The latest issue of the World Economic News revealed a shocking development: the vice-captain of the Spade Pirates, the "nobleman" Sabo, had his first bounty issued—and it was a staggering 95 million berries. The article highlighted his role in defeating the new Shichibukai, Hanafuda.
What stunned Luffy the most, however, was the headline:
"The New Monster Brothers of the East Blue!"
Because Ace and Sabo were sworn brothers and equally powerful, Morgan, the eccentric president of the newspaper, had dubbed them the "Monster Brothers."
Luffy stared at the headline, gripping the paper tightly. "What the hell is going on?!" he shouted, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Sabo doesn't even have his scar, and now he's a pirate?! And not just any pirate—he's stolen Cavendish's moniker and become the noble prince of the sea! This is insane!"
His heart was in turmoil as he tried to process the revelation. He had known from Koala months ago that Sabo wasn't in the Revolutionary Army, but he never imagined Sabo would set sail with Ace.
Luffy leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. Sabo is smart, capable, and now he's Ace's deputy captain. With someone like him at his side, will Ace still join the Whitebeard Pirates in this timeline? Will the events of the original story play out the same way?
A grin slowly spread across his face, and he chuckled. "Hehehe, this is getting more and more interesting. If everything stayed the same, my being here would be pointless. But now? Now, it's worth it. Hahaha!"
As Luffy laughed to himself, clutching the newspaper, Ain and Koala exchanged puzzled looks. Finally, Ain stepped forward, frowning as she lightly tapped him on the head.
"Hey, what's so funny? What's got you grinning like that?" she asked, leaning closer to peek at the newspaper.
Luffy smirked and casually handed her the paper. "Take a look for yourself," he said, crossing his legs as he reclined in his chair. "It's about my grandfather's adopted grandson and my sworn brother. They've gone out to sea as pirates and even managed to defeat a new Shichibukai. I bet the Fleet Admiral's having a meltdown right now and tearing into Gramps! Haha!"
Hina, who had already seen the day's news, raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Wait, those brothers are related to you? Why didn't they join the Marines instead of becoming pirates?"
Luffy shrugged nonchalantly. "Everyone has their own dreams. If they want to be pirates, who am I to stop them? Besides, I know them—they're nothing like the ruthless scum out there. They won't harm innocent people."
He spoke with such confidence and conviction that it was hard to argue. Almost as soon as he finished speaking, the Den Den Mushi on his desk began to ring. Without needing to guess, Luffy knew exactly who it was.
"Must be Gramps," he muttered, his grin widening. "Bet he's mad after getting an earful from Sengoku."
But Luffy wasn't in the mood to deal with Garp's temper. With a quick "hello" to his girls, he patted his coat, left the office, and disappeared down the hall.
Ain watched him leave, sighing as she picked up the receiver. "He always finds a way to skip out on the tough stuff," she grumbled.
Half a year had passed since Luffy's arrival in Wano. During that time, he had accomplished remarkable feats, including relocating Onigashima to the base of the harbor's mountain entrance. The transformation of Onigashima was extraordinary.
Luffy's efforts had turned the island into a hub of commerce and entertainment. Playgrounds, spas, and other leisure facilities now dotted the once-ominous landscape. Even more striking was the influx of red-light district workers—prostitutes and geishas—who had been invited to settle on the island.
In addition, Onigashima became a center for trade in Seastone products, rare and highly sought after in the outside world. Once the island opened its doors, it attracted merchants and tourists from across the seas. In just a few months, it had become one of the most important commercial and tourist destinations in the New World.
"Mero, mero, mero~!"
The distinct sound of Hancock's Devil Fruit echoed through the air as Luffy set foot on the island. Before him stood a group of pirates, now reduced to stone statues by her power.
Hancock, as stunning as ever, stood amidst the chaos. She wore a sleek, solid-colored sleeveless sweater that hugged her figure and highlighted her infamous curves. A black leather miniskirt, paired with stockings and high heels, completed the ensemble.
Luffy couldn't help but stare, momentarily entranced. Is she even real? he thought. She looks like a goddess!
Hancock, ever regal, brushed a strand of her long black hair behind her ear. Turning to the few pirates who hadn't yet succumbed to her power, she declared, "Leave this place, you filthy scum. This island belongs to my husband. Your presence here defiles it!"
The surviving pirates, trembling in fear, glanced at their comrades who had been petrified in an instant. Their deputy captain and senior crew members had already fallen, leaving the rookies shaken and paralyzed with dread.
Yet, one man still found the courage to speak. The leader of the pirate crew, his voice shaking with rage and desperation, stepped forward.
"Boa Hancock!" he roared. "Don't think that just because you're one of the Shichibukai, you're better than us! You're a pirate too—no different from the rest of us, the scum of the sea!"
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