On an unknown island in the Grand Line.
Morgans was checking the reports from the various branches in the four seas.
This was a fairly common situation, it wasn't just the monsters of the New World who were worth reporting on. Sometimes the needs of the regions also had to be considered.
For example, people on the Grand Line routes naturally wanted to know if any newly rising pirates had appeared and if they would bring any disasters.
As for the New World?
Ultimately, it wasn't a matter of personal interest, so they watched with more of a sense of entertainment. The same was true for the four seas.
And people in the New World would also pay attention, especially pirates, who would want to see if there were any rising stars.
Morgans' feathered hand suddenly paused, and he narrowed his eyes at a news report from the East Blue branch.
"Sea-Cleaving Swordsman Hiroto?"
Morgans quickly flipped through the intelligence related to this person, and then his eyes lit up.
"This headline is well-written, it's worth a section."
He quickly summoned the editor and requested that Hiroto's report be placed in a prominent section for tomorrow.
"The East Blue? Is it necessary for someone from there to be in the Grand Line's reports..."
Before the editor could finish, he saw the bounty changes listed by the president and Hiroto's deeds.
He immediately swallowed his words without changing his expression. "The President is wise. Ace's new bounty just came out as well. How about arranging this person right under Ace's report?"
Both were from the East Blue, perhaps they could add some embellishments to poke at the World Government's sore spots. Of course, the most important thing was to catch people's attention.
"That's too high, lower it by one level."
Morgans thought for a moment and waved his hand, then added, "Mobilize the agency's resources and pay close attention to this guy named Hiroto. To cause such a stir before even leaving the East Blue, he will certainly not be an ordinary person in the future. I think it won't be long before he enters the Grand Line."
The current focus of the reports was still centered on Ace, who had recently entered the New World and caused a massive stir in Wano Country. He had thrown the lair of Kaido of the Beasts, one of the Four Emperors, into turmoil.
Even so, his regard for Hiroto was already quite high.
"Yes."
The editor immediately went into action.
—
"Hiroto, look quickly, it's news about you!"
Hiroto had just opened his eyes when he saw Carina rushing in excitedly.
The first thing she did after rushing in was to check places where people could hide, like the wardrobe and the corners of the bed. Then she sniffed the air before finally handing the newspaper to Hiroto.
Of course, all this happened very briefly, completed in less than a second.
Hiroto pretended not to notice, took the newspaper, opened it, and then raised an eyebrow.
This headline... they must have studied journalism.
He was about to say something when he suddenly paused.
[Entry – Sea-Cleaving Swordsman (Purple) acquired!]
[Entry: Sea-Cleaving Swordsman]
[Quality: Purple]
[Type: Special]
[Effect: Significantly increases the holder's spirit and deterrence, producing a daunting effect on weak-willed individuals.]
[Consumption: None]
[Note: Your fame is no longer limited to the East Blue.]
'Is it that kind of entry that appeared during the Krieg incident? Spirit and deterrence, plus this effect... is it like an achievement-type entry? And it looks like it really is related to Conqueror's Haki.' Hiroto thought to himself.
This kind of unexpected gain was beneficial for him.
Although Conqueror's Haki was still far off for him, he would inevitably awaken and master Conqueror's Haki in the future. The technique of Conqueror's Haki Infusion was one of the necessary thresholds to becoming a top-tier powerhouse.
"It's quite good."
Hiroto set the newspaper aside and then rubbed Carina's smooth purple hair.
After Carina smiled, he said, "We'll rest for a few days and see how the situation develops. During these few days, you and Nami prepare for our departure."
"Okay."
Carina nodded, then added, "One more thing, Kalei just came by and said someone in Gosa Village is asking about you."
"Hmm?"
Hiroto raised an eyebrow.
The Marines?
No, at this point, the Marines didn't have the capability to deal with him, at least not within the East Blue.
With Tsuru's intelligence, she wouldn't do something so thankless.
If it were Garp, who often visits home... he would have just charged right in.
"What did he look like?" Hiroto thought for a moment and asked.
"A middle-aged man, looking very weathered, carrying a cane, and wearing purple clothes. Looking at the style..."
Carina seemed to be recalling, then said, "I haven't seen him in the East Blue."
"..."
Hiroto's expression grew solemn. "Was he blind?"
"No."
Carina shook her head. "According to what Kalei said, he was very kind to people. If he hadn't been constantly asking about you, they probably would have treated him as just another passerby."
"That's good then."
Hiroto breathed a sigh of relief, then thought for a moment and said, "Let Zoro go and see what the situation is."
Aside from Hiroto himself, the current Zoro could be considered to have no rivals in the East Blue. If there really was a problem, everyone was equipped with a den den mushi. With one call, Hiroto could arrive at the battlefield using Shunpo.
After finalizing the decision, Hiroto went to train. He felt that his attributes were about to undergo another breakthrough.
Later, Carina brought back news.
The middle-aged man who had been asking around had already left, and no trace of him could be found.
Hiroto didn't think too much about it. His attention was more on the Marine side.
After this incident, what would the Marines' reaction be?