Chapter 101: 101. The Fire Festival Ends, Intelligence And News Ferment

Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: [email protected]/CosmicKaminari ---------- The Fire Festival has been brewing for yet another day, and just like the incident at Whole Cake Island, the event's details—under the orchestration of Morgans—have spread across the world at an astonishing, almost terrifying speed. Countless newspaper offices are working around the clock, scrambling to print extra editions of the World Economy News Paper, which serves as the backbone of the global media. Yet even with their tireless efforts, the demand far outpaces supply—papers are flying off the shelves the moment they hit the stands. And the reason? The event's significance is simply too great to ignore. This time, the headlines feature none other than the new-generation Yonko, the famed "Flying Admiral," Alex. His domain, Wanokuni, is a land steeped in legend, its reputation extending far beyond its borders despite its non-affiliation with the World Government. Because of its status as an independent and "illegal" nation, much of the world knows little about it. But thanks to its allure, including the famed allure of the Kuja's homeland, an island of dreams for men everywhere, the evening news about the Fire Festival has shattered all previous records—including the best-selling reports of Charlotte Linlin's inaugural tea party. Newspapers have seized upon the global curiosity about Wanokuni, crafting headlines that drive interest and dominate the conversation about the world's changing tides: "The Six Regions of Wanokuni: Unique Seasonal Splendor and Stunning Tourist Attractions!" "The New World's Agricultural Powerhouse! How the Shogun Transformed the Rich Borderlands!" "Fire Festival Revealed: Wanokuni's Annual Grand Celebration!" "Unbelievable Prizes! The Shogun's Special Tournament Rewards Include a Legendary Sword and a Mythical Zoan Fruit!" "Unmatched Swordsmanship! The Return of the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Wielded by a Thirteen-Year-Old Prodigy!" Each headline is accompanied by vivid, high-definition images. The detailed write-ups add further intrigue, captivating readers and ensuring the event dominates the news cycle. The newspapers are selling out faster than they can be printed, and reprints are struggling to meet global demand. Morgans' work has paid off—Alex's retainers and their exploits have become household names, cementing his fame and Wanokuni's status as a force to be reckoned with. The seas are ablaze with chatter. Though it wasn't the aftermath of a great war, the news surrounding Wanokuni has sparked fierce global discussions, particularly because of how closely it relates to everyday life. "Wanokuni sounds like a paradise. A country that rich in food... if only I was born there, I'd never have to worry about hunger again." "Hah! It's an illegal nation. The Marines or another Yonko will conquer it sooner or later." "The geishas there look stunning. Why wasn't there more coverage about the Kuja, though? I was hoping for that." "Wait, is that kid for real? A Logia fruit at his age?! He's on the same level as the three Marine monsters!" "Forget the kid—did you see the prize for the tournament? A Mythical Zoan?! The Shogun is too generous to give something so rare away!" "It's decided! No matter how difficult it is, I'll find a way to join Wanokuni!" Across the world, the spread of newspapers has sparked a wave of emotions—envy, awe, and jealousy—among readers. The most profound impact, however, is not just the newfound understanding of Wanokuni or the fearsome power of Alex's Royal Court. It's the longing the news has inspired in countless individuals. For some, it's the allure of Wanokuni's thriving conditions. For others, it's the strength displayed by its ruler. And for many, it's the sheer generosity Alex demonstrated during the Fire Festival. In a remote corner of the world, somewhere in the Four Seas, a man wearing a dark green coat that obscured most of his features stood by the window of a high platform. He held a newspaper about Wanokuni in his hand, his gaze fixed on the headlines. Behind him stood a towering figure with a dark purple afro and dressed in flamboyant women's clothing. This was none other than the renowned "Miracle Person", Emporio Ivankov, a key figure in the Revolutionary Army and a close friend of the man in green. That man was Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army and one of its founding members. "I know that look, Dragon," Ivankov said with a sly grin. "If you're that interested, why not just go straight to Wanokuni?" As a close confidant, Ivankov could easily guess what was going through Dragon's mind. The headlines, especially those about Wanokuni's transformation, must have struck a chord with him. Once a poor, isolated country, Wanokuni had become a prosperous and thriving land under Alex's leadership. For someone like Dragon, who sought to reform the world, Wanokuni's rapid change was bound to be interesting. Dragon nodded thoughtfully. "You're right. I need to make time for a visit to Wanokuni." The more he considered it, the more it made sense. Wanokuni's remarkable transformation and Alex's rising influence had caught his attention. Even Gion, a former Marine Vice Admiral, had left her position to join Alex's side. Dragon wanted to understand it all—Wanokuni's path to change, Alex's leadership, and the ideology that inspired such loyalty. As if mirroring his thoughts, the wind shifted direction, carrying a breeze toward Wanokuni. Meanwhile, in the first half of the Grand Line, a heavy wooden door creaked open in a hunter's bar, and the lively chatter inside fell silent. A man with a massive sword strapped to his back stepped inside, his mere presence enough to silence the noisy crowd. This was a bar frequented by pirate hunters, a place where strength determined respect. Yet even among this rugged crowd, the man's arrival created an air of unease. He was Dracule Mihawk, a figure so fearsome that even among pirate hunters, none dared to approach him. Despite his status as one of the world's most skilled swordsmen, his infamy came not only from hunting pirates but also from challenging and defeating Marines. In the Grand Line, he was whispered about as the "Marine Hunter." Even the boldest among the crowd knew better than to provoke him. Mihawk, for his part, seemed indifferent to the subdued atmosphere. If anything, he preferred the silence. His sharp, hawk-like eyes scanned the room as he approached the bar, his boots echoing against the floor. Then, he stopped. Something on the counter caught his attention—a newspaper. His piercing gaze locked onto the headline, and the words "Great Swordsman" stared back at him.