Chapter 43: Hearts and Ambitions
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Emi had spent a month aboard Morgans' airship, a period that felt both endless and lightning-fast. The airship hovered over the seas, constantly changing course according to newsworthy events. Each day brought a new batch of discoveries, challenges, and lessons. Emi covered major events, met influential figures, and deepened her understanding of the inner workings of piracy, the World Government, and secret organizations. She had never had access to such a wealth of information and strove to absorb and analyze everything. Morgans, a demanding but fair mentor, earned her respect through his rigorous methods and keen vision of the world.
Between missions, Emi made sure to notify Sabo that she was safe, thanking him for his invaluable help during their operation on Veloria Island. That mission left a mark on her, and she knew she owed him a lot. It was a shame they couldn't catch up, as it had been a long time since they last met, but she knew she would have other opportunities.
Emi was comfortably settled on the deck of the airship, a newspaper in hand, enjoying the panoramic view of the endless sky as she read. She carefully folded her copy of the World Economy News Paper, her gaze fixed on the article announcing the new alliance between Big Mom and Fish-Man Island.
*Big Mom Claims Protection Over Fish-Man Island*
Since Whitebeard's death, Fish-Man Island had been left vulnerable to the dangers of the sea. Now, as a fearsome Emperor, Big Mom had claimed authority over the island, restoring order and security for its inhabitants. In exchange, she received supplies of sweets, thus sealing an alliance. For the people of Fish-Man Island, this protection offered an essential balance for their survival.
Emi sighed, setting the paper down. With Whitebeard, the island had known true safety. But with Big Mom… it was different. She wondered how long the Fish-Men would be able to tolerate the whims of one of the most unpredictable Emperors.
She was pulled from her thoughts by the sound of squawking. Looking up at the sky, she spotted Coco, her loyal seagull, diving down toward her. A small roll of paper was tied to its leg, instantly sparking Emi's curiosity. She gently unfastened the message and unrolled it.
Her heart quickened as she recognized the familiar initials: "T.L."
Trafalgar Law.
The message was concise, almost cryptic:
"In three days at Marine Headquarters."
Memories of her conversations with Law resurfaced. He had told her about his plan to deliver pirate hearts to the Marines in exchange for the title of Warlord. But why was he sending her this message? Did he want her to cover the event for the paper, or was there something else at stake? Questions swirled in her mind, but she didn't have time to dwell on them. Three days was a short time, and probably two of them had already passed, given the time it took Coco to travel here to deliver the message.
Without wasting a second, Emi rushed through the airship's corridors in search of Morgans. She found him in his office, surrounded by piles of papers and freshly printed newspapers.
"Morgans, I have major news," she said urgently.
The director looked up, alerted by her tone. "What's going on?"
She took a deep breath before dropping the bombshell. "Trafalgar Law will be at Marine Headquarters in two days. He plans to deliver pirate hearts in exchange for the title of Warlord."
A heavy silence settled over the room.
Morgans sat up abruptly, his interest piqued at once. "Trafalgar Law, one of the Supernovas? Delivering hearts to the Marines? To become a Shichibukai?!" His voice vibrated with excitement, his eyes gleaming at the thought of a monumental scoop. "Big News! We have to be the first to cover this!"
But his enthusiasm quickly gave way to curiosity. He narrowed his eyes and took on a more serious tone. "How did you find out?"
Emi, ever composed, kept her calm. "My sources are solid," she replied enigmatically, careful not to mention her connection to Law directly.
A sly smile spread across Morgans' face. "Good," he said, standing up with newfound determination. "Get the team ready. We leave at once."
The airship sped swiftly toward Marine Headquarters, the atmosphere on board buzzing with excitement. Every team member was busy preparing to cover the event, aware of the scoop's importance. Emi, however, was caught between excitement and apprehension. It had been months since she last saw the Heart Pirates, and she wondered how they were, if the crew had grown, and what fate had dealt them in the meantime.
But beyond mere curiosity, Emi had a much more personal reason for wanting to see Law in person. For weeks, she had been gathering crucial information on Caesar Clown's activities, details that could potentially push Law's plans forward. And this meeting was the perfect opportunity to hand him everything face-to-face, hoping to help him achieve his goals... or perhaps to learn a little more about his own.
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Morgans' airship descended slowly toward Marine Headquarters, gliding majestically above the steep rocks surrounding the fortress. Soft bubbles floated gently in the air, giving the place an almost surreal and mysterious atmosphere. As Emi studied the imposing silhouette of the HQ, a pang of pain struck her heart—this was the very place she used to work with her now-deceased father. But she forced herself to stay strong, keeping her focus sharp. She noticed that the place had changed; the Marines had rebuilt the entire headquarters.
Marine Headquarters now stood out with its Western style, contrasting sharply with the traditional Japanese architecture of Marineford. The central tower, pagoda-like in shape, dominated the landscape, flanked by two massive arches that converged at its center. A thick stone wall, lined with turrets, encircled the base, giving the site an impression of power and inaccessibility. Within this circular fortress rose the stone tower, the true heart of the Marines. The closer they came to the ground, the more overwhelming the structure felt—a symbol of the Marines' absolute authority over the seas.
Down below, Emi noticed a perfectly aligned formation of Marine soldiers, standing at attention with rigorous discipline, ready to welcome them. Their immaculate uniforms and flawless postures spoke to the order and respect that reigned in this place. Despite her experience and composure, Emi couldn't help but be impressed by the solemnity of the moment.
The airship landed smoothly, and the boarding ramp was lowered with a faint hiss of air. Morgans, ever true to himself, was the first to disembark, dressed in his imposing blue top hat and dark cape flowing behind him. His commanding aura and natural confidence drew immediate attention. His team of journalists followed him closely, ready to capture every moment. Emi brought up the rear, her eyes scanning the scene with curiosity and caution.
The Marines snapped to attention in perfect synchronization, saluting the arrival of the legendary newspaper director with respect.
"Welcome to New Marineford, Mr. Morgans," one of the officers said with a polite smile. "We're honored to have you here."
Morgans walked with an unsettling ease, as if he were the true master of the place. His imposing albatross-like stature drew every gaze, and even the toughest soldiers seemed impressed by his presence. At his side, Emi couldn't help but think about the influence Morgans wielded—not just over the world of journalism, but over powerful entities like the Marines as well.
They were escorted through the corridors of Marine Headquarters, each step echoing on the marble floor. The austere and solemn decor of the building perfectly reflected the institution's inflexibility and discipline. After a few minutes, the group arrived in a vast reception hall, where several admirals were already gathered, their spotless uniforms gleaming under the bright lights.
Emi's attention was immediately drawn to one of them—a tall man with a large scar marking his face. His eyes were cloudy, almost ghostly, yet his commanding presence dominated the room. It was as if he sensed everything around him without needing to see. He stepped forward calmly, an aura of serenity and strength radiating from him.
"Admiral Fujitora," the officer who had escorted them announced, gesturing respectfully to the newcomer. "This is Morgans, president of the World Economy News Paper, accompanied by his team."
Fujitora gave a slight nod, a humble gesture despite his high rank. "Mr. Morgans, it's a pleasure to meet you in person. Your reputation precedes you," he said in a deep yet polite voice, which held a hint of respect even if he might harbor some wariness toward journalists.
Morgans, ever in control, responded with a satisfied smile, his piercing gaze studying the admiral. "The pleasure is mutual, Admiral. I'm here for a quick visit to the headquarters—nothing more."
Fujitora's face remained impassive, but he seemed to weigh every word carefully. A brief silence fell as he pondered, as if sensing something deeper in Morgans' words. Then, he slowly nodded.
"Of course. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask," he replied calmly.
Morgans nodded, and after a moment of reflection, finally said in a confident tone, "Well, actually, there is something I could use..."
Watching their conversation from a distance, Emi felt her heart tighten slightly. The idea of revealing Law's upcoming visit to the base worried her—how would the admiral react to such news? She hoped everything would go smoothly, and seeing the admiral remain calm brought her immediate relief. Fujitora, despite his recent promotion, already carried the weight of justice with an unsettling serenity, lending the exchange between him and Morgans a subtle sense of balance, each a master in his own domain.
As Fujitora turned to give instructions to his subordinates, Emi approached Morgans, curious. "How did you manage to keep him so calm in the face of such crucial news?"
Morgans replied with a wink. "The power of words, Emi. Knowing what to say and who to say it to—that's the key. Stay attentive, and you'll learn quickly."
Emi nodded, feeling a rush of excitement and admiration rise within her.
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The reception hall was buzzing with activity. Morgans' journalists were getting ready to cover the event, setting up their equipment and testing their Den Den Mushi. Emi stood close to Morgans, mentally taking notes and preparing to step in if needed.
Law was set to arrive in a few hours, and as the minutes ticked by, Emi glanced around the room. Reporters and journalists were chatting among themselves, likely discussing last-minute preparations. She could feel the tension in the air, the palpable anticipation of a major event.
Finally, the waiting came to an end. An officer entered the room, announcing that the Heart Pirates' submarine had been spotted on the horizon. The excitement in the room spiked. Emi took a deep breath, ready to use every skill she had to turn this moment into a story worthy of Law.
The doors of the reception hall opened to reveal a large window, offering an impressive view of the base's entrance. All eyes turned toward the outside as the Heart Pirates' ship made its approach.
At last, they saw him. Trafalgar Law, walking alone, his face serious but calm, advancing toward the Marine headquarters with a large crate at his side.
Standing by the vast window, Emi watched the scene below, her gaze fixed on Law. He was dressed in his usual yellow hoodie, his nodachi resting casually on his shoulder, and his distinctive hat casting a shadow over part of his face.
Her heart skipped a beat when Law looked up in her direction. Their eyes met through the glass, and he gave that trademark smirk she had come to recognize. She couldn't understand why, but that fleeting exchange was enough to quicken her pulse.
Law stepped forward toward the Marines and opened the crate, revealing the organs, still pulsating and suspended in a transparent blue liquid that gave off an unsettling glow. His smile, unwavering, remained fixed on his face. Morgans, thrilled by the scene, murmured his trademark "Big News!" as the journalists scrambled to capture every detail, flashes illuminating the plaza.
The exchange was swift. Though the Marines seemed deeply disturbed by the sight of the pulsing hearts, they accepted the delivery with a mix of respect and suspicion. In return, Law received a sealed document officially confirming his status as a Warlord. The tension was tangible, yet everything unfolded smoothly.
Emi stood, silently observing the scene, her mind racing. This formal acknowledgment marked a vital step in his plan, and she couldn't ignore the gravity of the moment. Without a word, she decided to withdraw quietly, not wanting to attract attention.
Morgans, however, noticed her departure. "Where are you going, Emi?" he asked, his voice both curious and wary.
She turned, her eyes bright with a new determination. "I'm off to see my source," she replied confidently before slipping away, leaving Morgans intrigued in her wake.
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Meanwhile, Law was calmly heading back to his submarine, his expression serene and satisfied. He had successfully achieved his goal, and the Marines' recognition only strengthened his position. As he approached his ship, he was met by his crew, their faces beaming with obvious pride.
"Captain!" Penguin and Sachi exclaimed in unison, their smiles wide. "You were so cool!"
Law nodded, a slight smile on his lips. "We now have a significant strategic advantage."
As the crew dispersed to return to their posts, Law cast one last glance toward Marine headquarters. Alerting Emi before their arrival had proven to be a wise choice. Thanks to her information, the Marines had been prepared, sparing them a hostile reception and unnecessary complications.
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The Heart Pirates' submarine floated peacefully on the surface, its deck bathed in sunlight and filled with the crew's lively chatter and laughter. Bepo, as usual, scanned the horizon, always on alert despite the laid-back atmosphere. He was the first to spot a familiar figure in the sky, riding on the back of a giant bird. His eyes widened in surprise, his ears perking up abruptly.
"Captain! Look up there!" Bepo shouted, frantically waving his paws toward the sky, unable to take his gaze off the unexpected sight.
Law, deep in thought and planning his next moves, barely lifted his eyes. Sachi and Penguin, drawn by Bepo's cry, immediately turned their heads toward the new arrival. One of them blinked, as if to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
"Emi?!" Sachi exclaimed, instantly recognizing the young woman seated on the back of a giant seagull. "Wait… is it just me, or has Coco gotten huge?!"
Penguin, momentarily unable to form a coherent thought, nodded, his expression one of pure astonishment. The silence was quickly broken by the sound of a gentle landing.
Emi gracefully hopped off Coco, landing on the submarine's deck with practiced ease. Her radiant smile brushed aside any awkwardness from her theatrical descent. "Hey, guys. It's been a while," she called out in a cheerful voice.
Sachi and Penguin rushed toward her, their faces lit with surprise and joy. "Emi! It's so great to see you again! The crew's missed you!" they cried in unison, their voices brimming with enthusiasm.
Emi, still smiling, embraced them warmly. She hadn't seen these friendly faces in months, and this reunion marked the end of a long period of isolation. "I missed you guys too."
As the atmosphere relaxed, two new figures emerged from the shadows, observing the scene with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. The first, an imposing man wearing a white mask, approached Coco, his inquisitive eyes darting from the giant seagull to Emi. "How is this even possible?!" he asked, disbelief evident in his voice. "And who are you?" His tone held a hint of tension.
Emi stared at the man for a moment, searching her memory. That mask… She recalled seeing it after she'd left the Heart Pirates. A sly smile crossed her face. "We crossed paths once on North Blue, didn't we? Mr. Helmsman?"
Hakugan narrowed his eyes, trying to remember. Then, after a moment of thought, his eyes widened as recognition dawned. "Ah, yeah! We met briefly, I remember now."
Emi nodded, satisfied that he finally remembered. Behind him, a woman with dark curly hair and sharp eyes stepped forward, her measured movements hinting at some lingering wariness. However, seeing her comrades' positive reactions toward Emi, her gaze softened slightly.
"So, you're Emi… the captain's outside ally I've heard about."
Emi raised an eyebrow, surprised to hear a female voice on board. She studied the newcomer carefully, realizing she was the first woman she'd met on the submarine. A playful smile tugged at her lips.
"Finally, a woman in this crew. I was starting to think it was an all-male club," she joked, casting a knowing glance at Sachi and Penguin.
The woman with dark curls crossed her arms, a faint smile forming on her lips. "I'm Ikkaku, engineer and mechanic," she introduced herself with a hint of pride.
Emi returned her smile, appreciating this new dynamic. "Pleased to meet you, Ikkaku."
Law descended slowly down the steps to the deck, his piercing gaze fixed on Emi. He observed the scene with growing interest. She was indeed one of the few outsiders allowed aboard his submarine—a privilege he reserved only for those with strategic value.
Emi had grown more confident, and he didn't miss it. The woman standing there exuded a newfound assurance and self-confidence. Every gesture, every movement, revealed a maturity and ease he'd never seen in her before. She acted as if she'd always belonged in this environment, as if the time they'd spent apart hadn't changed a thing.
Sensing the weight of his gaze, Emi turned toward him, her eyes gleaming with a determination that only heightened his interest. "Trafalgar." Her voice was clear, carrying a hint of restrained admiration. A wide smile spread across her face as she added, "You made quite a scene at headquarters earlier. Congrats on the new title."
Law didn't respond immediately, but the slight twitch at the corner of his lips hinted that he appreciated the compliment.
His gaze then drifted over Emi's shoulder, landing on Coco, who was still perched—massive—on the deck's railing. He narrowed his eyes, clearly intrigued. "Your seagull can alter her size now?"
Emi glanced back at the bird with a smirk. "Oh, that. It's thanks to a special drug. It's incredibly handy for my explorations."
Law raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by her resourcefulness. "But I assume you can't overuse it."
"Exactly," Emi replied. "The transformation only lasts an hour, and Coco can't use it too often without risking harm. But it's saved my skin more than once."
Law folded his arms, thoughtful. "Interesting."
Penguin grinned, eyes sparkling with amusement. "If we could shrink... That could come in handy…"
Sachi, with a mischievous look, leaned in and whispered to Penguin, "We could easily sneak into the women's baths for…"
Before he could finish, Ikkaku clobbered both of them, sending them flying in opposite directions across the deck. "You perverts! Some things never change!"
Hakugan burst out laughing at the scene, while Jean Bart shook his head, amused. "You two had that coming."
Emi laughed as well, then added, "Sorry, guys, but that drug can't be used on humans or any animals besides birds," she explained. "Your bones are way too big, and it'd have disastrous side effects. Amber made it clear that birds' thin bones were what allowed her to develop this drug. It's specifically designed for them since their growth is easier to manipulate."
Law nodded, understanding the implications. "So the technology is restricted by species biology. That makes things more complicated."
Emi smiled, appreciating his interest.
"Speaking of science, I have some documents for you. Information you might find valuable."
Her tone had shifted, more serious now, and Law immediately understood the importance of what she had to share. His eyes narrowed slightly as he quickly assessed the situation. Without a word, he gestured for her to follow him, inviting her to his private quarters, away from the curious ears of his crew.
As they made their way into the submarine, the crew watched the scene, happy to see an old friend back on board and curious about what she and the captain needed to discuss. Coco, perched on the railing, also observed, her sharp eyes seeming to understand the moment's significance.
Suddenly, a thin white smoke began to rise around the giant bird, catching everyone's attention. In a swirl of feathers, Coco started shrinking rapidly, returning to her small seagull form in seconds. Silence fell heavily over the deck, broken only by Coco's small, high-pitched squawk, now far less impressive in her diminutive size.
Bepo was the first to react, his eyes widening in shock. "Coco?!" he called out, panicked as if something irreversible had just happened.
Ikkaku, visibly charmed by the adorable little bird, stepped closer and gently began stroking Coco's feathers.
"She's even cuter at this size," she said, scratching Coco's head lightly. The seagull let out a pleased chirp, then snuggled up against Ikkaku, clearly delighted.
Penguin watched with amusement, then turned to Bepo with a sly grin. "Looks like Ikkaku finds Coco softer than your fur. You've got competition!"
Bepo's eyes went wide as he turned indignantly to Penguin. "Huh?! But… I'm super soft!" He absentmindedly patted his own arm to check. "It's just that... um… my fur's dense! It's not the same!"
Sachi, still recovering from his laughter, added, "Yeah, don't worry, Bepo. We appreciate your… rugged charm. It's… endearing." He pretended to console Bepo with a pat on the shoulder, though his grin betrayed his amusement.
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Thank you for reading this chapter and sorry for the delay! At last, Law and Emi meet again!