The News Coos, who normally just delivered newspapers, suddenly had a lot more on their wings lately.
For islands without fixed newspaper stalls, they would now also sell phones mid-flight or while passing over pirate ships.
And even though pirates were known for their cruelty, they all shared one unspoken rule: News Coos are sacred and untouchable. They always paid, and no one ever dared to stiff a News Coo on payment.
In places with proper newspaper stalls, the phones were placed there for centralized sales.
The price was clearly marked: 200 Berries per phone!
Not expensive at all. For regular folks, it was affordable. For pirates or anyone with status, it was practically pocket change.
…
Marineford, Marine Headquarters Newsstand.
Marineford had a standing annual newspaper subscription, so every day, a News Coo would deliver a large batch of papers straight to base.
Today was no different—except this time, the News Coo brought along one hundred phones!
Morgans had promised these News Coos a ten Berry bonus for every phone delivered. The more phones carried, the more they earned.
But one hundred was clearly the limit.
A single phone wasn't heavy, but a hundred of them? That was serious weight. The poor Coo was flying under heavy load.
"Coo coo??" The News Coo tilted its head, letting out a tired chirp.
"Got it. Here's your payment for the newspapers. And this one's for the phones," the newsstand attendant said, handing over the cash.
"Coo coo coo!!!" The News Coo instantly perked up at the sight of money, stuffed the Berries into its pouch, turned, and flew off in a flash.
It calculated the time. If it rushed, it could squeeze in another run!
Watching it fly off, one of the staff muttered enviously, "Morgans is really generous. Never stingy with the News Coo brothers."
"Heh, don't just be jealous," another replied. "Help me sell these phones. We get commission too!"
Even though the phones weren't expensive, it wasn't easy getting Marines to bite on a new gadget.
The first man was skeptical. "The officers around here aren't the type to get hyped over toys."
The other guy grinned, pulled out a phone, opened the TikTok app, and held it up. "Look at this."
"Huh? Isn't that just our regular news footage?" he said, though he couldn't help glancing over.
One look… and his gaze locked in.
He was frozen, eyes wide, breath shortening, heart racing.
"This… since when did this exist?!"
"This one's beautiful! That one too! Quick, follow her! I want to follow them all!" he said, completely hooked.
"Heh, and that's not even the best part. There's the Empress," the attendant added slyly. "But I'd advise you not to look. We've still got work to do."
The man instantly pulled out his own phone, searched for the profiles, followed the top beauties, and nodded in agreement. "You're right. Empress Hancock really is the most beautiful woman in the whole sea."
"I heard Boss just glanced at her yesterday, and it got so dark he couldn't see anymore," the other joked.
"…"
As the two chatted away, a Marine walked over and called out, "Hey! One of today's newspapers, please!"
The newcomer was Helmeppo. Ever since Garp dragged him and Koby back to headquarters, they'd been errand boys doing whatever chores came their way, including grabbing the daily paper.
The two stall attendants immediately snapped back to attention and handed him a newspaper with a polite nod.
Just as Helmeppo turned to leave, they quickly pulled out a phone and gave their pitch.
"Hey, want a phone? Grand opening promo! Buy with a newspaper and get 50% off!"
"Phone?"
Helmeppo paused. That was the first time he'd ever heard that word. He had no clue what a phone even was.
But that 50% discount caught his attention.
And according to his life motto: "If it's a deal, don't be a fool."
He took a couple steps back, looked the two over, and asked curiously, "What's this thing? What's a phone?"
Seeing the interest spark, the two stall attendants were overjoyed.
They quickly stepped forward and pulled out a sample unit.
"This is called a phone. Its main purpose? Entertainment."
"Entertainment?"
"Exactly. Just look."
He tapped open the TikTok app. A big music note flashed across the screen, and then—bam!—a beautiful woman in revealing clothes filled the frame.
The video was set in a forest. Sunlight streamed through the green canopy, scattering softly across the path below.
"This… it looks so real!" Helmeppo gasped.
Then the camera zoomed in. The bikini-clad beauty took center stage. Her snow-white skin, willowy brows, every smile and glance, it all seemed magical.
She picked a pink flower with delicate fingers, sniffed it gently, and flashed a stunning smile.
Helmeppo's breathing sped up.
Back when he was a spoiled punk, he never cared about this kind of thing. He just played with dogs and harassed people.
His town didn't have much to look at either.
Now, watching this gorgeous woman, he finally understood real beauty!
Even Koby would be speechless if he saw this!
"Wait, wait, there's more." Seeing Helmeppo's reaction, the seller knew he had this deal in the bag.
"Quick! Show me! What else?!" Helmeppo said anxiously, like he was afraid the screen would vanish any second.
The seller smiled, then pulled out the killer move. But even he averted his gaze, knowing if he kept watching, he wouldn't be able to sell a thing today.
Then, with a gentle swipe…
A video of Empress Hancock appeared.
She sat calmly atop her high throne, eyes cold, posture regal, looking down on the world with absolute dominance.
She was the ruler of this stage. Unshakable. Untouchable.
Helmeppo gasped sharply. His eyes widened.
"Em… Empress Hancock!! She's so beautiful!" he muttered, stunned.
"My goddess! My goddess!!"
His eyes turned into two giant heart emojis. His chest heaved violently. His heart practically leaped out of his ribs.
The seller watched him with amusement. The phone's allure was stronger than treasure.
After a quick two-second count, he smiled and hit the screen-off button.
Click. The phone went black.
"AHHH!! MY GODDESS!!" Helmeppo shrieked. The abrupt blackout felt like torture.
"Turn it back on! Hurry! I want to see her again!"
But the attendant didn't budge. Instead, he slowly packed the phone away and pointed to the sign next to it.
The sign read:
>Want to keep watching? Please purchase a phone.
> Limited-time promo! Buy with a newspaper and get 50% off.
> Only 200 Berries… and you can bring your goddess home!
(To be continued.)