Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the New World Economy News Paper.
"Alright, everyone stop what you're doing and come over here!" President Big News Morgans said to the staff as he walked in, holding a letter.
"What's wrong?!"
"I don't know, it seems there's some Big News Morgans, even the president has been alerted..." Upon seeing him, the workers all stopped what they were doing and looked over.
"Alright, everyone quiet down! I have something important to announce!" Big News Morgans clapped his hands to signal everyone to be quiet, and soon the office fell silent as everyone's eyes turned to him.
Seeing that everyone had quieted down, Big News Morgans waved the newspaper in his hand and said to them, "This is the latest and most important news I've received: half a day ago, the powerful Luo Chen Pirates, who had recently emerged from seclusion, wreaked havoc in the Holy Land and rescued their companion Catherine Palace, from the Celestial Dragons Saint Orange!"
boom!!
The news exploded like a bomb in the crowd, stunning everyone present. After a while, the scene erupted into a noisy, chaotic chatter.
"How is this possible?! Someone actually dared to break into the Holy Land and disrupt Celestial Dragons's wedding!!"
"That's highly unlikely, President. Are you sure you're not mistaken? Putting aside what would happen to the Navy, even the guards within the Holy Land are enough to kill any pirate there, not even the Four Emperors. A mere pirate crew couldn't possibly pull off such a shocking move!!"
"Yes, the guards of the Holy Land are more than enough to give him a hard time, and then there's the navy. With such a huge mess, even an admiral will be alerted!"
A group of people could hardly believe what they were hearing and began to question it.
"Ahem... Alright, everyone quiet down and let me finish!" Big News Morgans wasn't surprised by the crowd's attitude and coughed twice, covering his beak with his wing, to signal them to stop.
Upon hearing his words, the room fell silent once again.
"This is information that I obtained through connections. Here's the gist of it..." Big News Morgans then explained the situation to them in detail before they believed him.
The story unfolded with many twists and turns, captivating the audience so much that it took them quite a while to recover from the fascination.
"Alright, everyone understands the mission now, right?!"
"Understood, President. We will definitely report this matter extensively and spread it all over the world so that everyone knows about it..." The group patted their chests, indicating that they understood.
"Very good, don't worry about anything else. We are journalists, and it is our duty to report the whole thing without missing a single word. Even if the World Government blames you, I, the editor-in-chief, will take care of it for you. You don't need to have any reservations. Just write it down with passion and let the whole world know about this Heaven Shaker event!" Big News Morgans nodded to them, encouraging them.
"Understood!!" After everyone responded, they all began their busy writing work. For a moment, the entire studio fell silent, with only the sparse sound of pens scratching on draft paper.
"Captain, we're all set. The navy can't catch us here!" George, his body wrapped in bandages, came over to inform Luo Chen.
"Okay, very good. Everyone, stop for a moment and gather around. I have something to tell you!" Luo Chen glanced around and nodded to the person next to him before speaking to the others.
Upon hearing his words, the others put down what they were doing and gathered around.
"First, regarding Catherine's return, after meticulous preparation and arduous efforts, we finally brought her, Catherine, back home."
Snap... Snap... Snap...
As soon as Luo Chen finished speaking, the others applauded and echoed his words.
"Alright, now let Catherine say something for us!" Luo Chen raised his hand to signal the applause to stop, then gestured for Catherine to step forward and speak.
Tap tap...
Seeing his signal, Catherine stepped forward, glanced around, and bowed to everyone, saying gratefully, "Thank you all so much for risking your lives to come and get me. I am truly moved. From this day forward, I will be the sharpest blade of the Luo Chen Pirates, and I will dedicate the rest of my life to protecting you all to repay this kindness!!" The sword intent in Catherine's eyes had faded, but the state of mind was firmly imprinted in her mind, propelling her strength to the second strongest in the pirate crew. With an excited expression, she swore an oath to everyone.
"Hahaha, no need to be so polite, Sister Catherine. This is what we should do. We didn't have the power to let you use your freedom to save our lives back then. Since then, we have sworn to avenge our past humiliation and bring you back. Besides, isn't this what our comrades should do?" George chimed in, easing the atmosphere, and laughed heartily.
"That's right, Sister Catherine, although it's a bit late to say it now, I still want to say 'Welcome back!'" Lulith continued.
"Welcome back!!" others echoed.
"Yes!! Thank you everyone, I... am back..." Catherine was moved to tears and nodded heavily in response.
"Alright, Catherine, let me introduce you..." Luo Chen changed the subject, took Catherine's hand, and led her to Nayako, solemnly introducing her. "This is Nayako. After I was defeated by Big Mom and separated from you, I was saved thanks to her. Don't underestimate Nayako, she's the ship's doctor I recruited, and Devil Fruit User. With Nayako on our side, we don't need to worry about anything in battle!!"
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Nayako!!" Upon seeing such a beautiful and adorable girl, Catherine put away her usual cold and aloof demeanor and extended her hand to shake hers.
"Yes, it's nice to meet you, Sister Catherine!!" Nayako wasn't shy at all. She reached out her little hand and grasped Catherine's hand, her face beaming with a smile, and replied earnestly.
"Alright, everyone knows each other now. From this day forward, our Luo Chen Pirates is officially assembled!!"
"Oh!!"
"Now, please let Chef Monbuma prepare a feast for us to celebrate this moment together!" A rumbling sound rang out, and Luo Chen, who had originally been about to express his lofty ambitions, was defeated by hunger. He rubbed his stomach and said.
"Leave it to me, Captain! I'll prepare a grand feast to celebrate Miss Catherine's return!" Monbuma patted her chest and assured her, then turned and rolled up her sleeves, heading into the kitchen.
While they were holding a grand feast to celebrate Catherine's return, newspapers from the World Economy News Paper, written overtime by the newspaper office, were being sent across the world by newsbirds, recording the Heaven Shaker events that had occurred in the Holy Land. In an instant, all the major powers on the high seas were alarmed.
"Hahaha, quite capable indeed! Daring to storm into the Holy Land and cause such a ruckus for a woman. This guy will be a formidable enemy in the future!" Blackbeard, who had risen to become one of the Four Emperors on Pirate Island and seized most of the power formerly under Whitebeard's rule, was enjoying his newfound fame and fortune here. With one arm around a beautiful woman and the other holding a barrel of sake, he poured it down his throat and laughed heartily. On the table in front of him were a newspaper that had just been sent to the world and several wanted posters.
Totto Land, the kingdom ruled by the Four Emperors, in Big Mom's room on the top floor of the capital city, Whole Cake Chateau, a sinister, eerie laugh echoed.
"Mommy, mommy, give me the cake!!"
"Here it is, I'll bring it to you right away, Mom!!"
"Mommy!! Mommy!!"
"Huh?! What's wrong? Why are you in such a panic? Perospero??" Big Mom was about to put a cake in her mouth when she suddenly heard her son's call. Her eyes darted around and she focused on Perospero, who had pushed open the door, was holding a newspaper, and was panting as he walked in.
"Mom, I have something important to report to you!!" Perospero calmed his breathing, picked up the newspaper, spread out the first page to show BIGMOM, and said in a somewhat hurried tone.
"Huh?! Is there anything more important than my food?" BIGMOM didn't look at the newspaper first, but instead turned his gaze to his eldest son who had barged in and interrupted his interest, asking him a question.
"Yes, yes, Mother! Please check, there's news about Luo Chen, the thief who defied your authority and barged into the Totto Land Kingdom to challenge you more than a year ago at your tea party!!"
"Huh? Is that guy still alive?"
"Yes, half a day ago, he caused a ruckus in Pangaea Castle to rescue his companion, Catherine, one of the Celestial Dragons, and he actually succeeded!!" Perospero explained, a hint of admiration on his face. Even as an enemy, he had to admire his feat. However, he didn't dare to delay any longer and immediately rushed to report to his mother, King Totto Land, after receiving the news.
"Huh?! Give me the newspaper!!" Upon hearing this, BIGMOM stopped eating and reached for the newspaper.
"Yes!!" Perospero respectfully handed it over.
"..."
Tear!!
After reading for a while, Bigom seemed unable to bear it any longer and tore the newspaper to shreds. His face darkened, and an inexplicable aura rose within him.
"That guy, that guy is still alive?? Very well, I'll wait for him here, and wait for this arrogant brat to come and get his revenge!!"
"Haha, what an interesting young man! But after doing something like this, your future won't be peaceful!"
"Damn brat, how dare you overshadow my reputation! You're just a mere pirate who escaped from Linlin's clutches. Come here and I'll wipe you out!!"
Glug glug...
Upon receiving this news, the rulers of the sea reacted in various ways, but one thing was certain: the name Luo Chen had truly entered their hearts, and they would truly be noticed by those important figures.
Regardless of the reactions from the outside world, the Isel, under Luo Chen's instructions, sailed towards Casting Island, the most renowned Sword-Forging Island in the New World.
" Luo Chen, I'm so sorry, because coming to save me caused your sword... Rain Burial to be broken!!" On the bow deck, Catherine strolled over with a fragrant breeze and said apologetically to Luo Chen, who was sitting on the bow, frowning and staring at the Rain Burial Yu Famous Sword in his hand with only the hilt remaining.
"No, it's not your fault. It's all my fault. I've always treated Rain Burial as a tool and never truly cherished it. Moreover, I haven't truly grasped the spirit of a swordsman, which is why it was broken. It's all my fault!" Luo Chen shook his head and replied after hearing Catherine's words.
"Can..."
"Alright, no need to say any more, Catherine. Perhaps I really am not qualified to be the master of Rain Burial!" Luo Chen then stopped Catherine's words, recalling what Samael had said during their previous battle, and said with a wry smile.
"Luo... Luo Chen!!" Catherine wanted to comfort him, but she had nothing else to say. Indeed, they had been on the same ship and fought side by side. As a swordswoman, Catherine could see that Luo Chen hadn't taken his sword seriously before, treating it merely as a tool. If Zang Rain Burial, who had chosen Luo Chen as her master, truly had a spirit, she might cry. So she could only stand silently by his side and keep him company.
"Hoo... If I can reforge you after this, I will absolutely, absolutely never treat you as a tool again, Rain Burial, this is my promise to you..." After a long while, Luo Chen took a deep breath and solemnly promised to Zangyu, who only had the Rain Burial left.
"Yes, I believe that if the Rain Burial truly has a spirit, it will be moved by its master, by Luo Chen's words."
"Don't worry, our next destination is Casting Island, where the most exquisite sword-making craftsmanship has been passed down for hundreds of years. We will definitely find a master swordsmith who can reforge Rain Burial and regenerate it from the ashes, giving it a new lease on life!" Catherine couldn't bear to see him dejected and comforted him with some concern.
"I hope it really is as you say, Catherine..." Luo Chen was only slightly saddened for a moment before standing up, sheathing the Rain Burial sword, gazing at the sea, and speaking softly.
Seeing his reaction, Catherine didn't say anything more. She stood behind him, gazing at him with hazy eyes and a hint of love.
Then return to Marine Headquarters.
Back at headquarters, Tsuru and Momousagi, who had attended the important meeting convened because of this incident, sat at the conference table and chairs, watching the large screen projected in front of them, waiting for Fleet Admiral Sakazuki's decision.
Bang!!
"We can't tolerate their insolence any longer! Infiltrating Pangaea Castle to release slaves, burning down the Celestial Dragons ' residences, and disrupting the wedding banquet at Saint Orange. and Catherine Palace —even if the Five Elders haven't given their approval yet, we have to take action!" Sakazuki, puffing on a cigar, slammed his red-hot fist on the table and roared.
Sitting on either side of him were at least Rear Admiral or higher-ranking officers from headquarters, a total of twenty or thirty people, all quietly awaiting his instructions.
"This incident gives a general idea of their group's strength. First, Captain Luo Chen is no weaker than the Seven Deadly Sins member, Wrath. His crew members Phil and Singh are also formidable, as are two others. Of course, the most important is Catherine Palace, who inherited the legacy of the Knight King, and whose strength is yet to be determined."
"Their current strength is perhaps second only to the Four Emperors. We, the Navy, must be even more cautious in our deployment against such an opponent!" Tsuru said calmly, resting her chin on her hand.
"Hmm, an ordinary Vice Admiral might not be a match for them, and launching Buster Call is impractical. They might have already escaped before headquarters ships arrive, so I've decided to send Issho and Gion to pursue and handle them..."
"What are your opinions?!" Sakazuki clearly considered Luo Chen and the others' strength before making his decision.
I second that!
I second that!
Hearing Sakazuki's words, the others naturally had no objections and readily agreed.
Snap!!
"Alright, let Ichisho and Gion lead the pursuit. You two have no objections, right, Ichisho and Gion?!" After confirming the list of pursuers, Sakazuki didn't forget to ask for their opinions.
"I have no objection!!"
"Hehehe... I also want to see what the Luo Chen Pirates, who are so famous on the high seas, are really capable of!!" Momousagi and Fujitora had no objections and agreed with Akainu's decision.
Immediately afterwards, the meeting reached a decision and a consensus was reached: the newly appointed Admiral Fujitora and the reserve Admiral Momousagi would pilot warships in two separate groups to launch an encirclement and annihilation operation against them.