MTLNOVEL Chapter 161: 161: Rumors Across the Seas.
In the grand halls of Totto Land, the Fourth Emperor's mother—Big Mom—grinned as she scanned the latest issue of the World Economic Times. Her grin stretched wider than any sane face should allow, thick lips curling like a delighted child who had just claimed an entire candy store.
She gave a sharp command. Moments later, Katakuri, one of the Big Mom Pirates' top commanders, appeared in front of her.
"Katakuri," she said, voice full of amused intrigue, "Make the arrangements. Send an invitation to my tea party… for this young man named Zenkichi. I want him there."
"For someone this exceptional to stay unaffiliated—what a waste. He must join the Big Mom Pirates."
Katakuri's brows furrowed. "Please forgive me, Mama," he said seriously. "If the reports are accurate, recruiting Zenkichi will be nearly impossible."
"A man of such strength won't serve under another. Even if he's willing to negotiate, the cost won't be low."
His tone was steady but doubtful. He didn't believe someone with that much power could be swayed so easily. Pride was a defining trait of the strong.
If the newspapers were to be believed, Zenkichi's power might even rival that of a Yonko.
Why would someone like that ever submit?
Big Mom waved off his concerns with a laugh. "Just do as I say. I have plans of my own."
Left with no choice, Katakuri nodded and left to fulfill her command. He may be second in command of the Big Mom Pirates, but in her domain, Charlotte Linlin was absolute.
---
Far across the seas, in the den of the Beast Pirates, Kaido—the strongest creature in the world—sat cross-legged with a giant sake gourd resting against his shoulder.
Drunk again.
He chuckled darkly as he tossed aside a bounty notice.
"Hah! Two billion for a rookie?" Kaido roared, his voice shaking the floor. "The World Government's standards have fallen."
He waved a hand lazily. "Go. Dig up everything on this man. If you find out where he is, tell me immediately."
"I want to see what makes this brat think he can challenge Whitebeard's legacy."
---
Meanwhile, on a sunny desert island, the Red-Haired Pirates were mid-celebration. The crew, always in high spirits, treated every day like a festival. Between laughter and sake, Shanks leaned back, newspaper in hand, grinning.
"This era's getting wild," Shanks said, taking another swig. "Even guys like this Zenkichi are showing up."
"Don't be careless, Captain," one of his officers warned. "A newcomer with this kind of momentum can shake the balance we fought hard to build."
Others nodded. Each new generation brought challengers. The Pirate Era was built on the rise and fall of legends.
"Relax," Shanks said, eyes still on the paper. "From what I've seen, he's not even a pirate."
"That might make him even more dangerous," another said. "The Pirate Emperor isn't a title held by just pirates anymore. He might be aiming straight for us."
Shanks just laughed. "We'll deal with it when it happens."
Across the world, the name Zenkichi was spreading like wildfire—praised, feared, debated.
---
Out at sea, Zenkichi walked calmly across the surface of the Grand Line, each step light and deliberate.
He had no interest in ships.
He preferred walking—step by step, alone with the rhythm of the ocean.
Not far away, a golden-crowned pirate ship carved with a crocodile's head cut through the waves.
On its deck stood a tall, commanding figure in a long cloak—his left arm replaced with a gleaming golden hook.
Crocodile, one of the Shichibukai, narrowed his eyes as he spotted a lone figure walking across the water.
The image matched the headlines.
"That's not just anyone…"
He clenched the paper in his hand. "That must be Zenkichi."
"But why is he here?"
There was no mistaking the abilities described in the reports. The man walking casually on the sea couldn't be anyone else.
And if the World Government had gone as far as issuing a two billion bounty on him…
That alone said everything.
Still, the current Crocodile was not the worn-down schemer of Alabasta. He had once stood face-to-face with Whitebeard and lived to tell the tale.
(Face-to-face, he didn't say they fought as equal... don't get it wrong.)
Zenkichi vanished from the water in the blink of an eye—and reappeared behind him, seated on the deck, cross-legged like he belonged there.
"You looking for me?"
Crocodile turned sharply, his expression unreadable. The man was calm. Relaxed. Yet undeniably dangerous.
"So you're Zenkichi. The man worth two billion," he said with a sly grin.
"Pleasure to meet you."
Zenkichi returned a small smirk. "Crocodile, the former pirate hero turned Warlord. I know who you are."
"Cruel. Cold. Calculated. You didn't come here just to talk, did you?"
Crocodile's eyes gleamed. "I've got no hostile intentions—yet. Just curious about the man causing all this chaos."
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