WENP

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World Economy Newspaper President's Office

Morgans, the head of the WE News, was busy at his desk, typing away with a gleeful expression. The world had recently been full of explosive news: Crocodile, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, defeated and arrested by the Marines; rumors of Blackbeard being nominated for a replacement; and the recent meeting between the Four Emperors, Red-Haired Shanks, and Whitebeard. Such events were headline gold.

Suddenly, his phone snail rang.

"President! Big news!"

Morgans leaned forward, intrigued. "Oh ho ho! What kind of big news?"

"The Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock, has been spotted in the city of Water Seven."

Morgans raised an eyebrow. "Boa Hancock, the world's most beautiful woman? Well, her travels have always been mysterious since she became one of the Seven Warlords. She doesn't exactly make public appearances. But that alone isn't big news."

The voice on the other end sounded eager. "Sir, she wasn't alone. A young man was with her, and from the looks of it… he seems to be her man."

"What?!" Morgans jumped to his feet, eyes wide. "The Pirate Empress… with a man?!"

He quickly checked his snail phone, and a photo popped up, showing a handsome young man standing beside Boa Hancock, her gaze fixed on him with unmistakable affection.

"Who is this man?" Morgans growled, intrigued and somewhat indignant. "He's managed to capture the heart of the world's most beautiful woman, and one of the Seven Warlords, no less. I need all the information on him in five minutes!"

The newsroom became a flurry of activity, staff members scrambling to gather information as Morgans watched, his fingers steepled. The news that Boa Hancock had a romantic interest was as monumental as any military or political upheaval.

"President! Here's what we've got so far!" a reporter announced breathlessly.

The gathered information was intriguing: "His name is Uchiha Akira, first spotted on Jaya Island. He defeated Bellamy—a pirate with a 55-million bounty—with just one finger, and even had a confrontation with Blackbeard's crew. He then made his way to the City of Water Seven, where he has founded a security service called 'Uchiha Security Company.' The man claims that if you hire him, neither the Shichibukai, the Four Emperors, nor the Marine Admirals can touch you. He's charging 100 million Berries per day."

"Hoh! Quite the claim," Morgans chuckled. Normally, he'd dismiss such boasts, but for someone of Hancock's caliber to be so enamored by him, Akira must indeed be powerful.

"Keep an eye on him," Morgans ordered, eyes gleaming. "I have a feeling this man will make waves. Publish the story immediately—it's bound to dominate headlines after the meeting of the two Emperors! Do it quick, We must be the first to break it."

Within moments, the World Economy Newspaper team went to work, shaping a sensational headline.

"Uchiha Akira... Uchiha Security Company... could he be from some reclusive, powerful clan?" Morgans mused. The fact that the Pirate Empress, a warrior from Amazon Lily and ruler of the Calm Belt, was enamored with this young man indicated a strength and mystery beyond appearances. Maybe this young man was one of those rare, hidden monsters with power that could really rival the Admirals.

Of course Morgans didn't believe Akira could be this powerful but was hoping for it to be true because he could make another headlines at that time.

"Wa-ha-ha-ha!" Morgans laughed, excitement crackling through him. "This world is becoming more and more unstable—and I love it!"

---

City of Water Seven

Iceburg led Akira and his group through the shipyard, pointing out various vessels. The shipbuilding skills here were world-renowned, and Akira's eyes gleamed as they settled on a large, beautiful ship. It was majestic and sturdy, with ample space and the fastest technology Water 7 had to offer. Everything could be customized to his liking, and the quality was impeccable.

This was like walking into a luxury car dealership. Before he knew it, Akira had ordered the ship and opted for every additional feature. He'd gone through his funds fast, but with his recent fortune, he could afford to splurge.

Soon, the ship would be his—a ship fit for his travels through the Grand Line and beyond.

He couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction. In the past, he couldn't even afford a car. Now, he was about to own a grand ship at such a young age.

Returning to the dock, he suddenly heard Luffy's unmistakable voice echoing across the yard. "What do you mean the Going Merry can't be fixed?! Aren't you guys supposed to be amazing that can fix any ship? We've got plenty of money!"

Most of Sky Island's gold, including the legendary golden bell, was brought back by Akira. However, plenty of scattered gold remained hidden in the ruins, allowing Luffy and his crew to gather a substantial amount of treasure from what was left behind.

However, as the repair evaluation progressed, it was clear things wouldn't go as planned.

"It's not about the money," One of the shipyard's senior inspectors, informed them. "No amount can repair this ship. Frankly, it's impressive it made it here at all."

Nami looked worried. "What do you mean? What's wrong with Going Merry?"

Peepley Lulu, the shipyard's foreman, crossed his arms. "Do you know what a 'keel' is, little lady?"

"It's the backbone of the ship," Nami replied hesitantly, familiar with some basics of shipbuilding.

"Exactly," he continued, "it stretches from the bow to the stern. Without it, the ship can't function. It's the first part of any ship's build, holding everything together. If the keel's damaged beyond repair, there's no fixing it—it's like trying to heal someone who's already passed."

Luffy clenched his fists, his voice unsteady but loud. "Then we'll just have to build another Going Merry! Just build it exactly like this one!"

But Iceburg shook his head. "No two ships are ever exactly the same. Every ship is like a person. Made from unique wood, unique curves, unique personality. Even with the same design, you'd feel the difference immediately."

Peepley's words stung, but they were inescapable truths. "You've got two options: let her sink to the sea bottom… or dismantle her. Either way, this ship's at her end."

Luffy's face fell. "No… I don't want to change her! this is our ship! We'll fix her up somehow… Going Merry can still sail!"

Iceburg sighed, his tone softening. "Look, you're a captain. You know the sea's harsh. Sometimes, it's about survival. And for the adventures you've got ahead, a ship like that might not cut it anymore. With the gold you've got, you can build something bigger, faster, made for the journey."

Nami looked down at the catalog they handed her, the price list ranging from brand-new ships to second-hand ones. She knew Luffy wouldn't budge so easily, though.

---

Meanwhile, Akira and Hancock were discussing Their Plans.

On the other side of the shipyard, Akira had finalized his order for a new ship. A magnificent ship with all the trimmings, equipped with the latest technology and ample space for his security company's activities. Iceburg offered his assistance in setting up a local branch for Akira's Uchiha Security Company, eager to be part of the venture.

Their conversation was interrupted by three men in black suits—the distinctive look of World Government officials. One of them, Corgi, strode forward arrogantly. "Iceburg, hiding isn't going to work this time. We have questions for you."

But Iceburg only chuckled, waving dismissively. "Oh, Corgi, I'm not free today. I'm with important clients."

Corgi looked around and froze, his eyes widening as he recognized Hancock. "The Pirate Empress?!"

Hancock's gaze was icy, her disdain for the World Government unmistakable. "I don't like you. Get out."

Corgi knew her reputation well—one didn't cross Boa Hancock lightly, even with World Government authority. Realizing there was nothing to gain, he beat a hasty retreat with his subordinates, not willing to take the risk.

With the officials gone, Iceburg turned to Hancock and Akira, wiping the nervous sweat from his forehead. "My apologies, Lady Hancock, Mr. Akira. It was presumptuous of me."

To ease the tension, he immediately offered a discount on the ship, along with the best accommodations the city had to offer, covering all their expenses as an apology.

Akira accepted gracefully, and Hancock's mood lightened, her gaze softer as she turned back to Akira. With his ship underway and all arrangements set, Akira led Hancock out, ready for the next step of their journey in style.

...