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At the World Economy News, News King Morgans was seated in his office.
"Shocking! A member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea attempted to seize a kingdom and was defeated by a rookie!"
"Boss, what do you think of this headline?"
Editor-in-chief Lawrence held a manuscript and asked Morgans.
"Good! Use it exactly like that!"
"Print ten million copies. No, make it one hundred million!"
"Once printing is done, distribute immediately!"
In his birdman form, Morgans smacked his beak excitedly and ordered the maximum print run.
It was already sensational that a Warlord tried to take over a kingdom.
But even more explosive was the fact that the Warlord was defeated by a newcomer!
Morgans hadn't seen such breaking news in years, and he was certain this story would shock the world.
"One hundred million newspapers… they'll definitely sell out."
Morgans already envisioned the scene of the papers flying off the shelves. He was going to strike gold again.
"Yes, boss!"
Editor-in-chief Lawrence responded with excitement and left the office.
Ignoring Lawrence's departure, Morgans began pondering the central figure of the story.
"Caelan… that name sounds familiar."
He stroked his chin, then remembered.
Half a month ago, he had published a piece about Caelan slicing the flagship of the Krieg Pirates in one strike, which had become big news in the East Blue.
Back then, he thought Caelan might be promising but ignored him since it was just the East Blue.
Who would've thought that only half a month later, Caelan would create such earth-shattering news?
"If I'd known, I would've kept a closer eye on him and gotten firsthand coverage."
Morgans flapped his wings regretfully.
He had been a step too late in this case and didn't capture the most dramatic footage, making the article slightly less impactful.
If he had gotten a photo of Crocodile being defeated by Caelan, the headline would have been legendary.
"Looks like I'll need to keep a close eye on this rising star from now on. I can't afford to miss another scoop."
As he spoke, Morgans circled Caelan's name in red.
Caelan was strong, a bounty hunter, and clearly someone who would stir up the seas.
As long as he kept tracking Caelan's movements, he was sure the headlines would keep rolling in.
That day, countless news birds flew out of the World Economic News headquarters, delivering newspapers across the world.
…
In the first half of the Grand Line, countless pirates stared at the newspaper in their hands, stunned.
"A rookie who just entered the Grand Line beat Crocodile?"
A young pirate shouted in disbelief.
That was a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, a terrifying figure who kept countless pirates in check and possessed power and status every pirate dreamed of.
And now, he had been defeated by someone unknown?
It shattered their beliefs. Their fear of the Warlords began to fade.
"Could Crocodile have just been all bark and no bite?"
The young pirate had never witnessed Crocodile's strength, so he could only speculate.
Maybe Crocodile was the weakest Warlord. He even had a missing hand.
"If Crocodile's just a show-off, then Caelan, who beat him, might be the same."
The young pirate muttered, his eyes gradually lighting up with ambition.
If he could defeat Caelan, wouldn't he become famous and rise to the same level as the Warlords?
He had to consider whether this was the chance of a lifetime.
Damn it, let's go for it!
He clenched his fists. He wouldn't let this opportunity slip by.
He wanted fame. He wanted power.
All around, old pirates snickered, watching the younger ones and preparing to enjoy the show.
"Crocodile isn't some weakling."
"And Caelan, the one who defeated him, is definitely a true powerhouse."
The old pirates recalled Crocodile's past feats and couldn't help but show some respect.
And they feared Caelan even more.
A bounty hunter who defeated a Warlord the moment he debuted? That was terrifying.
They realized that another powerful figure had emerged on the sea, and all challengers would become his stepping stones.
They looked at the young pirates who were getting restless, silently amused.
As for giving warnings? Forget it.
The pain they had endured when they were young wouldn't be spared to the next generation.
Let these youngsters, who didn't understand the depth of the sea, experience its cruelty firsthand.
And so, many young pirates, full of wild ambition, set off on their journey to challenge Caelan.
…
On a nameless island in the Grand Line.
The Red-Haired Pirates were drinking heavily with Dracule Mihawk.
Red-Haired Shanks held a newspaper in his hand, reading it intently.
"Mihawk, looks like another rising star has appeared on the seas."
Shanks said with emotion as he read the article.
He'd just entered the Grand Line and already defeated Crocodile. That was some sharp momentum.
"You might be interested in him."
Shanks glanced at the giant sword Caelan wielded in the photo and said to Mihawk.
"Oh? Really?"
Mihawk took the paper and casually glanced at it.
Newcomers emerged all the time. So far, only two had caught his eye—Caelan, who wielded a sword, and Zoro, whose will was strong.
But both had only just begun their journeys and were still too green.
However, when Mihawk saw Caelan's portrait, his expression turned serious.
"He managed to defeat Crocodile? He's growing fast."
Mihawk narrowed his eyes, staring at Caelan's image.
Caelan's strength had genuinely piqued his interest.
"You've seen him before?"
Shanks looked curious. It had been a long time since he'd seen Mihawk this serious.
"Yes, I have. Half a month ago, I sensed sword intent lingering in the East Blue. It was the aura of a true swordsman."
"If he could defeat Crocodile, then he's earned the right to fight me."
Mihawk stroked the blade of Yoru as he spoke seriously.
Caelan's emergence had stirred his fighting spirit. A rare occurrence.
Suddenly, Mihawk smirked at Shanks.
"When Caelan defeated the Krieg Pirates, your Straw Hat Luffy was still scrubbing dishes."
"Maybe Caelan is the true protagonist of this era?"
Mihawk said teasingly.
Shanks had bet his left arm on Luffy, believing him to be the chosen one of this age.
But Mihawk was now ready to bet that Caelan was the real protagonist.
"Hahaha! We'll see."
Shanks laughed heartily, as if unfazed by his friend's jab.
But deep down, he felt uneasy.
There had been no word from Luffy since he set sail.
Meanwhile, Caelan had appeared out of nowhere and was already making waves.
Could it be that this wasn't the age of pirates anymore… but the age of bounty hunters led by Caelan?
(To be continued.)