Chapter 96: Sabaody Archipelago – Live Broadcast: Execution of a Celestial Dragon (Part 1)
"Hello? This is Morgans. Who's Speaking?" Morgans, of the World Economic News, answered a call.
"It's me—Eric ."
"Oh ho, looks like Captain Eric has more big news. Did you receive the reward from your last submission?"
"Yeah, I got it. Twenty million Berries. Quick question—do you have a Visual Den Den Mushi for global broadcast?"
"I do... but what are you planning?"
"I want to do a broadcast. A world-shaking one."
"Really?!" Morgans was thrilled by the idea. "I'll prep it right now and set up connections to our global network. What could be so shocking?"
"Celestial Dragons."
"Ce... Celestial Dragons?!" Morgans nearly dropped the receiver. "You plan to do what? Laying a finger on a Celestial Dragon will summon an Admiral!"
"I'm asking you—do you want to use this world broadcast to push the World Economic News to new heights?"
"..." Morgans went silent. Attacking a Celestial Dragon would indeed cause an uproar and boost their fame, but the World Government wouldn't let it slide easily.
"And we plan to fight an Admiral. That should attract global attention too, right?"
"...Hooh." Morgans took a sharp breath. "You already have the power to challenge an Admiral? Alright then—count me in!"
If it were just about attacking a Celestial Dragon, Morgans might decline for fear of the World Government. But if an Admiral were involved, and the pirates held their own or even fought them to a draw, it would shake public trust in the Navy's dominance. Pirates would grow bolder, and the World Government would be too busy to go after him.
...
While Eric was on the call with Morgans, Marine HQ received a report.
"What? You saw the Eric Pirates enter the... ahem, 'Professional Placement Center' where Saint Charlmak was located?"
"Yes, and we've lost all contact with Charlmak's guards and the center's security detail. We suspect they've all been wiped out."
"The facility has been encased in a thick layer of ice—likely due to Esdeath's power. We currently can't access the inside, so no one knows what's happening. This is an unprecedented incident."
"Ugh!" Fleet Admiral Sengoku clutched his forehead. "So this is your answer, Esdeath~!"
"Have the pirates made any demands?" he asked.
"None yet," his aide replied.
A raspy voice chimed in, "We don't even know if they've actually harmed a Celestial Dragon. Confirm that first—no point wasting time over those guys."
"Akainu…"
...
Akame arrived with several freed slaves. "The slave collars have all been removed."
"Thanks, Akame."
The liberated slaves bowed deeply in gratitude, tears of joy streaming down their faces.
"You'll have to wait a while before leaving. If you want to leave on your own, go over there. If you'd prefer to follow us, line up here. We can at least take you to the safe East Blue."
Eric looked up at the mermaid in the tank. "We'll return you to the sea soon. Don't be afraid." He offered a bright, reassuring smile.
The mermaid shyly nodded. But beside him, Esdeath blushed and held her chest, struck by Cupid's arrow.
Among the freed slaves, all the women and a few men chose to stay close to Eric , hoping to go to East Blue. Most of the others—likely pirates—chose to leave.
"Eric -, we've finished looting everyone." Kurumi reported in.
The auction hall's front desk was now a mountain of gold, cash, and jewels—easily worth over a billion Berries.
A few of the former pirate slaves glanced greedily at the treasure, but wisely kept quiet—none of them were stupid enough to challenge Eric 's group.
"Thanks. How long until you're done absorbing their time?"
"Ten minutes, maybe less. They're all weak—goes faster that way."
"What's your take on draining time from women?"
"Hmm? Doesn't matter. None of the people here are good anyway. Human trafficking? Disgusting." Kurumi said, clearly furious.
'So she applies justice equally to all,' Eric thought.
Buru buru—his Den Den Mushi rang.
Click. "Morgans?"
"It's me. Everything's ready. When do we start?"
"Wow, you're fast. As expected from 'Big News Morgans.' Alright, let's begin. Time to host a global event!"
The broadcast device was activated and tested.
"Whoa!" Morgans gasped. "Is that... the Human Auction House?!"
"Yup. Figured you'd recognize it—you must've been here before."
"N-No! I just guessed. That stage banner has the Donquixote Family's emblem. Plus, it's the biggest auction venue on Sabaody."
"There are rumors that one of Doflamingo's side businesses is slave trading. Add the fact that you caught a Celestial Dragon, and they only show up at Mariejois or Sabaody—and there's a long-standing slave culture here—it all points to the Human Auction House."
"Impressive deductive reasoning, journalist. Not bad. How about this angle?"
"Wait—how many people did you... detain?" Morgans stared at the screen, watching as hundreds of people lay slumped across the floor and chairs, many clearly nobles.
"Hmm... 353." Eric used Observation Haki to count.
"You've stirred up a hornet's nest! Those are nobles—and some of them are kings!"
"Scared?" Eric smirked.
"Scared? Never! I'm a reporter. I must show the world the truth!" Morgans may be greedy and sometimes manipulative, but at heart, he was a journalist. And this was the biggest scoop of all time.
"Really? I seem to recall you spreading fake news about me before. Where'd you get that info? Why smear me? Suddenly I remember that quite clearly."
"..." Morgans broke into a cold sweat. Not even his feathers could hide it. "The Navy gave me that story! I'm truly sorry! I didn't know you back then, Captain Eric . I won't do it again!"
Seeing Morgans apologize so earnestly, Eric let it go.
"Fine. Just check with me next time you want to 'slander' me in print."
Then, Eric dragged the bound Saint Charlmak onto the stage, positioning him with his back to the crowd and face toward the Den Den Mushi's lens.
Through the lens, the live feed showed Charlmak's swollen face dead-center. On either side, motionless nobles slumped in their seats.
"How's that shot?" Eric asked Morgans.
"Perfect! Absolutely stunning! A world noble in the center, surrounded by kings and aristocrats of allied nations—it's a masterpiece! I'll make this the headline photo!"
Eric grinned. "Alright then. Time for my first global livestream... Becoming famous feels kinda exciting~"
[True passion fades, but recommendations live forever!（>.<）~]
(END CHAPTER)
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