Morgans' influence was unrivaled.
When it came to breaking news, no one in the world could match him. That's how he came to dominate the global media landscape.
But this time, even he was stumped.
Who could possibly have injured Kaido so badly that the infamous Beast Emperor was left clinging to life?
Morgans' thoughts mirrored those of Charlotte Katakuri. Neither of them even considered Kairos Flint.
After all, no matter how famous Kairos had become lately—especially after his headline-grabbing clash with Whitebeard—there was no reason for him to suddenly tangle with Kaido. There had never been a conflict of interest between them.
The most logical suspect was the World Government.
Morgans wasted no time. His men, disguised as medical staff, infiltrated the treatment wing where Kaido was being kept.
And the moment they laid eyes on Kaido's condition, they were completely stunned.
The Yonko Kaido. The man known as the Human Beast. The indestructible force who had survived dozens of naval executions.
Now lay broken.
He was covered in wounds, his right arm completely severed, and his body battered nearly beyond recognition. He lay in bed, barely alive.
It was beyond miserable.
This wasn't just news. This was history.
Without delay, the undercover agent began snapping covert photos. The chaos of Kaido's treatment had everyone's attention elsewhere—no one noticed a "nurse" taking pictures.
They were too busy trying to save Kaido's life.
After all, if they failed, Charlotte Linlin would hold them personally responsible. And she didn't care how many lives it cost.
Meanwhile, back at the headquarters of the World Economic Times, Morgans was pacing wildly.
He had summoned every senior staff member of the paper.
Reporters, editors, layout designers—everyone huddled around, whispering amongst themselves.
"What's going on? The boss never pulls everyone in like this…"
"I heard it's a massive scoop. Like... world-shaking."
"You think it's Kairos Flint again?"
"Wouldn't surprise me. He's on fire lately. Maybe he took down another pirate crew?"
"He is the new Bounty King. Hunting high-level pirates left and right."
The newsroom buzzed with speculation. But Morgans didn't say a word. He just lit cigarette after cigarette, filling the ashtray to the brim, clearly nervous.
He feared the worst: one of his people might've been caught by Big Mom's crew while sneaking around. If that happened, they'd likely be executed on the spot.
Still, he couldn't afford to wait.
He dispatched more people to keep surveillance in Totto Land while pacing, hands twitching, waiting.
Finally, the den-den mushi buzzed to life.
Morgans lunged for it.
"Well?! Did you get it? Is it headline-worthy?!"
"President! We got it—it's HUGE. I nearly fainted!"
"Then stop babbling and send me the damn photos! And dictate what you saw—verbatim!"
The spy on the other end trembled as he transferred the images and detailed report through the transmission line.
Every staff member gathered around Morgans, eyes wide with anticipation.
What could possibly shock Morgans himself?
Moments later, the image appeared.
Silence. Absolute silence.
And then—
"Is that… Kaido?!"
"What the hell happened to him?!"
"His arm is gone! Is he DEAD?!"
Minds were blown.
Hearts pounded.
This wasn't just a story.
This was the kind of news that shakes the foundations of the world.
No wonder Morgans had called an emergency editorial meeting. A Yonko maimed and nearly killed?
It was the kind of scoop journalists dreamed of.
"You've seen the photos," Morgans growled. "Now give me the best damn headline of your lives. I want the whole world talking about this!"
"Yes, sir!"
The newsroom erupted with energy. After weeks of pushing out boring, filler news, this was like a jolt of adrenaline.
Every typewriter clicked, every editor barked orders.
After a night of relentless work, the newspapers were ready.
By dawn, countless seagulls soared across the skies, distributing the latest edition of the World Economic Times.
Somewhere along the Grand Line…
Red-Haired Shanks sat under the morning sun, flipping through yesterday's edition.
He had recently passed his old straw hat to Luffy, the boy he'd pinned his hopes on. Now, Luffy had formed a crew—the Straw Hat Pirates—and was making waves across the seas.
Despite the tragic loss of Nami, Luffy had gathered strong allies and was steadily making a name for himself.
His bounty now sat at 80 million Beli.
He had yet to cross paths with any of the Shichibukai and had only defeated minor threats, but that didn't dampen Shanks' pride.
"Luffy's doing great," Shanks murmured with a proud smile.
Still… this world wasn't what it used to be.
Not with Kairos Flint roaming around.
That bounty hunter had risen like a comet—taking down pirates, collecting astronomical bounties, and becoming a major wildcard.
And now, Kairos had his eye on Shanks' daughter, Uta.
Which meant Shanks needed to have a word with him soon—especially if Kairos ever considered targeting Luffy.
"I'd better ask him for a favor," Shanks muttered. "Just this once… don't come after Luffy."
Just then, a newspaper gull flew overhead.
Shanks plucked the paper from the sky and casually opened it.
His expression shifted immediately.
His pupils dilated.
"What the hell…?"
The newspaper nearly slipped from his fingers.
Kaido—seriously injured. On the brink of death.
The headline screamed across the page, accompanied by undeniable photographic evidence.
"Did… Charlotte Linlin do this?"
Shanks couldn't believe it.
Had the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates gone to war?
Right now?
Why?!
Had Linlin betrayed him and taken him prisoner?
It didn't make sense.
"Captain? What's wrong?" one of Shanks' crew asked, noticing his stunned face.
Others gathered around.
When they saw the front page, they too froze.
Disbelief hung thick in the air.
Kaido was down.
The world was out of balance.
And somewhere out there, Kairos Flint was watching it all unfold.