!" The captain's attitude was impeccable, even Sett couldn't find fault with it—well, Sett was too lazy to find fault right now. After all, there were no worthy opponents here. They were all tourists on vacation, and fighting them wouldn't be interesting at all.

If that arrogant red-haired Shanks were here, what kind of soft words would Sett say to the captain of the Orbit? Let alone the captain of the Orbit, even if it were the captain of the Sailor Moon, Sett would punch him the same way.

I'm still in Oobi Island and Mole Manor.

Hearing Sett's nonchalant attitude, the captain breathed a sigh of relief, a smile spreading across his tense face. In business, harmony is paramount, especially for those in the cruise ship business, who are constantly at sea, and this vast ocean is fraught with danger. Sett, in particular, didn't seem like someone to be trifled with—that muscular physique, daring to sail a small yacht to such a remote location. The captain simply couldn't believe he lacked strength.

Wisdom is a means for the weak to survive, or perhaps, the weak can only become strong through wisdom. The captain, confident in his ability to assess risk, and seeing that Sett wasn't arguing with him, simply said, "Since you're so magnanimous, then our Orbit will fulfill our responsibility to the end. Are there any other people on your yacht, sir?"

"Yes." Sensing the captain's thoughts, Sett raised an eyebrow with amusement, seemingly wanting to see what the captain planned to do.

"One is brainless, and the other is a little brat who comes on the ship."