At this moment in Elbaf...
Harald, reading the latest news, found himself detesting the Rocks Pirates' trail of destruction more than ever.
He'd been reaching out to foreign kingdoms, forging peaceful ties and mutual aid, even helping wipe out vicious pirate crews that preyed on the weak.
As a result, Elbaf's reputation in nearby waters had improved dramatically.
Both Harald and Ida could finally see a glimmer of peace.
If they could only join the World Government, Elbaf would truly re-enter the world and reconnect with it.
Harald kept searching for a chance to enter the World Government, but the Government never gave him an opening—something that frustrated him endlessly.
Did he really have to kneel before Marine HQ and the World Government just to prove his desire for peace?
——Scene returns to the Gibeck's Sword.
Actions speak louder than thoughts; Fang Huo had already begun investigating the factions that bred News Coo and the press agencies behind them.
Even starting from zero, he would seize this high ground of public opinion!
If he didn't care about that hill, his enemies would happily plant their flag on it.
Forget how vital an "authoritative" newspaper could be.
A single Meito Ranking had made powerhouses and commoners across the globe treat the names of supreme-grade and great grade blades as the sole yardstick of might.
If Fang Huo rolled out lists—Strongest Fighters, Beauties, Weapons, Tycoons, Kings, Marksmen, Chefs—the whole world would dance in his palm.
Owning his own agency meant he could expose the World Government and Celestial Dragons' dirty laundry whenever he wished, without depending on anyone.
Right now live den den mushi tech wasn't mature; it would take scientists of Vegapunk's generation to grow up before global streaming truly took off.
In the future, the broadcast den den mushi Vegapunk bred and modified would be powerful enough to force a world-wide feed, hijacking every other faction's snails.
That was domineering!
Until such tech arrived, newspapers remained the most vital channel of information.
He had plenty of time; even from scratch, Fang Huo would build a news empire.
Back during the God Valley War, Morgans had been nothing but a rookie reporter.
Yet he single-handedly built the World Economic News from a tiny office into the planet's top agency, crowning himself the emperor of the underworld press.
He didn't even fear threats from the World Government or the Gorosei.
Fang Huo reflected: if Morgans could rise, why couldn't he?
Worst case, he'd secretly bankroll a paper and slowly grab the narrative.
He had one thing in abundance—time!
Even Rocks planned to spend a decade or two strengthening the Rocks Pirates while hunting those two legendary Devil Fruits.
What was stopping him from spending a few years building a news agency?
——After the farcical plundering on Charity Island in the West Blue.
Rocks couldn't be bothered with Charlotte Linlin's desire to raid a Marine Branch or with Stussy's wish to reach Ohara's tree of knowledge.
He was going after the prodigy Fang Huo had spoken of—the one born with awakened Observation Haki: Barlorick Redfield.
Growing the Rocks Pirates was his goal; he had no time to run errands for subordinates.
Did they think every Executive was Fang Huo?
Only Fang Huo's requests merited serious consideration from Rocks.
"Rocks! I request to leave the crew and operate solo!!"
Stung by the latest bounty update, Silver Axe could no longer stand wasting time with the fleet and solemnly addressed Rocks.
He would head to the North Blue alone!
His demand drew every Executive's eyes toward the valiant Silver Axe.
"If the Captain can go off on his own, why can't we handle personal business?"
Under Rocks' stare Silver Axe felt crushing pressure, but he stiffened his neck and refused to bow.
While the others hunted West Blue, he would seize the chance to reach the North Blue and claim the Devil Fruit he wanted.
"Wahahaha! You've got guts!"
"Don't go dying on me!"
Rocks' vicious face broke into laughter; he acknowledged Silver Axe's courage.
If the man stayed this fearless, he might one day awaken Conqueror's Haki.
Hearing Silver Axe's request approved, the other Executives began to scheme.
"Then I'm off to the North Blue too! My Float-Float Fruit can give Fierce a lift."
Golden Lion Shiki grinned; no way would he let Silver Axe hog the North Blue loot.
He could slip away from Rocks for a while and power up on his own!
"Count me in!"
Ganzi spoke up; he didn't want to stay in West Blue on a dull manhunt either.
No one even knew where Barlorick Redfield was hiding.
Who knew how long the search would drag on?
Better ride with Shiki and Fierce, ship a batch of West Blue goods back to the New World first.
"Fine, fine!"
"Anyone else want to ship out?"
"Only one rule—don't get wiped out by the World Government or Marine HQ!"
Rocks actually indulged their selfish whims.
Fang Huo frowned; was the Rocks Pirates' tendency to splinter showing this early?
This couldn't be allowed to continue!
"Bolo, you're not strong enough yet—go with Fierce and the others to the North Blue first!"
Whitebeard Newgate actually spoke up, not wanting Bolo Gram to miss the chance to hunt Devil Fruits in the North Blue.
If Shiki and Fierce found the fruit first, Bolo wouldn't even have a shot at snatching it.
Besides, more hands meant more safety.
Searching West Blue for Barlorick Redfield could take forever anyway.
Hunting fruits in the North Blue would eat up the same amount of time.
Splitting up did save the Rocks Pirates some time—though it carried risks.
After all, every Rocks Pirate Executive was now a thorn in the World Government's side.
Fang Huo hadn't expected Newgate to back the split.
Wasn't this handing the World Government and Marine HQ a chance to pick them off one by one?
"I don't care what you're plotting! As long as Rocks and I remain, the Rocks Pirates will not splinter or withdraw—anyone who tries will answer to me!"
"Remember my ability: betray me and this first mate will hunt you to the ends of the earth!"
Fang Huo swept the group with an icy glare, openly declaring his rank as first mate.
"Relax, relax—we really are just after Devil Fruits!"
Golden Lion Shiki, seeing Fang Huo's fury, quickly stated his stance.
With Rocks alive, he had no intention of breaking away from the crew.
"Same here!"
The slippery smuggler Ganzi could talk to saints or devils; he hastily pledged loyalty.
"You all know how I feel about Devil Fruits!"
"If you weren't staying in West Blue, I wouldn't have suggested this!"
Silver Axe snorted, meeting Rocks and Fang Huo's stares without fear.
"Wahahaha, why the anger, Fang Huo? I trust they won't betray the Rocks Pirates."
"And now you actually dare call yourself first mate?"
"In that case, I hereby officially declare: from this day forward, Fang Huo is the first mate of the Rocks Pirates!"
Amid the tense atmosphere, Rocks burst into laughter again, unleashing a burst of Conqueror's Haki that crushed everyone present.
Having seen Fang Huo's resolve and drive, he was overjoyed and finally appointed him true first mate…