"Again?" Marco can't help but ask as soon as he heard the news upon his return from his vacation on Sunny Islands. He reported back to his office the following morning. That's when Izou visited him to bring the news.
"What do you expect? Until you get married, you will always be selected. Nothing we can do about that." She said. They were talking about Marco being selected as one of the most eligible bachelors of Grandline by Grandline People Magazine.
Marco lost count how many times he has been selected for that kind of title. It's been what? 6 times? Don't the editors get tired of selecting him almost every year?
"Say, Marco... When will you tell us that you are dating someone mysterious?" Here comes the million-dollar question. Izou dropped it like no one's business and Marco should have expected it.
"You will get to know her soon, yoi."
"How soon is soon?" His sister is standing in front of him, hands crossed in front of her chest while demanding an answer.
"Very soon, Izou. We are working it out."
"I can't believe this! You've been keeping secrets from me! Your favorite sibling!"
"Don't be dramatic. Besides, it would be a big deal if I introduce her to the whole family. Don't you think, doing that when we are just getting to know each other is a bit too much?"
"Okay, I got your point, but couldn't you at least tell me who? Or show me the picture! I am curious to know how she looks like." Izou's hand is laid in the air, demanding for Marco's phone.
"If I tell you, you will definitely tell everyone. So, no, yoi. You have to wait until I decide to introduce her."
Judging from Marco's tone, Izou has no way of getting the answer out of him. He's never going to tell her unless he wanted to.
"Fine. Expect that I'll thoroughly question your girlfriend when I meet her. For you to go to such length for her, she must be the real deal." That, Marco, cannot deny. Ann is a force to reckon with and worth every effort there is.
"Thatch demanded his souvenir. Did you get him anything?"
"I sure did! Here, yoi." Marco gave a small box wrapped in blue paper. It looks like a gift. In one sense, it is a gift. Albeit, not something Thatch is expecting.
Looking at the small box, Izou can't help raise an eyebrow at Marco which he answered with an innocent smile. With the box on her hand, she left his office to deliver the gift to her boyfriend.
Thatch accepted it much gusto. Unwrapping the gift like a child opening Christmas gifts. As soon as he saw what's inside, his mouth gaped in shock.
It was a very small bottle with sand on it.
"That damn cheapskate! I'll get him for this!" Thatch shouted while Izou is smiling in amusement. Marco is going to receive an earful of complaints from Thatch for the souvenir.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
Forbes Grandline is a magazine known for recognizing businesses around Grandline. They featured businessmen and prominent families known to the business world. They made rankings of the Top 50 richest person/family in the whole world.
Every month, they would interview different personalities coming from different companies. They've featured Gol D. Roger and his company, Edward Newgate, Shanks Leroux, Silvers Rayleigh, Marco Newgate, Dracule Mihawk, and many more personalities that belong to the business world.
Originally, they plan to interview Roger and Rouge but they refused to accept an interview from them or any magazines there is. Damn tabloids.
True to their words, they won't be accepting interviews. Nowadays, the couple remained unseen by the public. They must be upset that their daughter's picture was published, albeit it was a very blurry one.
There are a lot of brunettes in Grandline. Unless anyone can get a clearer picture, no one can determine how she looks like.
As this is the case, the magazines were relentlessly trying to find other matters to publish now that Roger and Rouge won't be doing interviews. As of this moment, the magazine was delighted that the President and Vice President of Straw Hats Incorporated accepted their request for an interview.
This will be the first interview the two accepted. They were so excited to feature this group as it is one of the most progressive out of the business companies out there.
After the photoshoots, they proceed to have the actual interview. Of course, they would need to have it recorded or possibly have it in a video just in case the group would agree to have it featured on television.
There are nine of them, but this interview would focus more on the core founders of the company itself, namely Luffia and Zoro.
INTERVIEWER 1: Hello everyone. We are so pleased to have you here.
LUFFIA: Hello as well! Can we get started? I'm getting hungry.
This particular statement earned some jab on the ribs. The interviewers just looked confused at all of them. The second interviewer just cleared her throat to get their attention.
INTERVIEWER 1: First and foremost, I would like to thank every one of you for accepting our interview. Shall I start with the founder itself? Hello, Miss Luffia! How are you doing?
LUFFIA: I'm good!
INTERVIEWER 2: What made you start the company?
LUFFIA: What made me start it? It's because it is fun!
INTERVIEWER 1: Fun? Can you define the fun in building a business empire?
LUFFIA: Well, it's fun. You get to have ideas and see it turn into reality. You get to enjoy the fact that your ideas are being presented to everyone and everyone values it as much as I do.
INTERVIEWER 1: That's a logic I never expected from someone like you, may I add. So, can you further give details about how you and Zoro started this?
Luffia is already laughing at the memory and Zoro snorted with a bit of amusement upon remembering the first time they met and how everything started.
ZORO: Everything started with her pestering me around, trying to convince me to start a business. She is so annoying back then.
The interviewers grew more curious at the statement of Zoro.
INTERVIEWER 2: What do you mean by being pestered, Mr. Zoro?
ZORO: Oh, she keeps on insisting that we will start a business because it is going to be fun. She won't take no for an answer! I have no interest in starting a business such as this but she keeps on stalking me. I refused her downright for thousands of times.
Luffia only laughed remembering those times where she always stalks Zoro into agreeing to build the business with her.
INTERVIEWER 1: Now, that's quite fascinating.
NAMI: More like annoying.
USSOP: Agreed. Luffia never takes no for an answer. She's that spoiled.
BROOK: Yohoho. Luffia can be so persistent. I even remember the time that she wanted me to join the company because she wanted a musician to be part of it.
INTERVIEWER 2: Miss Luffia, it seems that you are persistent towards goals and everything. No wonder you made it this far. According to the reports, this business was established by small investments 5 years ago.
LUFFIA: Yep! After Zoro agreed to start the business, we put most of our savings into the stock market. We played with the stocks for a couple of months. Then, Nami joined in and we now have an accomplished financial adviser and accountant.
NAMI: I really hesitated in joining in. I even refused. Well, all of us refused to join her for who knows how many times. Eventually, you really can't win against her.
Everyone agreed to what Nami said. Zoro is the first and main witness given that Luffia pursued him into joining for quite a long time and thus establishing the SHI.
INTERVIEWER 2: So, after Zoro and Nami joined in, what was the next step?
LUFFIA: That would be Ussopp joining us. Of course, there were matters we needed to deal with. He is a very skilled painter and a good sharpshooter. He has many talents.
USOPP: Man… You're flattering me too much. But, you've got it correct. I – President Usopp
LUFFIA: Oi! I'm the president!
USOPP: Ah, right, right.
The interviewers looked amused at their banters. They look like a family already. Regardless, the interviewers have to ask questions about the foundation of the company.
INTERVIEWER 1: After Usopp, who's next?
LUFFIA: We had Sanji next. He's the best chef in the world!
SANJI: Luffia-swann~~~ You flatter me too much.
ZORO: I hope you get flattened instead. (Grumbles)
SANJI: Were you whispering something, Marimo?
ZORO: Of course I am, shit cook.
The two started to glare at each other, but Nami punched both men on their heads shutting them up. The interviewers sweatdropped at the display. All the Straw Hats are actually ignoring the fact that Nami just punched both boys. Luffia even laughed.
The interviewers figured out that this is normal for the group. They contemplated if they should include this in the magazine.
INTERVIEWER 1: Uhm, okay. So, after Sanji joined, the restaurant and food business was formed. News has been spread out to the business world about your success.
There was a small article regarding the emerging business led by young fellows. The article mostly circles around Luffia and Zoro.
LUFFIA: Hmm, yeah, I remembered! Sanji was a bit sulking at that time though since Ussopp was mentioned. Zoro as well!
INTERVIEWER 2: After Sanji, who joined the crew?
LUFFIA: We had Vivi Nefertari with us before. Of course, she would always be welcome to come back but she has to attend matters in regards to her family. Then along the way, we had Chopper. He's an awesome doctor! And genius too!
CHOPPER: Praising me like that won't make me happy you bastard~~
Once again, the Interviewers sweatdropped at the reaction but they have to move on with the questions and there are tons of questions needed to be asked to this crew.
INTERVIEWER 2: Ahem! Yeah, so once Chopper joined in, you guys had an expert doctor to explore the medical business field. This particular line of business was a point of criticism to folks in the business world, especially for pharmaceutical companies. What drives this group to still pursue cheap and organic medicines?
CHOPPER: I was raised by Doctor Hiriluk and Doctor Kureha. They have been the best parents and they taught me that curing people or at least making a cure for a disease shouldn't be a drive to get money. The sole purpose of a doctor is to heal and cure people. We did not establish this line of business just to get sums of money out of it. It's to help people.
NAMI: We indeed get profit out of it, but the profit is not that large. It is appropriate, to say the least.
LUFFIA: I have no idea when it comes to curing people and their sickness. Building this line of business is to help fulfill a friend's dream.
The interviewers were beyond astonished. These people are truly genuine.
INTERVIEWER 2: Having Chopper boosted your fame throughout the world. But before the recognition of everyone, Miss Luffia and Mr. Zoro gained fame the most since they established a fast-growing company. Mr. Zoro, many are curious as to why you did not take it upon yourself to manage the winery of your foster brother and instead established one on your own.
ZORO: His winery is different than ours. He is more into the luxury of the wine. I am into Sake. Besides, at one point, I never imagined myself managing a business such as this. I am more intent on becoming a swordmaster. Luffia just forced me to join her.
LUFFIA: Hahaha. Uncle Hawky does not mind though. He just lets Zoro do whatever he wants.
INTERVIEWER 1: Hawky?
Zoro snickered. If this particular nickname gets out, Dracule Mihawk would be pissed at Luffia, but sure as hell, he can't do anything about it since she would just totally ignore her.
ZORO: She's referring to my brother.
INTERVIEWER 1: Ohh… I see. Alright, moving on. Miss Nico Robin, a very famous historian, and political analyst. What made you join SHI?
ROBIN: Oh, Luffia wound up forcing me to do it. (She said it with a bright smile)
The interviewer can't help but wonder if these people were forced to be part of SHI. Judging from their comments, they might have been persuaded. Just how much could Luffia persuade a person into doing what she wants?
INTERVIEWER 2: After you joined the company, it opened another opportunity to gain more fame throughout the business world. People recognized you as the company that managed to dethrone the famous Sir Crocodile.
Everyone fell silent for a moment. Encountering Crocodile made them famous. They've dealt with the stocks in Alabasta that now belong to the right owner.
LUFFIA: It was okay. We just did what we have to do.
INTERVIEWER 2: After assembling a 7-person company which according to the standards of the business world, that is rather small. You proceed into buying the stocks of Galleyla Company. A very well known ship manufacturer. This bold move made the corporate world even wary of your recent progress. May I quote, that the Grandline Business Insider said 'SHI is building an empire.'
LUFFIA: Oh, that. I wanted to have our previous ship to be fixed but unfortunately, it is beyond repair. We used Going Merry for traveling through seas. That's where we meet Franky and have him joined us. He built the Thousand Sunny Building as well as Thousand Sunny Ship for everyone. It's awesome. We will give you a tour around the ship and the building.
INTERVIEWER 2: Wow, that is quite fascinating. Having Franky even broaden the entire company itself. You even expanded beyond imaginable. From architectures, Financials, Book Publishing, Food and Restaurant, Medicine then Robotics. Franky, you hold a great deal of responsibility for these lines of business ventures.
FRANKY: Of course, I take good care of these SUPER lines. We make sure that the products we deliver are SUPPERRR!
The interviewers sweatdropped at the frequent use of SUPER but it is known to everyone that Franky can be quite… eccentric to say the least.
INTERVIEWER 1: We also have another one who joined. Mr. Brook, a well-known musician. No one expected you to suddenly join a company such as SHI given that you are a musician. What made you join the company?
BROOK: Yohohoho. It's quite refreshing to be part of this group. Technically, we are working but we are also having fun.
INTERVIEWER 1: Could the same reason apply to you, Jinbei, who recently joined them as well? You've been affiliated with big names before - Big Mom, Whitebeard, and even the government at some point.
JINBEI: It certainly is fun to be with them. I've learned a lot and I am looking forward to more projects int he future.
INTERVIEWER 1: Over the years since the first establishment of the company, the company faced challenges along the way. How did your group went downhill for 2 years since the establishment and now became one of the top growing companies in the world?
Everyone thought at the moment when they almost went bankrupt due to the bad decisions of the management. No one blamed Luffia for it, because everyone has something to do with the downward operations they initiated.
LUFFIA: I never thought that our journey in the business world would turn out like that. There are ways for us to bounce back immediately, but my decision on taking a 2-year break from the main operations has something to do with building individual controls and roles. We are good as a team, but as an individual, we still have to do a few more works which is why almost all of us have to learn from various aspects.
All of them just gaped at the very smart comment from Luffia. They are used to her whimsical decisions. Most of the time, she won't even give them a reason. Hearing her reasons first hand is another thing they never experienced.
INTERVIEWER 2: I see. That proved to be a wise decision seeing that you've been constantly on the rise and it earned quite a title to achieve as you are dubbed as the youngest Billionaire in the Grand Line History.
LUFFIA: Really?
She is shrugging this. Money has never been an issue for her and she never cared.
INTERVIEWER 2: What is your secret to your success?
LUFFIA: Nothing. Just be yourself and have fun. Enjoy every moment with your friends and have adventures together!
INTERVIEWER 1: As for your friends, what made you stay with Luffia through thick and thin?
JINBEI: Her resolution and will to continue forward. I've admired how dedicated she is.
BROOK: She is a true friend despite her flaws.
FRANKY: She is a SUPER Boss. She would think of her friends first before anything else.
ROBIN: Oh, she is reliable.
CHOPPER: She never treated me like a freak or anything just because I am obsessed with medicines.
SANJI: She is my mellorine~~
USOPP: Oh, she needs my skills.
NAMI: She needs my skills when it comes to finances.
Zoro finds it hard to provide an exact reason why he is staying with her.
ZORO: I trust her with my life.
He thinks this is the most accurate reason he could provide.
LUFFIA: Everyone…. Oi, oi! You're flattering me too much~~
INTERVIEWER 1: So, after re-establishing your company, you've earned quite the reputation of storming the business world just like the first establishment. We now have the Strawhat Alliances consists of a few businessmen namely, Cavendish, Barto Club Company, Columbus, Don Chinchaoand many more. These names have been famous as well.
LUFFIA: Oh, it was just a chance. We all have our goals, but I'm still the President.
The interviewers got confused with her answer but moved on to the rest of the questioning. Most of them consist of questions about Luffia and Zoro's personal lives before the establishment of the company.
After the interview, they all moved on with the tour around the building. The interviewer has the impression that this building is not build to be an office of a large company but rather a sort of condominium place. The luxury is evident.
After everything is done, they all bid goodbyes.
This interview session with Forbes Grandline will be released a few weeks from now…
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
"No way in hell." Kidd said to Killer.
"Why not?"
"That's a stupid title." He finds it stupid to be named as one of the most eligible bachelors of Grandline. Who needs such a title anyway?
"Didn't you accepted interviews from magazines before? What makes you refuse this one?" The People Grandline Magazine must have contacted Killer so he can talk to Kidd to accept the interview.
"Those were sports magazines and industrial magazines. This one is total bullshit."
"They're not tabloids, Kidd. Don't you think you can use this interview to smoothen your reputation?"
"Smoothen my reputation? What do you mean?"
"You're branded as a playboy for years. It's time for you to straighten that up."
"I live my life the way I want to. Besides, who cares what they think of me anyway?" Kidd is being stubborn. Who cares about what others say? It's not like he will die if he will be known as a playboy by the public. Also, that term is somewhat true as well. He never dated anyone and prefers casual relationships or to put it bluntly, he prefers to be fuck buddies.
"Doc might mind." Killer muttered but it was loud enough for Kidd to hear.
"HUH?!"
"Just do it, Kidd. It won't kill you."
"It won't kill me either if I don't."
"Fine!" Killer shouted before leaving Kidd and walked into his kitchen where Sab was preparing dinner. "Doc!"
As soon as Kidd heard Killer call Sab, he bolted out of his seat to follow his friend. His assumptions were correct. Killer is telling Sab about the interview. Damn tattletale.
"Kidd refuses to accept the interview. Wuss." Traitor.
"If he doesn't want to accept the interview, let him be." Sab answered Killer. Kidd was about to celebrate but stopped when he heard the next words that came out of her mouth. "He is scared to accept the interview. Maybe he's just nervous kiddo. You don't have to be mean to a childish man, Killer. If he won't man up to accept that simple interview, then there's nothing we can do."
Every word she emphasized doubled the irritation Kidd is feeling. Him - scared? A kiddo? Childish?
"Who the fuck said I won't accept the simple interview! Of course I'll accept it, damn it! Watch me man up and accept it!" He stomped out of the kitchen after his declaration.
Silence...
Then, followed by Killer and Sab's laughter.
"Thanks, Doc! You're the best!"
"No need to thank me. Seeing him annoyed is a blessing. That was a good one."
No wonder the two of them suit each other. Killer thought. The two of them may look a bit different at first glance, but they have similarities that the two of them refused to recognize or acknowledge.
"Hey, Doc. I hope you don't mind me asking this, but you're single, right? As in not dating anyone?" Killer mustered the courage to ask Sab this.
"Yeah, I am not dating anyone. Why?" Thank goodness she did not snap at him.
"Why don't you and Kidd date?" Killer regretted asking that question as soon as he saw Sab's deadly glare. He could feel his soul being sucked.
"What did you just ask?"
"Err- You two looked good together."
"No way I am dating that Barbarian! Are you crazy? We'd most likely kill each other from annoyance than act like lovers!"
But you two are acting like an old married couple, though. Killer wanted to say this but refrained from doing so. She is holding a kitchen knife, who knows what she will do to him if he ever pisses her off. From what he had witnessed before, Sab is a very capable fighter. It won't take much for her to injure Killer. He values his life, thank you very much.
But with her response, Killer concluded that Kidd and Sab are too much alike. In terms of denial that is.
When will the two of them start accepting each other?
Killer wishes it will be soon.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
Grandline People Magazine Issue: Hottest Bachelors in Grandline
INTERVIEW SESSION WITH ZORO:
The interviewer is quite nervous upon seeing the serious and stoic handsome face of this man. But regardless, this is a job need to be done.
INTERVIEWER: Hello Zoro. How are you doing?
ZORO: I'm bored but I guess okay.
INTERVIEWER: Good. So, you are named as one of the hottest bachelors in the Grandline. How do you feel about that?
ZORO: I don't really pay attention to what people say about me. I will do whatever I want but I guess I am flattered that they think that way.
INTERVIEWER: According to the comments from the women around Grandline, they find your focus to be attractive. We've listed a couple of things they find attractive from you and not too surprisingly, they listed muscles, eyes, hair.
ZORO: (Snorted)
INTERVIEWER: All people have been noticing your unusual hair and they even felt attracted to it, What can you say about this matter?
ZORO: They all say the same thing. Some thugs during my high school time do not like it. They seek a fight which they terribly lost (smirks)
INTERVIEWER: A troublemaker then.
ZORO: No. I never asked for trouble. They are just asking for it.
INTERVIEWER: Oh, okay. How do you keep your body in shape? Many men would die just to get muscles like yours.
ZORO: I do training and weight lifting. Sleep is also essential to the body.
INTERVIEWER: Tell us more about your living.
ZORO: I am currently working in Straw Hats Incorporated. I usually teach swordsmanship to children.
INTERVIEWER: What kind of work are you doing in SHI?
ZORO: I manage the winery. Sometimes, I approve of the plans from the different departments due to my position as an Overall VP.
The interviewer was astonished.
INTERVIEWER: Amazing. Aside from these, you are also known to be the protégée or the heir of Dracule Mihawk's winery business and financial institute. Why didn't you start managing his business?
ZORO: I never really cared for money. Money is a necessity but I never considered or desired for more. I am in SHI because of Luffia. Mihawk's business can stand for itself without me since he is there to manage everything.
INTERVIEWER: So, the reason you're working with SHI is because of Miss Luffia, the founder?
ZORO: Partly, yes. She is my best friend and we are trying to help each other's dreams come true and that also includes our friends in SHI. People might think that it is built out of gaining profits, but we built it to fulfill our dreams.
INTERVIEWER: So, what dreams are you trying to fulfill? Considering what you guys achieved this far, I couldn't think of anything you wanted.
Zoro fell silent. He wanted to have the title of the best swordsman in the world and clearly, that has nothing to do with building a business empire. The more he thought about it, the more he realized that the dream he is trying to fulfill is to see Luffia happy to fulfill her wishes.
ZORO: That's secret. (with a smirk)
INTERVIEWER: Okay, so trying to be mysterious, huh? Let's proceed with other things then. How does it feel to have a lady boss?
Zoro snorted. Luffia can be a lady, like 1% lady.
ZORO: I am not sexist. Besides, we've been friends for years. She is a good leader despite having flaws and I respect that about her.
INTERVIEWER: I see. Can you further tell us your daily hobbies?
ZORO: Exercises for my daily routine, at least 1000 swings for practice, techniques practice. At least 2 hours.
INTERVIEWER: That's pretty intense. How about your work schedules and such?
ZORO: After my daily exercise routine, I spend my time in the Thousand Sunny Building. It depends on the schedules we had. Currently, Franky is letting me do test drives with the vehicles he is currently making. Sometimes, I would deal with the paper works, and most of the time, I would deal with Luffia's boredom.
INTERVIEWER: Boredom?
ZORO: She would bug me that she is bored dealing with paper works. Aside from those, I visit the winery and Sake production since that's my department. Of course, meetings from different clients.
INTERVIEWER: Pretty hectic. By the way, what are your friends' reactions to this?
ZORO: Oh, the curly brow is pretty pissed off knowing that I took this title. It pretty much made me feel better that I pissed him off. (With smug look)
INTERVIEWER: Curly Brow?
ZORO: I am referring to Sanji.
INTERVIEWER: I see. Haha. You guys seem to be a rival of some sort.
ZORO: (Snorted) I am way stronger than him.
INTERVIEWER: So, we heard aside from swordsmanship, you are also into Motorbike racing. How do you juggle different hobbies? Your life seems to be so busy.
ZORO: Motorbike racing is a great sport. It helps me relax from time to time. Besides, I usually join races. It helps pay the extra bills. (He shrugs)
INTERVIEWER: What do you need money for when your brother is as rich as Shanks Leroux?
ZORO: Unlike other rich brats, I don't exactly depend on his wealth. Those are his, not mine. I liked to earn for myself.
INTERVIEWER: Such a dependable man. A man such as yourself would prove to be a good husband and father. Say, when would you be ready to settle down? For sure, many women will cry their hearts out.
Zoro paused for a moment. His relationship with Luffia is at its early stages. He is not sure when they will get married but he does not doubt that they will. He just can't put the exact time as it is.
ZORO: Definitely, not now. In three or four years to come. Who knows? I am not sure when, but I'll know once the time is right.
INTERVIEWER: I see. Thanks for your time. We hope that you will accept another invitation from us.
ZORO: We'll see.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
INTERVIEW SESSION WITH KIDD:
The interviewer is nervous. Unlike Zoro, Kidd is downright scary. Of course, Zoro is scary as well but Kidd seems to be glaring down right at the very soul of his. It's like Satan came to interrogate you.
KIDD: I'll kill Killer once I'm through with this! (He hissed at no one but the Interviewer feels like Kidd is directing the death threat to him)
INTERVIEWER: Uh, h-how are you doing Mr. Eustass?
KIDD: Good, considering I have to do this interview.
INTERVIEWER: Ohhkayy. So, you've been named as one of the hottest bachelors. How do you feel about getting this title?
KIDD: *smirks* Yes, I know most women would find me sexy, and I won't be a hypocrite by saying that I don't enjoy their attention. You could say I am quite proud of it.
INTERVIEWER: Oh, I see. A proud one huh? Tell us more about you.
Kidd turned sour the moment that was asked. He wouldn't be telling them his whole story. Especially his life, or the fact that his brother is Shanks.
KIDD: Hmph! Do I have to? For all I know, you guys have been researching me. Shouldn't you be publishing what you've been snipping around?
The interviewer paled a little at his sarcasm. He's far more perceptive than anyone would think. The interviewer has to be careful from here on out.
INTERVIEWER: It would be best that it would come from you. Gossips around cannot be trusted after all.
KIDD: Hmp. Well, I'll start with the obvious. I own bars and works as a freelance Metallurgical Engineer.
INTERVIEW: Ah, so passionate about your job huh? How are you handling the competition with Zoro?
KIDD: Yeah, we compete from time to time. We are also drinking buddies.
INTERVIEWER: That's quite nice. Aside from your career, how about a steady girlfriend? You've been branded a womanizer by people already, but having the title never really hurts your popularity. Rather, they boost them.
KIDD: No, I don't have any right now. (At least not yet.)
INTERVIEWER: But you're interested in someone in particular?
KIDD: (Smirks. The image of a devious doctor invaded his mind) Of course.
INTERVIEWER: Well, we hope to meet this person you're referring to.
KIDD: We'll see.
INTERVIEWER: Can you tell us more about her? She must be someone great to get your attention.
KIDD: I won't deny that fact but unfortunately, I will not be saying anything about her yet.
INTERVIEWER: Such as shame. We will hope that you will introduce her sooner or later.
===XXX===XXX===XXX===
INTERVIEW SESSION WITH MARCO:
Marco is the most approachable out of the three guys so far. He is known to be accommodating – as accommodating as a socialite can be.
INTERVIEWER: Hello, Marco. It's good to have you here.
MARCO: Thank you, yoi.
INTERVIEWER: How are you these days? You seem to be too busy.
MARCO: Yes, that's quite right, yoi. But I am trying to cope with the busy schedule nonetheless.
INTERVIEWER: As expected of you. Right now, this has been thrice where you were named as One of the Hottest Men in the Grandline as per the choice of People. What can you say about this matter?
MARCO: I am thankful that they are constantly supporting and voting for me. I am very flattered.
INTERVIEWER: Lately, there have been constant rumors regarding your status. Some of the rumors consist of you getting an arranged marriage for further influential power. Some of them consist of you being gay. The others claim that you already have a girlfriend.
Marco chuckles at the rumors. Those rumors are constantly in the tabloids that he got used to it already.
MARCO: First of all, I am not getting married just to get more influence. Secondly, my Pops does not believe in an arranged marriage, yoi. He gives us the freedom to choose who we want to spend our life with. As for the rumor about me being gay, I am not.
INTERVIEWER: I see. So, can we assume that you are still single and available?
MARCO: No. I am exclusively dating someone and I won't be mentioning her name until we have agreed to go public, yoi.
INTERVIEWER: Really? Wow! She must have been one lucky woman. Can you tell us a bit more about her?
MARCO: We just started to get to know each other. She's an amazing company and we get along very well.
INTERVIEWER: How did you two meet?
Marco thought for a moment. He can't just say straight out that she met Ann in the garage of WGC.
MARCO: Let's just say that we met under an unexpected circumstance, yoi. Most unexpected, if I may say so.
INTERVIEWER: Hmm, quite mysterious. We can't wait to meet this woman.
MARCO: Let's see, yoi.
INTERVIEWER: Well, how's your family been doing so far?
MARCO: We are doing great. The entire family is doing well.
INTERVIEWER: That's good. Considering the achievements you guys have achieved, I heard you will be participating in the Motorsports Event. Everyone is already anticipating your win.
MARCO: I wouldn't expect that considering that there are a lot of competent racers that will be competing this year. Let's just say that I will try my best, yoi.
INTERVIEWER: That's quite modest of you. Who are you watching for this year?
MARCO: Fire Fist, Blue, and Lucy. Those three are quite mysterious and need to watch out for.
INTERVIEWER: Quite the surprise, those three are. In any case, let's hope for the best, right?
MARCO: Of course, yoi.