World Economy News Headquarters
"Silvers Rayleigh, huh? Now that's a headline worth chasing."
Anything related to the Pirate King Roger was bound to make waves—let alone his right-hand man.
One of the legendary pirates who once ruled the seas.
If Don was planning to meet that Rayleigh, there was no doubt something huge was about to happen. This was the kind of news you couldn't afford to miss.
"Still…" Morgans muttered, his wing-like hands stroking the curve of his beak. "Looks like the Navy already knows Rayleigh's hanging around the Sabaody Archipelago."
The news bird had just received reports that Don's group had made contact with the Dark King himself—and even crossed paths with Admiral Kizaru.
He hadn't managed to get the details of their conversation, but just knowing that much was enough to stir his instincts.
The "big news" Don had hinted at earlier still lingered in his mind.
"Keeping an eye on him is bound to pay off," Morgans said to himself, his eyes gleaming. "He's a walking goldmine for headlines."
Just as the thought crossed his mind, the Den Den Mushi on his desk suddenly rang.
He picked it up.
"I'm Don."
The voice from the line made Morgans freeze.
He had just been thinking about the man—and now he was calling?
Could this be it? The "big news" Don promised finally coming to light?
"Crocodile will contact you later."
Before Morgans could even ask, Don spoke again.
The birdman's eyes widened. Then the realization hit him.
"What?! The Shichibukai Crocodile's joined you?"
Morgans could hardly believe it.
A man who once held one of the Seven Warlord seats—a powerful Logia user at that—had just… switched sides?
"It's just cooperation," Don replied evenly.
Morgans's feathers ruffled with excitement. "Then… do you have any other big news for me? I've heard you met with the Dark King Rayleigh—and Admiral Kizaru too."
"Just a little sparring match."
"A spar?" Morgans's bird-eyes lit up even more.
"Please, you have to let one of my reporters record your fight!"
He sounded almost desperate.
"Sure," Don said with a chuckle. "But if your reporter gets too close and gets caught in the crossfire, don't come crying to me."
And with that, the Den Den Mushi went silent.
Morgans leaned back in his chair, laughing softly.
"This is going to be good…" he murmured, eyes shining with anticipation.
Sabaody Archipelago
Don slipped the Den Den Mushi back into his coat and turned to find three pairs of eyes staring right at him.
"What?" he asked. "Why are you all looking at me like that?"
"So everything happening here in Sabaody… it's all part of your plan, isn't it?"
Robin's voice carried a hint of suspicion.
"Plan? What plan?" Don looked genuinely puzzled.
"…I see. I must've overestimated you," Robin sighed, rubbing her temple.
"Overestimated? Come on, this isn't that complicated." Don leaned back, tone casual. "You just think through what needs to be done next. That's basic common sense, right?"
Mihawk and Fujitora both gave him a look of mild disbelief.
"I knew it," Robin said, rolling her eyes. "Even back in Water 7, when you let the reporters follow us, you were already setting up for this kind of attention."
"I just need the publicity," Don replied with a grin. "But I doubt Rayleigh cares much about fame."
"He's been living in hiding here," Fujitora reminded him.
"Hiding? Maybe. But plenty of people know he's here—especially the Navy."
After all, the man hadn't even bothered to disguise himself. He still wandered around openly.
Once the right hand of the Pirate King—his bounty had spread across every sea.
Trying to "hide" someone like that was almost a joke.
Thankfully, decades had passed.
After all, Gol D. Roger had been dead for ages.
"It's just that capturing him would cost more than ignoring him," Mihawk said calmly. "A retired Rayleigh poses no real threat to the Navy or the World Government."
"Well said, Mihawk," Don nodded exaggeratedly. "Didn't know you had such a sharp brain."
Mihawk stared back, expressionless. "So what—you think everyone else is an idiot?"
At that, Robin and Fujitora both gave Don a cold look.
Fujitora's blindfold didn't hide his disapproval either; his frown said enough.
"I didn't say that!" Don raised both hands defensively, looking almost panicked.
"Still," Mihawk continued, "with your current strength, there aren't many in the New World who could challenge you. If you used your full power, even Whitebeard or Kaido wouldn't have a guaranteed victory."
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly. "So why waste your time here, just to master that technique?"
Training for strength was one thing—but Mihawk couldn't see the point in chasing something so time-consuming when Don was already that powerful.
"Because…" Don began, making everyone lean in a bit.
"…I want to. That's all. It's not like I'm in a rush to do anything else."
Mihawk blinked, then nodded faintly. "That's… honestly the most you answer I expected from you."
"Oh? So you think you've got me all figured out?" Don smirked.
"Not really," Mihawk replied flatly. "Just that it fits your style."
Don's personality really was hard to read.
He'd made bold claims about reshaping the world, yet somehow carried himself with no real urgency, no obsession—just a quiet, almost playful confidence.
A bizarre man, to say the least.
Mihawk sighed softly.
Shanks was unpredictable too, but at least Mihawk understood him.
Don, though? He was like fog—you could see him, but never quite grasp him.
"Come on, let's get some rest," Don said finally, waving Robin over. "We've got a fight tomorrow."
Robin hesitated for a moment, then smiled faintly and took his arm. The two left together.
Mihawk and Fujitora stayed behind, silent.
After a long pause, Fujitora finally spoke.
"Why… did I even agree to go along with him?" he muttered, rubbing his chin.
"From what I recall," Mihawk said dryly, "you lost a bet."
Fujitora froze, then groaned. "…Right. That did happen."
He shook his head helplessly, then chuckled.
"Well, do as you please—but don't hurt anyone. That's always been my rule."
With that, Fujitora stood, picking up his sword.
"Heading to the casino?" Mihawk asked without looking up.
"No. Even if I don't fight tomorrow, I'll need a calm mind to watch what's coming."
Mihawk said nothing. He couldn't quite imagine what a battle between Don and Rayleigh would look like.
But one thing was certain—fights on that level didn't happen often.
Resting up beforehand was the right call.
Maybe, just maybe, he'd find new inspiration from watching them clash.
END OF CHAPTER
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