"Morgans, you've got quite the nerve, don't you?"
Before Morgans could even respond, the Den Den Mushi was already in Don's hand.
He looked down at the snail-phone, which had taken the shape of a bird's beak, and spoke in a calm tone.
"Don, isn't it? I've always been bold. All I seek is to report world-shaking news."
Morgans' voice came through, light and amused, utterly unfazed by Don's words.
This guy…
Hearing that smug tone, Don curled his lips in faint annoyance.
Ever since eating that Devil Fruit, Morgans had taken to living full-time in his albatross form—no one had any idea what he actually looked like anymore.
But thanks to his position as president of the World Economic News, his vast information network, and his personal influence, Morgans was also considered one of the emperors of the underworld.
Of course, aside from Doflamingo, the other "kings" of that world weren't exactly known for their fighting power.
"I'll skip the interview," Don said evenly, "but there's a piece of information I'll let your paper have soon."
The moment he saw the two reporters from Morgans' agency, he'd already decided to use them.
If there was any channel capable of spreading news across the entire sea in the shortest time possible, the newspaper was the perfect tool.
"I only care about big news," Morgans replied, his tone sly.
"If it's a story worth printing, I'll not only report it for free—I'll pay you handsomely for it."
"Fine," Don said with a nod. "When you're at the Sabaody Archipelago, contact Crocodile."
The response clearly amused him—it was exactly what he expected from that bird.
"Crocodile? The former Warlord of the Sea?" Morgans said, clearly intrigued.
"So you're not only connected to Dracule Mihawk, but also that one?"
"Aren't you supposed to know that already?"
"Oh, that's right," Morgans chuckled. "I do."
"Then it's settled."
Before Morgans could add anything, Don hung up the call and tossed the Den Den Mushi back to the nervous male reporter.
"You heard me. Don't bother me again."
The two reporters quickly bowed and scurried off—they weren't about to test Don's patience.
After all, they weren't their president. Morgans might risk his neck for a scoop; they definitely wouldn't.
"You're planning to use the World Economic News to announce the formation of the Hunter Guild?"
Once the reporters were gone, Robin gave Don a knowing look.
"Isn't it a good idea?" Don asked, smiling faintly. "That albatross has an impressive information network. Though, he does have a habit of exaggerating stories to grab attention."
"Then won't he embellish the Hunter Guild's story too?" Robin frowned slightly. "If he does, it could attract unnecessary attention—possibly even hostility."
She understood what Don envisioned for the Guild
a long-term foundation that would take time to grow and stabilize.
"Some things," Don said calmly, "are bound to happen sooner or later."
He fully grasped Robin's concern.
To reach the scale he envisioned, the Hunter Guild would inevitably draw trouble.
But if he were afraid of that, there'd be no point in starting it at all.
With his current power, he could already walk the seas unchecked.
So why hesitate now?
"Those troubles could come from the Marines—or the World Government," Robin warned.
"Not could," Don corrected her, smiling faintly. "They will."
He turned to her, eyes steady.
"But don't worry. If things ever get too hot to handle, we can always retire quietly in the East Blue."
Robin rolled her eyes at that.
"Honestly… you're still joking at a time like this?"
"By the way," Don said suddenly, "there are CP agents in Water 7."
Her expression froze.
"Robin."
Don smiled as he called her name, his voice firm.
"Remember—right now, we're crewmates. You've got me at your back. And there's a lot I can do that others can't."
Robin blinked, then smiled softly.
"Of course, Captain Don. You are my captain, after all."
"Just your captain?"
"Well then, Captain Don," she said, her tone teasing as she slowly began unbuttoning her shirt. "What else did you have in mind?"
Under Don's gaze, she removed her outer coat, revealing the light, sea-breeze attire of a sailor woman before heading toward the bath.
Watching her leave, Don shook his head slightly—half in amusement, half in thought.
The future clash between him and the World Government was inevitable.
He'd already accepted that.
In the early stages, the Hunter Guild might only draw mild scrutiny from the Marines and the Government.
But once it grew strong enough, their intervention was certain.
Still, that was all part of the journey.
Challenges were just another kind of experience
and he wasn't about to shy away from them.
After all, what good was a cheat-like advantage if he didn't use it?
Listening to the sound of running water from the bath, Don closed his eyes, extending his Observation Haki as he thought through his plans.
Water 7 — Tom's Workers.
"As per my previous agreement with the Marines and the World Government," said Tom, his deep voice rumbling, "the completion of the sea train will nullify the charges for building the Pirate King's ship!"
The fish-man shipwright's tone was steady, but his gaze was cold as he stared down the three CP agents before him.
"I'm well aware of the deal," Spandam replied smoothly. "And I don't intend to break it. However…"
He smirked. "Your student, Cutty Flam, just attacked one of Enies Lobby's ships. That's a grave offense."
"What?!"
Tom's expression hardened in shock.
Impossible.
Franky's personality might be eccentric—but he would never do such a thing.
"This isn't about possibility," Spandam said smugly. "It's fact. I wouldn't dare defy the World Government's word without proof."
He fixed his cold eyes on Tom.
"Of course, if you'd rather your student not be punished… there is another way."
The malice behind his tone made Tom's fins twitch.
"Hand over the blueprints, and you'll never be bothered again."
"I told you—I don't have those blueprints."
Tom shook his head firmly, his broad shoulders tense.
"In that case," Spandam said coldly, "I'll just send my men to drag your students in for questioning."
He'd been investigating for weeks.
The blueprints were definitely in Tom's hands.
If the fish-man wouldn't hand them over willingly, he'd use force.
Given how protective Tom was of his apprentices, Spandam was sure the outcome would play in his favor.
"The sea train's achievement should cancel this so-called crime," Tom said suddenly, his voice low and heavy.
"Oh? Are you certain?" Spandam sneered. "If you do that, the deal's over—you'll be executed, you know that."
Tom fell silent, his massive frame trembling slightly.
He knew full well what the World Government was capable of.
If this didn't end here, they would never stop.
Just as the tension reached its peak, a voice called out from outside—
"That won't do. At least not yet."
Everyone turned.
"I still need President Tom's help to build my ship," said the newcomer, stepping into the workshop.
"So you can't take him away."
END OF CHAPTER
patreon.com/MrBehringer