Chapter 155 The Player's Show of Force
"This is, Ms. Violet? Hehe, we finally meet."
The strange tone made Violet pause. She turned around in confusion and understood why the voice was so strange after seeing the person behind her.
The creature behind her stood a few steps away from Violet, wearing a black top hat. Underneath the hat was a fluffy bird face, which was excessively large compared to its kind. The bird was dressed in a suit and bow tie, and made a surprised expression that was as human as could be.
“…Morgans?”
“It is I,” Morgans said as he approached Violet. “I didn’t expect that Big Mom would invite you to her tea party. What a pleasant surprise.”
Violet noticed that Morgans was followed by several seagulls, each carrying a small satchel and several times smaller than him.
They look a bit like the newspaper birds that deliver the World Economic News every morning, but their status should be higher than that of ordinary newspaper birds. Although they don't speak like Morgans, their eyes sparkle with human wisdom, and they are dressed much more respectably.
“It’s truly delightful news to see young people like you rising so rapidly on the high seas,” Morgans remarked sincerely. After all, whether it was the rise of newcomers or the fall of old forces, they could always profit from it in the news. “What’s that saying again? Contentment brings happiness. I don’t think Kibsen and Umet quite understand the true meaning of that.”
Violet looked at Morgans, finding it difficult to discern his micro-expressions from his furry, bird-like face.
“While those guys can be infuriating at times, if they really provoke you, I still hope you can… well, calm down?” Morgans pushed his hat up with his wing. “After all, force isn’t everything.”
Morgans gave Vera a meaningful look.
Force is not a panacea.
Violet remained noncommittal about Morgans's words: "Perhaps it's because you haven't yet acquired the power that can be called 'omnipotent'."
"...Hehe, that's an interesting way of putting it." The feathers on Morgans' back stood up for a moment. This guy, this guy, is indeed much stronger in both mindset and strength compared to a few years ago.
In recent years, R'lyeh has focused on developing its shipping routes, transportation, and agriculture businesses. Unless someone is blinded by Pelé and comes knocking on its door, R'lyeh has kept a low profile.
But perhaps it is this low profile that has made some people forget the terrifying speed at which Violet rose from her first wanted poster to becoming a Shichibukai, and forget her title as the "youngest Shichibukai".
Thinking of this, Morgans' bird-like face revealed a barely perceptible expression of schadenfreude.
This might be related to the fact that bounties stop increasing after someone is designated a Shichibukai by the World Government? After all, Violet's rise to power was too short, meaning her bounty didn't have much time to increase. The numbers on the wanted posters are too small, so even if people understand why, they can't help but subconsciously underestimate them.
"Ah, we've arrived."
Morgans stopped at the entrance to a huge, creamy-white wrought-iron garden. Blooming flowers twined around the gaps in the iron arches and grew upwards. Upon seeing Morgans and Vera, they raised their tender leaves and clapped joyfully at them.
"Welcome, Mr. Morgans!"
"Welcome, Ms. Violet~"
"This is Mother's Garden. Lay down your weapons, put down your hatred, and enjoy a wonderful time of joy."
"Come in quickly, delicious desserts are waiting for you."
"Come in quickly, the blooming flowers are waiting for you."
"Come in quickly, your friendly friends are waiting for you."
Morgans removed his top hat and gave a graceful bow to the flowers: "A very nice nursery rhyme, thank you."
"Oh dear, this is so embarrassing!"
The flowers that were originally in full bloom closed their buds shyly after hearing Morgans' words, trembling on the branches.
Morgans put his hat back on and turned to look at Violet: "Let's go in together."
Because of the unique nature of Big Mom's Devil Fruit ability, Violet did not use the character of her [twin sister] this time. However, this did not prevent her from sensing that everything in this beautiful garden, from the flowers to the trees, exuded a strong sense of being neither human nor inhuman.
I didn't feel this obvious when we went to the Temptation Forest together before. Is it because she unlocked [Twin Sister] and Rosinante's soul has been with her for a long time? I feel like she's become more sensitive to spirits and ghosts now.
After calmly reassuring the excited Shadow Sword, Vale walked with Morgans to the afternoon tea area without changing her expression.
"The one in the yellow overalls with a large scythe beside him is Dragon Piecrow; the one with the exaggerated black beard and wearing a huge pirate captain's hat is Umit; and that beautiful woman with short blond hair needs no introduction, she's Stussy, the only woman among the six underworld emperors..."
As they walked, Morgans quietly explained to Violet that these people, who straddled the line between the legitimate and criminal worlds, had accumulated a lot of hatred and rarely showed their true faces to ensure their safety. Therefore, Morgans's explanation was quite important to Violet.
"Thank you very much, I owe you a favor."
Vera lowered her voice as well. Being able to recognize who was who would be of great help to what Vera was about to do.
Morgans, satisfied with the reply, let his tail twitch with the hem of his suit jacket: "I hope that next time you run into big news, you can take a couple of exclusive photos for me."
As he spoke, he pointed to the camera Den Den Mushi he always carried in his pocket.
While the ubiquitous newsbirds can serve as information and photo gatherers, their strength is ultimately too weak. Just like in the previous battle between Violet and Doflamingo and Jack, even if the newsbird risked its life to create a sensational news story, its speed was not enough to catch up with the people who were fighting fiercely.
So basically, the World Economic News could only take the final picture of the victors after all the major events were over. But Morgans, who was always extremely keen on all kinds of information, knew very well that his guests would be more interested in the process of these strong people’s battles than in the exhausted victors standing on a pile of ruins.
"That Sakura reminded me that dynamic images are more accessible and appealing than static photos."
As times progress, Morgans has sensed the decline of traditional print media and the rise of new media communication methods through live streaming via Den Den Mushi. It should be said that from the moment the Navy broadcast the execution of Pirate King Roger to the whole world, this trend has been unstoppable.
Morgans has invested in many of these nascent small companies, but he feels that a catalyst is still needed before new media is fully accepted.
Perhaps Vera can provide him with the videos he needs.
“If you need it, I can deliver the latest mini Den Den Mushi to where you need it,” Morgans said. “And believe me, the reward afterward will be quite substantial.”
This was a win-win deal; Morgans did not take advantage of the information he had just provided to raise the price.
In return, Vera reminded the other person, "If you feel something is wrong later, run away quickly."
Morgans, who already sensed the danger of this afternoon tea gathering of six individuals with whom they harbored deep-seated hatred and could not easily reveal themselves, glanced at her and nodded to indicate that she understood.
"Morgans? You're really late!"
"That creature with wings is the last one to arrive!"
"Hehe, Morgans has been very busy lately. The World Economic News's information gathering ability is probably something that even the Navy and the World Government are envious of."
Even though Violet was standing right next to Morgans, those guys acted as if they didn't see her at all, only exchanging pleasantries with Morgans and deliberately ignoring Violet's presence.
What a childish trick.
Stusi, who was drinking tea, didn't think much of the group's performance, but he also had no intention of helping Violet. He was just watching with interest to see how this young girl, who had just come of age, would behave.
If you can't even handle this small matter, no matter how strong you are or how large your territory is, you'll eventually be doing all the work for someone else.
If Violet shows even the slightest weakness, giving the impression that she has an opening, not only will Stuart, who is currently watching the show, take a bite out of her, but even Morgans, who is standing next to Violet and seems to have a good relationship with her.
Violet looked at Umit, who was speaking. When their eyes met, Umit didn't flinch and instead gave a disdainful snort.
"This is utterly absurd. Lingling's tea parties are getting more and more boring," Umit said, looking at Vera. "Anyone can participate... What a waste of time!"
After Vil opened up several islands along the shipping route as transit points, Umit's maritime transport business not only failed to profit from the booming R'lyeh fruit and vegetable route, but also experienced a significant decline in business.
Some islanders would secretly follow behind their ships, seeking refuge by using Vil and R'lyeh's names. As long as it wasn't too outrageous, Vil would never interfere.
Those people were supposed to be his customers!
Vera glanced at the empty seat behind Umit: "Would you mind moving over?"
"Let me in?" Umit turned around and blocked the empty space completely. "As Lingling's friend, I have to be vigilant when she's not around. I can't let just anyone in."
“Any Tom, Dick, or Harry?” Violet nodded. “It seems you have a misunderstanding about me.”
Umit was about to mock Violet, telling her it was too late to reconcile. No one had ever dared to make Umitt suffer in silence. He wasn't after an apology or compensation; Umitt had his eye on the transportation routes Violet controlled and wanted to seize them by force!
In the end, she's just a kid who's barely come of age. Does she really dare to go against me?
call--
Is it the wind?
The garden was usually filled with warm breezes carrying the scents of flowers and desserts, but this one was completely different—sharp and chilling, it swept over Umit's body with a terrifying aura.
No one saw when Violet made her move. By the time everyone realized something was wrong, Violet's Shadow Sword was already pressed against Umit's neck.
Not drawn?
Stussy noticed that Vera hadn't removed the simple wooden scabbard. Just as she suspected that Vera didn't want to completely break ties with Umit, the thick black beard on Umit's chin suddenly snapped off cleanly in the middle and floated down to the ground in the disbelief of the group.
Recalling the cold air that had just brushed against the side of his neck, Umit's forehead broke out in a cold sweat.
Even with just an unsheathed sword, the sword energy it generates when swung is so sharp and precise. Such swordsmanship is enough to earn Viole the title of swordsman!
"Um……"
As Violet turned her wrist, the sword that had been hovering at the side of Umit's neck slowly rose up and pressed down on his shoulder in Umit's terrified gaze.
"Make way?"
An irresistible force came, and Umit gritted his teeth and held on for less than half a second before staggering back two steps to make way for him.
Violet sheathed her Shadow Sword, then walked to the empty seat amidst the wary or surprised gazes of the others, and calmly sat down.
Thank you.
Violet looked up at the disheveled Umit, her brows furrowing as if she were pondering a difficult problem.
"Oh right... what's your name again?"
-----------------------
Author's Note: Violet is already a big shot! [shy]
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com