Boom!
Boom!
Brilliant fireworks suddenly shot up from both ends of the venue, exploding in the sky. Even in broad daylight, the dazzling fireworks colored the sky with vivid hues.
"Wow~!!!"
The audience below gasped in awe, mesmerized by the display. The atmosphere instantly became as lively as a New Year's celebration.
"What... What is this place!?"
Akainu's eyes narrowed in sudden realization. He quickly sensed that he might have fallen into a trap. For a man accustomed to overpowering all enemies with his immense strength, it was a rare and unsettling experience.
"This is the Pokémon Arena." Leo, standing calmly opposite Akainu, replied with a smile. His composure seemed unshakeable, as if nothing in the world could erase the smile from his face.
But while Leo remained calm, the surrounding crowd burst into excitement.
"Oh my god! Am I seeing this right!? Isn't that Admiral Akainu from Navy Headquarters!?"
"It's really the Admiral!? The rumors were true, the Admiral actually came to the East Blue Sea!"
The reporters were abuzz with chatter, camera shutters clicking incessantly, and flashes going off like crazy. What had initially seemed like a long shot had turned into a massive scoop.
Just then, the giant screen in the sky flickered to life, displaying close-up shots of Leo and Akainu. The Admiral's imposing presence and lethal intent were on full display, while Leo's calm demeanor radiated through the screen.
Suddenly, a large Rotom speaker hovered into the center of the field, its bright eyes twinkling. With the sound of fireworks still echoing in the air, it announced in an enthusiastic, host-like voice:
"Welcome to the first-ever Pokémon Open Showcase!"
"This event is dedicated to demonstrating the power and allure of Pokémon, creatures from another world, to everyone in the pirate world…"
"We also encourage the media to document the entire process and results of this competition."
"First, let us introduce the competitors!"
The big screen then switched to a pre-prepared video montage showcasing Leo.
"To the north of the arena stands the host of our event, the esteemed dimensional merchant—Sir Leo!!!"
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh...!
Fireworks erupted around the arena once more, illuminating the sky. As someone who reveled in grandeur, Leo couldn't miss the chance to put on a show!
Under the glare of countless reporters' cameras, Leo smiled and waved to the crowd. In the video, Leo appeared as a perfect gentleman, saluting and introducing himself:
"I am Leo Drago, a dimensional merchant from the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce."
Though his introduction was brief, the scenes in the background rapidly changed, as if showing off his wide array of connections and experiences. The video was clearly spliced together from several different recordings.
The Rotom speaker continued:
"Sir Leo, a dimensional merchant from the Transdimensional Chamber of Commerce. To preserve the vitality of the pirate world, he has brought products from the Pokémon world to this realm…"
"After the competition, everyone is welcome to stay here for a day. During this time, any questions about Pokémon can be answered by nearby Rotoms."
"Additionally, Sir Leo will be selecting lucky individuals for Pokémon trades."
The speaker Rotom then fell silent, giving everyone a moment to digest what they had just heard.
"Hmph, what a dull spectacle!" Akainu sneered, though he hesitated as he noticed the countless reporters around him.
Logically, this operation should've been kept under wraps. In the past, Akainu would have wiped out all witnesses without a second thought. But seeing the reporters who were already live-streaming, he decided against it.
"I'll let you have your fun for now, clown. This will be a good opportunity to showcase the Navy's might!"
He thought to himself with a cold smile, waiting. To him, Leo's antics were meaningless. Everything around him was irrelevant; after so many years of battling across the seas, Akainu had seen it all.
But the next moment made Akainu instantly regret his thoughts.
The screen lit up once more, showing another video montage!
Rotom's voice echoed through the venue:
"Next, let's turn our attention to the other competitor in today's match—the Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, under the World Government—Sakazuki, also known as Akainu!!!"
A wave of shock rippled through the crowd.
While many reporters had already identified Akainu, most of the audience consisted of diners and chefs from the Sea Restaurant...
When Akainu's identity was confirmed, a shiver ran down their spines. Unlike the thrill-seeking reporters, the wealthy businessmen and nobles had entirely different concerns.
"This is bad! We're in serious trouble!"
The screen then began to play a video, accompanied by Rotom's narration:
"Admiral Akainu, a user of the Logia-type Magma-Magma Fruit, possesses the power to turn an entire island into a sea of magma when he unleashes his full strength…"
As the introduction continued, Akainu's frown deepened.
"How does he know so much about me!? Despite knowing my power, he still created this arena?"
"What exactly is he planning!?"
Akainu's gaze focused on Leo, who remained unreadable.
Just then, the screen began to play a recording.
Boom! ! !
A cannonball wreathed in red flames struck a massive tree with explosive force.
Peng! ! ! !
The fiery explosion consumed the entire screen.
What followed were the sounds of chaos and cries for help.
A sinister voice narrated:
"Commence the Buster Call! All fleet units, fire! Target the entire archaeological island of Ohara…"
Bang, bang, bang, bang…
At the command, hundreds of massive battleships unleashed their artillery, raining down a torrent of firepower on Ohara.
"Wha... What is this!?"
Akainu's eyes widened in disbelief as he watched the screen.
"This is impossible! How could they have recorded what happened back then!?"
The screen continued to show the devastation of Ohara, an island that was wiped out by a Buster Call from the Navy Headquarters for studying the forbidden history of the 'Void Century.'
Under the relentless bombardment, the 'Tree of Knowledge,' a repository of untold wisdom, was reduced to ashes.
Archaeologists who had dedicated their lives to uncovering the truth…
Vice Admiral Saul, who betrayed the Navy to save them…
Navy soldiers who attacked civilians to bury the truth…
All of these hidden acts of "justice" were laid bare before the audience.
"Is this... is this real!?"
Sanji's expression was one of indescribable shock as he stared at the screen.
The flames reflected in his eyes didn't fade as the scenes changed.
"The Navy... The World Government... did they really do this!?"
The reporters present also looked on in disbelief. Yet, despite the shock, the live broadcast from the Transponder den-den mushi continued to transmit the images to major newspapers across the East Blue Sea.
Some timid news outlets immediately cut the feed, too terrified to continue.
But many more hurriedly began to duplicate the footage, understanding that if they didn't speak out now…
Then when the cannon fire was aimed at them, there would be no one left to speak for them!
...
...
The Grand Line, on a secret island in the New World.
"Wahahaha, this is truly sensational news!"
A large bird in a suit suddenly spread its wings, staring intently at the screen.
This bird was Morgans, one of the underworld's emperors and the president of the World Economic News!
An Albatross Zoan Devil Fruit user, Morgans was a staunch believer in the power of truth in the news!
As long as the news would sell, there was nothing Morgans wouldn't dare to publish!
"This time, the news is enough to shake the world!"
His eyes gleamed with excitement as he immediately ordered his staff:
"Hurry and record every detail. I want the whole world to see this news by tomorrow!"
"But, President…" one of the members hesitated, "this is a scandal involving the World Government. If we publish it, we'll be marked for death..."
Not everyone had the courage to stand up to the might of the World Government.
"Huh!?"
Morgans' eyes suddenly turned sharp, and he glared at the hesitant employee. His wings were instantly coated with dark, armoured Haki. In a flash, Morgans spun around, and a cold gleam cut through the air.
The dissenting member clutched his throat and collapsed.
With a cold expression, Morgans declared:
"You're fired!"
"Did you really think I wouldn't know the World Government planted spies among us!?"
"Haha…"
A mocking laughter echoed through the small newspaper office.
The other members, however, acted as if nothing had happened. They quickly set about recording the entire live broadcast, their eyes glowing with determination.
Anyone brave enough to work for the World Economic News wasn't afraid of a little trouble!
If they were, something was definitely off with them!
...
...
The East Blue Sea, in a certain area.
"Slash!!!"
Two sharp blades flashed, and a terrifying spray of blood burst from the chests of two pirates who were preparing to attack.
"Well done, Scyther!"
On the other side, Zoro was holding his own, cutting down every pirate in his path with his two-sword style, Honedge.
A bloody storm raged across the pirate ship.
After a while…
"Whew, finally got rid of them."
Sheathing his sword, Zoro let out a long breath.
He quickly took out his phone, Rotom.
"I kept getting notifications about a live broadcast while we were fighting. Hope I didn't miss it…"
...
The East Blue Sea, Syrup Village, in Kaya's family villa.
"Damn it!!! The Navy actually did something like this!" Usopp roared in anger.
Though his dream was to become a brave pirate, his sense of justice burned brightly.
Kaya, who was lifting dumbbells nearby, also had anger blazing in her eyes. She immediately added two more weight plates and resumed her exercise with renewed vigor.
Only Kaya's father seemed unsurprised, shaking his head with a soft sigh:
"This is the real world."
...
...
The East Blue Sea, Kingdom of Hyde.
In a luxurious castle, Carina, dressed in a maid's outfit, slipped into the shadows.
She glanced at Nami, who was wearing the same uniform, and couldn't help but sigh.
"Nami, if you don't get to work, people will start getting suspicious!"
But Nami paid no heed to Carina's suggestion. Instead, she clenched her fists, her icy-clear eyes fixed on the screen above.
"No wonder Arlong ruled Cocoyasi Village for so many years…"
"So, this is the true face of the Navy!"
"Good...good..."
"Navy, huh..."