One Piece: From Picking Up Red Hair's Broken Arm

Chapter 309 A Trick to Get Red Hair

"Can't sleep well?"

Xia Nuo picked up the teacup and gently blew away the foam on top.

"This is the heart of the Fallen Ones' territory. What, are you afraid the Knights of God will teleport here and kidnap you?"

"Or do you want me to send an officer to protect you personally?"

Morgans' eyes lit up, and he nodded vigorously, "Yes, yes, yes! Sir, you are truly insightful! My little scheme could not escape your notice!"

He rubbed his wings and took two steps closer, trying to ingratiate himself:

"Look, right now the world government has sent a huge bunch of madmen to hunt me down all over the world. If we had a strong and capable officer stationed at the news agency headquarters, it would not only ensure the safety of me and my colleagues, but also give you more peace of mind, wouldn't it?"

When he said "to put your mind at ease," Morgan deliberately emphasized the words.

Then, with a chuckle, he added:
"Besides, I may be timid, but I'm absolutely reliable! With your people watching over me, how could I dare to have any crooked thoughts in the future? From now on, if you point east, I'll never go west!"

Shano glanced at Morgans' fawning expression, finally unable to bear it any longer, and kicked him, saying irritably:
"From now on, just say what you mean and shut up. What are you trying to do with your petty tricks? What kind of person do you take me for?"

He knew perfectly well what Morgans was really thinking.

This guy isn't afraid of the World Government at all; he's clearly afraid of himself.

They feared he would discard them after using them, and then conveniently take over the World Economic News headquarters, which had nowhere else to go.

So they decided to retreat in order to advance, and on the grounds that their lives were not guaranteed, they took the initiative to ask Xia Nuo to send cadres to closely monitor them.

"Don't worry, you're still in charge of the World Economic News Agency. You're the president, and that won't change."

"Apart from your hidden branches around the world, which may need to cooperate with the Fallen Ones' intelligence operations from time to time, everything else remains the same, including your right to freedom of the press."

It's enough to have control over public opinion so that it's readily available when needed; otherwise, there's no need to worry too much about it.

In contrast.

Morgans' addition fills a gap in the Fallen Ones' intelligence work, which is the most satisfying gain for him.

"In fact, as the number of those who have fallen from grace continues to expand, it is inevitable that some opportunists with ulterior motives or impure intentions will infiltrate our grassroots staff and even the cadres of various corps."

Xia Nuo took a sip of tea and continued:

“Your news agency can play a supervisory role. I need you to expose those corrupt officials. These negative news stories are also more likely to attract public attention and can significantly boost your sales. This is beneficial to both of us.”

Eh?
Morgans was taken aback, somewhat doubting his own ears.

Did he hear it correctly?
Are there really lords who aren't afraid of negative news reports?

In the past, this would have been a pipe dream. Even if he reported on a naval branch colluding with pirates, the World Government would send someone to invite him for tea and threaten him to retract the article.

"Sir, are you... are you serious?"

Suppressing his elation, Morgans cautiously asked, "Are you really allowing me to report negative news from within the Enders?"

Instead of abandoning the bridge after crossing the river, and without seizing power, they have further liberalized press freedom?
This was more than ten times better than he had expected the meeting to go!
Waaah, all that fear and anxiety I endured recently wasn't for nothing! Good days are finally here!
"of course."

Xia Nuo put down his teacup and said calmly:

"The Enders are not a world government. They don't need to hide things to maintain their rule. They should expose the corrupt and solve the problems. That's the way to last."

"but."

He changed the subject, staring into Morgans' eyes, and added:
"Reporting is acceptable, but it must be based on facts. If I find that someone is deliberately fabricating dubious rumors to attract attention and boost sales..."

"I wouldn't dare! I absolutely wouldn't dare!"

Morgans was startled and quickly waved his hand:

"I, Morgans, swear by the professional ethics of a journalist that I will never allow my editors and reporters to fabricate stories! All reports will be strictly verified!"

"Well, as long as you have an idea."

Xia Nuo nodded slightly. "As for sending officials to closely monitor you, there's no need for that."

"Currently, the civil affairs, legal, and supervisory departments of the 'Finalist' are expanding or being established. Soon, there will be departments to check and balance you. Of course, these departments will also act in accordance with the law. My previous promise regarding press freedom will not change."

Morgans nodded eagerly.

"In addition, the safety issues you mentioned do indeed need to be taken seriously."

Xia Nuo pondered for a moment, "Although Maple Syrup Island is currently protected by the patrol teams of the garrisoned regiment, this level of security is no longer sufficient after it officially becomes the headquarters of the news agency. We do need to further enhance our defense capabilities."

He turned to look out the window, pondered for a moment, and then said:

"Alright, the combat legion will soon have four additional combat squads. The squad leaders of these squads will be the four former vice admirals of the Navy Headquarters who defected to the Fallen Ones."

Shano put down his teacup, turned his gaze to Morgans, and continued:
"One of them, I will have stationed on Maple Island to be responsible for security at the news agency headquarters. As for the specific candidate..."

After a moment's thought, he said, "Let Huoshaoshan come. He has a gentle personality and is steady in his work. He should be able to tolerate your unconventional and stubborn nature and get along with you."

Yes.

The one who dared to question Sengoku, Kashoyama, left the Navy and, after much deliberation, did not go to join the NEO Navy under Zephyr.

Instead, they resolutely chose to join the fallen.

Thanks to him, Xia Nuo learned many details of the standoff that took place in the naval conference room on the day the newspapers published the truth.

Morgans was overjoyed upon hearing this:
"Fire Mountain? He's a well-known good guy in the navy! I've actually dealt with him several times, so we're practically acquaintances. Thank you for your understanding, sir!"

Not only is he easy to get along with, but he's also one of the top-ranked vice admirals in the Navy!

Also.

It seems that within the territory of the Fallen Ones, there is some kind of advanced technology called the "Sky Curtain Defense System".

With Huoshaoshan stationed there, I finally feel safe!

Morgans happily rubbed his wings, then suddenly seemed to remember something and chuckled:

"By the way, sir! Since you're being so kind, I can't keep it a secret. Actually, my men recently photographed some interesting things."

He opened a hidden compartment in his desk drawer, entered the password, and pulled out several photos, handing them over.

Xia Nuo, puzzled, took the photo and glanced at it.

The first photo, taken from a high altitude and from a bird's-eye view, prominently features the Red Fox of the Red-Haired Pirates in the center...

No, it should be called the New Red Fosse.

In short, it just anchored and moored at sea, and in the far corner of the photo, a huge mangrove forest could be faintly seen.

Chambord?
Xia Nuo frowned, said nothing, and continued looking at the next page.

Also filmed was the Red Fox, where a gigantic, demon-like figure with two horns landed on the deck, roaring and howling, and engaged in fierce battle with the red-haired man and others on the ship.

In the bottom left corner, there was a line of text with latitude and longitude coordinates, along with a note: "This location is 70 nautical miles from the Kingdom of Nations." Xia Nuo narrowed his eyes and continued scrolling down.

"You should have figured it out by now."

Morgans' voice rang out, "The first photo corresponds to the Sabaody Archipelago, the second to the War of Nations, and this third photo was taken during the North Sea Hunting Game."

“Every time the Fallen Ones make a big move, the Red-Haired Pirates will mobilize their entire force to try to intervene in the war and stop your actions.”

"The first time, there wasn't enough time, and I missed it. The second time, that madman Kaido stopped me. And the third time..."

"Did you get so lost that you ended up in Impel Down?"

Xia Nuo held up the last photo, his expression strange, and asked.

In the photo, the background is clearly the above-ground part of Impel Down. The Red-Haired Pirates' ship is parked at the gate, but the deck is empty and its whereabouts are unknown.

It must be said that the reporters from the World Economic News are really skilled; they can not only fly, but they can even capture scenes in the calm zone.

"That's really it!"

Morgans, fearing that Shano wouldn't believe him, quickly added:
"My reporters bribed the naval soldiers who went to provide support with a large sum of money to get some inside information."

"It's said that Shanks, carrying a Vivre Card, wandered around Impel Down for ages, only to realize he was in the wrong place. Enraged, he roared 'Your name!' and then cleaved the entire Impel Down castle in two with a single sword strike!"

Life Card?
Xia Nuo immediately thought of the mysterious life card that Jack had back in Blackrock City.

After Beckman secretly stole it and passed it on to Jack, did the Red-Haired gang use it to guide them and pinpoint their location?

There were no problems the first two times.

In other words, the owners of the Vivre Cards were nearby during the Sabaody Archipelago incident and the Whole Cake Island war.
The third time, they were imprisoned in Impel Down? That's what caused Shanks and the others to get lost?
Weird.

Who exactly is the owner of this Life Card?

Xia Nuo frowned.

Never mind, that's not important.

He quickly put aside his doubts, stared at the photo in his hand, and squinted.

Red hair...

What exactly is this guy up to, repeatedly following me and trying to interfere with my actions?
It’s really frustrating!
Recalling their conversation when they drank together in the tavern, Xia Nuo snorted coldly.

Is this guy still thinking of maintaining stability for now and waiting for Nika to be born?
Whether you adhere to fatalism or believe in the drums of liberation, so be it, as long as you're happy, he can't be bothered to interfere.

But if someone is reckless and dares to interfere, trying to impose their will on me...

Then don't blame him for being rude!

Xia Nuo tossed the photo back, and when she looked up again, her expression had returned to calm. She spoke softly:
“Well done, Morgans. I appreciate your kind gesture. If any of your subordinates discover similar situations in the future, please remember to report them to me promptly.”

This was an unexpected bonus.

If he hadn't treated this old birdman with sincerity, he probably wouldn't have handed over this information voluntarily.

"Understood, sir, but you must take this matter seriously."

Morgans thought Shano didn't take it seriously, so after hesitating for a moment, he added:
"That Shanks guy, although his bounty is the lowest among the Four Emperors, that's only because he's too young and his territory and power haven't developed yet. His strength is unfathomable and should definitely not be underestimated. In addition, it is said that he has an unclear relationship with the high-ranking officials of the World Government. It's possible that..."

"Could they be conspiring with the world government to plot against me?"

Xia Nuo shook his head, "You're overthinking it. It's not that serious. As for the connection, there is indeed one; that guy is a Celestial Dragon himself."

ha? !

what? ! ! !

Morgans' eyes widened instantly, and the coffee he had just picked up crashed to the ground.

"You...you're not kidding, are you? Red-Haired Shanks is a Celestial Dragon?!"

Realizing what had happened, he was horrified and stammered, "M-Sir, are you sure? If this news gets out, the whole New World will be in an uproar!"

“It’s the Figarand family. His father is the new Five Elders. But that guy has long since severed ties with the Holy Land. He’s also an upright person who is deeply ashamed of being a Celestial Dragon. That’s why I said there’s no need to worry about joining forces.”

Shano glanced at Morgans and said casually, "Whether you report it or not is up to you."

Will they not report it?

What a joke! This is a top-notch journalist, whether it's out of a professional need to reveal the truth or from the perspective of a capitalist boss making money.

It can be concluded that this matter will soon become the front page headline of the next newspaper, and it will also happen to coincide with the global trend of people's extreme disgust and hatred towards the Celestial Dragons.

Hmm, that makes me feel much better.

Shanks' first three attempts all failed, causing him no real loss, and he couldn't openly break off relations yet.

But since the other party is secretly trying to disgust you, then don't blame them for retaliating in kind.

"Okay, that's it for today."

Xia Nuo stood up and stretched. "I've said what I needed to say and made all the necessary arrangements. You can focus on running the news agency. In a while, once the World Government has worked hard to manage the public opinion, I have a big gift for them. I'll contact you then."

Is there more big news?!

Morgans, who was racking his brains about how to delve deeper into the redhead's background, immediately lit up when he heard this.

Ok, good, good!
Sitting at home, I keep getting big news delivered to my door. I'm starting to think that being forced onto the ship of the fallen is a blessing in disguise. There's never been such a good thing before!
"Sir, walk slowly!"

Morgans saw them off with sincere respect.

"Well, go back."

Xia Nuo went outside and glanced at the windowsill, where a little sea otter in pajamas was lying in the sun, purring softly.

Her face is chubby, which is quite cute.

It looks somewhat familiar. Does the World Economic News Agency headquarters keep this kind of pet?

Not paying much attention, Shano withdrew his gaze, waved to Morgans that he didn't need to see him off, and left the second floor directly.

And inside the house.

After Shano disappeared at the top of the stairs, Morgans immediately threw his head back and burst into a happy laugh, then excitedly dialed the Den Den Mushi on the table.

"Call all department editors for a meeting. We need to strike while the iron is hot and create another major news story related to the Celestial Dragons!"

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[Note: The chief sky correspondent of the news agency, the pajama-clad sea otter who soars through the skies on a vulture, a former member of Baroque Works, codenamed Mr. 13, first appears in Chapter 113 of this book]

(End of this chapter)