Chapter 33: Chapter 31: Finding Portgas D. Rouge (II)
Marine conducted the search of the island with great pomp, swiftly spreading across its entirety. It wasn't long before the entire island knew that the prominent figures from Marine Headquarters were on the hunt for Roger, the Pirate King's, unborn child.
Unexpectedly, something occurred that Sakazuki and his colleagues had not foreseen. The pregnant women who met the criteria proved remarkably cooperative. Each time Sakazuki stepped forward to issue threats or explanations, it was met with less fear than the initial encounter.
As the search operation progressed into its seventh day, tens of thousands of pregnant women were confirmed to have no connection to Roger. Moreover, no pregnant women attempted to evade capture in recent days, yet Marine's efforts yielded no results.
While this outcome frustrated many, Sakazuki remained indifferent. He took greater pleasure in observing his fear value steadily increasing than in the imminent capture of Ace and his mother.
Though Kong had mentioned that finding Roger's blood would lead to his promotion to Admiral, Sakazuki felt no urgency. He believed his ascension to Marine Admiral was inevitable and focused instead on enhancing his strength. Without ample power, the position of Marine Admiral would remain precarious.
Having spent considerable time within the Marine ranks, Sakazuki was familiar with the responsibilities of a Marine Admiral. While the role afforded great authority, it also entailed significant obligations, particularly concerning piracy. Facing formidable pirates, strength was paramount; failure to match them would be deemed unacceptable.
Thus, Sakazuki prioritised strengthening himself over seeking immediate promotion. He continued to acclimate himself to his original body's capabilities and explored the potential for growth through the system.
25579!
This was the fear value Sakazuki amassed within seven days, supplementing previous acquisitions to nearly 26,000 fear points. Most came from the families of pregnant women, with some extracted from Marine soldiers within the branch.
Despite the substantial fear value, Sakazuki refrained from causing harm to the families. Instead, he emphasised thorough investigations to his subordinates, strictly prohibiting any form of oppression.
Especially after the incident the following day, Marine soldiers became more cautious.
On the second day, a soldier from the Marine branch, emboldened by power, harassed a pregnant woman while others looked on. When the woman's husband sought help from Sakazuki, he was appalled.
Though the portrayal of Marines in the One Piece comic wasn't always favourable, Sakazuki believed in upholding justice. He reacted with anger and shock to such misconduct.
While Sakazuki wasn't inherently anti-evil, he couldn't abide by the mistreatment of civilians, particularly vulnerable pregnant women.
Consequently, he imposed severe punishment on the offending soldier, enforcing military law on the spot. Others who failed to intervene received lighter penalties.
While Marines accompanying Sakazuki were accustomed to his stern demeanour, branch soldiers were intimidated. They provided ample fear value, and in subsequent days, none dared to mistreat pregnant women.
Sakazuki, still new to this world, hadn't fully grasped the concept of righteous justice. However, he recognised certain boundaries that mustn't be crossed.
Over 26,000 fear points marked Sakazuki's highest accumulation yet. Despite the significant tally, he realised it could have been doubled if not for news spreading too quickly.
Currently, the system offered limited options, with only three Haki fruits available for consumption. Sakazuki hesitated to invest in Armament Haki and Observation Haki, preferring to master his existing abilities before progressing further.
After consuming twenty Conqueror's Haki fruits, expanding its range to 34 metres, Sakazuki still retained over 6,000 fear points. He refrained from further purchases, opting to explore lottery options instead.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------"Congratulations on winning a loyalty card, deposited in the backpack!"
"Congratulations on winning a donut, deposited in the backpack!"
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Sakazuki's consecutive wins brought him joy. However, subsequent participation yielded no rewards until the thirty-second draw, where he obtained a Double Fear Card.
Exhilarated, Sakazuki recognised its potential similarity to a double experience card from online games. This card doubled fear value generated by the target, permanently.
Sakazuki's greatest delight stemmed from the permanence of the double fear card; once used on an individual, their fear value would perpetually double in the future. This was especially gratifying when applied to someone capable of consistently providing him with a substantial fear value—a truly remarkable acquisition.
Though this item didn't directly enhance any ability, its permanence made it invaluable. Used judiciously, it promised to yield a significant accumulation of fear points, rendering it a highly desirable draw.
However, the primary challenge with the double fear card lay in identifying a suitable target. Not everyone possessed the capacity to generate sufficient fear value, and it had to be sustained over time.
Intrigued, Sakazuki exhaustively expended his remaining fear points, resulting in a total of sixty-one draws. Among them were two donuts, two senbei, three loyalty cards, one burst, and a double: the double fear card.
Nine draws in total, yielding sixty-one instances of drawing, represented a remarkably low probability, almost seven to one.
"Vice Admiral Sakazuki, I've located Vice Admiral Garp," announced Rear Admiral Onigumo, approaching after Sakazuki had infused the bursting talisman into the magma's power.
Sakazuki nodded, responding, "Very well, inform me of his whereabouts."
Rear Admiral Onigumo divulged Garp's location before inquiring curiously, "Vice Admiral Sakazuki, may I ask why you're interested in Vice Admiral Garp's whereabouts? He's been unpredictable lately."
Sakazuki explained, "Exactly for that reason. We've made considerable efforts to locate him. With his penchant for wandering, I'm curious to know his current whereabouts."
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GhostofTaurus
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