Chapter 73 - The world begins to know the Straw Hats!

[Chapter Size: 4449 Words.]

Third Person POV

In various parts of the world.

...

...

The conversation between Smoker and Sengoku took place a few days ago while the Black Pearl continued to cut through the waters of the sea in the subsequent days.

The days unfolded in an intense routine of training and rest periods for the Straw Hats. Although there were no alarming results, Luffy kept the group's determination high. He could perceive the constant evolution of each member, progress that brought a small smile to his face.

The daily routine consisted of training, resting, lunch, resuming training, enjoying the free afternoon, returning to training, resting, and, at the end of the night, celebrating with a modest feast. Luffy would end the day by sharing the night with three beautiful women.

"I'm enjoying this world more and more..." Luffy reflected on the building of his crew and the relationships he cultivated, feeling satisfied.

"Luffy!" The sudden call interrupted his thoughts. While enjoying some free time in the afternoon, the captain was sitting on the ship's deck, rereading the manual of the six styles. His companions, basking in the sun beside him, also turned their heads in the direction of the call.

Wearing nothing more than Hawaiian-style floral shorts, Luffy raised his sunglasses to see Nami approaching with a newspaper and a conflicted expression.

"Speak, my woman!" Luffy smiled at the nickname. She seemed hesitant at first but gave him a dissatisfied look at that comment.

In recent days, she had been extremely embarrassed since he slept with her when they were both drunk. However, Luffy had made her accustomed to the new routine. Despite this woman acting normally, she was in love with her captain. She even shared the bed with two other companions.

She sighed at her shameless captain and spoke.

"Your bounty increased, Zoro also had an increase, and Lami got a third bounty for the group." She said, and Luffy quickly grabbed the newspaper and wanted posters.

As Nami spoke these words, everyone who was busy with some task or pastime at that moment dropped what they were doing and surrounded their captain with curiosity.

"Look at our picture!" Luffy laughed, seeing the whole group with various people behind the fish-men and Captain Smoker. It was all of them except Kuina, who ended up taking the photo.

In the picture printed in the newspaper, the scene captured on the beach came to life in vivid detail. The white, fine sands stretched as far as the eye could see, the sky displayed a dazzling blue, contrasting with the intense green of the palm trees swaying gently along the coast.

In the center of the image, the Straw Hats' group was positioned in a relaxed and confident manner. Luffy, with his characteristic straw hat, sported a wide smile while pointing at something out of the frame, likely articulating some bold plan. Around him, the crew members struck unique poses and expressions that captured the diversity of personalities, from Zoro's tough posture to Usopp's contagious enthusiasm.

The fish-men and Captain Smoker were also visible in the image in front of the group, adding an unusual touch to the scene. The looks of the prisoners and the marine, clearly shaken by the unexpected turn of events, added a dramatic touch to the composition.

Kuina, not being with them, positioned herself a little apart, holding the camera with which she captured that decisive moment. The result was an image that defied expectations, leaving the Straw Hats' crew's mark on the East Blue.

"How did she end up in the newspaper?!" Kuina asked.

"I sent it through a contact to a Morgan News branch." Luffy stated shamelessly.

"It's a beautiful photo!" Zoro commented, looking at his tough pose.

"Hahahaha! We look like a mafia!" Hugo seemed excited.

"I'm in the newspaper!" Usopp exclaimed.

"But isn't it cool, Usopp-Sama?" Shirahoshi asked curiously.

"Sharky..." Megalo grumbled.

"...," Hachi remained silent as always.

"Of course not!" Nami protested the young mermaid's question.

"Don't get angry; you look beautiful in this photo!" Nojiko said to her sister.

"I hid my face. I hope that old bastard doesn't recognize me!" Yamato said with a smile. Luffy agreed to that during the photo, and she used her usual mask.

"OHHHH!" Bepo seemed to have stars in his eyes seeing their group photo.

"OW!"

"Yeah... it seems we're being hunted now." Lami said.

"Too bad you look kind of ridiculous with that sword on your back." Reiju teased.

"Speak the addicted smoker in the photo. You look more like a captive than a pirate in that picture." Lami snarled.

"What did you say?!"

"Hm?! Want to fight?!"

The rest of the crew sighed at the two women who seemed like cat and mouse at that moment.

Luffy ignored the women and began reading the newspaper like the front page.

In a surprising development, the mysterious figure known as Lami, previously considered a bounty hunter seeking justice, was revealed as an infiltrated member of the Straw Hat Pirates, secretly acting to collect bounties for pirates captured by the crew. This shocking twist adds a new element of mystery to the already enigmatic pirate group.

The Straw Hat Pirates, currently composed of 14 members, have emerged as a devastating force in the East Blue, leaving a trail of chaos and destruction in their wake. Their actions include the destruction of two Marine bases and the ruthless elimination of four of the most feared pirate crews in this region.

Fear spreads as the extraordinary feats of this crew defy all known conventions. With unparalleled strength, they have become a formidable threat to the established order in the East Blue. The sea is in a state of shock and apprehension in the face of the uncertainty of who will be able to contain the fury of this indomitable group.

As the notoriety of the Straw Hat Pirates grows, the East Blue faces a period of despair and uncertainty. The question lingering in everyone's mind is: who can face this threat and restore order to this tumultuous sea?

[Monkey D. Luffy: 50,000,000 Berries – Dead or Alive.]

[Roronoa Zoro: 10,000,000 Berries – Dead or Alive.]

[Trafalgar D. Lami: 30,000,000 Berries – Dead or Alive.]

"I've increased my bounty by five times! Now I'm the most wanted pirate in this sea!" Luffy laughed, radiating contagious joy.

"Not bad, but I still only have 10 million..." Zoro complained, examining his own wanted poster.

"At least you have one..." Bepo commented, looking at Zoro's poster with a bit of envy.

"I don't know how this serious woman has one, and I don't!" Reiju expressed her frustration, somewhat irritated.

"I was a bounty hunter. It's clear they're annoyed with me. But you're not even important enough to have one." Lami teased, with a mischievous smile.

"Hm?! Do you want to be kicked into the sea?" Reiju snarled, preparing for the confrontation.

"Wanna try, inconsequential woman..." Lami retorted, initiating a chaotic clash of kicks and sword strikes, with Lami using her fencing, and Reiju employing her agility and combat footwork to defend and attack.

It was after an hour that the women stopped fighting, and Usopp shouted from the mast.

"LAND HO!" He said, and Kuina almost jumped, as Nami informed them that they were close to her homeland, her father's house.

Meanwhile, the news in this newspaper was spreading to the far reaches of the world, reaching an island with the peculiar shape of a gigantic skull. In this sinister place, a man, known as one of the four dreadful Emperors, watched the newspaper with evident disdain. It was the second time in a few days that a group of young pirates appeared on the front page of Morgans News.

"Is there nothing else interesting to show in the newspapers? Why is there a picture of that bunch of brats on the front page again?" the Emperor questioned, displeased with the apparent insistence of the newspaper in highlighting this specific group.

'What makes this bunch special? They're not even in the Grand Line!' Kaido grumbled as he lifted his gigantic sake cup to his mouth, expressing his lack of impression with the notoriety of the mentioned group.

"It seems Morgan is out of subjects..." King commented beside, crossing his arms indifferently.

"Hm?! Who is this..." Kaido looked at the image with an initially disinterested expression, but as his eyes examined details, curiosity seized him. His piercing eyes scrutinized the figure in the photo, a person with white hair, wearing Wano-style garments, and a mysterious mask enveloping the head.

At first, he thought of a little brat seeing this, but he dismissed the possibility, internally denying the idea that it could be her. However, as he fixed his gaze on the image, he noticed familiar nuances beginning to emerge. The stature, the outlines of the clothes, everything aligned in a haunting way.

'Could it be... No... that brat disappeared a few weeks ago. There's no way he's in the East Blue with a bunch of rookie pirates...' A shadow of sadness crossed Kaido's colossal face as he remembered his daughter. Memories flooded his mind, and the initial look of disinterest gave way to heightened attention.

Kaido vented in a guttural cry, tears streaming down his imposing face. The furious expression gave way to a complex mix of emotions, from anger to paternal concern. Onlookers watched cautiously, already familiar with the repetition of these turbulent scenes in recent days, fully understanding the generally grim outcome that followed.

"Damn brat! Yamato, how the hell did you manage to escape from your old man!" Kaido bellowed, his voice echoing through the area. Tension hung in the air as he poured out his frustration and anxiety over his missing daughter.

King, positioning himself as the intermediary and the only one capable of calming Kaido's turbulent emotions, tried to offer solace. "Don't worry, Queen and Jack are searching all over the New World for Miss Yamato. She'll be found soon!" King sought to dispel the dark clouds enveloping Kaido, well aware of the issues that had arisen since the news of Yamato's disappearance spread.

It's a shame that King wasn't interested in the newspaper; in King's attentive eyes, if he had directed his attention to the photo, he would have promptly recognized young Yamato, even under the mask, as part of that peculiar group. Unlike Kaido, who resisted the idea, King, knowledgeable of the situation, would have identified her presence immediately, capturing details that transcended the physical barriers of the mask.

On the majestic Cake Island, where extravagance and opulence were the norms, a commanding and grandiose woman expressed her displeasure at the news presented in the newspaper.

"Tsk, just rookies in such a weak sea. Call Morgan and tell him to publish more interesting things on the front pages of the next newspapers! Also, send an invitation to the next tea party next week!" The woman's voice resonated through the location, echoing among the refined confectioneries and sugar sculptures, leaving a touch of disdain in the air.

"Yes, Mama!" The fearful and hurried servants promptly obeyed the orders, aware that failing in execution could result in unpleasant consequences and disrupt the harmony on the island of eccentricities.

The woman, in turn, observed the frantic action around her with an imperious gaze, ensuring that her will would be carried out without delay.

On a picturesque island in the heart of the New World, Shanks, the red-haired man with a distinctive scar, emerged from his morning hangover with a newspaper in hand. His eyes quickly scanned the headlines, and an expression of surprise and satisfaction formed on his face.

"Luffy!!!" The redhead's shout cut through the air, attracting the attention of his scattered crewmates in the area. A man beside him, calm while smoking a cigar, commented nonchalantly.

"It's the brat..."

"10 million and then 50?! That's really good. Dahahahaha!" Shanks began to laugh, a robust and contagious sound that echoed across the island. His crewmates joined in the celebration, observing the photo of the Straw Hat captain.

"Luffy has grown so much!" exclaimed one of the crew members, marveling at the young man's transformation.

"True, he has so many companions!"

"How did he recruit a mermaid and a fish-man in the East Blue?!"

"Dahahahaha. It's true; I knew that kid was special! I've never seen a crew with a mermaid. Luffy is truly unique!" Shanks shouted with joy, his enthusiasm evident.

"Hey, that one? Isn't that my son?" A man, Usopp's father, pointed to the photo.

"He looks like you!"

"How he's grown! Hahahaha. Luffy too..."

"It's true... Hm?! But he's changed so much... Maybe it's normal after so many years! Dahahahaha!" Shanks laughed as usual, appreciating the irony of time.

"Let's have a feast!" he announced, renewing the energy and excitement in his group.

"Yes, Captain!" the members responded, ready to celebrate the Straw Hat's rise.

On a boat sailing through the turbulent waters of this chaotic sea, a blond man with a pineapple-shaped head excitedly displayed a newspaper to his imposing father.

"Pops! This is Ace's brother!" the man announced, waiting for Whitebeard's reaction, whose laughter resonated across the deck.

"Gulalalalala! These brats are bold these days in the sea..." Whitebeard couldn't contain his laughter, revealing an expression of admiration for the youngsters' audacity.

"Pops... there's a mermaid among them..." Vista, scrutinizing the photo attentively, brought additional information.

"Could it be the mermaid princess Neptune told us disappeared a few weeks ago, and we're looking for her and any information in our territories?" Fossa, concerned, commented while savoring his cigar.

"It can't be her; she's 17 meters tall! Wait! Can't this be the red-shirted shark that Neptune described? Apart from the size, everything indicates it's the mermaid princess! How did she shrink so much with that shark?!" Jozu pondered, intrigued by the discrepancy in dimensions.

"So, she's in the East Blue with Ace's brother?!" Vista concluded with a question, his mind quickly reasoning.

"..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"Call Ace; he should be in the first part of the Grand Line, I'm sure he'll find the brother. While he hunts down that traitor, he must inform us why his brother is with Neptune's daughter." Marco, the First division commander, proposed immediate action. Whitebeard, the leader, just nodded in agreement. Some members of the second division were already contacting Ace, who was pursuing Teach in the dangerous waters of the Grand Line.

On a distant and gloomy island in the New World, Doflamingo, the extravagant and sinister Shichibukai, lounged on his luxurious throne in the heart of his castle. The atmosphere around him was laden with an intimidating aura, with shadows dancing on walls adorned with luxurious tapestries.

Doflamingo's sunglasses, gleaming under the candlelight that illuminated the dark environment, focused on a specific image in the newspaper he held with peculiar elegance. His disdainful smile highlighted the sinister pleasure he felt while observing the picture of Trafalgar D. Lami, the mysterious woman whose wanted poster now occupied the pages.

"Fufufu. It looks like you've finally decided to step out of the shadows, Lami..." Doflamingo murmured to himself, letting out a malicious laugh. His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he continued to gaze at the woman's image in the newspaper.

While his glasses reflected a specific woman in the photo, he opened a wide smile. "Fufufu. I can't wait to meet her and make her use her fruit so I can obtain immortality! FufufuFufufu!" the man laughed like a madman in his castle.

Elsewhere, beneath the sea, the Fish-Man Island, located in the depths of the ocean, revealed a stunning underwater spectacle. In an ethereal and translucent environment, the underwater city stretched along vast colorful coral reefs and lush marine gardens. Buildings were made of water-resistant materials, showcasing intricate architectures and adornments carved from shells and corals.

The sunlight, filtering through the ocean's surface, cast soft, shimmering hues in every corner of the underwater city. Tritons and mermaids moved gracefully through narrow streets, enveloped in a serene atmosphere. Gardens of colorful anemones and exotic sea creatures added a touch of magic to the underwater landscape.

Columns of bubbles ascended from openings in the ground, creating a spectacle of lights and shadows that danced on the walls of the buildings. Marine life, with vibrant colors and fascinating shapes, swam around urban structures, contributing to the natural beauty surrounding the Fish-Man Island.

The submerged city pulsed with a vibrant energy, featuring bustling markets, public squares, and majestic buildings that displayed the cultural richness and architectural ingenuity of the Fish-Man civilization. This underwater wonder, hidden in the ocean's depths, was a testament to the harmony between terrestrial life and the splendor of the marine kingdom.

In the majestic Audience Chamber of the Ryugu Kingdom, an impressive underwater structure boasting intricate coral sculptures and colorful stained glass filtering ocean light, King Neptune, a commanding monarch respected by the sea's inhabitants, sat on his throne adorned with pearls and corals.

The three sons of Neptune, Triton, Princess, and Manboshi, hastily entered the room, each carrying an air of urgency. Their faces reflected a mix of excitement and anxiety, bringing with them a newspaper that had been faxed by Whitebeard's pirates.

"Father!" shouted Triton, the eldest son with an impressive physique and greenish hair, grabbing the king's attention.

"Hm?" Neptune raised his eyebrows, his gaze instantly focusing on his children. The room was adorned with tapestries depicting the glorious achievements of the underwater kingdom, but the tension in the air disrupted the serenity of the place.

"We found Shirahoshi! She appeared!" announced Manboshi, the youngest son, holding the newspaper in his trembling hands. The newspaper displayed an image of Shirahoshi alongside the Straw Hats, highlighting the surprising reduction in size of the mermaid princess.

"What?! Where is she?" Neptune questioned, his expression alternating between alarm and hope. The king's throne, carved with intricate shells, seemed almost small compared to the grandeur of the monarch.

"She's in the East Blue!" replied Princess, the king's only daughter, with a hint of disbelief in her voice. Details of the underwater kingdom, such as shell-carved arches on the walls, witnessed the cultural richness of the marine civilization.

"What?! How could she be there, and how did she get there so quickly?" Neptune expressed his confusion and concern, his fins waving nervously.

"She's in today's newspaper! We can't receive newspapers, but we got them from Whitebeard's pirates via fax." Triton explained as the other children surrounded the king with the newspaper, providing a view of Shirahoshi's surprising image.

"Look, Father, it's her, even though she looks quite shrunken. There's no doubt it's our little sister!" affirmed Manboshi, emphasizing the image of Shirahoshi next to the Straw Hats.

"It's really my girl! How could she have shrunk so much?! Who are these riffraff with her?" Neptune growled, his voice echoing through the room.

"I don't know, Father. She doesn't seem sad, but we have to save her from these humans." The elder brother expressed his concern, while the sumptuous decorations of the room witnessed the grandeur of the marine kingdom.

"There's a fish-man with that crew, how strange..." Triton observed, his eyes attentive to the discussed image.

"Anyway, contact Jimbei and ask him to go after these pirates now. I'll owe him any favor if my daughter comes home!" Neptune declared, his voice reflecting the urgency and determination of a worried father. The underwater sculptures and shimmering stained glass seemed to witness the king's anguish as he faced the uncertainty of his daughter's fate.

On a peculiar island in the first part of the Grand Line, colorful bubbles gracefully rose to the sky, creating a scenery as charming as it was mysterious. At the top of a hill, a modest bar provided a spectacular panoramic view, where the bubbles seemed to dance in harmony with the sea breeze.

Inside the bar, with a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, a woman looked at the newspaper on the counter. Her eyes, alert and curious, focused on a specific image.

"Is this Hachi?!" she exclaimed, surprised, as her fingers flipped through the pages of the newspaper. The counter, made of weathered wood, gave a rustic feel to the place.

"It's indeed him, and he's not the only interesting one... That hat..." replied an elderly man beside her, with a nostalgic look. The bar's interior displayed nautical decorations, including fishing nets hanging on the walls.

"Hm?! So, he's the one Shanks-boy talked about?" the woman inquired, raising an eyebrow with curiosity. The gentle wind made the light curtains sway softly, revealing a spectacular view of the sea stretching as far as the eye could see.

"Yes, let's see what kind of turbulence he can cause in the world in this era or the next one approaching..." the elderly man said, watching the horizon with anticipation. The soft light of the evening painted the bar with golden hues, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The lively conversations and soft laughter of the bar's patrons filled the air, blending with the gentle sound of bubbles breaking outside. This was a place where stories intertwined with the unique scenery of the island, creating a unique and mysterious atmosphere.

On a boat in the middle of that sea, the choppy waves marked the rhythm of navigation. The sky, painted by a vibrant sunset, provided a spectacular view for the animated crew on board.

"HAHAHAHA! This is Luffy!" someone shouted with enthusiasm as the waves gently hit the ship's hull. A camaraderie atmosphere enveloped the deck, where the crew shared laughs and stories.

"Yes, a rookie pirate taking the front page, it's unbelievable," grumbled one of the pirates, contrasting the celebratory mood. The sound of the sea breeze mixed with the crew's animated dialogues.

"LUFFY!!!" The first intruder snatched the newspaper from the other pirate's hand, expressing his unrestrained excitement. The orange sky reflected on the newspaper pages as it changed hands.

"Hey, give back the newspaper, you rascal! Hm?! Wait, who the hell are you?" the confused pirate questioned the intruder, whose presence was not recognized among the crew members.

"HAHAHAHAHAHA, LUFFY!" the man shouted again, choosing to ignore the perplexed pirate's questions. The atmosphere on board became a mix of curiosity and excitement.

"Captain, he's Ace, from the Fire Fist! Second division commander of Whitebeard's pirates!" a crew member clarified the confusion as the information quickly spread across the deck.

"What?! His Excellency Ace!" The tone instantly changed, the pirate now recognizing the significance of the figure before them. The sunset's light highlighted surprised and respectful expressions.

"Captain..."

"What?"

"He fell asleep..." An unusual observation brought a touch of humor to the episode, revealing the relaxed atmosphere that surrounded the crew even in the presence of such a renowned figure.

In the Marine headquarters, a stern and organized environment, a man smoked a cigar while examining the newspaper.

"Hm?!" His expression indicated surprise, and the room was momentarily plunged into silence.

"This name? Is he related to Garp?" A man with dark, thick hair, dressed in a blue suit, inquired as he examined the newspaper in his colleague admiral's hands.

"He has the same name as him, that's scary..." Another man, in a yellow suit, dramatized his reaction, emphasizing the possible connection between the two.

"Well, it doesn't matter... This just shows that he's a threat and must be eliminated," declared the first admiral, wearing a red suit and displaying a serious expression. The atmosphere in the room reflected the tension that the news had brought, and the discussion about the danger represented by Luffy was beginning to unfold among the leaders of the Navy.

In the vastness of another island, where sand dunes stretched to the horizon, a desert scene revealed an arid and enigmatic landscape. The scorching sun hung in the sky, casting long shadows distorted by the contours of the dunes.

Amidst this panorama, a mysterious figure walked gracefully, their silent steps marked only by the gentle whisper of the sand beneath their feet. The wind blew, lifting small dust whirls that danced around them, as if obeying an invisible command.

Suddenly, a female voice echoed in the desert, filled with surprise and interest. "Two D.s on one ship? How interesting," she murmured, her words blending with the wind that carried the essence of mystery.

The figure, dressed in a cloak that seemed to merge with the nuances of the sand, revealed only elusive outlines of their presence. Their midnight-black hair flowed gently in the breeze, adding a touch of elegance to the enigma they represented.

While the dunes stretched as far as the eye could see, the mysterious woman remained immersed in her own thoughts, contemplating something that transcended physical sight, something connected to the destiny that enveloped those marked by the D. in their names.

Near the imposing Reverse Mountain, where clouds hovered as silent witnesses, the atmosphere was charged with latent tension. The scene stood out with towering rock formations and shadows cast over the area, creating a sinister environment.

As the world moved in its complexity, a man with an astronaut helmet, whose face remained hidden under the metallic protection, found himself in the midst of this peculiar panorama. The gleam in his eyes revealed excitement, and a trail of snot escaped from his nose, adding an extravagant note to his figure.

"Hm?! Is this the mermaid I heard in the CP5 agent's call? I WANT HER!" he exclaimed, making clear his interest in the mysterious mermaid whose name echoed in an emergency call from CP5. His desire was palpable, as if the mere mention of the aquatic creature had ignited a consuming flame within him.

The man, immersed in his own ambition, recalled the information received during the emergency call, details about the presence of the mermaid accompanied by her guards. Reverse Mountain, with its majestic contours, served as a backdrop for this unusual scene, creating a contrast between the natural grandeur and the singular determination of the man with the peculiar helmet.

All that propelled this individual was the obsession to possess that mermaid, as if his own destiny was intertwined with the unrestrained pursuit of something that transcended the boundaries of the ordinary. The air was imbued with the intense energy of that moment, as the man, driven by his own ambitions, prepared to act in ways that only time would reveal.

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