At night, Rocks held a meeting on the ship, one that only the commanders could attend.
In the meeting room, Rocks sat at the head of the table, while the other commanders took their seats on either side. Whitebeard, Golden Lion Shiki, Charlotte Linlin, Wang Zhi, John, Silver Axe, Bob, and the other commanders all settled in, waiting for Rocks to begin the meeting.
"Recently, a very interesting pirate crew has emerged on the seas!" Rocks said, a slight smile playing on his lips as he looked around at everyone.
"An interesting pirate crew? Are you referring to the Roger Pirates?" Wang Zhi asked, looking directly at Rocks.
During this period, the Roger Pirates had rapidly risen to prominence in the New World. Known for their adventurous spirit and the formidable strength of their crew, they had clashed with the Marines multiple times. In a short span, they had become the so-called "Supernovas" in the eyes of the Marines.
Aside from the Rocks Pirates, the Roger Pirates were currently the most famous and powerful crew.
"Yes, this pirate crew recently arrived in the New World. Their captain is Gol D. Roger, with a bounty of 1.5 billion berries. He holds some crucial secrets about the World Government, which are of great importance to us," Rocks explained.
"Moreover, not only is Roger himself strong, but his crew members are no less formidable!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the wanted posters of the Roger Pirates' four main members were thrown onto the table in front of everyone.
Roger, Rayleigh, Gaban, and Bullet.
From the wanted posters, it was clear:
Roger: 1.5 billion berry bounty!
Rayleigh: 1.1 billion berry bounty!
Gaban: 950 million berry bounty!
Bullet: 860 million berry bounty!
Looking at the bounties on the table, Bob narrowed his eyes. Compared to the Rocks Pirates, the Roger Pirates' strength still seemed somewhat lacking.
Based on what Bob currently knew about the bounties of the various captains:
Rocks: 2.7 billion berry bounty!
Bob : 1.7 billion berry bounty!
Whitebeard: 1.65 billion berry bounty!
Golden Lion Shiki: 1.3 billion berry bounty!
Charlotte Linlin: 1.25 billion berry bounty!
Wang Zhi: 1.1 billion berry bounty!
John: 980 million berry bounty!
Silver Axe: 900 million berry bounty!
"For a pirate crew of this caliber, we, the Rocks Pirates, need to bring them into our fold!"
"Now, I need to send two people to accomplish this mission... Who among you is willing to volunteer?"
Rocks looked around the room as he asked this question. However, as soon as he finished speaking, the entire meeting room fell into silence.
Seeing this, Bob lips curled into a slight smile. It seemed that in the world of pirates, these powerful figures held meetings just like in his previous life corporate world—once the leader finished speaking, everyone chose to remain silent.
"Captain, I'll go. Roger, with his 1.5 billion berry bounty, is currently only slightly below me, among the commanders. It would be more secure if I went," Bob spoke up.
Hearing Bob words, the other commanders couldn't help but glance at him in surprise. Bob, who usually avoided trouble, was now voluntarily stepping into it.
After all, a pirate crew like Roger's, with their strength and convictions, was typically difficult to recruit into another crew. Moreover, there was a high chance of conflict upon meeting, and whether they could return safely was uncertain. In any case, it was bound to be a thankless task.
"I knew it, Bob, you wouldn't let me down!"
Seeing Bob volunteer, a smile appeared on Rocks' face, though it looked somewhat eerie.
The main reason Bob wanted to go was to meet the soon to be Pirate King who had ushered in the Great Age of Piracy.
As for the idea of recruiting the Roger Pirates, Bob hadn't even considered it. He knew the possibility was almost zero because Rocks and Roger ideologies were fundamentally different—one sought to dominate the world, while the other was simply an adventurer who yearned for freedom. The two would never mix; if they met, it would only be to fight.
As Rocks finished speaking, Whitebeard also chimed in.
"In that case, I'll be the other one to go."
Whitebeard reason was simple: to accompany Bob and to see Roger, an old acquaintance.
Since their last encounter, the two had become friends through their battles, and they hadn't seen each other in a long time. Moreover, staying on the Rocks ship for too long had become stifling, and this was a good opportunity to get some fresh air.
Hearing this, the other commanders glanced over, though they weren't too surprised. After all, it was understandable that Whitebeard would go since Bob, his closest friend, was also going.
"Hahaha! With the two of you, I can rest easy!"
Rocks laughed heartily upon seeing Whitebeard volunteer as well. The two highest-bounty commanders of the Rocks Pirates were sure to succeed this time. Even if they didn't, they could still gather intelligence on the Roger Pirates and retreat unscathed.
"Then it's settled. Meeting adjourned!"
...
The next day, Rocks had a ship prepared in advance for Bob and Whitebeard. When the two boarded, he handed them a map. Rocks had already scouted the general area where the Roger Pirates were located. With this map, they could avoid many detours.
On the ship, Bob and Whitebeard had also stocked up on food and wine, all purchased by Bob on the island. They couldn't go without good food and drink on their journey to the Roger Pirates.
After bidding farewell to everyone, the two set sail toward the marked sea area on the map.
The weather was excellent today, with the sun high in the sky. Bob stood at the bow of the ship, enjoying the sea breeze. It seemed that in this world, rainy days were rare, and storms were seldom seen at sea. This was something Bob had observed during his months at sea, though it might also be because it wasn't the rainy season.
"Edward, how much do you know about the Roger Pirates?"
Bob, feeling the sea breeze, turned to Whitebeard, who was sitting on the ship's edge.
"Not much. I've only fought Roger. As for his main crew members, I only learned about them during meetings," Whitebeard replied slowly.
"Hahaha! We'll find out when we meet them!"
Bob had initially wanted to share some information about the Roger Pirates but decided against it. It would be better to wait until after the God Valley incident.
"Wait. Speaking of which, are you sure we're heading in the right direction?"
"Of course, my navigation skills are top-notch!"
"Then what's with that island ahead? It's not on the map at all!"
"Let me see! Holy crap!"
"Quick, turn left, full speed ahead!"
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