Chapter 102: The World is shocked!

The press conference, already monumental due to the revelation of Honeycomb Rice and Jinkela, erupted into chaos with Whitebeard's retirement announcement. Faces filled with disbelief and awe stared at screens worldwide.

"One of the Three Pirate Emperors… retiring?"

"Did I hear that right? Whitebeard forming a grain company?"

"This is unbelievable! Edward Newgate, the legend with a bounty exceeding 5 billion Baileys, just stepping down like that?"

"Unforgivable! My town was ravaged by Whitebeard's subordinates! And now he wants to turn over a new leaf?"

"Forget Whitebeard—where do we get those grain seeds and the fertilizer?"

"A yield of 10,000 kilograms per acre… it's a miracle! A true miracle!"

As the world watched, shock turned to frenzy. The prospect of Honeycomb Rice and Jinkela ignited a storm of hope and desperation. Rulers of famine-stricken nations were already scrambling to secure these life-saving resources, their eyes lit with a blend of greed and urgency. The fervor was palpable, a chain reaction sparked by a few simple, history-changing words.

Calm Belt, Aboard a Black Ship

Monkey D. Dragon watched the live broadcast with an unreadable expression, his eyes fixed on Whitebeard. The legendary pirate's announcement echoed in his mind. "You really quit being a pirate to run a company?" Ivankov, the flamboyant King of the Kamabakka Kingdom, gasped in disbelief. "That's Whitebeard, one of the Three Emperors!"

Dragon's gaze shifted, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "The point isn't Whitebeard," he said gravely. "It's the food and fertilizer... Edie, that scientist, is truly extraordinary." Doubt crept into his heart, questioning the path he'd chosen. Was his revolution, aimed at toppling the Celestial Dragons and creating a new world, truly the best way forward?

Compared to the tangible promise of food—enough to yield tens of thousands of kilograms per acre—what kind of world was he really striving to create? Whitebeard's powerful declaration, "To create a world where no one goes hungry," resonated deeper than any revolutionary slogan ever could. It wasn't just rhetoric; it was a promise backed by results, poised to change the world.

"Maybe we've misunderstood him," Dragon muttered. "Edie is more than just a brilliant mind... he's a visionary." His respect grew as he admitted, "I've known Vegapunk for years, but even he can't match Edie's impact."

Twin Capes, Reverse Mountain

Nico Robin stood stunned, her eyes glued to the broadcast. The last time she'd felt this shaken was when Dr. Edie and his Earthly Branches fended off the Buster Call. Back then, she'd thought of her homeland, Ohara, and felt a glimmer of hope—a new purpose.

Today, that feeling returned with overwhelming force. The myth of a yield of 10,000 kilograms per acre captivated her attention. She barely registered Whitebeard's announcement; all she could focus on was the enigmatic scientist who had once more lit a fire within her.

Doctor, it's taken me four long years to find a way into the Grand Line. I hope this path leads me to Beehive Island. Determination flared in her eyes as she whispered her silent vow. Robin, once an isolated scholar, had now become Edie's most ardent admirer.

Naval Headquarters

The conference room was a void of silence. Tension thickened the air, and even a pin drop would have echoed like a cannon shot. Finally, Vice Admiral Tsuru's measured voice broke the heavy quiet. "What are your thoughts on Whitebeard's retirement?"

"It should be a good thing," someone ventured cautiously. "The strongest pirate in the world stepping down without a single shot fired."

"Fool!" Another Vice Admiral slammed his fist on the table, rising in anger. "Can't you see this is just a ruse? It's all a ploy to sell grain more effectively!" He scowled at the room. "A pirate dealing with kings? The World Government can't allow it."

Murmurs of agreement and dissent swept through the ranks. "If Whitebeard's no longer a pirate, making deals will be easier," another noted. "But if he's still labeled a pirate, intervention is inevitable."

"But regardless," an officer with a thoughtful frown interjected, "isn't the idea of feeding more people a positive thing? Even if it's Whitebeard profiting, countless lives will be saved."

The room fell silent again as the logic sank in. A grim-faced Vice Admiral muttered, "Whitebeard has terrorized the seas. Can he wipe away his crimes by selling food? The world isn't so forgiving."

Tsuru's sharp eyes scanned the room. Children, she thought, fighting over the wrong things.

Knocking on the table, she spoke with authority. "Focus! What we need to discuss is how to respond to the 'Jinkela Grain Industry Company,' not dwell on Whitebeard's past."

All eyes shifted to Fleet Admiral Sengoku. His face was stoic, shadowed with uncertainty. "Until orders come from above, we'll treat Whitebeard's grain sales as an unknown factor."

It was a reluctant, temporary measure, but Sengoku knew that for nations facing starvation, this was nothing short of a miracle. Still, the shadow of Government intervention loomed, and Sengoku's thoughts grew heavy. What is justice? What is evil? The questions nagged at him, recalling Edie's audacious raid on Marineford. Could justice alone feed the hungry?

Hive Research Institute

Whitebeard moved to close the broadcast, releasing the contact details for the Jinkela Grain Industry Company and the Jinkela Fertilizer Company. The former linked to the Whitebeard Pirates, the latter to the Donquixote Family.

As the broadcast ended, Kaido smirked from the audience. "Newgate, you old fool, giving up piracy?"

Charlotte Linlin's laughter rang out. "Mamamama~ If you're stepping aside, I won't hesitate to claim your territory."

Whitebeard's eyes narrowed. Retirement was never my idea; it was Edie's request, he mused. A convenient ruse to facilitate trade. Out loud, he grumbled, "Kaido, Linlin... The world government decides who's a pirate, not us. If they call you one, you are one, no matter your intentions."

Charlotte's eyes glinted. "So, still dreaming of One Piece?"

Whitebeard's expression softened. "Not interested."

His dreams were simpler: ensuring his homeland never starved again and protecting his family. The rest of the world? Let it be. He was no savior—just a man providing for his own.

A slogan was easy to shout. But feeding the world? That was real power.

No one dared to interrupt the intense discussion among the three pirate emperors. It wasn't until Whitebeard finally took his seat that the five influential figures of the underground world seized their chance to speak.

"Doctor, is this cooperation related to the Honeycomb Rice and Jinkela Fertilizer?" Lu Feld, the "Loan Shark King," asked urgently.

"Exactly," Edie responded, sitting at the head of the table with a confident smile. He began explaining the comprehensive plan to the gathered tycoons.

"We'll manage grain transportation and storage. For poorer nations that can't afford fertilizer upfront, we've introduced a special solution: the 'Fertilizer Loan.' They can use the fertilizer now and repay with their harvest or cash after the yield."

Edie paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. "Morgan's role is essential. His media company, 'Big News,' will ensure that everyone knows how to obtain the seeds and fertilizers. This includes promoting the loans so that countries feel confident in borrowing and using them."

Edie's eyes gleamed as he added, "This is a one-stop service, and we need all of you for it."

Understanding dawned on the faces of the gathered leaders. Lu Feld's expression brightened as he exclaimed, "Doctor, you truly are a genius! I fully support your plan. A yield of 10,000 kilograms per acre is a miracle that must be shared with the world!"

He wasn't just flattering Edie; he was genuinely motivated by the profit potential. As the king of loan sharks, interest on borrowed money was his specialty. The 'Fertilizer Loan' concept was immediately clear to him: even if the borrowers couldn't pay in cash, they could repay with their harvest. The only real risk was widespread natural disaster, but Lu Feld was willing to take that chance.

Gilbertson, the "Hidden Master" of warehousing, and Umit, the "Shipping King," exchanged eager nods.

"Doctor, I'm ready to serve," Gilbertson said. "My warehouses span the New World. I can guarantee safe storage and distribution of the grain."

"Leave transportation to me," Umit added confidently.

Edie's smile widened, satisfied by their enthusiasm. Their agreement came as no surprise; this venture promised profits for all involved. In business, taking everything for oneself was taboo, and Edie understood that well.

With Honeycomb Rice and Jinkela Fertilizer as the linchpin, they formed a powerful alliance—a behemoth capable of crushing any obstacle.

Suddenly, Stussy raised her hand, her lips curving into a smile. "Emperor, what about me? I'd also like to contribute. Is there any way I can assist?"

Edie hadn't expected her interest and tilted his head curiously. "And what can you offer, Stussy?"

She gave a rueful smile. "I'm afraid I don't have much to offer that fits this operation. But Emperor, there's something more significant to consider. The World Government will likely attempt to suppress Honeycomb Rice. It's too revolutionary—a direct threat to their control."

Edie's eyes widened in mock surprise. "The World Government?" He spread his hands with a dismissive chuckle. "We are the world."

Stussy's eyes widened at his audacity. The boldness of his statement hung in the air, striking her silent. But as she looked around the room, she realized he was right. Three emperors, the king of shipping, the king of news, the warehousing master, and the king of loans—combined, they truly did represent a new world order.

She let out a soft laugh. "I like bold men," she said, standing up and bowing slightly. "I've seen enough for today. I'll take my leave."

Doflamingo, seated in the shadows, watched her departure with narrowed eyes and a smirk. A brothel-keeper and casino operator, thinking she could compete? he mused. The doctor's number one asset is me, Doflamingo.

As Stussy exited gracefully, Edie turned to Ginny. "Keep an eye on her," he instructed.

"Understood," Ginny replied, heading out to relay the order to the bee scouts. With both women gone, Edie resumed the meeting.

Over the next hour, the final details were discussed, and agreements were made without any written contracts. They all understood: Edie's word was the law.

The meeting concluded, and everyone left with newfound purpose. The Whitebeard Pirates were already overwhelmed by calls following the press conference—calls from those desperate to buy grain. Their limited stock of over four tons couldn't possibly satisfy demand, and even Wanokuni's experimental fields weren't enough.

The Donquixote Family faced similar pressure, as the conference had made it clear: without fertilizer, crop yields barely reached 1,200 kilograms per acre. With Jinkela, the yield surged to 10,000. No one wanted to settle for less.

Doflamingo reveled in the chaos. Even Baby 5 was swamped, handling non-stop calls from eager buyers.

"Young Master," Baby 5 said, panting as she approached, "we're drowning in requests, and we don't even have a factory yet."

"Fufufu," Doflamingo chuckled. "Start taking reservations and advance payments. For now, limit sales to New World customers. That's the doctor's wish."

As for when the factory would be ready? That depended on securing the throne of Dressrosa.

Determined, Doflamingo found Edie and said, "Doctor, I'm ready to move."

"Go," Edie replied, summoning Momousagi, who handed Doflamingo a list of Shichibukai.

"Choose one," she said. "Do you need assistance?"

Doflamingo's grin widened. "Fufufu, no need. I can handle this myself."

He chose his target, a Shichibukai with a bounty of over 200 million, currently somewhere on the Grand Line. Confident in his power, Doflamingo set out alone, leaving his family to assist Edie in managing the Fertilizer Company.

Meanwhile, Edie activated his system and reveled in the new notifications:

[Scientific research reputation reaches 100% — rewarded with one simulation]

[Scientific research reputation reaches 100% — rewarded with one simulation]

[Scientific research reputation reaches 100% — rewarded with one simulation]

The remaining simulations: 4.

Edie's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Four simulations at once... I've never been this Loaded" he whispered, savoring the anticipation. "This is what true progress feels like."