At the beginning of the year 1518 in the Sea Circle Calendar, two months had passed since the Summit War at Marineford. Chaos in the New World was gradually spreading, yet neither Shiki nor Charlotte Linlin—two of the most crucial figures—had made their moves.
The Revolutionary Army had taken center stage, the Seven Warlords of the Sea were scavenging for opportunities, and even so up-and-coming pirate crews had begun to show promise. Among them was "Fire Fist" Portgas D. Ace, who was steadily making a na for himself.
Near the Red Line, a ship adorned with a bird-shaped figurehead and a curved horn sailed toward the port of Mariejois.
Onboard was a man well-known in the underworld— Morgans, the one who controlled the world's dia narrative.
This birdman had started his career by clinging to the World Governnt's coattails, but over ti, the World Economy News Paper had grown powerful enough to dominate the information industry.
Eventually, Morgans' ambition swelled—he wanted to be the "King of News." He published whatever he wanted, whether it should or shouldn't be reported. The World Governnt had tried to suppress him multiple tis, but after laying low for a while, Morgans would always bounce back.
However, at this mont, Morgans' eyes were dull, and his expression was somber, as if he had encountered a difficult problem.
He hadn't originally planned to visit Mariejois. Despite being the president of the world's leading newspaper, Morgans preferred to keep a low profile and rarely set foot in places like this.
But this ti, he had no choice.
He had been summoned by a major figure, soone who made even him, a self-proclaid "big shot of the underworld," feel insignificant.
That man was none other than Saint Donquixote Claudius.
Morgans had no idea why Claudius was looking for him. Over the years, the two had barely interacted. The only person from Claudius' circle who had any dealings with him was Stussy.
She and Morgans were both influential figures in the underworld, and in a sense, they were also in the sa line of work.
One ran Happy Street, and the other ran a global news network. But at their core, both were in the intelligence business.
"President, we're almost there," one of Morgans' subordinates approached him and reported.
Hearing this, Morgans lifted his head slightly, nodded, and remained silent, his face still clouded with worry.
"President? What's on your mind?" The subordinate, sensing an opportunity to curry favor, asked with concern.
Morgans glanced at him, sighed, and muttered, "I'm wondering if I've offended that Highness over the years..."
Then, without explaining further, he waved a wing dismissively, signaling that he didn't want to be disturbed.
Despite his appearance, Morgans wasn't actually a birdman, he was a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user.
This revelation had initially surprised Claudius, who had assud Morgans was a mutated Mink or so other bird-like race. But in reality, Morgans was human.
It was Stussy who had shared this information with Claudius. Morgans had consud a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit, the Albatross-Albatross Fruit, Model: Albatross.
Not only was he a Zoan-type user, but he had also awakened his abilities, allowing him to stay in his hybrid form permanently. Unlike the failed Awakenings seen in Impel Down's Jailer Beasts, Morgans retained full intelligence, making him a perfectly Awakened Zoan user.
As for his combat strength, Stussy hadn't tested him, but she suspected he wasn't weak. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to pull off so many major scoops and travel to so many dangerous places for firsthand reports.
That said, he clearly wasn't that strong either, if he were, he wouldn't have bowed to Big Mom in the past, nor would he be afraid of Claudius now.
If this were Kaido, would he obediently co to Mariejois just because Claudius summoned him?
Well… maybe.
But if Kaido did show up, it would most likely be for a fight, not a conversation.
At this mont, Morgans was deeply unsettled.
Although he had never personally interacted with Saint Claudius, he had gathered enough intelligence over the years to form a clear image of him.
The first impression Morgans had of Claudius was "always victorious."
Since his rise to power, there had never been a single instance of defeat under his na.
An ordinary person might assu this was due to dia control or propaganda, but Morgans, as a journalist, had extensive intelligence networks. He knew better—Claudius' winning streak was real.
The second impression was that Claudius thrived on chaos, a trait that resonated with Morgans.
Claudius hated calm seas. The mont stability threatened to settle in, he would stir things up again.
This was evident in how he disrupted the Big Mom Pirates, and more recently, how he orchestrated the destruction of the Whitebeard Pirates.
The third impression was that Claudius had an insatiable ambition and an iron will—his actions always reflected boldness and dominance.
And the final point—Morgans simply could not predict what Claudius was thinking.
For the entire journey, Morgans had been racking his brain, trying to figure out if he had done anything to provoke His Highness.
If not, then why had Claudius suddenly summoned him to Mariejois?
Was there so big news Claudius wanted leaked?
Or… was he trying to take control of the World Economy News Paper?
This seed like the most plausible explanation.
And if that were the case, Morgans had spent the entire trip agonizing over how to reject him without offending him.
Eventually, Morgans' ship docked at the port of Mariejois. As he disembarked, he spotted a familiar face, his "old friend" Stussy approaching him with a graceful stride.
Seeing Stussy, Morgans hurried over, eager to speak with soone he knew.
"Stussy, it's been a while," he greeted with a forced smile.
"President Morgans, it has indeed been so ti," Stussy replied, smiling.
Just as Morgans was about to say more, Stussy added, "Co with . His Highness is waiting for you."
Hearing this, Morgans swallowed nervously, then followed beside Stussy.
After a brief mont of silence, he couldn't help but ask, "Stussy, we've known each other for years, can you give a hint? Why is Claudius Saint looking for ?"
Stussy chuckled and raised an eyebrow. "Are you scared?" she asked teasingly.
Morgans forced a grin and nodded. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't. That Highness' na alone carries a lot of weight—after all, he's the one who took down the entire Whitebeard Pirates."
"You, of all people, afraid? That surprises . I always thought you were the type of birdman who feared nothing," Stussy said playfully.
"Hahaha…" Morgans laughed stiffly, still eyeing her expectantly.
As they walked, Stussy finally spoke in a softer tone, "Relax. His Highness isn't summoning you to hold you accountable for anything. Over the years, you haven't done anything to offend him."
Hearing this, Morgans let out a huge sigh of relief, straightened his posture, and finally relaxed.
Smiling, he asked, "Then what does His Highness want from ?"
"You'll have to hear that from him personally. I wouldn't dare speak on his behalf," Stussy replied mysteriously.
Morgans' relief was short-lived. His anxiety returned.
But seeing that Stussy wouldn't say more, he decided not to press further.
He knew better than to provoke Stussy in her own territory.
"Only soone like Saint Claudius can keep her in check," Morgans thought to himself.
***
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