After hearing Sig's words, Gilman was initially shocked and a bit confused.
The other mountain bandits cast envious glances at Gilman, especially Kuro.
Kuro, who had been somewhat listless, suddenly perked up.
This seemed like an incredible opportunity.
Being the overseer of Loguetown was undoubtedly a significant position.
At the same time, the risks were relatively low—much safer than following Sig on his adventures.
After all, on this island, Sig was already one of the recognized leaders behind the scenes, and he had even broken through Doflamingo's Birdcage. Various factions owed him some degree of gratitude.
For Sig's mountain bandits, this island, where the Marines couldn't interfere, was a rare haven of stability.
"Such an important position... Is it really suitable for me? Would I live up to the boss's trust? Would I mess up his grand plans?"
Despite his excitement, Gilman felt a sense of unease.
After some thought, he decided to speak up:
"Boss Sig... I know my limits. I'm afraid I might not be able to handle such a heavy responsibility."
"Besides, I'd rather stay by your side and witness your rise to greatness."
Gilman spoke earnestly.
He suddenly remembered the days back in the Kingdom of Goa.
Back then, he had thought his ambition to become the "Mountain Bandit King of the East Blue" was grand, and he had even boasted in front of Sig, challenging him.
Later, he realized that his ambition was nothing compared to the ideals Sig had described through the bald man's words!
That was why he had been so impressed and joined Sig's crew.
His original intention was to witness Sig reaching the pinnacle of the world, becoming the one and only Mountain Bandit King, and ushering in the Great Mountain Bandit Era!
To Sig, however, Gilman's response struck a chord.
"He knows his limits and worries about not being able to handle the responsibility? That's even better!"
"Someone who knows their place won't cause trouble."
Sig felt even more satisfied with this candidate.
Just as he was about to speak, Kuro stepped forward.
"Boss Sig, I'm willing to stay behind on Loguetown."
"Communicating with the Shocking News Department, the Pleasure District, and handling the purchase of Devil Fruits... I can definitely handle it."
Kuro spoke up proactively, a glimmer of excitement hidden deep in his eyes.
He had finally waited for this long-desired opportunity!
Following Sig on his adventures meant potentially encountering powerful enemies, which was far too thrilling for Kuro.
But staying on Loguetown was a different story.
The time they had spent on Loguetown had been the most stable period Kuro had experienced in all his years as a pirate.
No need to worry about Marine pursuit, and being treated as an honored guest by various factions.
Safe, respectable, and prestigious.
If Kuro could secure this position, he would also have a large budget for purchasing Devil Fruits and other supplies...
And if things really went south, the Pleasure District or Sig himself would handle it.
This was far better than Kuro's original plan of retiring to become a wealthy landowner in the East Blue.
In fact, this was the wealthy lifestyle Kuro had always dreamed of!
"If I can secure this position, what does it matter if I remain Sig's subordinate forever..."
Kuro thought to himself.
Kuro's proactive offer made Sig hesitate for a moment.
If Sig really intended to make Loguetown a key stronghold, Kuro's intelligence, cunning, and skills might allow him to thrive in this underworld-dominated island.
Sig didn't want to complicate things or introduce unknown risks. He just needed a mouthpiece.
"Kuro, you're not suitable. Only Gilman can do this job well."
After saying this, Sig ignored Kuro's expression and turned to Gilman, speaking seriously:
"Relax. Believe in yourself. What you need to do isn't much."
"First, keep a low profile."
"Second, don't misinterpret my orders."
"Do these two things well, and you'll be fine."
With that, Sig turned and left without hesitation.
Only Gilman and Kuro remained, their expressions mixed.
"Gilman, congratulations."
"You've really made it this time."
Sig had already left. Hearing the other mountain bandits' words of envy, Gilman's mood was somewhat off.
The expectations and envy of others were also a form of immense pressure.
Gilman put on a cheerful face, but his brows were furrowed with worry.
"How can I live up to Sig's trust?"
Gilman pondered deeply, his gaze inadvertently falling on Kuro, who looked somewhat despondent in the corner.
If he couldn't figure it out, he could always consult someone smarter.
For example, Kuro, who was known as the "Man of a Hundred Plans," was clearly a smart person.
Gilman walked over, scratching his head earnestly.
"I've heard you're incredibly resourceful, known as the 'Man of a Hundred Plans.' There's something I can't figure out, and I wanted to ask for your advice."
Kuro glanced at Gilman sideways, forcing a smile.
He was a flexible actor who had shed his former arrogance as Captain Kuro and gotten along well with the mountain bandits on Sig's ship.
Seeing the newly promoted Gilman approach, Kuro naturally didn't refuse.
"Brother Kuro, honestly, I'm just a small-time mountain bandit. Now that the boss trusts me so much, I feel a lot of pressure..."
"Why do you think the boss chose me to oversee Loguetown? I really feel like I can't handle such a heavy responsibility."
"Maybe I should talk to the boss again and suggest you take the position instead?"
Gilman scratched his head and asked.
Kuro's forced smile instantly darkened.
Are you rubbing it in my face?
You just snatched the opportunity I've been dreaming of, and now you're here to show off?
"I don't know. Goodbye."
Kuro immediately wanted to leave.
If he stayed any longer, he was afraid he wouldn't be able to control his anger and might actually explode.
As a user of the Swamp-Swamp Fruit, "exploding" wasn't just a figure of speech.
Seeing Kuro's reaction, Gilman realized he had misspoken and quickly apologized, managing to keep Kuro from leaving.
"Do you really want to know why the boss values you? You don't understand his reasoning?"
Kuro asked, and when Gilman nodded, his own mind became a tangled mess.
"If I could guess Sig's thoughts, would I even be here?"
Kuro was filled with resentment.
But on the surface, he sighed deeply:
"I've been part of the mountain bandit group for even less time than you. I'm still trying to figure out the boss's intentions, and I haven't gotten far."
"However, just because I don't understand doesn't mean no one does. The person who understands the boss best... Gilman, you should know him better than I do."
Kuro's gaze fell on a certain shining head in the crowd.
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