The Grand Line, somewhere in the sky.
A massive hot air balloon drifted with the wind.
On the side of the balloon were five bold words — World Economic News!!!
This was the headquarters of the World Economic News Agency, ruled by the king of journalism, Morgans.
"Wahahaha! An initial bounty of 80 million Berries — another monster has emerged on this vast sea!"
Morgans, the news king, laughed heartily.
"Two years ago, it was 'Fire Fist' Ace, the Super Rookie who broke into the New World and became the 2nd Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Then came the rising star Cavendish of the Beautiful Pirates from Rommel Kingdom, Eustass Kid of the South Blue, Capone 'Gang' Bege of the West Blue, and the 'Magician' Basil Hawkins from the North Blue..."
"Now, adding this dark horse from the East Blue with an initial bounty of 80 million — more and more rising stars of the new era are emerging! I have a strong premonition that this era is headed for a world-shaking event!"
"President Morgans, here's the intelligence you asked for — everything we've gathered on Sullivan, the guild master of Fairy Tail!"
A staff member handed a stack of documents to the bird-like president Morgans.
"Let's take a look. What exactly is this so-called Fairy Tail… Nani?! A lightning ability user? Could it be... the Rumble-Rumble Fruit from the Logia-type fruits, one of the most revered powers in its class?! If that's the case, then an 80 million bounty is completely justified. That power alone is worth it!"
"What! In addition to the Rumble-Rumble Fruit user, there's also a great swordsman? And he even knows the legendary Sword Control technique?!"
Morgans was stunned at first glance of the report.
"President! President!"
Another staff member rushed into the office, holding a new report.
"Just now, our East Blue branch received a major tip — Colonel Nezumi of the East Blue's 16th Marine Branch colluded with the fishman Arlong to oppress twenty villages, including Cocoyasi Village, for over eight years!"
"Nani?! Is that true?! Wahahaha — this is getting more and more interesting! The East Blue, huh? I might just make a trip myself!"
The New World
Whitebeard Pirates
Moby Dick, the whale ship
"Hey, Ace — you're from the East Blue, right?"
Division Commander Thatch waved a newspaper in his hand.
"Yeah, why?"
Ace, cheeks stuffed with food, replied with a mouthful.
"A new monster's appeared in the East Blue — his first bounty is already 80 million Berries!"
Thatch spoke with astonishment.
"80 million right off the bat?!"
"What the hell did this guy do?"
Jozu, Vista, Rakuyo, and the other division commanders were intrigued.
"A strong rookie from the East Blue... Could it be Luffy? Has Luffy already set sail?"
Ace's eyes lit up.
"Probably not, Ace. You said your brother has a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit, but this guy — just like you — is a Logia-type. And not just any Logia — guess what it is?"
Thatch grinned mysteriously.
Before Ace could speak—
"What Logia ability is it?! Just say it already, Thatch!"
A large, dark-skinned man shouted with bulging eyes, his ugly face drenched in sweat and full of anxiety.
"Teach, why are you so worked up all of a sudden?"
Ace asked, puzzled.
"Alright, alright, enough with the suspense, Thatch. Just say it."
First Division Commander Marco chimed in.
"Hahaha, fine! This man named Sullivan — he has the Logia-type Rumble-Rumble Fruit!"
Thatch finally revealed the answer.
Everyone aboard the Whitebeard ship was stunned.
Well… almost everyone.
"Oh, just the Rumble-Rumble Fruit? Then we're good!"
Blackbeard let out a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat off his forehead.
He had been lurking on Whitebeard's ship for decades, all for one goal — to find a specific fruit.
The most terrifying and malevolent Logia: the Darkness-Darkness Fruit.
So when he heard about a new Logia user, his first reaction was fear that someone else had claimed the power he'd been seeking.
Now that he knew it wasn't the Darkness Fruit, he could finally relax.
And it wasn't just the Whitebeard Pirates.
The 80 million bounty issued from the East Blue sparked waves all across the world.
Three hours after the bounty was announced...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor.
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku!"
Vice Admiral Tsuru burst into Sengoku's office, her face grim.
"What is it, Tsuru?"
Sengoku looked puzzled.
"We've discovered the reason why that man attacked the 16th Branch!"
Vice Admiral Tsuru placed the latest report on his desk.
"Colonel Nezumi of the East Blue's 16th Branch colluded with the fishman Arlong to oppress the weak — for years they abused their power!"
As Tsuru reported, Sengoku's expression darkened.
"My instincts were right. Fairy Tail isn't some lawless assassin group. Their actions are guided by justice — there's a reason behind everything they do..."
Tsuru said emotionally.
She had been monitoring Fairy Tail for over two months.
Watching their actions.
Evaluating their potential.
She had even considered inviting them to join the Marines.
But…
The 16th Branch incident happened at the worst possible time.
Now that the truth was out…
There might be room for negotiation.
Tsuru couldn't help but feel hopeful.
But—
"So what if that's true?"
Sengoku countered.
"Failing to uncover the corruption in the 16th Branch is our fault, yes. But... even if there are rats in the Navy, they must be judged by the law — not by anyone who feels like playing executioner. The Navy's dignity must not be challenged!"
Sengoku declared firmly.
Tsuru was silent.
Of course she understood the concern.
But the bounty had already been issued — like spilled water, it couldn't be taken back.
Changing orders now would only humiliate the Navy.