"Gurarahahahaha. Rolan is remarkably capable, isn't he?"
Whitebeard's crew naturally received the same report. The headline claimed that Rolan had replaced Whitebeard and become the World's Strongest Man.
"Whitebeard, I think this news agency is deliberately provoking us," George said, holding the newspaper with indignation. After all, Whitebeard had been known as the strongest man in the Pirate World for decades. Having that title claimed by someone else, without even a battle between them, left him slightly displeased.
Whitebeard, however, didn't care in the slightest.
"Gurarahahahaha. George, who holds a title doesn't matter. What matters is that you all live well," he said, his booming voice calm and reassuring.
He was the type of man whose concern lay with his family and crewmates, not accolades. Titles like "World's Strongest Man" meant little to him.
His sons, however, didn't share that sentiment.
"But Whitebeard, to claim the title, shouldn't one defeat its previous holder?" George pressed, still clutching the paper.
Blamenco's expression turned serious. "It's possible this report was manipulated by collusion between the Rolan Pirates and the news agency."
Ace shook his head firmly. "No, he wouldn't do such a thing."
Marco added, "Rolan naturally wouldn't resort to underhanded tactics. This is likely just the news agency exaggerating to draw attention."
Indeed, even with limited exposure, they could sense Rolan's integrity. Being Ace's former master had also provided them with insights into his character.
…
In the New World, Dressrosa, atop King's Plateau, a figure in pink stood by the window, gazing out.
"Hum hum hum, Rolan. I thought you were just an ordinary brat, but now you've even defeated Kaido. What is your goal? To overturn the world?"
He pushed open the window. The wind caught his flamingo-feathered cloak, sending it fluttering dramatically.
Beside him, a man seated on a diamond-shaped throne spoke, "Doflamingo, now that Kaido has been defeated, should we reconsider our cooperation with him?"
The pink figure didn't turn around, his voice calm and deliberate. "Kaido now needs our cooperation even more. We cannot reduce it; we must strengthen it."
At that moment, a man in a cotton cloak dotted with circles, holding a staff topped with a club emblem, approached. "Doflamingo, the toy factory's production is proceeding smoothly."
"Trebol, too close!" Doflamingo stepped back, eyeing the man warily. "Keep the production normal. If there aren't enough toys, have Sugar turn any disobedient citizens into toys."
…
A super-giant golden ship floated in a New World sea region.
Tesoro, just finishing his private concert, returned to his office. An owl-like subordinate emerged from the floor, holding a newspaper.
"Tesoro, I believe this will interest you."
He handed the fresh paper to Tesoro.
Tesoro's eyes lit up at the headline: "As Expected of Rolan! Defeats Combined Forces of Big Mom and Kaido."
He had been following Rolan ever since the young man had killed a Celestial Dragon. Tesoro's obsession with wealth and power stemmed from years of being unable to control the riches of the Celestial Dragons. Now, he controlled 20% of the world's circulating Berries, influenced both legitimate and underground markets, and could even manipulate the World Government with money. Yet, deep down, he still hated the Celestial Dragons.
Rolan's audacity in killing a Celestial Dragon, escaping Marine encirclement, and now defeating the strongest Pirates of the world thrilled Tesoro. Golden light shimmered in his eyes as his almost-dead ambition reignited with the flames of revenge.
…
Baltigo.
Dragon held the newspaper, expression tense. "Rolan… I didn't expect you to reach this level."
In previous discussions with Rolan, Dragon had found his ideas wild and seemingly impossible. He still believed countries should break free from World Government control and unite their powers against it. Yet Rolan's strength now caused Dragon to hesitate.
He remembered Rolan's questions: If you overthrow the World Government, who governs these countries? Will they govern themselves? Can conflicts of interest be balanced? Wherever there are people, there will be disputes, and disputes lead to war. Can this world truly change without guidance?
Rolan had explained that the root of the world's injustice wasn't the World Government itself, but human prejudice and self-interest. Only a united kingdom, starting with ideological education from a young age, could achieve true peace.
Sabo noticed Dragon's thoughts. "Dorag-san, what's wrong?"
Dragon shook his head. "Nothing."
"Indeed, Dragon-san received this report as well? Rolan is truly powerful."
Dragon's concern wasn't about himself—it was about the young man he had chosen as his successor, who now placed his faith in Rolan, recently hailed as the World's Strongest Man.
…
"Rolan, a handsome man on a white horse wishes to challenge you!"
_____
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