Chapitre 21: Wanted: Dead or Alive
The Marine HQ was on high alert after the Ohara Incident. 13 out of 20 warships were destroyed, many marines were mortally injured and undergoing life-saving surgeries and the three CP9 members were brutally murdered in presence of six Vice-Admirals. It was a slap on the face of the Marines and the World Government.
A clear photo of Nova was in front of the Five Gorosei and they sat solemnly in the emergency meeting room. The new CP-9 Chief, Retired Admiral Kong, Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Sakazuki were also present in the room, the atmosphere was tense as they reported the whole incident.
"What information do we have about this boy?", One of the Gorosei asked.
"Reporting Sir! We have confirmed that he was the masked vigilante who was attacking small-time pirates and marines in the West Blue for the past few months. From our observations and intel, we know he has shown multiple abilities including the ability to fly and a superhuman physique. Even though we know his face now, his name and origins are unknown." The CP9 chief answered stoically.
"How did the CP9 and Marines become so incompetent? Even with so much firepower and Vice Admirals present you could not capture a child." The Gorosei banged his fists on the table angrily.
Fleet Admiral Sengoku cleared his throat and spoke up, "Sir, with all due respect, the Ohara Incident was a unique situation. That boy displayed abilities that we have never seen before. He was able to move at an incredible speed, avoid our attacks and his strength was monstrous. We underestimated him and paid the price for it."
The Gorosei sighed, "I understand, but this is a major blow to our reputation. We cannot let this slide. We need to find this criminal and bring him to justice, he dares to oppose the World Government."
Retired Admiral Kong spoke up, "Sir, we have already dispatched agents to investigate the West Blue and gather any information they can. We will find him."
The meeting went on for hours, discussing strategies and ways to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
"Issue a large bounty, We can't let him live him peace after crossing us." One of the Gorosei ordered. Everyone nodded in response, suddenly Sakazuki spoke up,
"Sir! Please allow me to hunt him down. It was my fault he wreaked such havoc, I will make sure to capture him this time and restore absolute justice."
The next day:
The World Government was quick to issue a statement demonizing the Oharan Archeologists for researching the Void Century and ancient weapons. The news coos arrived in every part of the world, as usual, carrying the latest release of World Economy Newspaper. The front page had an explosive title that immediately sparked reactions even in the Grand Line.
"Tragedy Strikes Ohara: Revival of ancient weapons?"
The report detailed how a buster call has wiped the island and its citizen off the map, also stating how the Marine fleet was attacked by an unknown assailant resulting in heavy casualties among the Marines. The news of the devastating attack on the peaceful island of Ohara spread like wildfire throughout the world, causing shock and outrage among the citizens of various countries.
What's more shocking was the bounty issued for Nova, which was the highest first bounty ever recorded. The bounty was set at 98,000,000 Bellies, which immediately caught the attention of bounty hunters and pirates alike. Many saw this as a challenge and opportunity to make a name for themselves.
Nova's epithet, "DEVIL'S CHILD" and his image became widely known as the bounty poster was created and distributed throughout the world by the World Government. The poster features a young boy with black hair and striking blue eyes. Despite his young age, he exudes an air of confidence and determination in the poster. He is shown with a serious expression, and his gaze is fixed directly on the viewer, almost as if he is daring them to come after him.
The poster includes a detailed description of the 'criminal' including his approximate height, age and other physical characteristics. It also lists the crimes he is wanted for, including the destruction of Marine ships and the murder of several high-ranking Marines and CP9 agents. The bounty amount is prominently displayed with "DEAD OR ALIVE" written in bold letters at the bottom of the poster, indicating the seriousness of the crimes Nova is accused of committing. Despite his youthful appearance, the poster makes it clear that Nova is not to be underestimated, and that anyone who attempts to apprehend him does so at their own risk.
The news of the bounty also sparked controversy, with some questioning the World Government's actions and motives. Some believed that Nova was being made a scapegoat to divert attention from the government's failure to protect the island and its people. Others saw it as a way for the government to assert its authority and control over the citizens.
Meanwhile, the reactions among the strong pirates and various organizations were varied, some wanted to capture him while some wanted to recruit him and most of them thought he will be dead after reaching Grand Line like most other newbies. 98 Million Bellies was a huge amount of money that planted a massive target on Nova's head.
Big News Morgan was having a field day, the sales of his newspaper has increased after this event. Many organization including the government were offering large amount of money for all the information he had about the "DEVIL'S CHILD". Inside his office there was a collection of photos and reports about Nova on his wall, he had followed the news of masked hero since Day 1 and he felt like a proud father as Nova revealed himself in such a epic manner.
Mihawk, the "Marine Hunter" who had just arrived in the West Blue was surprised to see Nova's Bounty in the newspaper. He wanted to battle with the masked hero and now he knows his face, reading about his feats Mihawk was pleased to have found a worthy opponent.
Shanks who has just started his pirate journey and forming a new crew was intrigued by this unknown newcomer and made up his mind to try to recruit him if possible.
Doflamingo, known for his love of chaos and power, saw the bounty as an opportunity to exploit Nova's abilities for his own gain. He sent his subordinates to search for the boy, hoping to bring him under his control and use his unique powers to further his ambitions.
***
Meanwhile, Nova just woke up from his sleep ignorant of all the chaos he had caused. He yawned as he stretched out his arms, feeling the softness of the bed beneath him. He had spent the night in a cosy little inn on the island, where he had found a comfortable room to rest in after a long day. He got out of bed and walked over to the window, pulling back the curtains to reveal a stunning view of the island's lush, green landscape.
The sun was shining bright in the clear blue sky, and he could hear the sound of waves crashing on the shore in the distance. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and he could see a few birds chirping and flying around the inn's garden. It was a beautiful morning, and he couldn't help but smile as he took it all in.
Suddenly, Young Robin burst into his room panting. "Nova, You are in big trouble."
Nova was taken aback by Robin's sudden entrance and the urgency in her voice. "What do you mean?" he asked, still groggy from sleep.
Robin handed him the newspaper and pointed at the poster with his face on it. "I found this in the reception, we need to leave before the innkeeper couples learn about it."
Nova's eyes widened as he read the details of the bounty on his head. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. "This...this can't be real," he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I'm afraid it is," Robin replied, her voice serious. "We have to leave this place and go into hiding. The World Government will stop at nothing to capture you, dead or alive."
Nova's mind was racing as he tried to make sense of everything. How had he become a wanted criminal overnight? And why did they give him such a weird name? Will Mom beat him when she finds out?
Suddenly, his stomach grumbled loudly, interrupting his thoughts. "I'm sorry, Robin. I can't think on an empty stomach. Let's go find some food first," Nova said, rubbing his tummy.
Robin looked at him incredulously. "Are you serious? You're a wanted criminal, and you're worried about food?" she asked, her eyebrows raised.
Nova shrugged. "Well, what can I say? A man's gotta eat, even if he's a criminal," he said, grinning sheepishly. "I will know even before they land on the island."
Robin didn't know how to react to Nova's nonchalant attitude towards his situation. She knew that they had to leave immediately and find a safe place to hide. But she also couldn't deny the fact that she was also hungry.
"All right, fine. Let's go find some food," Robin said, reluctantly. "But we have to be quick and careful. We don't want to attract any unnecessary attention."
As they walked through the streets, Robin couldn't help but notice the stares and whispers of the people around them. She felt like they were walking in slow motion, and every pair of eyes was watching them, waiting for them to make a mistake. While Nova donning a mask and a hoodie was walking casually and curiously looking all around him like a child.
They finally found a small restaurant that looked empty, and they quickly went in and sat down at a table. The waiter came over to take their order, and Nova ordered a huge meal, ignoring Robin's disapproving looks.
As they waited for their food, Robin decided to ask Nova a question that had been on her mind since she read about Nova's deeds in the newspaper. "So, Did you really attack the Marines?"
Nova looked up at her, surprised by the directness of her question. He paused for a moment before answering, "Yes, I think I went a little overboard yesterday," he said nonchalantly.
"Why?" Robin asked, her eyes locked onto his.
Nova sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know. It's complicated," he said, avoiding her gaze.
"Complicated how?" Robin pressed, her curiosity piqued.
Nova hesitated before answering. "I guess I just...I didn't agree with what they were doing," he said, his voice filled with conviction.
As Nova and Robin sat in the small restaurant, Robin couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions towards Nova. On one hand, she was grateful to him for confronting the Marines who destroyed everything she held dear and also bringing her to safety. She was also impressed by his bravery and his strong convictions, even if they had landed him in trouble with the Marines.
But on the other hand, she couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty about him. After all, she had only met him one day ago, and she didn't know much about him besides his name and his situation as a wanted criminal. She wondered if she could trust him completely, or if he had an agenda that he was keeping from her.
At the same time, Robin couldn't help but feel a sense of worry for Nova. She knew that the World Government would stop at nothing to capture him, and she was afraid that they might not be able to escape their grasp. She has just lost everyone she knew including Professor Clover, Saul and her mom, and she didn't want to lose another 'friend'.
"What're we doing then? Do you have some plan?" she asked.
"You don't have to come with me you know? I am a wanted man, you will face danger if you stay with me." Nova replied.
"I know," Robin said, determination in her voice. "But I've made my choice. I want to help you."
Nova looked at her, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Thanks, Robin. I appreciate it."
Their food arrived, and they both dug in, enjoying the meal silently and the momentary distraction from their troubles.
**
UPDATE: I want to change the name for Nova's sword. Please give some reccomendation.
*Robin did not receive a Bounty as Spandine and CP9 members were dead so no one knows about the fact that she can read ponyglyphs.*
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