C6 Domo Town Award

"Sarah..."

Stanley called out to her in haste.

"I suppose so," Ze said with a smile.

He was still undecided about becoming a pirate or joining the navy, but his immediate goal was to earn money. For now, being a Pirate Hunter was the quicker way to wealth; eliminating pirates meant instant cash.

"Wow, that's impressive..." Sarah's eyes sparkled with admiration as she gazed at him.

Ze simply smiled in response, choosing not to engage further.

Stanley shook his head discreetly, troubled by his daughter's budding fondness for the young man. He knew all too well that the life of a Pirate Hunter was perilous, with death a constant shadow.

...

Half an hour later.

Esaki declined their offer to stay longer, grabbed some food, and with the head of the ferocious wolf in tow, he returned to his dilapidated boat and set sail.

He headed straight for Mordor Town.

Four hours later.

A quaint town emerged on the horizon.

"Mosasaur, go have some fun," he said to the creature beneath the water before he hoisted a parcel and mounted the Australovenator.

"Let's go!"

With a mighty roar, the Australovenator leapt forward.

Thud!

Its massive frame hit the shore, resounding through the area.

"Is that a dinosaur?"

"My goodness, someone's actually riding a dinosaur..."

"It's enormous!"

"Move it, or do you want to be crushed?"

The dockside onlookers were astonished, yet none fled, showcasing their remarkable adaptability.

Perched atop the Australovenator, Esaki surveyed the Japanese-style architecture with a twinkle of curiosity in his eyes.

"Excuse me... Sir?"

He flagged down a man who was attempting to walk away.

"Do you... need something?" the man asked, eyeing the intimidating dinosaur nervously.

"Could you tell me how to get to the naval base?" Esaki inquired with a friendly smile.

"Just go straight and it's on your left," the man directed, pointing ahead.

"Thanks a lot."

Within two minutes, the naval base came into view. The Australovenator's colossal size caused the ground to rumble with each step, its presence unmistakable.

By the time Esaki reached the naval base, a line of marines was already assembled at the entrance, their guns drawn and ready.

"Halt!"

A marine soldier stood in his path, calling out loudly.

"I've come to claim the bounty."

Esaki casually patted the Australovenator and spoke with a hint of detachment.

The towering marine soldier glanced at him, his eyes settling on the package in Esaki's hand.

"Come with me. It can't come inside!"

With that, he turned and walked away.

Esaki dismounted and, carrying the package, followed closely behind.

The other marines watched the Australovenator with a vigilant gaze, its massive form imposing an overwhelming presence.

...

"Ha ha ha, how should I address you, sir?" In an office, Lieutenant Colonel Reidy greeted Esaki with a warm smile.

"Just Ze is fine," Esaki replied, maintaining his cool demeanor.

"Mr. Ze, your reward will be delivered shortly."

"But Mr. Ze, with your capabilities, why not consider joining the navy?" inquired Lieutenant Colonel Reidy, his curiosity piqued.

"I'm only interested in making money," he responded, shaking his head.

He had no intention of joining the navy, although he was open to learning their six styles if the opportunity arose.

He preferred to keep his distance from the navy; after all, his ability to control dinosaurs was undocumented. Should the navy start investigating him... he wasn't ready to confront such a formidable entity.

"Oh... I see," Lieutenant Colonel Reidy said, his smile unwavering. As long as there were desires to exploit, it was all good.

If it was money he was after, hunting pirates was the quickest way, provided he wasn't in search of freedom.

The bounty arrived soon after, in two hefty boxes.

"Mr. Ze, here is your 30 million bounty."

"Thank you."

He took the boxes, expressed his gratitude, and departed.

Once he was gone.

"Colonel, why give him the full amount?" a captain entered Lieutenant Colonel Reidy's office, his tone laced with bewilderment.

"We don't have the power to hold him here," Reidy replied with a measured glance.

From the moment Ze walked in, he had sensed an air of pressure about him. And anyone capable of slaying a dire wolf was no simple man, not to mention the colossal creature standing guard at the door.