What a strange and ridiculous question!
When he asked this, not just the pirates around, but even the blue-haired youth who was the target couldn't help but want to laugh.
Is that really what you're focusing on??
Unfortunately, he never got the chance to laugh...
Van Augur's question became the last thing he heard in this world!
His body stopped moving forward and fell flat to the ground.
It was then that everyone noticed a grape-sized bullet hole in his heart, much larger than the ones on the foreheads of the previous pirates!
This shot had blown his heart to pieces, blood spurting out like a fountain!
Not just flowing, but literally spraying out!
This showed just how powerful that shot was...
The blue-haired pirate probably didn't even feel the pain before he died on the spot.
Everyone watching couldn't help but shiver, covered in goosebumps.
No one had expected a sniper, someone who should be in the shadows, to have such terrifying combat abilities!
A shot that seemed impossible to land hit its mark so easily, effortlessly.
The blue-haired pirate, with all his fancy footwork, ended up looking like a clown, easily taken down.
This stark contrast made everyone wary of the sniper.
To be this deadly up close, even against a physical combat expert, was terrifying!
"Wow, daring to charge at Van Augur like that..."
"Yeah, it's like the old saying: 'The old man doesn't want to live anymore.' This guy from the East Blue had a 30 million beli bounty a year ago!"
"That's usually what a pirate captain would get. In the East Blue, that's a very high bounty!"
"Even here, it's impressive. And now he's up to 64 million!"
In the crowd, those who knew Van Augur talked among themselves.
Usually, bystanders exaggerate, but this time, their words were completely true!
A sniper is a rare profession compared to physical fighters and swordsmen.
And besides the crews of the Emperors, most pirate crews don't value snipers much.
Even the Navy doesn't rate them as highly as their combatants!
So, for a sniper to have a bounty equal to that of combatants is very high...
Of course, Usopp is an exception since he's 'God.'
Van Augur, without a crew, had such a high bounty just based on his sniper skills.
Two bounties in one year: first 30 million, then straight to 64 million beli!
This is huge! It's hard to find a more valuable bounty!
In terms of solo sniping, 64 million is on par with captains and combatants with over 100 million bounties.
And considering he dared to take on Ace and match Yasopp without pressure, his value might be even higher.
Remember, when he joined Blackbeard, it wasn't long before he showed his strength, relying solely on his own skills!
"No... no matter what, he broke the rules! Yes, he broke the rules!"
"He wasn't in the square on time; he's not qualified for the test!"
"We request the two captains to execute this rule-breaking scum!"
At that moment, a few more pirates started shouting.
Like the blue-haired youth, they had ties to the pirates Van Augur killed.
Unable to defeat him, they turned to Carlo and Blackbeard, hoping the strongest present would help them take revenge!
"Oh?"
"Who made the rules, you or me?"
Before Van Augur could respond, Carlo spoke up.
But he wasn't questioning Van Augur; he was addressing the complaining pirates.
"Are you trying to tell me what to do?"
Hearing Carlo's cold voice and seeing his icy expression, the pirates started sweating and shivering, not daring to say another word...
"I already said the selection has begun."
"He acted after my announcement, so he's within the rules!"
Carlo didn't bother explaining further, simply declaring Van Augur's legitimacy and ignoring the crowd.
"Zehahaha, well done, Carlo!"
Blackbeard gave Carlo a thumbs up, misunderstanding his motives as giving Van Augur a chance.
Carlo, unaware of Blackbeard's thoughts, might have mocked him otherwise.
"Did you hear?"
"That man said my actions were within the rules!"
Van Augur's cold voice rang out again, as he aimed his sniper rifle at the pirate who led the accusations.
"No... please no..."
'Bang!!'
Before he could finish pleading, another shot rang out!
Each bullet seemed different, and this one was the most powerful!
In the shocked eyes of the crowd, the pirate exploded instantly, turning into scattered pieces...
One simple shot turned a strong, burly pirate into chunks...
The visual impact was explosive!
"Wiihahaha, didn't I say? Why so polite!"
"I hate pretending. Since everyone's holding back, I'll make the first move!"
As Van Augur's shot fell, Burgess laughed and started attacking!
The nearest pirates suffered instantly, turned into meat patties by his huge fists...