Chapter 84: Shanks & Big Mom

"Hurry, distribute these newspapers! This time, even the World Government can't stop us!"

On Morgan's side, he's urgently urging his subordinates to distribute the newspapers quickly. This time, he truly doesn't fear the World Government.

After all, Luo Ning stands behind him now. The news is about Luo Ning, and if the World Government blocks its release, Luo Ning will definitely cause trouble for them.

With the Marines suffering a disastrous defeat, while the World Government could gather other forces to deal with Luo Ning, they have no way to effectively counter him. Therefore, the World Government currently doesn't dare to oppose Luo Ning.

Urged by Morgan, the papers spread rapidly through headquarters and branch offices.

The wave after wave of newspapers flooding the sea has paralyzed everyone and every force. Now, many people are eagerly awaiting fresh news.

Though the Marines held a live broadcast, it could only reach the surrounding islands.

Some clever individuals managed to capture pictures of the event, creating a fragmented slideshow.

However, these visuals take time to spread, and for now, everyone anxiously awaits the newspapers.

***

"Are there any more newspapers?"

Red-Haired Shanks, who considers himself a pillar of stability in the sea, has always been concerned with intelligence gathering.

As the newspapers continued to be distributed, Shanks' complexion steadily worsened. Only upon receiving the last newspaper did his color return somewhat.

The news: Luo Ning has occupied the Great Prison, and the Marines, while not sustaining real damage, suffered a crushing defeat and a tarnished reputation.

The main force hasn't undergone significant change, so it should recover quickly. While regaining its reputation might be challenging, as long as Marine continues to function, everything will be alright.

However, Luo Ning's strength surprised him even more. Previously, everyone believed Luo Ning was seeking death. After all, Marine deployed a vast amount of power, yet what happened? Luo Ning soundly defeated them all.

He showed them what true strength means. One person alone left the entire Marine force breathless. The independence of the large prison has stabilized the situation at sea, allowing Shanks to breathe a sigh of relief.

"While the latest news is considered positive, the myth of the Celestial Dragons has been shattered. This undoubtedly spells misfortune for them in the future. In this instance, Luo Ning actually aided the Revolutionary Army."

Beckman couldn't help but smile as he read the newspaper content. Even though they viewed themselves as instrumental in stabilizing the situation, they wouldn't mind seeing the Celestial Dragons face some misfortune.

Unless they're the same kind of people as the Celestial Dragons, no one respects them. Of course, there are even some Celestial Dragons who look down on other Celestial Dragons.

For example, Donquixote Doflamingo, and the Celestial Dragons who were rescued by Princess Otohime on Fishman Island.

These Celestial Dragons had changed their ways, and Princess Otohime did succeed in saving some Celestial Dragons.

"I'd love to see the Celestial Dragons suffer some misfortune. They'll probably hide in their holy land and not dare come out, but they'd better pray Luo Ning doesn't capture another group of them."

Everyone on Red-Haired Shanks's crew laughed.

***

Meanwhile, on Whole Cake Island.

"He actually defeated the Marines and even occupied the giant prison, Mama! We should warn our people not to provoke this monster!"

After reading the newspaper, Katakuri was also stunned. He had never encountered such a powerful and ruthless figure.

"This man is incredibly strong, Katakuri. Send him an invitation to a tea party. And my daughters? Let him choose any of the unmarried ones!"

Obviously, Big Mom was proposing a marriage alliance, but the moment she spoke, the entire hall fell silent.

"What's wrong? Have you all lost your tongues?"

Seeing that none of her sons dared to speak, Big Mom's dissatisfaction grew.

"No, no, Mama," Katakuri stammered, a cold sweat breaking out on his forehead. Even a tough guy like him sweating profusely showed how much dread he felt.

Unlike others who could lie to their parents and then act however they pleased, Katakuri's situation was different. Normally, if Big Mom proposed a tea party invitation, they would send it without question, following the usual protocol.

If the other party refused, well, they'd be left to regret it. But this time was different.

This time, they were dealing with Luo Ning, the man who single-handedly defeated the entire Marine force. To put it bluntly, if he could overpower the Marines by himself, conquering their entire family would be a breeze for him.

Katakuri didn't believe for a second that his family possessed the strength to rival the Marines. And if they couldn't compete with the Marines, then they certainly couldn't compete with Luo Ning.

"Reject? If he refuses, make him pay the price!"

Big Mom's outburst was utterly brainless, which wasn't surprising. As depicted in the source material, she tends to act impulsively without considering the consequences. If not for her capable advisors who manage Totto Land effectively, the nation would have crumbled long ago.

To put it bluntly, Big Mom's role is akin to a powerful deterrent, a super weapon. The day-to-day affairs of running the country have nothing to do with her.

"...Mama, even if we fight with our entire family, we're no match for him!"

Katakuri lamented. His mother, as reckless as ever, never considered the consequences. Big Mom and Jack were prime examples of this prevalent recklessness in the Pirate World.

"You're implying I fear that man?"

Big Mom glared menacingly at everyone, who promptly shook their heads.

"No, no, offering marriage is an honor, and I'll handle this matter myself!"

Katakuri didn't dare contradict his mother. He knew their entire family was outmatched, but provoking Luo Ning now would only invite disaster. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, he could only agree for now and figure things out later.

"Good, get to it then!"

Big Mom returned to her dessert.

Katakuri and the others exited the hall.

"Big brother Katakuri, are we really sending the invitation? Offending him could very likely mean the end of Totto Land!"

Smoothie, aware of Katakuri's ploy to appease Big Mom, voiced her concern. They all knew he was simply buying time. Agree first, then strategize. But no strategy came to mind, leaving them to rely on Katakuri's ingenuity.

"Honestly, I'm clueless," Katakuri admitted with a helpless sigh. "My only concern right now was keeping Mama calm!"