Golden lion's heir!

The newspaper was filled with explosive news, each article a major event. The second prominent report caught Nicholas's attention as it mentioned someone from his past.

According to the article, a monstrous figure with low intelligence but terrifying strength had appeared in the New World. This individual, calling himself the second coming of the Golden Lion, had already defeated several pirate crews with bounties exceeding 100 million berries. The report speculated that he was attempting to join the World Government's Shichibukai and had started secret negotiations.

"Interesting, maybe he didn't dare call himself Whitebeard Jr. because Whitebeard is still alive? But calling himself the second Golden Lion and being named Edward Weevil feels like a slap in the face to the real Golden Lion," Nicholas mused, stroking his chin.

It was clear that Bakkin and her son Edward Weevil, who were supposed to emerge after Whitebeard's death, could no longer contain their ambitions. Claiming the title of the second Golden Lion seemed easier since the old lion was dead and couldn't protest.

Nicholas recalled Bakkin's beauty and allure back on the ship. If he hadn't been part of the Rocks Pirates, he might have commented on the chaotic relationships in their circle.

The Shichibukai system had always been controversial within the Marine Headquarters. Originally notorious pirates, these individuals became the navy's partners with the right to plunder legally upon joining the Shichibukai. Many Shichibukai had the blood of pirates, civilians, and even marines on their hands. Edward Weevil, for instance, was infamous not for killing pirates but for destroying towns and repelling marine forces.

The idea that those who killed their comrades and friends could become partners due to the Shichibukai system was a severe blow to many marines who upheld justice. Consequently, numerous high-ranking officers repeatedly petitioned to abolish the Shichibukai system. Among these officers was Admiral Fujitora.

However, the World Government ignored these voices from Marine Headquarters. To maintain the balance of power, the World Government ordered the marines to cease their pursuit of Edward Weevil.

Reading the article, Nicholas glanced at Weevil's photo and murmured, "Zephyr didn't lose his arm and leave the marines, and now Whitebeard Jr. has become the second Golden Lion. Interesting..."

Meanwhile, on a distant island, a town lay in ruins, corpses and burning buildings everywhere. Edward Weevil, a burly, fat, ugly man with a constantly runny nose, flung an unconscious person away.

"Mom? Why are we joining the Shichibukai? Didn't they kill Dad?" Weevil asked Bakkin, confused.

"You idiot son, you're strong now, but you're nowhere near as powerful as your father, the Golden Lion. There are many who could kill us in this sea, so we need a powerful backer first," Bakkin said, jabbing Weevil's leg with her cane.

"???"

Several question marks seemed to pop up over Weevil's head, indicating his complete confusion at Bakkin's words. Bakkin felt a twinge of frustration at her creation's low intelligence. To maintain control and focus on enhancing physical strength, Edward Weevil's intelligence had been severely neglected, making him almost frustratingly dim-witted. Nonetheless, his raw power was unquestionable, which was why Bakkin had resurfaced in the pirate world.

Ignoring Weevil's reaction, Bakkin casually flicked her golden bangs and picked up a newspaper. "Since the Golden Lion's Float-Float Fruit has reappeared, we must obtain it. Only you, as the son of the Golden Lion, deserve to inherit that power!"

...

Meanwhile, in the New World near the Red Line, a battleship was slowly sailing.

"Sensei, this sea is so calm," a towering Longarm Tribe man, about two and a half meters tall, said softly to the figure draped in a Justice cape standing on the deck.

"Hmm, the New World belongs to pirates. While we've been safe for a while, we cannot afford to relax. This sea is dangerous; you must remain vigilant at all times, keeping an eye on any passing ships," the caped figure responded.

"Yes, Sensei!"

"With you here, we should be fine. The pirates won't stand a chance against you," the Longarm man added.

The caped figure, staring at the distant sea, replied, "We no longer have naval support. We are effectively an isolated force in the New World. Any arrogance or carelessness could be fatal, so stay on high alert!"

The crew on the battleship fell silent for a moment before saluting in unison, "Yes, Sensei!"

As everyone returned to their tasks, the figure silently turned and went back into the ship's cabin.

...

At the Holy Land of Mariejois, in the Room of Authority in Pangaea Castle:

"What's going on with Navy G1!? Why did they allow Zephyr to enter the New World despite receiving orders to stop him?"

"G1 reported that the previous attack by the Charlotte family had severely weakened them. They didn't have the manpower to stop Zephyr."

"What about Marine Headquarters? They must arrest Zephyr and bring him to trial immediately. A current admiral's betrayal is a massive scandal! Spare no effort!"

"Marine HQ claims they are unable to help. Kaido and the Beasts Pirates have entered the North Blue, so Aokiji, Kizaru, and Akainu have gone to confront them. Sengoku is busy with matters regarding Roger, and Kong must remain in Marineford. No one else is strong enough to pursue Zephyr."

"Is there any good news?"

"There is some. According to that big-mouthed bird's reports, there was a conflict between Nicholas and the Whitebeard Pirates in Wano, which ended with Whitebeard's departure. Nicholas also supposedly killed Zunesha, the ancient elephant that has roamed the seas for 800 years.

Furthermore, our agents in Wano report that the only legitimate heir of the Kozuki family, Kozuki Momonosuke, was killed by a descendant of the Kurozumi clan. Kozuki Sukiyaki also died of unknown causes, and the Kozuki retainers committed seppuku. The Kozuki family has been completely wiped out."

"That is indeed good news. The fall of the Kozuki family eliminates a significant problem for us. Additionally, Nicholas killing Zunesha suggests he isn't the figure we feared, which is also a relief."