New World, a secret island somewhere.
World Economic News Agency's largest office.
Morgans held a large bucket of caramel popcorn, sitting on the sofa, savoring the screen eagerly as if watching a movie, occasionally tossing a few popcorns into his mouth.
"Spectacular! Absolutely spectacular!"
Reaching the climax, Morgans couldn't help but excitedly flap his wings and laugh, not caring that the popcorn scattered all over the floor:
"This is truly the ultimate big news! No, it should be called the best news of the year. That man, didn't let me down!"
Creaaak~
"President, I just learned of a disturbing news, a major event has erupted over in Shampodi."
At this moment, a new young assistant entered through the door, looking troubled:
"But all the firsthand news, including photos and specifics of the scene, are monopolized by the Shampodi Newspaper... hmm?"
The assistant suddenly paused, staring dumbfounded at the large screen in front.
The scene playing on screen was surprisingly the content of Shano confronting Netherworld King Rayleigh.
"Surprised?"
Morgans smiled at him, then pointed to a large stack of photo materials beneath the screen, "Unexpected, right? I've been in control of these things for a long time."
"This..."
The young assistant thumbed through the photos, increasingly dumbfounded, "So detailed... all firsthand materials, President, how did you get your hands on them?"
"Of course, they are all firsthand materials, and this Radio Snail was even the one responsible for broadcasting at the scene, the recording stored inside it!"
Morgans laughed heartily, "Fool! Rookie! I am the news king of this sea, those small newspaper agencies have long been infiltrated by me. They can just sip the soup, how could they possibly snatch the meat from my mouth!"
As the industry leader and absolute monopoly ruler, how could I not have these means!
"Truly worthy of you."
The young assistant admired sincerely, suddenly flipping to a photo labeled "Front Page Header" and hesitated, "President, are we really using this photo as the cover? Isn't that offending too many people?"
"Afraid of what?"
Morgans chuckled, "Anyway, the people from the Holy Land only warned me not to publish Shano's crazy words this time, didn't mention anything about Kizaru."
His cooperation was with the World Government, the only ones who could restrict his news were the high-up Holy Land, even the Navy Headquarters couldn't!
As for the Grand Admiral himself, each busier than the last, they wouldn't bother coming to trouble him over such a small matter, would they?
"Go, tell the printing factory not to rush to clock out, stand ready tonight."
He flapped his wings, smilingly gazing out the window in a certain direction, "Now, everything is in place, only waiting for the Navy Headquarters to promptly draft the new warrant..."
————
Navy Headquarters, Marinfanto.
The majestic fortress stood quietly.
In a tatami-floored conference room, the door was tightly shut, the light dim, the air filled with a musty smell, seemingly unused for some time.
Suddenly the door was pushed open, a gust of wind swept in, causing a corner of the warrants on the whiteboard to lift and flap wildly.
These were warrants left from the last discussion meeting, not removed yet.
In the middle, a person with a captain hat, sporting exaggerated clown makeup, a noticeable big nose, and beside it the record of the meeting:
[Star Clown, Buggy, crew member of Roger Pirates, original bounty 80 million Belly]
[Pushed into the Grand Line years ago, has since acted low-key, seemingly obsessed with treasure hunting, rarely appearing publicly, thus diminishing headquarters' attention on him]
[To his surprise, seeing the heat die down, he started stirring, indiscreetly in Spring Queen City, attacked CP9 department, severely injuring three agents, and robbed two precious Devil Fruits from the World Government]
[Therefore, the meeting decided to step up the pursuit, increase his bounty to 130 million Belly!]
Adjacent was another warrant, featuring a lion with purple mane.
[Lion King Liki, original bounty 200,000 Belly]
[CP9 ace agent Jabra was defeated by him, showcasing unique ability to suppress Zoan-type Ability Users, thus increasing the bounty to 70 million Belly!]
Beneath were two warrants with much lower amounts, with only brief remarks.
[Deputy Captain Moqi, Chief of Staff Kabaji, evaluated as weak, no need to increase bounty]
Whoosh!
Next moment, a large hand stretched out.
He ripped down the warrants, crumpled them into a paper ball, casually tossed it into the trash can beside, then turned on the lamp.
The light came on, revealing the face somewhat grim and gloomy, grassy-green hair, wearing black sunglasses.
— It was the headquarters' Senior Staff Officer Blanu.
"Everyone, you may enter." He turned to the door and said.
With his words.
A dozen figures clad in white cloaks waiting outside filed into the conference room, workers hurried in to serve them with sake and food.
These people all looked somewhat disgruntled, yet most were burly, exuding presence.
From shoulder rank insignia, astonishingly the lowest rank was Major General, with Vice-Admiral Level occupying most.
Seated at the forefront right, elderly and hunched, with a wrinkled face, was the Headquarters Chief of Staff, Tsuru!
Even accustomed to hosting meetings like Blanu, under the gaze of so many big figures, he was slightly nervous, he coughed and spoke: