Chapter 178: Chapter 178: Wright’s Exclusive Interview
"What? The World Economy News Paper wants to do an exclusive interview with me?"
Upon returning to Marine Headquarters, Vice Admiral Wright received a dizzying piece of news from Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
"Indeed. That persistent bird tagged along with me to Fish-Man Island and brought this up more than once on the way back," Garp replied, visibly annoyed.
Garp, freshly returned from Fish-Man Island, slurped his hot tea and happily munched on senbei. He seemed unusually satisfied—after all, the senbei from Sengoku's stash had a unique flavor.
Sengoku shot a dark glance at Garp. "What exactly did you brag about to that old bird during your trip? Wright's reputation is already sky-high. Any more attention, and it could get dangerous!"
"Of course, I know that!" Garp scratched his head irritably. "But Morgans and the World Government have... an interesting relationship. At times, he practically serves as their mouthpiece!"
"The events at Fish-Man Island may have been under the guise of personal ties, but Wright is still a Vice Admiral of Marine Headquarters! Luckily, what he did aligns with the World Government's narrative, showcasing their magnanimity. Otherwise, who knows how they might retaliate!"
Sengoku shook his head grimly. "It seems we can't avoid this... Wright, once the interview concludes, you must leave immediately for your posting at the G-5 Branch. This will give your rising fame time to cool off and deter any underhanded moves by the World Government."
"I understand…" Wright nodded, now comprehending the additional reason behind Sengoku's insistence that he transfer to the G-5 Branch.
"I'm still not strong enough…"
...
"Ha ha ha! Vice Admiral Wright, it's an honor to finally meet you in person! I'm absolutely thrilled!"
Morgans, the portly, flamboyant bird-man and president of the World Economy News Paper—better known as "Big News Morgans"—beamed with excitement as he sat across from Wright in the Marine Headquarters' reception room.
"Getting this exclusive interview with you, Vice Admiral Wright, was no easy task!" Morgans declared, his tone brimming with pride.
"Oh? Is that so?" Wright glanced at Morgans' array of Den Den Mushi—photo snails, audio-recording snails, and even a white signal-blocking snail to prevent eavesdropping.
"Tell me, Mr. President, why bring a white snail to Marine Headquarters?"
"Professional requirements!" Morgans replied confidently. "As the protector of exclusive news, I can't allow anyone to eavesdrop. It's all part of a great journalist's integrity!"
"Hmm… very well," Wright conceded, activating his Observation Haki to confirm there was no one within twenty meters. "Though with precautions like these, outsiders might suspect we're conducting some kind of clandestine deal."
"Professional habits, professional habits…" Morgans cleared his throat. Despite his present confidence, he carried the demeanor of someone destined to dominate the news world.
"Let's begin, Vice Admiral Wright…"
"Go ahead."
"I've just returned from Fish-Man Island with Vice Admiral Garp. I heard that you hold the honorary title of 'Grand Healer' there—a remarkable feat for a human!" Morgans exclaimed.
Wright raised an eyebrow, noticing the bird's momentary disappointment, likely due to wistful memories of Fish-Man Island's enchanting mermaids.
"...Well," Wright said, lips twitching slightly. "Whether it's unprecedented, I can't say. But yes, the honorary title of 'Grand Healer' was conferred upon me."
"It happened during a private trip to Fish-Man Island, where I happened to save Queen Otohime. As a gesture of gratitude, King Neptune bestowed the honor upon me."
The incident, which took place in full view of the public, was witnessed by at least a third of Fish-Man Island's population.
"Your heroic act of saving the queen has made you a household name on Fish-Man Island!" Morgans pressed forward, already primed with his next question.
"Is it true that you visit Fish-Man Island every month to provide free medical treatment? What inspired you to do this?"
"Yes, I do. It's nothing to make a fuss about," Wright replied, shrugging. "If you knew my past, you'd understand.
"When I was a pirate hunter in the East Blue, it was common for me to offer free medical help to villages in need. Fish-Man Island, however, lacks surface-world medicines and equipment. Furthermore, the island has suffered persecution and disdain for years.
"Coupled with its geographic challenges and constant pirate threats, injuries from pirate attacks often go untreated. As a Marine who upholds justice and possesses healing abilities, I couldn't turn a blind eye after witnessing it firsthand."
With his hands open in a gesture of sincerity, Wright concluded, "Since my Marine duties keep me busy, monthly visits are a practical solution."
Morgans' eyes gleamed with excitement. "So, your motivation for the free treatments is justice?"
"As a Vice Admiral, my actions are always scrutinized," Wright said, meeting Morgans' gaze. "This is a personal decision—a blend of my sense of justice and my friendship with Queen Otohime.
"It's not just gratitude for saving her life. Queen Otohime has helped me immensely in return. But that's a private matter."
Recognizing Wright's firm tone, Morgans wisely decided to steer the conversation away from the queen.
After asking a few lighter questions, Morgans unexpectedly put away his Den Den Mushi, neatly packing them into a box.
"Vice Admiral Wright… I've heard rumors about your connections with the Germa Kingdom."
Morgans' long beak curled into a sly smile, while Wright's pupils constricted slightly.
"Mr. President, isn't this interview supposed to focus on Fish-Man Island?"
"This is merely a personal question. Look, I've put away the snails."
"...Yes," Wright admitted after a pause. "I get along well with King Judge and have even enlisted his help on certain research topics."
Leaning forward slightly, Wright unleashed a growing pressure that sent cold sweat running down Morgans' back.
"Vice Admiral Wright! I mean no harm!" Morgans blurted hastily. "If anything, this exclusive interview shows how much Marine Headquarters—or rather, Fleet Admiral Sengoku—wants to keep your profile… under the radar."
With the pressure easing, Morgans finally exhaled in relief.
"Mr. President… you're not as harmless as you appear," Wright said, frowning as he activated his Observation Haki.
"Hmm?" Wright's eyebrows lifted, his interest in the future underground powerhouse piqued.
"A… wordsmith DJ?"
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