Somewhere in the sky above the Grand Line.
"Hahahaha! I never expected that the small East Blue, the weakest of the four seas, would have such an interesting incident! How could I not spread this to the world!"
In the giant hot air balloon headquarters of the World Economy News Paper, "Big News" Morgans waved his hand grandly, and countless News Coo flew toward the world.
...
...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Justice Building, Fleet Admiral's Office.
"Twenty villages oppressed and exploited by a mere Arlong Pirates for seven long years—how could such a thing happen right under our Navy's nose? How was it concealed!"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku slammed the documents in his hand onto the desk, his expression extremely ugly.
"Even in our righteous military, there are bound to be some corrupt elements. It's time to thoroughly investigate the East Blue branches. I've already notified Smoker—he's the most suitable person for this job!"
Marine Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Tsuru sighed and shook her head, picking up the documents in front of her.
"Also, this man who resolved the Arlong incident... this sharp sword strike—another incredible figure has emerged from the East Blue!"
...
...
New World, somewhere in Whitebeard's territory.
The giant whale ship Moby Dick was anchored near the coast.
Members of the Whitebeard Pirates gathered in groups of twos and threes.
"This is truly a beautiful sword strike! An incredible swordsman has appeared in the East Blue. I'd really like to have a match with him!"
Whitebeard Pirates 5th Division Commander "Flower Sword" Vista stroked his mustache-like whiskers, looking at the newspaper photo with great interest.
"Hehe, there will be a chance. A man like this will definitely make it to the New World!"
1st Division Commander "Phoenix" Marco smiled.
"Speaking of which, Jinbe, as a fellow fish-man, this Arlong Pirates should have some connection to you!"
Marco turned to look at Warlord "Knight of the Sea" Jinbe.
"Yes!"
Jinbe nodded with a heavy expression.
"Arlong used to be my subordinate. I was the one who exiled Arlong to the East Blue seven years ago!"
"Your former subordinate was killed. As the boss, are you going to seek revenge next, Jinbe?"
16th Division Commander Izo raised an eyebrow.
"No!"
Jinbe shook his head.
"I exiled Arlong to the East Blue hoping he would live peacefully and stop causing trouble. But... I never expected he would do such things. His death is well-deserved. Rather, this is my responsibility!"
Hearing this, the Whitebeard crew members all shrugged.
They had already anticipated Jinbe's response.
"Speaking of which, Ace, your hometown is also the East Blue, right? Do you know this man?"
Marco looked at Ace.
"No! I don't know him!"
Ace's mouth was stuffed with bread and meat, shaking his head like a hamster.
...
...
New World, Dressrosa.
"Fufufufu, interesting! This is truly interesting! It looks like another newcomer will emerge this year. But... I wonder how far he can go?"
Warlord "Heavenly Yaksha" Doflamingo keenly sensed the scent of approaching storms.
...
...
Paradise, Kuraigana Island.
"A very clean and decisive sword strike. He's a master!"
In the gloomy fields shrouded by dark clouds, the world's greatest swordsman, Warlord "Hawk-Eyes" Mihawk, dressed like a farmer, gave his calm assessment.
...
...
Grand Line, Arabasta Kingdom.
Dream City, Rain Dinners casino pyramid.
"Guhehe... it's the East Blue again? First there was the pirate hunter, and now this man. Is the weakest East Blue trying to make a comeback?"
Baroque Works boss, Warlord Crocodile laughed sinisterly.
"Should we try to make contact?"
From the shadows where light couldn't reach, a tall, alluring woman in a tight bodysuit and pencil skirt asked.
"Let's wait for now. Before long, he should appear on the Grand Line!"
Crocodile grinned.
"Miss All Sunday, have you found that guy who's been secretly investigating my identity recently?"
"No, not yet!"
The tall woman shook her head.
"Hurry up and track him down. Don't let it affect the plan!"
Crocodile frowned in displeasure.
"Yes!"
...
...
East Blue, Foosha Village.
Makino's small tavern.
"Eh eh eh, Makino, this this this... he he he... this is Sora, right!"
Straw Hat Luffy widened his eyes, pointing at Sora's silhouette in the newspaper, so shocked he could barely speak coherently.
"Yes, Sora-san really is an incredible person!"
Makino smiled and nodded.
...
...
Shimotsuki Village.
"It seems I'll be able to see you in the news often from now on, Kuina!"
Isshin Dojo master Koushirou smiled with squinted eyes as he looked at the corner of the photograph.
About five thousand meters off the coast of Shimotsuki Village.
A small boat drifted with the waves.
"Huh? This silhouette..."
Pirate hunter Zoro, with three swords at his waist, squinted at the corner of the photograph published in the newspaper.
Although it was just a silhouette, even just half a body, Zoro still felt a sense of familiarity.
"This silhouette looks so much like Kuina..."
The more Zoro looked, the more familiar it seemed.
After quite a while.
"No, no, no. Kuina is long gone, and even if she were still alive, she wouldn't be a child anymore. What am I thinking!"
Zoro's mouth curved into a bitter smile as he immediately began rowing, preparing to return home.
However...
He didn't even notice.
The direction his boat was heading was completely opposite to Shimotsuki Village.
Under the influence of his directionally-challenged nature, Zoro was moving further and further away from the truth.
...
...
East Blue, the town of beginnings and endings, Loguetown.
"Hmph, such things happening in the East Blue..."
Loguetown base commander, "White Hunter" Colonel Smoker's expression was extremely grim, his teeth grinding audibly.
"Tashigi, which branch's jurisdiction covers Cocoyasi Village and the surrounding villages!"
"Reporting, Smoker-san, it's the 16th Branch, under Captain Nezumi!"
Glasses-wearing Sergeant Tashigi answered.
"Nezumi! What a rat! Tell him to get over here... no, I'll go see for myself!"
Smoker stood up and strode out.
...
...
East Blue, 16th Branch.
"This is bad! This is very bad! Arlong, that waste, actually got killed! Getting killed is one thing, but all these matters actually got exposed!"
Captain Nezumi stroked his mouse whiskers, pacing anxiously in circles.
"No good, I must distance myself from this incident. Those ignorant villagers absolutely cannot be allowed to speak carelessly! Someone, prepare a ship for me. I'm going to Cocoyasi Village right now!"
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