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Alternative One Piece
Author(s) ODA Eiichiro
Genre(s) Action, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Manga, Shounen
Type Manga
Tag(s) Chapter, Chapters, Comic, Comics, Manga, Original, Volume, Volumes

2021/06/10

Bitcoin Sinks After Colonial Pipeline Ransom Recovery

Bitcoin’s price slipped again Tuesday amid a brutal sell-off among digital currencies. The reason for the move was unclear, however it may be related to concerns over security of the cryptocurrency after U.S. officials managed to recover most of the ransom paid to hackers that targeted Colonial Pipeline. Court documents said investigators were able to access the password for one of the hackers’ bitcoin wallets. The money was recovered by a recently launched task force in Washington created as part of the government’s response to a rise in cyberattacks. Bitcoin accelerated its slide to fall below the $32,000 level late Tuesday morning. The world’s largest cryptocurrency then recovered slightly, trading 9% lower at $32,854.99 as of 4:01 p.m. ET. Smaller digital coins also slumped, with ether falling about 8% to $2,499.28 and XRP tanking over 7%. In April, 2021 was looking to be a banner year for digital assets, with bitcoin having topped $60,000 for the first time ever. But a recent plunge in crypto prices has shaken confidence in the market.


 

Bitcoin sank to nearly $30,000 last month, and is currently down roughly 50% from its all-time high. The digital currency is now up only about 12% since the start of the year, though it’s still more than tripled in price from a year ago. On Monday, U.S. law enforcement officials said they had seized $2.3 million in bitcoin paid to DarkSide, the cybercriminal gang behind a crippling cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline. According to a court document, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was able to access the “private key,” or password, for one of the hackers’ bitcoin wallets. Bitcoin has often been the currency of choice for hackers demanding ransom payments to decrypt data locked by malware known as “ransomware.” Crypto media outlet Decrypt reported there were unfounded rumors that the attackers’ bitcoin wallet had been “hacked,” an unlikely scenario. DarkSide, which reportedly received $90 million in bitcoin ransom payments before shutting down, operated a so-called “ransomware as a service” business model, where hackers develop and market ransomware tools and sell them to affiliates who then carry out attacks. According to blockchain analytics firm Elliptic, the seized funds represented the bulk of the DarkSide affiliate’s share of the ransom paid out by Colonial. John Hultquist, vice president of analysis at Mandiant Threat Intelligence, called the move a “welcome development.” “It has become clear that we need to use several tools to stem the tide of this serious problem, and even law enforcement agencies need to broaden their approach beyond building cases against criminals who may be beyond the grasp of the law,” said Hultquist. “In addition to the immediate benefits of this approach, a stronger focus on disruption may disincentivize this behavior, which is growing in a vicious cycle,” he added. A number of issues are weighing on cryptocurrencies, including fears of a regulatory clampdown and recent tweets from Tesla CEO Elon Musk. Chinese authorities last month called for a crackdown on crypto mining and trading. Once a major player in the market, China has since moved to stamp out speculative investment in cryptocurrencies, banning a fundraising method known as initial coin offerings and shuttering local exchanges. Meanwhile, Elon Musk has gone from a supporter of bitcoin to seemingly falling out of love with it in a matter of months. Musk’s electric car firm stopped accepting bitcoin as a payment method last month due to concerns over its environmental impact, resulting in a crypto market sell-off. “Bitcoin bulls have been chastened by the market pull back and perhaps are feeling once bitten, twice shy,” Charles Hayter, CEO of digital currency data firm CryptoCompare, told MangaSpurs. “The euphoria has worn off to some extent in the retail frenzy, as regulators have moved to temper manias,” he added. “Data is showing continued cornering of the market by institutionals.” Last week, thousands of bitcoin investors descended on Miami for an event billed as the biggest bitcoin event in history. The conference had a few bizarre highlights, including El Salvador President Nayib Bukele announcing plans for the country to accept bitcoin as legal tender.

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Introduction to One Piece

One Piece is a story about Monkey D. Luffy, a pirate captain on a quest to find the legendary treasure known as the One Piece. Luffy gains rubbery powers but loses the ability to swim, and gathers a crew to sail the treacherous Grand Line.

Luffy's Adventure Begins

Luffy starts his adventure in Fushia, inspired by the pirate Red-Haired Shanks. After eating the Gum-Gum Fruit, he gains rubbery powers but loses the ability to swim. Undeterred, he gathers a crew and sets out into the treacherous Grand Line, a sea filled with dangers and mysterious islands.

Challenges and Locations

The crew faces challenges from the World Government, Warlords of the Sea, and powerful pirate captains ruling the New World. They explore thrilling locations like Thriller Bark, Enies Lobby, Skypiea, and Dressrosa.

Encounters and Allies

Along the way, Luffy meets a diverse cast of characters. He recruits:

  • Roronoa Zoro: A skilled swordsman aiming to become the best.
  • Nami: A talented navigator with a tragic past and a dream of mapping the world.
  • Usopp: A sharpshooter and storyteller.
  • Sanji: An expert cook and gentleman.
  • Tony Tony Chopper: A reindeer with a human form.

Alliances and Personal Trials

Throughout their adventure, the crew forms alliances with other pirate crews, creating the Straw Hat Grand Fleet, a formidable force united for freedom. These alliances are crucial in their battles against the Yonko, powerful figures like Big Mom and Kaido.

The Journey's Challenges

The crew faces numerous challenges, including the World Government, the Warlords of the Sea, and the Yonko. They uncover the ancient history of the world, the truth about the Void Century, and the significance of the Poneglyphs, ancient stone tablets leading to the One Piece.

Thrilling Locations Explored

Their journey takes them to thrilling locations like:

  • Thriller Bark: A haunted ship commanded by the eccentric Warlord Gecko Moria.
  • Enies Lobby: The World Government’s stronghold.
  • Skypiea: A floating island in the sky.
  • Dressrosa: A corrupt land ruled by former Warlord Donquixote Doflamingo.

Personal Trials and Determination

However, the crew also faces personal trials. Luffy’s determination clashes with the weight of his captaincy. Zoro pushes his limits while staying true to his honor. Nami seeks vengeance against her tormentor. And in the shadows, the Revolutionary Army plots against the World Government.

Conclusion

Through laughter, tears, and thrilling action, join the Straw Hat Pirates on their unforgettable journey as they chase dreams, forge bonds, and discover the true meaning of freedom. With each victory, the Straw Hat Pirates get closer to Raftel, the treacherous island where the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, supposedly hid the One Piece, said to hold unimaginable wealth, power, and knowledge to reshape the world.