Night had fallen.
Yunan and Rayleigh had been drinking at Shakky's bar for hours.
"So, what are your plans next? Heading to the New World to see what it has to offer?" Rayleigh asked after several rounds of drinks.
"With Yunan's strength, there's no doubt he has a place in the New World," Shakky said, pouring more alcohol for the two of them.
"I don't care where I go," Yunan replied, downing the last of his drink with a laugh. "I prefer drifting aimlessly at sea. Wherever I end up—that's the fun of it, right?"
"You really are carefree," Rayleigh said with a shake of his head. "But that's fine—you're young, and you should live according to your own whims."
…
Meanwhile, at Marine Headquarters in Marineford.
Kizaru had just returned and was briefing Fleet Admiral Sengoku on the events at the Sabaody Archipelago.
"No matter how you put it, this is shocking… Even hearing it from your own mouth, I find it hard to believe." Sengoku's face was dark as water. After Kizaru finished his report, he remained silent for a full five minutes.
"But the facts are as they are. That kid's abilities… are extraordinarily strange," Kizaru said helplessly from the sofa, legs crossed.
"The Celestial Dragons are furious over our failure. They've ordered that Yunan be captured alive and brought before them at all costs."
"Issue the orders. Keep constant surveillance on Yunan. Do not act recklessly. Any abnormality must be reported to me immediately!"
In his hands, Sengoku held a newly issued bounty poster:
Yunan—Bounty: 1.8 Billion Berries.
Almost simultaneously, the bounty spread like wildfire across the seas.
"Ten… hundred… a thousand… 1.8 billion berries?! No way! This person is worth 1.8 billion?!"
"Still looks like a kid, how can he have such a high bounty? The Marines must have added an extra zero by mistake…"
"The Marines haven't released any details about his deeds, only the bounty itself. That's… unusual."
It wasn't long before Yunan's name echoed across nations. A bounty this astronomical left everyone guessing what kind of feats could warrant such a reward.
No matter how much people investigated or speculated, they could find no answer. The Celestial Dragons would never allow the details of someone insulting them to be made public.
…
At the Sabaody Archipelago docks, Yunan had already decided to leave and continue his voyage.
"Keep this safe. If you ever need help, come find me," Rayleigh said, handing Yunan his Life Card as a parting gift.
"No problem, Uncle Rayleigh. I'll drop by when I can," Yunan replied with a grin. "Shakky, don't miss me too much."
With a laugh, Yunan drove his ship away from the Sabaody Archipelago.
"小 Yunan really is adorable," Shakky said, smoking her cigar with a chuckle.
"This era won't be peaceful for long. Yunan is definitely the biggest wildcard."
"Yeah… the world's direction is becoming harder and harder to predict," Rayleigh murmured, narrowing his eyes as he watched Yunan's departing figure.
…
Once away from the Sabaody Archipelago, Yunan sailed aimlessly across the open sea.
No destination, no course—just drifting wherever the currents took him.
"This is getting boring. Haven't seen a single pirate ship in ages," he muttered, reclining on the deck with his legs crossed, staring at the sky.
"Splash!"
Suddenly, waves surged ahead, breaking the calm of the sea. Then, with a loud crash, a massive goldfish dozens of meters long leapt out of the water, soaring over Yunan's ship.
The falling water drenched him completely.
"Damn it! That little bastard wants to make me his lunch!"
Wiping the water from his face, Yunan cursed, standing up.
Just as he prepared to strike, even larger waves erupted in front of him, crashing relentlessly against his small vessel.
"Another big one?" he muttered. "Are they trying to feed me, or what?"
Yunan raised an eyebrow, waiting for the sea creatures below to reveal themselves.
"Boom!! Splash!"
From the waves, a colossal fishman emerged.
Nearly a hundred meters tall, with a black beard, dense hair covering his chest and abdomen, a bare upper body, fins along his back, webbed hands, short legs, and a massive mouth with sparse teeth.
"小 Goldfish, don't run!" the fishman bellowed, chasing after the goldfish.
"Hmm? Isn't that Menzu from Fishman Island?"
"How did he end up here?"
Yunan immediately recognized the giant fishman. His figure was far too conspicuous to miss.