Tsuru slowly set down the stack of intelligence reports, each sheet still carrying the scent of fresh ink—numbers so staggering they could suffocate any bounty hunter.
Her wise eyes narrowed slightly.
"Sengoku… that navigator, Nami… her first bounty is set at 750 million Beli?"
"In Marine history, no newcomer has ever debuted with such a price."
"Even for a Rumble-Rumble Fruit user… this is enough to spread fear across the world."
Sengoku turned, his voice heavy.
"No. She's worth it."
"The Rumble-Rumble Fruit itself is synonymous with 'invincibility.' What's more terrifying is her talent."
"She developed an Admiral-level attack almost immediately after acquiring it."
"If she's allowed to grow… she alone could erase any fleet from the seas."
He slammed the bounty sheets onto the desk, his eyes resolute.
"From this day on, the so-called 'Worst Generation' will no longer be a rumor."
"These brats…"
"…are the very leaders of absolute evil that will collapse the order of this world!"
—
A few hours later, at the headquarters of the World Economy News.
Countless News Coo birds burst forth like arrows from a bow, scattering across the globe.
"BIG NEWS! THIS IS BIG NEWS!!!"
The president, Morgans, flapped wildly around his office, his massive wings sending papers flying like a blizzard.
His eyes were glued to the headline draft in his hands, each word making his blood boil.
"The Great Defeat of Admiral Akainu: The Straw Hat Crew Crushes a Marine Fleet Led by the Navy's Highest Power!"
"This is a turning point of the era! The death knell of the old order!"
Morgans shrieked, eyes blazing with manic excitement.
"Quick! Put that image—the electromagnetic cannon that split the sea—front and center!"
"I want the entire world—civilians, pirates, even those lofty Celestial Dragons—to see it!"
"That golden ship…"
"…is launching an unprecedented assault on the throne of the Four Emperors!"
—
The cries of the News Coo birds pierced the clouds.
They crossed Reverse Mountain, soared over the shimmering bubbles of Sabaody, and entered the turbulent seas of the New World.
That day—
White newspapers fell across the oceans like a blizzard.
—
New World, aboard the Moby Dick.
The colossal ship cut through dark waves like a giant whale.
On deck, overwhelming presences gathered—Whitebeard's commanders assembling.
"GURARARARA!!"
A booming laugh shook the sea itself, splitting the clouds above.
Edward Newgate sat upon his massive throne, his crescent-shaped mustache trembling slightly.
He drained a barrel-sized jug of sake in one gulp and slapped the newspaper onto his knee.
"That idiot Ace… actually got saved by a bunch of brats."
"He lost face as a division commander—but that Straw Hat kid… did pretty damn well!"
His gaze sharpened, landing on the 750 million bounty poster.
In the image—
Nami stood on the deck of the golden Merry.
A crown of gold shimmered with lightning.
A golden staff pointed toward the heavens, arcs of blue electricity dancing around her.
"A Rumble-Rumble Fruit user, huh?"
Whitebeard's tone carried a hint of admiration.
"To develop power like that at such a young age…"
"Interesting. Very interesting!"
"This sea is finally about to become truly lively!"
Beside him, Marco rubbed his chin with a wry smile.
"A 750 million navigator… looks like Ace's little brother found some incredible companions."
—
In an unknown sea, upon a jagged reef.
Waves crashed endlessly against the rocks.
Red-Haired Shanks sat alone atop a high stone, the wind tousling his crimson hair and tugging at his empty sleeve.
At his feet lay the bounty poster.
In the image—
Luffy stood in his "Second Gear: Diamond Giant" form.
An eight-meter-tall body, muscles coiled tight, radiating golden energy and white steam.
That massive fist seemed capable of shattering anything in existence, aimed straight at a shattered Marine warship.
"Luffy… you've come this far already?"
Shanks murmured softly, his gaze warm like spring sunlight—yet burning like a star.
He raised his drink toward the direction of Banaro Island.
For a moment, time seemed to rewind—
To that sunny afternoon in the East Blue.
A boy declaring he would become Pirate King.
"800 million Beli… and from the so-called weakest sea, you built a crew that can shake Marine Headquarters."
He finished his drink, eyes turning sharp.
"But this is only the beginning."
"Luffy… I'll be waiting for you in the New World."
In the distance, the Red-Hair Pirates celebrated loudly.
Beckman leaned against a tree, smoking quietly, a deep smile on his face.
—
East Blue, Foosha Village.
The air still carried the scent of earth and sea breeze.
Inside Makino's small bar, the atmosphere was unusually tense—yet filled with excitement.
Makino clutched the newspaper with trembling hands, staring at the image of the giant form.
"800 million Beli…"
Her voice quivered.
"That boy… he's become someone truly great."
"Hmph! That reckless brat!"
In the corner, the old mayor slammed his cane.
Though he grumbled, the smile in his eyes couldn't be hidden.
His hand holding the cup trembled slightly, while the other kept brushing over the bounty poster.
"Even the Fleet Admiral must have a headache now… but he's done the East Blue proud!"
The villagers burst into cheers.
They didn't fully understand what 800 million Beli truly meant—
But they knew one thing.
The boy who left their village…
Had shaken the entire world.
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