The captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, Luffy, caused a worldwide sensation when he appeared in the World Economic News for the second time.
As a rookie pirate with a bounty of 71 million, he defeated Crocodile in less than half a month and became a Shichibukai.
"He really is a hot topic! Hahaha! My judgment is never wrong!"
After receiving news material provided by the World Government, the "News King" Morgans felt proud of his foresight.
He waved his feathered hand and immediately issued instructions to all branches around the world:
"Spread this news throughout the world today!"
The massive media machine began to operate, and millions of news birds flapped their wings, distributing freshly printed newspapers across the globe.
In a certain area of the Grand Line—
Still en route to meet Shanks, Mihawk looked at the newspaper in his hand with a puzzled expression.
The front-page headline featured two pictures side by side:
Former Shichibukai: Crocodile.
New Shichibukai: Monkey D. Luffy!
He looked at the previous bounty poster and chuckled.
He hadn't even had a drink with Shanks yet, and Luffy's old bounty had already been outdated.
"Straw Hat Luffy... Did he start making waves as soon as he entered the Grand Line?"
His traveling pace couldn't keep up with the speed of the news.
"Crocodile has been taken down."
Surprisingly, Mihawk wasn't surprised. He was well aware of the boy's strength from their previous encounter.
The growth trajectories of the current Shichibukai and Monkey D. Luffy bore some similarities.
Crocodile, 24 years ago, at age 20, made a name for himself at sea with an initial bounty of 81 million.
He quickly became a Shichibukai and was the first pirate recruited by the government.
Of course, they weren't called "Shichibukai" back then. The creation of the system came after the first World Summit, following the death of Gol D. Roger.
To deal with the chaos of the era and the rapid rise in piracy, the title was officially established by unanimous vote from representatives of the 50 affiliated kingdoms.
Then, 11 years ago, at age 18, the Pirate Empress Boa Hancock, with a bounty of 80 million, swiftly became one of the Shichibukai after a single expedition.
Three years ago, the super rookie "Fire Fist" Ace made a name for himself upon entering the Grand Line and was quickly invited to join the Shichibukai—only to decline.
And now—
From the weakest sea, East Blue, Straw Hat Luffy, with an initial bounty of 71 million, defeated a Shichibukai and became one himself!
From the experiences of these individuals, it was clear: those who ascend to the world stage demonstrate exceptional strength, even as rookies.
"We need to find Red Hair and have some drinks!"
Mihawk folded the newspaper, showing no interest whatsoever in the matter of Alabasta.
Grand Line, New World — a tropical island
A fat man ran toward a cave.
"Captain! It's Luffy! Big news about Luffy!"
He held a piece of meat in one hand and waved a newspaper in the other.
"Roronoa Zoro?"
In front of the cave, the vice-captain who loved beautiful women, Benn Beckman, looked up and smiled in surprise.
"Luffy? What happened to Luffy?"
"Luffy has become a Shichibukai!" the fat man shouted.
"What!?"
With loud exclamations, a red-haired figure quickly emerged from the cave.
In the scorching heat, Shanks had been resting in the cave, but upon hearing Luffy's name, he couldn't stay inside.
He grabbed the newspaper and anxiously read the article.
The crew of the Four Emperors around him began to shout and cheer.
"What? Luffy? How did he become a Shichibukai?"
"I really miss the days in Windmill Village. Is Luffy okay?"
"Wasn't he just worth 71 million recently?"
"Luffy becoming a Shichibukai... I can't believe it, Captain~"
A group of people gathered around the red-haired man, reading the newspaper and teasing him.
"He took down Crocodile? Hahaha!"
Shanks burst into laughter and raised the newspaper. "Get ready for a feast, boys!"
"Ohhh!"
"We have to celebrate for Luffy!"
"Wait, wait a minute, Shanks!" Beckman stepped in, exasperated. "It's fine to celebrate, but shouldn't we still go see Whitebeard?"
He paused and added with a sigh, "We sank several warships for this reason, you know."
"Ah... I almost forgot."
Only then did Shanks remember the serious matter.
He had to meet Whitebeard.
It wasn't easy for two of the Four Emperors to arrange a meeting.
Unlike the first half of the Grand Line, where there's Paradise, the New World was divided among the four Emperors, each ruling their own territories.
Crossing into someone else's territory could start a war—not a great idea.
And the Marines' surveillance ships were also a hassle. They had to eliminate those first, deliver the message, and only then could they proceed.
After thinking for three seconds, Shanks decisively gave up.
"Then let Whitebeard wait a few more days. Hahaha! Let the party begin! Cheers to Luffy!"
"Ohhh!! Bring out the booze!"
With the captain's order, the Red Hair Pirates got to work.
They lit a bonfire, brought out wine and food, and the celebration began.
Beckman sighed and rubbed his forehead.
"I can't stand these people..."
The joy was theirs—he would handle the consequences.
Elsewhere—
In a certain sea area in the New World.
Onboard the Whitebeard Pirates' ship, Moby Dick.
A certain pineapple-headed man received a free newspaper.
"Huh!? Isn't that Ace's little brother?"
He exclaimed in shock.
Beside him, Vista sat lazily on the deck stairs and asked:
"Marco, what's wrong? Ace's brother?"
"Luffy! I've heard that name so often, my ears are numb!"
"Luffy? Ah, Ace mentioned him every time we drank. What's up with that kid?"
"He defeated Crocodile and became a Shichibukai."
Marco wore a confused look. "Last I saw, his bounty was only 71 million... These rookies, man! They're even more 'super' than Ace was back then."
"Hahaha! Truly worthy of being Ace's brother!" laughed the captain of the 3rd division.
At that moment, a tall man approached.
Shirtless, revealing a muscular torso, he wore a white coat with red sleeves draped over his shoulders.
Standing 6.66 meters tall, he was practically a small giant.
Known as the "Strongest Man in the World"—Whitebeard, Edward Newgate!
"What's the matter, Marco?"
"Father!"
Marco walked over and handed the newspaper to Whitebeard, hands on his hips.
"Ace's brother suddenly became a Shichibukai. It's quite surprising."
Whitebeard narrowed his eyes and looked at the front-page photo: Monkey D. Luffy, the new Shichibukai, original bounty of 71 million berries!
"So the Crocodile was defeated? Gurararara..." He was not unfamiliar with the sand crocodile.
At that moment, looking at Luffy, Whitebeard thought of Ace.
His smile faded slightly.
"It's been a while since he went after Teach..." A sense of unease grew within him.
"By the way, hasn't that red-haired brat arrived yet?" he asked.
"Just now, Beckman sent a message. Said the meeting was postponed. Honestly, that red-haired crew has no sense of urgency. They even used a Den Den Mushi without fear of the Navy eavesdropping," Marco muttered.
Though some surveillance ships were taken out, others might've escaped.
Upon hearing that, a vein popped on Whitebeard's forehead.
"What's that brat trying to pull?"
New World, Wano Country — Onigashima
Kaido, known as the "Strongest Creature in the World," glared at the newspaper with narrowed eyes.
"It's D again!"
The sight of the name "D" instantly soured Kaido's mood.
He downed a barrel of liquor.
"Ohohoho... Shichibukai? So irritating!"
He crumpled the paper and tossed it aside.
New World, Cake Island
"Mom, there's a new Shichibukai."
"Huh? Who?"
"A rookie. Straw Hat Luffy. He defeated Crocodile and took his spot."
"A Devil Fruit user?"
"Not sure. The news didn't mention it."
New World, Dressrosa
One of the Shichibukai, ruler of Dressrosa and underworld broker—
Donquixote Doflamingo.
"Fufufufu... That damn Crocodile was brought down by a newbie."
Grand Line, a certain sea area
The Kuja Pirates had just looted a merchant ship.
On the deck were lifelike stone sculptures of men.
As subordinates of a Shichibukai, the Kuja Pirates could plunder legally. So even when a Marine warship passed nearby, it simply turned a blind eye.
Among the loot, the pirates found a newspaper and brought it to their captain—the Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock, the most beautiful woman in the world.
"Sister, a Shichibukai has been defeated," said Marigold, surprised.
The Empress held the paper, her face unreadable.
Her mesmerizing eyes stared at the photo of the new arrival.
"Just like me..."
Monkey D. Luffy.
The news spread faster by the hour.
Whether across the Grand Line or the Four Seas, the Morgans Network spared no effort in broadcasting it.
Even on deserted islands, news birds delivered papers.
And on one such island, a stray bird accidentally dropped a copy.
On the beach—
A girl with red-and-white hair danced barefoot in the sand, her voice like music from the heavens.
This is an uninhabited island.
No—more precisely, an "uninhabited island" where only two people live: the girl and her music teacher.
Once a famous music capital: Elegia.
In her solitude, she often sang on the beach.
On this day, a newspaper fell in front of her.
"Huh?"
She paused mid-song. Her braided hair, shaped like rabbit ears, perked up in excitement.
"Wait! Bird! Wait a moment! I'm Uta~"
She just wanted someone to talk to—but the bird wasn't interested.
After dropping the paper, it flew away.
Uta, hair still standing on end, collapsed to her knees.
"It flew away... sigh."
She crouched down and looked curiously at the paper.
She had always longed for the outside world.
Ten years of isolation had nearly driven her mad.
"Huh? Luffy!?"
Upon seeing the profile picture clearly, her eyes sparkled, and her ears perked up again.
Grand Line, Alabasta
A reception room.
Luffy sat on the sofa, legs crossed, reading the newspaper Hina brought.
"Your request has been granted. Can you hand over Crocodile now?" Hina asked, arms crossed.
"You're quick." Luffy nodded and looked at Vivi beside him.
Vivi gave the order.
Crocodile, hands bound in seastone cuffs, entered the room under guard.
"Straw Hat!"
Crocodile's expression twisted as soon as he saw Luffy.
Then, spotting the Marines, he narrowed his eyes.
"What's going on?"
"Prisoner transfer," Luffy said with a grin. "Thanks, Crocodile. Because of you, I'm now a Shichibukai."
Crocodile:
He understood instantly—and was not happy.
This brat used him as a bargaining chip!
Hina frowned. "Only one? Didn't you capture someone else?"
"You mean Mr. 2? I never said I'd hand him over."
He really didn't say that!
But everyone assumed he would, didn't they?
Oh well—just a side character.
Hina took a deep breath and stood up.
"Crocodile, you're no longer a Shichibukai. For your crimes, you'll be sent to Impel Down!"
"Hahaha! You Marines think you can judge me?"
Crocodile sneered.
He lost to Luffy, sure—but he held nothing but disdain for the Marines.
"You talk too much, you bastard!"
Hina stepped forward and kicked him.
At the point of contact, black chains thick as arms bound Crocodile completely.
"Take him away!"
"Yes, Captain!"
Two Marines grabbed Crocodile's arms and dragged him out.
"Straw Hat!!"
From beyond the door, Crocodile shouted one last question.
"That thing... is it really in Wano Country?"
Still unwilling to give up.
"Guess!"
Luffy laughed. I'm not telling you. Let curiosity torture you.
And with that, Crocodile was gone.
"Phew..."
Vivi sighed with relief.
"It's finally over. Thank you, Luffy~"
"What are you talking about? It's not over."
Luffy stood, walked to the window, and looked out over the palace scenery.
"This is just the beginning."
"Huh?" Vivi blinked. "What?"
"The rebel army."
At those words, Vivi's eyes widened in alarm.
She had forgotten—
Crocodile's capture didn't end the nation's turmoil.
There were still 500,000 rebel soldiers!
(End of Chapter)
Give me some power stones there you go~😉