At that moment, a large bird appeared in the sky, circling above the ship.
Roger looked up and waved his hand. The bird descended and landed on the deck.
"Is this… could it be a News Coo?"
[News Coo: A bird employed by the News Coo organization, specialized in delivering newspapers. They generally avoid desolate areas, especially regions without wind. Personality: Rather timid, they leave immediately after delivering the papers.]
Reid approached the News Coo with curiosity, inwardly astonished. "It really does look like an albatross, holding a newspaper in its beak. I wonder what news it's carrying."
The News Coo stared blankly, gesturing with its wings.
After watching, Roger's expression turned to one of shock as he stared at the bird in disbelief.
"You want 800 Beri?"
"What?! 800 Beri? When did the price go up? And by so much all at once—this is outright robbery!"
Shanks, who was steering the ship, shouted at the News Coo, his finger almost jabbing at the bird's beak in accusation.
Buggy stepped up to the News Coo, his bright red nose nearly touching the bird's face, and snapped, "Hey, are you skimming off the top? I may not like reading newspapers, but even I know a paper costs at most 100 Beri. And this area's sea conditions are fine—why the sudden price hike?"
Startled, the News Coo fluttered back, putting distance between itself and Buggy.
"800 Beri… I remember newspapers usually cost around 100 or 200 Beri… And judging by Roger and Shanks' reactions, this must be a sudden price increase."
Reid was also taken a back. He wasn't entirely familiar with the currency system of this world and hadn't paid much attention to it before, but he had a rough idea of the purchasing power of Beri.
"It's fine."
Roger waved his hand dismissively, then reached out toward Buggy.
"W-what are you doing?"
Buggy suddenly had a bad feeling.
"Hand over the money."
"What?! Why should I pay?! I don't have any money—I'm broke!"
Buggy scowled and took several quick steps back.
"I'll count to three. If you don't hand it over, I'll throw you into the sea and kick you out of the Roger Pirates. One… two—"
"Ah! Captain Roger, you can't do this to me!"
Whoosh—despite his grumbling, Buggy moved swiftly.
"Here."
Reluctantly, Buggy pulled out 800 Beri, his heart bleeding.
"This is money I've been saving for ages!"
He muttered resentfully under his breath.
"Heh, Buggy, don't be so stingy. Didn't you say you wanted to be the Pirate King? With that attitude, you might as well give up now. Why not join my Red-Haired Pirates instead? I'll save the position of first mate for you."
"Shanks, what the hell are you talking about?! Who'd ever join your Red-Haired Pirates?! Huh? Red-Haired Pirates?"
Buggy glanced at Shanks' bright red hair and immediately felt annoyed.
"Hmph! I, Buggy, will be a great pirate—the Pirate King! My Buggy Pirates will be the best in the world! And my ship will be the biggest and most impressive of all! It'll be called… ah, I've got it! The Big Top!!"
Buggy grinned smugly, shooting Shanks a disdainful look as he crowed triumphantly.
"Heh, Shanks, my Big Top will be way more impressive than your lousy Red-Haired Pirate ship. What do you say—interested in joining the Buggy Pirates? Hahaha! If you beg, I might just take pity on you and let you in. Hahahaha!"
"Tch, Buggy, you're full of it. And that name—are you planning to run a circus on your ship? Ah? Hahahaha!"
Shanks clutched his stomach, laughing so hard tears streamed from his eyes.
"Shanks, you're dead meat!"
"Enough, both of you shut up."
Roger sighed, wanting to read the newspaper in peace. He couldn't stand listening to these two brats bicker endlessly.
After paying the News Coo, Roger took the newspaper and unfolded it.
"Hmm?!"
Roger's face darkened, his eyes turning icy.
The News Coo beside him shuddered, its claws trembling. Though the transaction was complete, the bird was so terrified by Roger's aura that it couldn't even flap its wings to fly away.
"Roger, what's wrong?"
"Brother Reid, see for yourself."
Reid took the newspaper, feeling a bit helpless.
"I can't read the writing here…"
Just as he was inwardly lamenting, the system's voice chimed in.
[Newspaper, published by the News Coo. Main content: Roger has escaped. The Marines have dispatched two Admirals and four Vice Admirals, along with issuing a Buster Call to eliminate everyone and every island connected to Roger.]
"What?! A Buster Call… isn't that what destroyed Robin's hometown, Ohara? I think it was some guy named Spandine who authorized it…"
Reid's expression turned grave. Now that he was truly in this world, he could feel the oppressive tension in the air.
"Roger, what do we do now? The Marines will be here soon, and there's a high chance they'll head to Baterilla in the South Blue. If they do, the entire island will be bombarded—no one will survive."
"Those dogs of the Celestial Dragons… One day, the World Government controlled by the Celestial Dragons will be overthrown."
Roger spoke with barely contained fury, his eyes blazing with rage.
The News Coo nearby once again sensed the danger. Already somewhat dull and vacant-looking, it now trembled even more fearfully.
Buggy couldn't help but ask, "Captain, what does the newspaper say?"
Reid had already finished reading, so he handed the paper to Buggy.
After glancing at it, Buggy was so startled that he dropped the newspaper, and the sea breeze promptly carried it away.
"Hey! Buggy, you idiot! Why'd you throw it away?! That cost 800 Beri! You wasteful brat! And you still dream of being the future Pirate King? Don't make me laugh!"
Shanks yelled angrily at Buggy. Even though it wasn't his money, he still felt the loss deeply—and couldn't resist throwing in a taunt.
"A Marine Buster Call…"
Buggy muttered to himself, ignoring Shanks entirely.
"Something's really wrong here…"
Shanks frowned. Buggy hadn't even fired back at him, which was unusual. His gaze shifted to Roger, whose expression was equally grave.
Just what the hell is going on...?