Chapter 42 : Grasping Opportunity

~~~~o~~~0~~~o~~~~

Emi struggled to stay afloat, anger boiling within her, fueling her fight against despair. She couldn't give up now. Not after coming so far, after all the sacrifices made. She had to do something.

But what?

She was exhausted, her body battered by blows and the cold of the water. The frustration of her failure crushed her heart, almost paralyzing her.

For the first time in a long while, tears of despair slid down her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Dad. I'm sorry I couldn't avenge you…" Every wave seemed determined to pull her under, and a deep sense of helplessness overwhelmed her. Her strength was leaving her, and she felt utterly alone. The salty water stung her eyes and burned her lungs with each desperate gasp for air.

In this moment of total vulnerability, a thought crossed her mind. Maybe it was time to let go, to give in. The fatigue was crushing, and the icy water seemed to numb her pain. She felt her limbs grow heavy, water swallowing her head as she began to sink slowly into the ocean.

But deep within, a faint yet unyielding voice refused to be silenced. She thought of her father, of everything he had sacrificed, and of the promise she had made to avenge his death. Even in the darkness of defeat, this flickering flame of determination refused to die.

As she sank into the ocean, a final spark of will ignited within her. With a desperate effort, she kicked her legs, surfacing one last time to take a breath of air. If she had to fight until her last breath, then so be it. For her father, for herself, and for the justice she pursued.

.~~~~

As Emi drifted in the ocean, eyes closed, she felt a faint movement nearby, something restless piercing through the fog of pain and fatigue enveloping her. Struggling to open her eyes, she caught a glimpse of a familiar shape: Coco, desperately trying to pull her out of the frigid water. The poor seagull flapped its wings frantically, beak firmly clamped onto Emi's satchel, but the effort was in vain.

"Coco…" Emi whispered, her voice barely a breath, choked by the salt and pain constricting her. "I… I don't want you to see this…"

Coco didn't let go, even as the futility of her efforts became clear. She let out a sharp, almost heartbreaking cry of frustration. Her little wings trembled before she finally released the waterlogged fabric, unable to support Emi's weight any longer. Then, in one final effort, she took to the air, frantically searching for help. Her sharp gaze scanned the horizon, and at last, she spotted a ship, pulled by New Coo birds, not far off. Without hesitation, she swooped toward the vessel, her desperate cries echoing across the sky, attempting to catch the crew's attention.

On the deck, Morgans, president of the World Economy News Paper, was engrossed in reading the latest headlines, a cup of tea in hand. Coco's piercing cries startled him, and he looked up, puzzled. "What the…?" he muttered, brow furrowing.

The seagull landed abruptly on the ship's prow, fixing her gaze on the New Coo with an urgency that seemed almost human. She let out a shrill call, and the New Coo, as if her cry had struck a chord, suddenly picked up speed, their wings beating powerfully to steer the ship toward the open sea. Morgans grabbed onto the railing, unsteady from the sudden maneuver. "What's going on here?!" he grumbled, his curiosity piqued.

As they neared the source of the commotion, Morgans finally spotted a figure adrift, a frail form tossed about by the waves. Coco circled overhead, screeching with the desperation of a wounded bird. It was a young woman, nearly lifeless, her hair floating around her like dark seaweed. Morgans squinted, a flash of recognition crossing his mind.

"Get her out of there, now!" he barked to his crew, his tone leaving no room for hesitation. Several men rushed forward with ropes and hooks to pull Emi aboard. Coco, still hovering above, kept a vigilant eye on them, ensuring no one left her behind. When Emi was finally hoisted from the water, her body collapsed heavily onto the deck, trembling and ice-cold, barely conscious.

Morgans leaned over her, his usually stern face softened by a wave of intrigue. "So, it was for you that this seagull made such a fuss," he said, a mix of perplexity and amusement in his voice.

Emi, eyes half-closed, managed to murmur a few words before slipping into unconsciousness. "Coco…"

Morgans nodded, impressed by the bird's loyalty. "You're lucky to have such an ally," he murmured, straightening up. "We'll take care of you. Stay with us."

As the ship slowly resumed its course, Emi sank into a deep sleep, her body exhausted but saved at the last minute by Coco's unwavering loyalty.

~~~~o~~~0~~~o~~~~

Emi woke up, disoriented, in an unfamiliar room. Her heart raced as the recent events replayed in her mind. A dull ache throbbed at the back of her head as she pushed herself upright, blinking to focus in the dim light. She turned abruptly, and her gaze met that of her seagull, who let out a cry of relief upon seeing her regain consciousness.

Tears rolled down Emi's cheeks. Frustration, fear, exhaustion—all swirled together in a torrent of emotions. She reached out to Coco, who nestled close to her, bringing a touch of warmth and comfort.

Emi curled up, holding Coco tightly, the tears continuing to flow silently down her face. She had barely escaped death, but the bitter taste of failure gnawed at her. The CP2 agent, the one who had destroyed her life, was likely somewhere far away, unharmed, while she lay here, helpless. She hadn't been able to avenge her father. A wave of powerlessness swept over her, each breath a cruel reminder of what she had lost, of what she hadn't been able to accomplish. She had failed. Bitterly, irrevocably failed.

As she struggled to stand up, the door opened, and Morgans entered the cabin. Emi recognized him instantly. She had often heard of him during her years of writing for the newspaper, but she'd never imagined meeting him in person. Morgans, or "Big News," the legendary head of the World Economy News Paper. This albatross-man, with his imposing beak and piercing eyes, had built his reputation on revealing truths others wanted hidden. And he was the one who had saved her? A mixture of surprise and disbelief washed over Emi as she realized she was in the presence of one of the world's most influential figures.

"How are you feeling?" Morgans asked in a calm tone.

Emi nodded, pulling herself together. "Alive... Thank you for rescuing me."

"You should be thanking your seagull. She's the one who saved your life." He gestured toward Coco. "You're lucky I happened to be passing through because of this revolt," he added, pausing before saying, "You came from there, didn't you?"

Emi's heart suddenly raced. The revolt. The Revolutionary Army. She had left everything behind. Her thoughts blurred in an instant. How long had she been unconscious ? She stood up abruptly, ignoring the pain still gripping her body. Had the Revolutionary Army managed to free the people? And that cursed noble… what had become of him?

She needed to know.

"I have to go back," she said with resolve, trying to push past. "I need to know if everything is alright there, if the revolutionaries were able to—"

Morgans raised a hand to interrupt her, his calmness a stark contrast to Emi's urgency. "Calm down," he said. "You're not going anywhere in this condition."

Seeing that she wasn't listening and was struggling to walk, he reached into his jacket, pulled out a newspaper, and held it out in front of her to stop her.

"Look."

Emi frowned, a mix of confusion and anger flashing across her face. But her gaze fell on the front page, and her breath caught in her throat. The enormous headline that dominated the front page read:

"Revolutionary Army Seizes Control of Veloria Island."

Emi's hand trembled as she took the paper, her eyes skimming the main article, each line amplifying the frantic beat of her heart.

"Yesterday, in a coordinated offensive, the Revolutionary Army overthrew the regime of Noble Acher de Montgascon, who was forced to flee the island under the overwhelming pressure of rebel forces.

The World Government, taken by surprise by this bold attack, has yet to comment on this crushing defeat. The island is now under revolutionary control…"

Emi didn't need to read any further to feel a wave of relief escape her lips as the words seared into her mind. The noble had fled. The Revolutionary Army had succeeded. The island's people were finally free. A flood of emotions overtook her, and she felt an immense weight lift from her shoulders. What her father had tried to do, what he had fought and sacrificed his life for, had finally been achieved.

Justice had been served.

"Dad… Your efforts weren't in vain," she thought, tears welling up, her throat tightening.

She lifted her head, looking at Morgans with a mix of gratitude and admiration. How had an article like this seen the light of day? It was a true bombshell, putting the World Government in a vulnerable position. And yet, there it was, black and white.

Morgans, noticing Emi's reaction, wore a proud smile.

"Impressive, isn't it?" he remarked, satisfaction in his tone.

Emi nodded, at a loss for words. She was both impressed and grateful. This man, who many saw as an opportunistic and unscrupulous player, had, in fact, published an article that could change everything.

After a long silence as she processed everything she'd just read, Morgans broke the quiet.

"So, what was a girl like you doing there? You don't seem like part of the Revolutionary Army."

Emi lowered her gaze, resisting the urge to relive the pain of her recent defeat, but she answered resolutely, "I went there to avenge my father. The government is responsible for his death."

Intrigue flickered across Morgans' face. "The government? Who was your father?"

Emi looked at him intensely after a heavy silence. "Hiro Sato."

A frown crossed Morgans' face. That name was familiar. Hiro Sato was a talented journalist he'd tried to recruit into his own network many times, without success. That decision had ultimately cost Hiro his life.

Emi met Morgans' gaze with resolve. "My father was a dedicated journalist, just like you. He believed in truth and freedom of expression. He thought you were the only one with the courage to tell the truth to the world, even if it meant challenging the powerful."

Morgans listened attentively, a hint of surprise in his gaze. "He was one of the best. A man of true principles." He furrowed his brow, caught off guard by this revelation. "So, you're his daughter."

A mix of emotions washed over her: the sadness of her loss but also the pride in knowing her father had left an impact that even someone as influential as Morgans recognized.

Morgans let the silence hang for a moment, studying Emi with his piercing eyes. "And now?" he asked calmly. "What are you planning to do, hmm?"

Emi froze. Morgans' question rattled her. What would she do, now that her father's last wish had been fulfilled? Sure, her father's killer was still out there, but was that her only purpose—to hunt down this person and seek revenge? Did she really have to give everything up for such a destructive quest? Could vengeance ever fill this emptiness she felt? Doubts started to creep in. She'd never taken the time to think about her future, too blinded by her obsession with justice.

Morgans, ever observant, stayed silent for a moment, assessing her expression. She definitely seemed lost. He sighed and murmured, almost to himself, "I could keep you on board…"

Emi's eyes widened in surprise at his proposal. Had she heard him correctly? But as her thoughts raced, one truth remained: she still wanted to bring down the Cipher Pol and the Government. Not just for her father, but for everyone who had suffered under their rule. She knew that for this, she would need a weapon more powerful than strength: information. She had to expose their secrets, reveal their corruption, and bring their lies to light for the whole world to see.

And who better than Morgans to help her achieve that?

Ironically, Emi had left journalism because she could no longer stand the idea of working under the government's influence. The subtle control, the twisted information—it had all sickened her. And now, she found herself indebted to Morgans, the head of the world's most influential newspaper. This irony could have left her bitter, but she saw it differently. Morgans wasn't like the others. She understood clearly now that, despite his own ambitions, he stood out with his boldness and his refusal to bow to the pressure of the World Government. It made him different from the other press leaders she had known.

She quickly gathered herself, determined not to let this opportunity slip through her fingers. She clenched her fists, solidifying her decision in her mind. This chance wasn't something to take lightly. To achieve her goal, she needed to earn Morgans' trust and influence. He was one of the most powerful figures in the world of information, and an alliance with him would grant her access to an invaluable network. She was going to prove she was worth it.

"I can offer my knowledge and skills in writing articles," she declared, her gaze steady and determined.

She watched him closely, but he didn't seem impressed. He looked at her skeptically, his white feathers quivering slightly—a sign he wasn't convinced yet.

"I have sensitive information on certain topics," she continued, her tone more assured. "Like the artificial Devil Fruit business… between Caesar Clown and Doflamingo."

She spoke those names with a feigned confidence, hoping to catch Morgans' interest. She knew he understood the weight of such information. If she was to secure a place with him, she had to prove she wasn't a novice. Risky revelations were part of the game.

Morgans raised an eyebrow, visibly surprised by the depth of her knowledge. Emi looked at him, her heart pounding. She had just revealed information she'd hoped to keep hidden, but it had worked—Morgans now seemed to regard her in a new light.

"You know a lot for someone your age," he said thoughtfully. "Tell me about your sources."

Emi took a deep breath, her eyes lingering for a moment on the stacks of documents strewn across the cabin. Those symbols of Morgans' vast information network reminded her why she'd chosen him and why she had to stay on this path. She straightened her shoulders and held Morgans' gaze.

"I can't reveal my sources," she replied firmly. "It's essential that I protect them."

Every word was carefully weighed. Her hands, clasped tightly in front of her, betrayed a slight tension.

"But I'm prepared to use my networks and every source I have for you," she continued, her gaze unwavering. "I want a full view of the events shaping this world, from piracy to the government, from secret organizations to the deepest conspiracies. In exchange for my information and loyalty, I want access to this wealth of knowledge."

Morgans didn't respond immediately. He tilted his head slightly, his sharp beak seeming to cut through the heavy silence of the room. His piercing eyes scrutinized her, as if searching for any crack in her resolve. Yet Emi didn't look away. She waited.

Emi wasn't just a young woman seeking vengeance; she was a soul hungry for knowledge, ready to do whatever it took to wield the power of information. That made her a potentially valuable ally in the complex world of journalism and influence.

He leaned forward, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You seem willing to do whatever it takes to reach your goals. Very well, Emi. You have your chance. Don't disappoint me."

Emi felt a mix of relief and excitement. However, she needed to set clear terms. Fixing Morgans with a determined look, she prepared to lay down her conditions. "Let me be clear—I don't intend to become a full-time journalist for the paper," she said calmly but firmly. "I refuse to work directly for the Government or write any articles that would serve their interests."

Morgans flashed a sly smile. He crossed his arms and leaned forward slightly, as if savoring the conversation.

"You're a woman of principles, I see," he said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "I respect that. But you need to understand something: in this world, information is a double-edged sword. Whether we like it or not, sometimes we end up serving interests we'd never imagined." He paused for a moment, gauging Emi's reaction before continuing. "But I'm not here to force you into anything. If you want to expose the Government and Cipher Pol, that's your battle. It always makes for 'Big News.' However, if you want me to open the doors to that invaluable network you're talking about, you'll need to prove that you're up to it." He fixed her with a piercing look, his smile widening. "You say you don't want to go back to being a full-time journalist, and that's fine, but you're going to have to give something of yourself. I can offer you what you're looking for, but everything comes at a price. Something tells me you're aware of that."

Emi took a deep breath, her determined gaze meeting the newspaper director's.

"I'm not just a pen scratching paper," she said, a steely glint in her voice. "I know how to fight. I know how to defend myself, and, above all, I know how to work in the field. I've stepped into places even seasoned journalists wouldn't dare go. So, if you're looking for someone ready to do whatever it takes to get information, I'm your best option." She paused, standing a little taller with a palpable confidence. "All I ask is independence, and access to your networks to expose the truth. If you agree to that, I'm ready to work with you."

Morgans burst out with a brief, booming laugh.

"I must say," he began, his smile mixing satisfaction with amusement, "I like your spirit."

He gave her a knowing look, pointing his pen at her. "We have a deal. You keep your independence, I open doors for you. In return, you bring me information, and you take on the risks that come with it. I don't need journalists stuck behind a desk; I need people ready to go where the fire is hottest." His smile broadened, almost feral. "Get ready, my dear, the world is about to uncover many secrets."

Emi nodded silently, but the spark in her eyes said everything; an electrifying sense of purpose settled over her. This wasn't just about her father's vengeance anymore; it was a chance to bring about real change—and maybe even fulfill a few dangerous promises along the way. Beyond her desire for information and justice, she also had other missions she could no longer neglect, like her investigation into Caesar Clown's location for Big Mom's pirate associate. He was waiting for answers, and she couldn't afford to leave this matter unresolved. It wasn't fear of the consequences driving her—she had carefully hidden her identity—but rather her own code of honor. She couldn't stand leaving a mission unfinished. And now that she was with Morgans, she was sure she'd be able to push her research forward at an unimaginable speed.

~~~~o~~~0~~~o~~~~

In the navigation room of the Polar Tang, Bepo was furiously scribbling on a map while Hakugan, at the helm, stared out at the horizon with an unreadable smile. The entire crew was talking loudly, trading theories about the dangers and mysteries of the sea.

Law entered calmly, his hands in his pockets, his gaze as inscrutable as ever. He didn't even need to raise his voice for an instant hush to settle over the room.

"We're entering the New World."

The words hung in the air, and for a split second, nobody moved. Then, like a spark in a powder keg, excitement exploded.

Bepo jumped out of his seat, nearly toppling over Sachi in the process. "THE NEW WORLD! We're finally going!" he shouted, his tail thumping wildly in the air.

Sachi, chuckling, grabbed his crewmate before he could knock over more equipment. "Can you believe it? This is where the One Piece is! We're going to the sea where anything's possible!"

Ikkaku, calmer but just as excited, elbowed him with a grin. "Yeah, but it's also where plenty of pirates disappear forever."

Penguin, perched on a table, raised his arms in the air as if mimicking a huge wave. "But not us! With our skills and this submarine, we'll sail through any typhoon, even the worst sea monsters! The Polar Tang is invincible!"

Hakugan shot an amused smile at Penguin. "Sure, as long as you don't blow out the engines."

Ikkaku burst out laughing. "Don't worry, Hakugan! This sub is ready to take on whatever the New World throws at us, even if it's a Sea King or a floating island!"

Bepo, still buzzing with energy, was practically bouncing in place. "And the One Piece!"

Law, who had been silent until then, watched his crew with an amused glint in his eyes, though his face remained as serious as ever. "Calm down," he said firmly, though without anger. "The New World is no playground. It's a place where only the strongest survive, and a single mistake could cost us our lives."

Sachi, as carefree as ever, winked at Penguin. "That's why we've got Law as our captain, right? With him, we won't be making any mistakes."

Penguin nodded vigorously. "Exactly! And with the One Piece in our sights, we won't back down from anything."

Bepo, fired up by his crewmates' enthusiasm, added proudly, "And nothing can stop us as long as we're together!" But, realizing he might be getting a bit too carried away, he quickly turned to Law, a little nervous. "Uh, I mean… under your leadership, Captain."

Law let out a small sigh, but the hint of a smirk betrayed his amusement. "We'll see about that," he said, crossing his arms as he watched his crew bursting with excitement.

The New World, the One Piece, the danger… all of it awaited them. But for now, Law allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction as he saw his crew so motivated and united. Their shouts of excitement, their dreams of greatness and the pursuit of the One Piece… it was contagious, but Law knew he had a far more personal objective. Sure, the One Piece interested him, as it would any pirate worth their salt, but his true aim was to bring down one man: Doflamingo.

He clenched his fists discreetly at the thought. Corazon, his benefactor, had given his life to save him, leaving behind an unfinished mission. Doflamingo still ruled over his empire in the New World, and Law couldn't afford to forget the vengeance that had fueled him for years. Bringing that man down and dismantling his networks of power was his top priority.

For now, though, he let his crew enjoy their excitement. They needed this energy, this dream of adventure. Every member of the Heart Pirates had their own reasons for venturing into the New World, and Law knew he needed to keep them motivated. He would need them in the battles to come, in the storms looming on the horizon.

~~~~o~~~0~~~o~~~~

Thank you for reading this chapter!

Has Emi chosen her path with Morgans? And now, Law and his crew are finally entering the New World—will their paths cross somewhere? Well, we'll see in the next chapters~

See you on Sunday