"Clack, clack, clack..."
A staircase extended from the ship up to the hot air balloon, and just like that, Leno and his crew strode openly into the airborne studio.
The girls blinked in surprise when they saw Morgans, who looked uncannily like a certain cartoon duck.
So this was the Bird-Bird Fruit, Model: Albatross? Why did it look so… ridiculous?
Glancing at the round, plump figure in front of him, Leno said meaningfully, "I've long heard of your name, Morgans. Thanks to you, my reputation has become quite resounding across the seas."
"Heh, heh… Thunder God, you flatter me. It is merely my duty as a journalist."
Morgans adjusted his top hat with a wing and gave a slight bow, his tone dripping with flattery.
Inside, however, he was groaning in misery. Judging by their demeanor, they clearly hadn't come with good intentions.
He hadn't even figured out how to handle this yet—he could only hope they wouldn't go too far.
On the newspaper pages, he had always been bold, daring to criticize anyone. But meeting face-to-face was an entirely different matter.
This could cost him his life! When the situation called for it, he had to be practical.
Leno walked to the desk and casually sat on it, eyeing the big, chubby bird with interest.
"Really? I came here specially to thank you. So? Feeling touched yet?"
"Heh, heh… n-no need…"
Morgans' body stiffened violently, his pupils trembling. The pressure from the man before him was overwhelming. He truly didn't dare move.
Seeing Morgans already starting to stammer, Leno suddenly lost interest.
He had only meant to tease the guy a bit. Who knew he'd be so easily frightened?
"Fine, if you don't appreciate it, forget it. By the way, where are you headed?"
"…To BIG MOM's tea party. We were invited to attend."
"Oh?" Leno's eyes lit up instantly, his voice brimming with excitement. "Perfect. We're heading to BIG MOM's territory too. Let's go together."
Talk about perfect timing.
With this guy leading the way, they could head straight into the heart of her territory—no need to fight their way in from the outskirts.
The girls' eyes sparkled as well, clearly thinking the same thing.
Yamato even stepped forward eagerly. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's get going!"
Seeing their sudden shift in attitude, Morgans felt a bit dazed. Hesitantly, he asked, "May I ask, Thunder God, what exactly are you going there for?"
"Of course—"
"To attend the tea party."
Leno cut Yamato off and shot her a look, stopping her from blurting out their real plan.
It wasn't that he feared Morgans leaking information. He just didn't want to scare him senseless.
What he didn't notice, however, was the brilliant gleam now shining in Morgans' eyes.
It was the anticipation of a major event about to unfold—the craving for first-hand information.
He knew Thunder God and BIG MOM had clashed before, and that their relationship remained tense to this day.
If the two were to meet this time, perhaps some unexpected "big news" would erupt.
"I see. It is my honor to travel with you, Thunder God."
"Good. Then lead the way."
Leno hopped down from the desk and headed out with a few crew members who were just there for the excitement. But just as he reached the door, he suddenly turned back.
"Oh, right, Morgans. Give me a copy of your Vivre Card."
"Ah? Th-that…"
Morgans had just started to relax when Leno's request froze him in place.
A Vivre Card? Was this man planning to keep tabs on him forever?
Being targeted by someone this terrifying—would he ever have peaceful days again?
As he hesitated, a cold, emotionless voice rang out once more.
"What? You disagree?"
"N-no, not at all!"
Feeling the temperature around him drop, Morgans shuddered and hurriedly pulled the Vivre Card hidden inside his top hat, handing it over with trembling wings.
He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and let out a heavy breath.
That had been close.
What had he been thinking? Dying later was surely better than dying now.
Casting a sideways glance at the somewhat pitiful "News King," Leno clicked his tongue and stepped away, leaving behind a faint remark.
"Look on the bright side. Now that I have your Vivre Card, you'll be under my protection from now on."
"Huh?!"
Morgans shot his head up, joy flooding his eyes as his whole body relaxed at once.
The surprise came too suddenly!
He had thought meeting Thunder God today would spell disaster—never did he expect it to turn into such a blessing.
He still didn't know what price he might have to pay, but this outcome alone was already the best he could have hoped for.
In polite terms, he was an emperor of the underworld. In harsher terms, he was nothing more than a rat hiding in the shadows.
Besides, how many across the world dreamed of obtaining Thunder God's protection? He had never heard of anyone succeeding.
Only after Leno and his crew disappeared did the studio staff erupt into thunderous cheers.
"That's amazing!"
"President, we've got a backer now!"
"No more running and hiding!"
"Long live the President!"
"…"
After his subordinates finished celebrating, Morgans raised a wing and declared passionately, "Set sail, everyone!"
"Oooh!"
…
…
On the other side.
After returning to their ship, the group once again discussed their plan upon reaching BIG MOM's territory.
Vivi then turned to Leno, voicing her confusion.
"Leno, why did you agree to protect Morgans? That guy doesn't look like a good person."
"Well, I know he's not. But in certain matters, he's indispensable."
Leno patted her head gently, his gaze drifting toward the horizon.
In the future, that man's importance would become clear.
Only by holding him in his grasp now would they have more room to maneuver later.
In the past, for the sake of caution, he had thought about waiting until Monkey D. Luffy set sail and then acting from behind the scenes.
But after considering his crew's feelings, he abandoned that idea.
Since they had both the strength and the courage, why not live boldly?
Vivi's cheeks flushed slightly under his touch. Half-understanding, she nodded and said, "After this trip to Whole Cake Island, are we going to find the last Poneglyph?"
"Of course. That's indispensable too." Leno smiled faintly before looking at everyone. "So when we reach BIG MOM's territory, if negotiations fail, I'll leave the fighting to you."
"It's just BIG MOM. I'll definitely defeat her!"
"Don't worry, leave everything to us!"
"I-I can help too…"
"…"
…
…
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