The Strongest Lunarian in One Piece

"Huh?!"

"Bounties on the Navy?"

"You're putting bounties on the World Government?"

"Even the Five Elders, the highest authorities in the World Government, are included?"

"Oh, oh, now this is going to be interesting…"

"It's true—why should only the World Government and Navy be allowed to place bounties on us while we remain silent?"

"It's about time we taught those arrogant fools a lesson!"

Upon hearing El's announcement, everyone in the room widened their eyes in shock, barely able to process the audacity of what they had just heard. They stared at their bold, battle-ready leader, momentarily stunned.

Once, only pirates had bounties placed on their heads by the World Government. Now, the tables were turning. It was easy to imagine the chaos that would erupt if Totto Land officially issued these bounties. A storm unlike anything the seas had ever witnessed would be unleashed.

"Ma-ma-ma-ma, this is something no other pirate crew could pull off…" Linlin grinned excitedly. "But our Fallen Angel Pirates don't fear the World Government. And with our vast wealth, we can afford it!"

"If anyone out there dares to bring us the heads of those naval officers or government officials, we'll gladly pay the bounty!"

"The seas are never short of greedy people," said Sally, the intelligence officer, with a sly smile. "But if we go through with this, it'll make the Navy restless. They might even turn on each other."

"One moment they're risking their lives to protect civilians, and the next, they could be stabbed in the back."

"Or worse, they might be betrayed by their own trusted subordinates."

She chuckled softly. "Even the impoverished commoners, crushed by the burdens of Heavenly Tribute, might take the risk for such a reward."

"El-sama, I have a suggestion," Sally continued. "We should add another incentive—those who eliminate high-ranking government personnel can seek asylum with us. That will surely tempt even the greediest pirates to act."

For centuries, the Navy had issued bounties on pirates. Now, El's bold declaration to reverse the roles electrified the room. The officers were brimming with excitement, their imaginations running wild as they discussed the implications. Some even began proposing additional strategies to El.

"This is about openly telling the World Government that the roles have reversed," El said calmly, his imposing figure radiating authority. Looking down at the officers, he continued evenly, "If they can place bounties on us, we can place bounties on them. The rules and order of the seas need to be rewritten."

What constitutes legitimacy? What defines authority? In this world, where only the fittest survive, power dictated legitimacy. Those with weapons, wealth, and strength were the true rulers.

The room fell silent as Rock, Moss, Jien, Bangi, Afar the Fire Calamity, and Cyril Oka the Thunder Calamity fixed their fiery gazes on El, their expressions filled with fervor.

"Coo-coo~~~ coo-coo~~ Truly worthy of El-sama…"

Francis Bangi of the Longarm Tribe raised his hand curiously. "But if we're placing bounties on the Navy, how much should we set for the Fleet Admiral?"

"The Fleet Admiral?" murmured someone else. "A figure like that would need a hefty bounty, right?"

At this, even Linlin, Lillian, Gerd, and the other women, along with Rock, Moss, Jien, and Hajrudin, turned their attention to El, eager to hear his decision.

"Hammons William?" El smirked, answering without hesitation, "Set his bounty at 5 billion Berries."

"Five billion?"

"Isn't that a bit excessive…?"

"Even El-sama's own bounty, raised to 4 billion Berries five years ago, is only at 4.565 billion now!" gasped Rock and Moss.

They were visibly stunned. After all, El himself—leader of the Fallen Angel Pirates and King of Totto Land—was worth only 4.565 billion Berries. What qualifications did a mere Fleet Admiral like Hammons William have to deserve 5 billion?

"If we're talking about strength, Hammons William isn't even remotely comparable to El-sama," said Sally, the Shapeshifting Witch, immediately understanding El's reasoning. Smiling, she continued, "But as the Fleet Admiral of the Navy, commanding millions of troops, 5 billion Berries isn't too far-fetched."

"Ultimately, the point isn't that this bounty will realistically result in killing someone like Hammons William—almost zero chance of that. What we want is the shock value, the bold statement it sends!"

"It tells the world that Totto Land isn't short on money. If someone dares to kill a member of the Navy, we will not only pay the bounty but also offer protection!"

"True enough…"

"Five billion Berries? Oh, now I'm tempted!"

"Ha! Do you even have the strength to take down the Fleet Admiral?"

"Can't a guy dream? Hahaha!"

As Sally explained, the officers finally understood El's reasoning, though they remained astonished.

"Five billion Berries sounds outrageous," they muttered, "but Sally's right. Money motivates people. Totto Land has the funds, and even if we can't outright kill these naval officers with bounties, it'll at least unsettle them."

If they managed to eliminate even one powerful Navy figure, it would be a major blow.

"Hmm, Sally's explanation is correct," El nodded, smiling faintly. "If someone does manage to take down the Fleet Admiral, the damage to the Navy would be catastrophic. What's 5 billion Berries compared to that?"

In short: totally worth it.

El's wealth ensured he could afford such a move. Flooding the seas with inflationary bounties would not only disrupt the Navy but also irritate the World Government. While the overall impact remained uncertain, the ripple effects would be significant.

Even a bounty of 1 billion Berries in this era would be enough to drive many people mad with greed. While it might not bring down the Admirals or the Fleet Admiral, it could very well lead to the assassination of other officers and commanders.

"So, El-oniichan," Linlin interjected curiously, "what about the Admirals? How much will their bounties be?"

"Admirals?" someone repeated.

"At least 1 billion, I'd say."

"In terms of strength, 10 billion Berries would be reasonable."

"But if the Fleet Admiral is 5 billion, maybe the Admirals should be 1.5 billion?"

"Why not 2 billion? That seems fair too!"

The officers turned to El, eagerly debating and discussing the matter.

"Let's keep it simple," El declared decisively. "No need to bother with precise increments—we're not short on money. Set the bounty for Admirals at 3 billion Berries."

"As for Vice Admirals, start them at 500 million Berries. For any noteworthy commanders, we can assign additional bounties individually."

Five hundred million might seem exorbitant, but the Navy only had so many Vice Admirals. Losing even one would be worth the cost.

Suddenly, Linlin glanced at Tsuru, who had remained silent throughout the discussion. Her eyes gleamed mischievously.

"What about people like Sengoku or Garp?" she asked.

"Hmm?" El raised an eyebrow, recognizing her playful intent. He looked at Tsuru, who maintained a calm, unreadable expression, then replied nonchalantly, "For Admiral candidates, set their bounties at 2 billion Berries."

"Hiss—!"