"Since you don't want to join the Marines, please accept this Hunter License."
Kallen looked at Caelan seriously and took out a certificate.
"Hunter License?"
Caelan wondered if he had misheard.
What was this? He didn't remember anything like this existing when he watched the anime.
"A Hunter License is a professional certificate issued by the Marines to bounty hunters."
"Anyone who holds it is considered a friend of the Marines and holds the same status as a Marine Headquarters colonel. The license holder also receives a monthly salary."
"During your travels, you can resupply at any Marine base and request assistance from the Marines."
"When you need to enter the New World, you can cross the Red Line directly without having to sneak through the sea beneath it."
Kallen handed over the Hunter License solemnly, hoping that Caelan would accept it.
The Marines stationed at Loguetown were all stunned. This was the first time they had ever heard of such a certificate.
Wasn't this a bit too generous?
Among the Marines present, aside from Kallen, only Smoker held the rank of captain.
A bounty hunter who wasn't even part of the Marines was now being given the same treatment as a Marine captain, simply by holding a Hunter License.
If not for Caelan's reputation and Kallen's authority, the Marines might have questioned this openly on the spot.
Kallen understood their frustration, but there were always exceptions in the world. Some people deserved special treatment.
This Hunter License was part of Kallen's backup plan, a special certificate prepared specifically for Caelan.
Before this, the Marines had never issued anything like it.
Until Caelan appeared, bounty hunters had never been considered important in the East Blue. It was difficult to hunt pirates there, and bounty hunters were not seen as deserving of such recognition.
To qualify for this certificate, one would need the strength of at least a vice admiral and also maintain a friendly relationship with the Marines.
In other words, this license was tailor-made for Caelan.
With requirements this strict, the Marines had no intention of ever issuing a second one.
"This sounds great. What are the conditions?"
Caelan was in no rush to accept the Hunter License. After all, there is no such thing as a free lunch.
"Other than maintaining a friendly relationship with the Marines, there are no additional conditions."
Kallen was very straightforward.
This license was simply meant to establish a good relationship with Caelan and avoid making him an enemy.
There was no other choice. Caelan's potential was too great. He was a bounty hunter inclined toward the Marines.
Even if he wouldn't join the Marines, they couldn't afford to push him into the pirates' camp.
The World Government was willing to recruit pirates by creating the Seven Warlords of the Sea, even at the cost of its own dignity.
So giving Caelan, who currently had the strength of an elite vice admiral with the potential to become an admiral, a Hunter License was perfectly reasonable.
"In that case, I will accept it. I hope we can have a good partnership going forward."
With that, Caelan no longer hesitated and took the Hunter License.
For now, he had no intention of going against the Marines. Besides, bounties were issued by the Marines, so there was no harm in accepting their goodwill.
If the Marines ever provoked him, it would not stop him from getting angry at that time.
"Happy cooperation!"
Kallen let out a sigh of relief and shook hands with Caelan, his face full of joy.
Ever since Nezumi had been killed by Caelan, Kallen had been worried that Caelan would hold a grudge against the Marines.
Now that Caelan had accepted the Hunter License, Kallen could finally set his mind at ease.
"Well then, if fate allows, we'll meet again."
Taking Nami and Tashigi with him, Caelan turned and left.
The purpose of coming to Loguetown had been accomplished, and they had unexpectedly obtained the Hunter License. It was time to set sail again.
…
As Caelan and his group walked away, Kallen, relieved of a great burden, also left with a smile.
After the two main figures were gone, the previously tense Marines suddenly became restless.
"Captain Smoker, I want to be a bounty hunter too."
A Marine spoke up quietly, clearly envious of the treatment Caelan had received.
He had served in the Marines for five years and still hadn't made it to lieutenant.
Caelan didn't even join the Marines, yet he was immediately treated like a colonel.
The difference in treatment left him frustrated.
"Yeah, I want to be a bounty hunter too."
"We're also hunting pirates. Why does he get treated so well?"
Other Marines joined in, their eyes full of envy and dissatisfaction.
Blinded by the idea of the Hunter License, they could no longer see their own limitations.
"Shame on you. Think before you speak."
Smoker looked at the group of Marines with disgust.
Do you even understand how strong Caelan is? And what about your own strength?
Just now, you were frozen in fear under his gaze. Now you're bold enough to talk big?
"Captain Smoker, we can't accept this. We want special treatment too!"
The Marines shouted back, their faces red with anger.
Normally, they feared Smoker's authority, but now their jealousy had overwhelmed their reason.
"Disobedient, are you? Dissatisfied, are you?"
"Do you even know how strong Caelan is? Weren't you the ones trembling in fear just a moment ago? You must be one of them."
Smoker removed his cigar and blew a puff of smoke directly into the face of the Marine who was causing the most trouble.
The Marine choked and coughed from the smoke but still stared at Smoker stubbornly.
"I may not be as strong as him, but I've contributed to the Marines!"
Thinking back to Caelan's imposing presence, the Marine's body trembled uncontrollably, but he refused to back down.
As a Marine stationed in Loguetown, he had captured many pirates and believed his contributions were significant. He often bragged about them.
"Caelan wiped out all the pirates in the entire East Blue. Do you think the petty thieves you caught can compare to that?"
Smoker scoffed. The total bounty of the pirates captured by these Marines was only about five million Berries.
Compared to Caelan's record, that wasn't even one percent.
"If Caelan had joined the Marines, based on his achievements alone, he would more than qualify to be a commodore."
Smoker jabbed his finger into the Marine's chest repeatedly, forcing him to step back again and again.
Finally, the Marine collapsed to the ground, his spirit broken.
The other Marines no longer had the same energy. One by one, they lowered their heads like defeated quails.
"If any of you want the same special treatment as Caelan, I'll transfer you to the West Blue right away."
"You don't even need to clear out the entire West Blue. Flatten half of it, and I'll personally make you a captain."
Smoker swept his gaze across the room. Not a single Marine dared to step forward.
Everyone lowered their heads. After being scolded by Smoker, they finally came to their senses.
Who was Caelan? His power was so great that even Kallen came in person to recruit him. His achievements were recognized throughout the entire East Blue.
And who were they? Even if all of them joined forces, they still wouldn't be able to defeat him. The pirates they had captured couldn't even compare.
How could they possibly expect the same treatment as Caelan?
Smoker looked around at the silent Marines, deeply disappointed.
If even one of them had the courage to step forward, Smoker would have respected him and focused on training him.
Unfortunately, not a single one did.
Smoker sneered silently.
Compared to Caelan, who had the ambition to reject the Marines' offer and sail into the Grand Line on his own, these men lacked even the basic courage and resolve. Yet they dared to dream of special treatment. Ridiculous.
At that moment, Smoker seemed to understand why Caelan had refused to join the Marines.
With garbage like Nezumi and these weak-willed Marines around, how could they ever achieve anything great?
Without even glancing at them again, Smoker turned and walked away to rest.
(To be continued.)