North Blue, within a certain sea region.
"Another pirate who ran back from the Grand Line, scared senseless by the Roger Pirates. Do you really call yourselves pirates, you lot?"
The Great Pirate, Punk Luxard, with a bounty of 66 million Berries, was now cowering in the furthest corner of his pirate ship. Under the cloak of night, Alucard seemed like an ancient beast, poised to devour him.
"P-Please spare me! You don’t understand the terror of the Roger Pirates, that’s why you speak like that!" Punk desperately yelled. This was the second time he had experienced complete despair since becoming a pirate; the first was a month ago in the Grand Line, delivered by Roger, the captain of the Roger Pirates.
Alucard paused, then his expression grew even colder and more disgusted.
With three consecutive shots, the Great Pirate with a 66 million Berry bounty was reduced to a bloody pulp.
"A bunch of spineless wretches. Disgusting."
Alucard holstered his gun, leaped back onto his ghost ship, and continued to sail away.
He was heading towards the Grand Line at a very slow pace.
Alucard wasn’t deliberately rushing to the Grand Line.
Most of the time, he would leisurely recline in his chair, letting the ship drift slowly with the currents.
As long as he wasn’t heading back the way he came, Alucard didn’t much care about the direction of travel.
In summary, while other pirates headed straight for the Grand Line at top speed, Alucard took winding, often roundabout routes.
If he had followed a normal sailing course, he would have entered the Grand Line long ago.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Kuzan handed a bounty poster to Admiral Sengoku, then clasped his hands behind his head. "He took care of another one, but this time he didn’t collect the bounty. He just left the body on Punk’s ship. The North Blue Marines found him."
The Marines were now closely monitoring Alucard’s movements.
Whenever Alucard passed through an area, they would dispatch a small team to trace his route, of course, when resources allowed.
This time, the Great Pirate, Punk Luxard, with a bounty of 66 million Berries, was practically pulverized, with only half his skull remaining, which was discovered by the searching Marines.
"Was it a hard-fought victory, or an overwhelming one?" Admiral Sengoku asked, his voice low.
Kuzan crossed his legs. "That question is pointless. He’s immortal—no, he possesses self-regeneration. No injury can stay on him." After speaking, Kuzan picked up his coat, preparing to leave. "That guy is an extremely dangerous individual."
Sengoku took a sip of tea. "You don’t need to tell me that."
[The Pirate’s Nightmare: Alucard]
A terrifying pirate hunter recently renowned in the North Blue. It is said that no prey he targets ever escapes. His distinguishing marks are an oversized white pistol and various abilities.
Estimated strength: Elite Vice Admiral!
Threat level: Comparable to an Admiral!
Such high praise, and it even came from Zephyr.
A knock sounded, followed by the voice of Sengoku’s old friend, Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Marine Staff Officer. "It’s me."
After Sengoku let Tsuru in, he put down Alucard’s file and asked, "What is it?"
"The genius scientist, Vegapunk’s team, has been confirmed to be taken in by the World Government as part of its scientific institution, but a man named Vinsmoke Judge has escaped. Regarding this man, the government seems intent on concealing his actions and waiting for the right moment to deal with him secretly," Tsuru said, sitting on the sofa Kuzan had just occupied.
"That guy who researched with Vegapunk? We definitely need to be wary. He’s not the type to bow down to anyone, not even the World Government." Saying this, Sengoku stroked his beard, then added, "If that’s the case, they’re not even issuing a bounty?"
Judge and Vegapunk were conducting illegal life research. If Judge wasn’t joining the government, he should have been eliminated immediately because he knew too much.
Sengoku was also very familiar with the government’s way of operating.
"Precisely because he knows too much, the government cannot let the world know of his existence."
Tsuru’s brows furrowed. After a moment of silence between them, Tsuru spoke first. "Where do you think that guy is most likely hiding?"
Sengoku thought for a few seconds, then said, "I think... it’s the North Blue. As a former royalty who once dominated the strongest of the Four Seas, the North Blue, he’s likely retreated to his old lair, waiting for an opportunity."
Tsuru shook her head. "But I don’t quite think so. His intellect would allow him to foresee that we would thoroughly search the North Blue. I think the Grand Line is more likely." Saying this, Tsuru stood up. "However, this matter isn’t worth further discussion. The government will handle it personally. My main focus is on Roger. Be careful, you’ll probably be sent out soon."
Sengoku crossed his arms and let out a cold snort. "Garp must be itching for a fight too, huh? He gets ridiculously excited every time he hears Roger’s name."