One Piece: Holy Light Swordmaster

"Hahaha…"

Morgans' small eyes gleamed even brighter. He stood up, his wings flapping in excitement. "Fleet Admiral, I've guessed what you're thinking…"

"So, why would the Fleet Admiral do this?"

"Obviously, it's to 'protect' you… to prevent you from being noticed by 'certain people' too soon!"

"Your unique abilities and exceptional reputation are all uncontrollable variables in their eyes. And unlike me…"

Morgans' face darkened as he clicked his long beak twice. Dragging his rotund belly, he slumped back onto the sofa.

"Money. Beri. Who would ever have enough? And I, under this appearance, am nothing more than a greedy media tycoon! As for them… the one thing they don't lack is Beri!"

Wright listened quietly and suddenly chuckled. "Your current appearance… an albatross? It must've taken some effort to maintain, hasn't it?"

"You've been in this form for years. It seems your Devil Fruit mastery is quite thorough!"

"Ahem…"

Morgans almost choked and hurriedly thumped his chest with his wings. Awkwardly, he replied, "It's… basic professional skills for a journalist!"

"Seems like you're dissatisfied with your current situation, Morgans."

A faint smile played on Wright's lips. When he mentioned Morgans' Devil Fruit's disguise ability earlier, his Observation Haki caught a fleeting image in the old bird's mind—a sharp-eyed man. This might just be Morgans' human form!

Morgans snorted angrily. "As the head of the world's largest newspaper, my World Economy News should have the ultimate authority to control what news is released!"

"What should be reported, and how, should be decided by me!

"While this is usually the case… many times, I have no choice but to follow 'their' instructions."

"I see. I expected as much. Honestly, if it weren't the case, I'd find it strange—perhaps even suspect someone from 'above' is close to you."

Wright nodded. This old bird harbored significant ambitions. Was he already chafing under control?

"For you to speak so candidly with me, Morgans, is quite unlike your usual behavior."

Morgans' face flickered with complex emotions before he heaved a deep sigh. "Vice Admiral Wright, your relationship with Germa 66 truly surprised me."

"You must know, Germa 66 has deep ties with my organization as well."

"Oh? Is that why you mentioned Germa earlier? 'Deep ties,' you say… that gives me some ideas."

"It seems… your connection with Germa runs deeper than I anticipated."

Morgans looked slightly surprised but then sighed in relief. "Germa 66 is a nation of mercenaries, used to eliminate… certain targets."

"And as a member nation of the World Government, Germa's public image issues have been handled by me—through rather 'special' means!"

"Germa's comic strip? Hmm, I recall it was serialized in the World Economy News. So that was your doing. Truly impressive!"

Wright clapped slowly. "It seems that not only CP handles Germa's intelligence, but you've also had your share of involvement. After all… information is power."

Morgans nodded gravely. "Exactly. It's a mutually beneficial arrangement, one I've had no reason to refuse. And for the most part, things have gone smoothly."

"But recently, Germa has failed a few assignments given by 'them.'

"To them, it might seem trivial—if Germa fails, just send CP to handle it.

"But to me, as a journalist with sharp instincts, something about this feels… unusual!

"Considering Germa's recent demand for certain supplies, and coincidentally learning that Germa is assisting you with some research projects…

"I can't help but conclude—Germa and you are collaborating on something… 'they' wouldn't approve of."

Wright's expression didn't change, but Morgans' eyes grew sharper.

"I don't know how you reached an agreement with Germa… but that's irrelevant. What matters is—I've been waiting for this opportunity for a long time!"

"Opportunity?"

"Indeed! This is an opportunity! Germa's status as a member nation, your potential, your image and reputation as a Vice Admiral, and my intelligence network and influence—if we join forces, I can largely escape their control!

"After cooperating with 'them' for so long, I've grown weary of their crude methods of manipulating news. It's so… artless, devoid of finesse!

"I am the DJ of words! I am the master of news! I am the King of Journalism!"

Morgans' expression grew more maniacal and animated—his entire presence radiated a sense of… freedom?

"My image and reputation… Morgans, are you planning to use them for something unsavory? You know my stance on such matters—it's impossible."

Wright couldn't help but chuckle. Was this old bird insane? To think he could use Wright's reputation to free himself from the World Government's control? Absurd. Even Garp couldn't pull that off! Not even with Germa's status!

"You misunderstand, Vice Admiral Wright…"

Morgans stroked his wings deliberately, enunciating each word. "I seek to strengthen myself!"

"There are two ways to escape control. One is to disappear, making yourself unreachable.

"The other is to grow so strong that no one can control you!

"The allied nations you're connected to aren't limited to Germa! Alabasta, Fish-Man Island—these significant powers are also involved. Germa simply happens to have the deepest ties with me!

"Vice Admiral Wright, the relationship between the Navy, CP, and the higher-ups is far more intricate than it seems!

"The Fleet Admiral seeks stability and can keep things under control for now, but…

"In ten years, perhaps less, the Navy's growing power will inevitably clash with the higher-ups, who see the Navy as merely a tool!

"Whether the Navy remains obedient or not, as long as its strength grows to a level that makes the higher-ups uneasy, this conflict is inevitable!

"This is the natural consequence of the 'Great Pirate Era,' something I've discerned with the instincts of a top-tier journalist!

"The world will descend into chaos! The Navy will grow stronger! And the higher-ups will grow wary!

"And with your potential, if I can 'package' you the same way I've 'packaged' Germa…

"When you rise further without drawing too much attention, eventually becoming an Admiral, or even…

"With my guidance in public opinion and intelligence, when the time comes to solidify the situation…

"The immense reputation you'll unleash will serve as a testament to your rise, and my World Economy News will reach unprecedented heights!"

Morgans' face flushed, his eyes blazing. "This will be the greatest triumph of a journalist's career!

"At that point, not even CP or the higher-ups will be able to control me!"

"This is a win-win—no, a win-win-win partnership!"

"…And if I refuse, Morgans, do you know your odds of leaving here alive today?"

Wright's sinister tone interrupted Morgans' fervor.

But then Morgans burst into laughter.

"Vice Admiral Wright, you won't refuse…

"World peace.

"Justice of hope.

"Ah, my information is always timely… I heard you just fought the great pirate Kaido…

"Conqueror's… Haki!"

"…Morgans, your human form is actually quite dashing."

"…I miscalculated, Vice Admiral Wright. Your Observation Haki is unfathomable, and your conversational tactics… flawless!"

"Basic professional skills, right?"

"Hahaha… Well, that makes our foundation for cooperation even stronger. What do you say, Vice Admiral Wright?"

"Deal!"

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