Chapter 42 Elders Move
"Khahahaha! The Hero of the Marines fighting Kaido, Newgate standing watch, and Big Mom approaching—kahahahaha! News after news!" Morgans laughed wildly, his wings flapping as papers scattered around him. His eyes gleamed with excitement as he scanned the latest reports.
"But the biggest news of all… where is the man who declared himself Emperor of Wano?" he muttered, grin widening. "Why hasn't he shown his face? Where is Kaido's captain?"
Morgans leaned back in his chair, smirking. "Who cares? Post it. Print everything. Spread the news!"
His staff rushed into action as printing machines roared to life. Sheets upon sheets of newspapers poured out, ink still fresh as the headlines screamed chaos across the seas. Within moments, news coos took flight, carrying the storm of information to every corner of the world.
In the Holy Land, the Five Elders sat in silence, their expressions dark and calculating. The tension in the chamber was thick as the weight of the situation pressed down on them.
"Why isn't that man showing himself?" St. Warcury asked, his tone heavy with suspicion. "Is he planning something behind the scenes?"
Nusjuro frowned slightly, tapping his finger against the armrest. "But what could he be planning? The New World is already in chaos. Linlin is heading toward Wano, yet with Kaido and Newgate guarding it, I doubt she would engage in a suicidal war."
St. Saturn adjusted his glasses, his voice calm but sharp. "What concerns me more is Kaido. He has learned Conqueror's infusion. That alone places him among the Emperors… yet he remains a subordinate."
Mars spoke next, his tone cold. "And don't forget the man beside Kaido. He has revealed himself publicly without a mask. That is a direct declaration that he does not fear us."
The World Government was not foolish. They had long known King was a Lunarian, but as long as he stayed under Kaido and kept his identity hidden, they chose not to act. Now, that restraint had been shattered.
"Raise their bounties," Nusjuro said decisively. "Make Kaido the next Emperor. Build his reputation. I refuse to believe that after gaining such power, he will continue to follow another man."
"Agreed." ×4
Back at Morgans' headquarters, the Den Den Mushi call ended. Morgans' grin stretched even wider as he processed the order.
"Kahahaha… the World Government really knows how to play their game," he said, eyes gleaming. "Making Kaido the third Emperor while his captain remains unknown… what a delicious twist."
"What will be his reaction, I wonder?"
New bounty posters and newspapers were printed immediately, faster than before. The World Government spared no expense, ensuring every island received the news. Soon, the skies were filled with news coos, delivering headlines that shook the world.
People gathered in towns, ports, and cities, reading the newspapers with shock and fear. The previous reports had already shown Kaido clashing with Garp—now he was declared an Emperor.
"Did you see this?! Kaido fought Garp and became an Emperor!"
"Does that mean he defeated the Hero of the Marines?"
"No… maybe it was a draw!"
"A draw with Garp?! Then Kaido must be on Roger's level!"
"Yeah! Garp was Roger's equal… so Kaido must be too!"
Rumors spiraled out of control, growing more exaggerated with each retelling. What began as speculation quickly turned into accepted truth among the masses.
Meanwhile, near the Sabaody Archipelago, Ren floated on his flame cloud, the sea breeze brushing past as he read both newspapers. His expression twitched slightly as he lowered the paper.
"They really want to rage bait me, don't they…" he muttered.
Yamato puffed her cheeks, gripping the newspaper tightly. "Why is that old man an Emperor while Ren doesn't even have a bounty?!"
Ulti nodded for once, completely agreeing. "Yeah! Ren should be the Emperor!"
Page One and Jack remained silent, watching the two girls vent their frustration. Ren simply chuckled, ruffling both Yamato and Ulti's hair.
"Well, since the World Government wants to provoke me…" he said casually, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Let's go punch some Celestial Dragons."
Yamato's eyes lit up instantly, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Hey Ren! If I beat up a Celestial Dragon, will my bounty be higher than the old man's?"
Ren glanced at her, clearly amused. "Now that's an interesting question."
The two exchanged a look before grinning in sync, their excitement almost tangible. The air around them seemed to shift, turning dangerous.
Ulti puffed her cheeks, feeling left out as she crossed her arms. Ren had made it clear—until she mastered Haki or obtained a Devil Fruit, she wouldn't be allowed into such fights.
Ahead of them, the distant outline of the Sabaody Archipelago appeared on the horizon.
Ren and Yamato's eyes gleamed as they stared toward it, anticipation rising.
A storm was about to descend.