Outside the headquarters of the Peace Dove News Agency, reporters and editors trembled as they emerged from nearby buildings. Despite their fear, some still took a final picture of the ruined headquarters.
"A Marine Vice Admiral was defeated, and the President was taken! What are we supposed to do now?"
A rookie reporter looked lost, his future uncertain. Working under a World Government-backed news agency was supposed to be a secure, lifelong career. He had spent a fortune in bribes just to get in—how could it all vanish so suddenly?
"Everyone, stay calm! Pull yourselves together! The World Government will definitely rebuild the news agency. We are still members of the Peace Dove News Agency!"
A middle-aged man, who appeared to be the Vice President, quickly reassured the staff. With the President gone, he was now the highest-ranking figure here.
"Vice President, we should immediately request reinforcements from Marine Headquarters! Vice Admiral Dolodo was completely outmatched! We have to save President Toko!"
A young journalist spoke up urgently. The Vice President glanced at him, his eyes cold. This was the perfect opportunity for him to take over—why would he need advice from a rookie?
"Excellent, young man! Your loyalty is commendable! Now, for the President's safety, I order you to go and confirm his status. If necessary, don't hesitate to take action and rescue him!"
The Vice President put on a solemn expression, rallying the young journalist as though sending him on a noble mission.
The journalist's face turned pale as he realized what was happening. The other reporters and editors exchanged knowing looks. They were all seasoned professionals—how could they not see through the Vice President's scheme?
"Vice President, this mission is far too dangerous for a young journalist!"
One of the more principled reporters stepped forward in protest.
"Oh? Are you saying that, for the sake of the President, you wouldn't dare take a little risk? Fine! You can go too!"
The Vice President immediately assigned the protesting reporter to the same task.
"Hmph, a power-hungry schemer like you will never run this agency properly!"
The outspoken journalist turned to the others.
"Listen up! World Economy News is actively recruiting freelance journalists right now. The pay is fifty percent higher than here, and you can travel freely. I'm applying—who else is coming with me?"
The young journalist immediately raised his hand in agreement, and several daring, adventure-seeking reporters followed suit.
Those who preferred job security, however, decided to stay and wait for the agency's reconstruction. After all, the Peace Dove News Agency mainly covered safe topics—news from allied nations and the Marines. World Economy News, on the other hand, sent its journalists after dangerous pirate stories.
But some reporters thrived on danger. The more perilous, the more exhilarating—the thrill of chasing secrets and uncovering the truth was worth it.
The Vice President's expression darkened as he watched them leave. He quickly sent a report to the World Government and Marine Headquarters.
Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Dolodo had regrouped with his Marine subordinates and immediately requested reinforcements. He didn't need to wait for the news agency to report the situation—he was already taking action.
His injuries shocked his men. With mastery over both Armament and Observation Haki, along with proficiency in the Rokushiki techniques, Dolodo had been undefeated in the first half of the Grand Line for years. He had maintained order in the Sabaody Archipelago and had even earned the favor of the Celestial Dragons. Strong and obedient—what more could they ask for?
Toko, the President of the Peace Dove News Agency, was pale-faced and bleeding from his shoulder as Brook dragged him along. He looked weak, barely holding on.
"Captain Brook! I'll give you all my savings—just let me go!"
All he wanted now was to treat his wounds. He couldn't understand why Brook hadn't killed him on the spot. Why take him captive instead?
"Do I look like I need money?" Brook scoffed. "You're in charge of raising the White Dove News Birds, aren't you?"
He knew that Morthomas, the Seagull Devil Fruit user, could control vast flocks of Seagull News Birds. If Toko, a White Dove Devil Fruit user, had the same ability, then he was the key to dismantling the Peace Dove News Agency.
"You... You want to destroy the Peace Dove News Agency?"
Toko finally realized Brook's goal.
"Besides you, is there anyone else who can control the White Dove News Birds?"
Brook wasn't sure what would happen to the birds if Toko died. Would they keep working for the World Government? Would they be free? It was better to force Toko to release them first.
"You underestimate the World Government! Even without my White Dove News Birds, they'll just use Swan News Birds or Wild Goose News Birds! The World Government's media empire will never fall!"
Toko was confident—his ability had kept him in power for years, but he wasn't irreplaceable.
"So, you really are the only one who can control them?" Brook smirked. "Then you have no reason to exist."
If the Peace Dove News Agency lost its birds, even temporarily, Morthomas' Seagull News Birds could dominate the market. By the time the World Government introduced new birds, World Economy News would already have solidified its grip on the industry.
Brook was determined to help Morthomas establish a monopoly. In time, even the New World's infamous Dark Newspaper would be taken down.
"Captain Brook, please! Don't kill me! I'll leave the World Government—I won't work for them anymore! I'll even give you all my money! I'll join your crew if you want!"
Toko's body trembled. He could feel the killing intent radiating from Brook. Desperation overtook him as he sobbed and begged for his life.
"He's lying." A burst of electricity crackled in the air, forming into Redfield. His piercing gaze locked onto the terrified news president. "The moment he escapes, he'll use his ties with the Fleet Admiral to send the Marines after us."
"No! I swear, I won't! I really won't! Please don't kill me!!"
Toko screamed as Brook's blade—the legendary Shichiseiken—came slicing toward him. The cold steel gleamed ominously.
A moment later, his body split in two, his lifeless corpse falling onto the street.
"What a waste of a White Dove Devil Fruit," Brook muttered in disgust.
With that, he turned and made his way back to the Golden Ark, anchored at Grove 50.
Toko's body lay in the open, his bulging eyes still filled with disbelief. He had been a high-ranking figure within a World Government-backed agency. How could he have died at the hands of pirates?
Darkness quickly swallowed his world.
+100 Chapters on p@treon/tambeerg