World Government Bulletin
It was recently reported that members of the Five Elders and pirates engaged in a battle on the Red Line, resulting in the death of an Elder outside Mary Geoise. After a thorough investigation, this matter has been found to be a rumor.
Mary Geoise is currently undergoing a city-wide renovation project. The loud noises generated by this construction were mistaken for the sounds of battle. The deceased individual was not one of the Five Elders, but a contracted construction worker in the Holy Land who was legally named "Gorosei." This worker had admired the Five Elders' selfless dedication to the world since childhood and had changed his name in their honor.
The World Government expresses its deepest sorrow for the sacrifice of this worker, extends condolences to his family, and strongly condemns the pirates who spread these rumors to endanger world security.
The Five Elders are the highest authority of the World Government and the core force maintaining world peace. They could never be killed by pirates. We hope everyone will refrain from believing or spreading rumors and will help create a public environment that supports the government's fight against piracy.
World Government, Marine Calendar 1507
"Hahahahaha! Hey, Mihawk, Roux, you have to see this! This is… Puhahaha!"
Inside a villa on the Sabaody Archipelago, the strong smell of disinfectant hung in the air. Kyle, wrapped in so many bandages he looked like a freshly unearthed mummy, was sprawled on the sofa, holding a newspaper and laughing so hard his entire body shook. Several of his newly healed wounds burst open, and crimson blood quickly seeped through the white gauze.
"Kyle!"
"Don't move!"
Robin and Sakura pounced on him at the same time. One held his shoulders down while the other snatched the newspaper from his hand, their expressions a mix of anger and worry.
"Your wounds! They've opened up again!" Sakura's voice was close to tears as she frantically searched a medical kit for fresh supplies. Robin gently wiped the sweat—from both laughter and pain—from his forehead with a warm towel, her eyes filled with reproach.
"Ow, ow, ow… Easy there, Sakura…" Kyle grimaced but still couldn't stop chuckling.
Mihawk walked over expressionlessly and took the newspaper from Sakura's hand. His hawk-like eyes scanned the page. Roux leaned in to look as well. Beneath the large title, "World Government Bulletin," was the official statement, its wording meticulous but its content absurd.
Roux's eyes narrowed. He automatically ignored the flowery, official language and found the core truth they were so desperately trying to hide: one of the Five Elders was dead.
His gaze slowly moved from the newspaper to the man still arguing with Robin and Sakura. The man who was lying on the sofa like a dead fish, yelping as his wounds were treated. He had fought against four of the World Government's highest authorities on the Red Line… and had killed one of them. This wasn't just a battle record; it was a myth. A terrifying myth that could shatter the world's perception of power.
Even Roux, who had long been prepared for anything, felt a profound shock. He thought he had a high enough estimate of Kyle's strength, but now it seemed he had only seen the tip of the iceberg. And at that moment, the "god" who created this myth was pitifully trying to bargain.
"Just one sip, Robin, I swear. Just one sip of orange juice, it's for disinfection…"
"Be quiet," Robin said coldly, applying ointment with a little more force than necessary.
"Ow!"
Roux's attention was then drawn to another headline: "'Hawkeye' Dracule Mihawk Crowned, Ascends to World's Strongest Swordsman!"
The report was brief, only mentioning that Mihawk had engaged in a climactic duel with an unidentified legendary swordsman on the Red Line and had ultimately been victorious. Combined with his reputation, Morgans of the World Economic Journal was officially declaring him the strongest.
Roux glanced at the statue-like Mihawk beside him. He knew, of course, that the "legend" was Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro.
After reading the article, a hint of surprise flashed in Mihawk's eyes before they returned to their usual calm. World's Strongest? He remembered Nusjuro's cold face and the soul-freezing chill of the Shodai Kitetsu. He had pushed himself and his blade, Yoru, to their absolute limits and had only managed to fight the Elder to a draw in terms of pure swordsmanship. After witnessing that level of power, such an empty title meant nothing to him. The path of the sword was endless.
"So, Mr. World's Strongest Swordsman, any thoughts?" Kyle's teasing voice cut in. "That bird Morgans is really something else. He dared to spy on a fight like that."
"…Boring," Mihawk said, tossing the newspaper onto the table.
Heh. The tsundere is probably thrilled, Kyle thought with a smirk.
The atmosphere fell silent for a moment before Kyle's smile faded. He turned his gaze to a figure in the corner who was completely unharmed. Gekko Moriah was leisurely sipping a glass of red wine, his legs crossed as he leaned back on a sofa. He didn't have a speck of dust on him.
"Moriah, is everything handled?"
"Nee hee hee hee…" Moriah let out his characteristic laugh, finishing his wine. "Of course. Most of those pigs in Mary Geoise who call themselves gods now have a cute little something hiding in their hearts." He made a grasping motion in the air, as if crushing a distant heart. "Once the time is right… Also, those two you wanted have been brought back. Stella has already been sent to the East Blue, delivered safely to Ms. Rouge. As for the little girl from Amazon Lily…" He gestured with his chin toward a room upstairs. "She's up there. Very well-behaved."
Moriah's gaze swept over Kyle's bandages, then to the deep sword wound on Mihawk's chest. He couldn't help but shiver. "I was a little sad I didn't get to fight the Five Elders," he said with genuine relief, "but now, it seems my decision was the right one. Gih hee hee hee…"
Kyle nodded, satisfied. The Stella card couldn't be played yet. He had to wait for Gild Tesoro, the man consumed by greed, to build his golden empire. Only then, at his most triumphant moment, would his "dead" love reappear. As for Boa Hancock… Kyle smirked. The future Pirate Empress had to be carefully nurtured from a young age.
Hmm… I feel like I forgot something… Kyle's brow furrowed. He replayed the entire operation in his mind. Tiger, Ginny, Kuma, Roux, Mihawk… freeing the slaves… the Five Elders… Moria's mission… Wait!
Damn it! Doffy!
Kyle's expression froze. He had completely forgotten that he had left Doflamingo behind in the fires of Mary Geoise. He immediately relaxed again. With that guy's cunning, he'd be fine. He should know how to get out of the Holy Land on his own… right?
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