Chapter 109: News, Ambitions, and New Allies

“You all did an outstanding job on this mission.”

Karl looked at Davis and the others with genuine praise. Pride lit up their faces as they returned with Vegapunk and the others—and had even managed to capture a Celestial Dragon.

“Keep the Celestial Dragon on the Azure Dragon for now.”

He pointed to the securely bound Celestial Dragon, speaking to Davis. Karl planned to use this captor for leverage.

“Later, I intend to present this Celestial Dragon to Captain Rocks.”

“Understood, Captain Karl,” Davis replied respectfully.

He stepped forward to observe the Celestial Dragon up close, well aware that this could open up huge opportunities for him.

“You all worked hard. For now, there are no new missions. Take some time to rest on the island.”

Karl’s tone was caring as he spoke to Davis and the others. After a task like this, they wouldn’t be heading out to sea anytime soon.

“You’re too kind, Captain.”

Feeling Karl’s sincerity, Davis and his crew were genuinely moved.

“There’s a banquet tonight to welcome you all back and, by the way, to introduce a new crewmate,” Karl said with a smile.

After Davis completed the mission perfectly, celebrating with a feast was the least they could do.

“No problem, Captain.”

Phils and the others answered excitedly. This wasn’t just a party—it was a recognition of their effort. They were also eager to meet their new companion.

With everything settled, the group turned and left.

But just as they reached the doorway, Davis suddenly glanced back at Karl. Something was on his mind, as if he had an important question.

“What’s up, Davis?” Karl asked, puzzled by Davis’s hesitance.

Davis blurted out his question.

“By the way, Captain Karl, do you know Morgans?”

His voice was tinged with uncertainty.

Karl was surprised—he hadn’t expected Davis to have run into Morgans.

After all, in the original story, Morgans was the fierce founder of the World Economic News Paper, someone whose power and influence stretched across every corner of the sea.

“Morgans? You actually met him?” Karl couldn’t help but ask, curiosity and anticipation gleaming in his eyes. He was eager to hear just how Davis crossed paths with Morgans—and what might have happened.

“He’s actually on our ship.”

Davis’s answer left Karl dumbstruck. He thought they’d just met Morgans somewhere—not that the man was actually aboard.

“We first ran into him at Sabaody Archipelago, then… well, this is how it all unfolded…”

Davis began to share the details of what happened at Sabaody Archipelago and how they came to know Morgans.

After the brief explanation, Karl got the picture about what went down at Sabaody and found himself admiring Davis even more.

He hadn’t expected Davis to despise human traffickers as much as he did.

After thinking for a moment, Karl turned to Davis. “Bring those two to see me.”

His tone was firm and serious—Karl knew that someone like Morgans could help him enormously.

“Yes, Captain Karl.”

Davis replied respectfully.

Then he left, heading back to the ship to fetch Morgans and Mor Morris.

A short while later, Karl saw Davis in the distance, leading over two figures—one tall, one short.

Their steps were a bit uneasy, especially Mor Morris, who hadn’t expected to meet a major New World pirate like Karl.

“Lord Karl, this is Mor Morris, and this is his son, Morgans.”

Davis stepped forward and made introductions, his voice still respectful.

“Alright, Davis. You can go now.”

Karl nodded, signaling for Davis to leave. From here, he didn’t want anyone else listening in.

“Yes, Captain.”

Davis gave a respectful salute and left, his figure soon fading into the distance.

Now only Karl and Mor Morris remained.

Karl rubbed his chin, sizing up Mor Morris with a deep, sharp gaze like he wanted to see straight into the man’s true thoughts.

“What is it you do?” Karl asked directly. His tone was eerily calm, as if it were just a simple question.

Mor Morris quickly answered, “I run a small newspaper in Sabaody Archipelago—barely scraping by.”

His voice shook a little, worried about displeasing Karl.

Karl glanced at Morgans, then solemnly spoke.

“If I gave you the chance, would you want to turn that newspaper into something huge?”

His tone bristled with determination and promise, as if offering Mor Morris a golden opportunity.

Mor Morris couldn’t believe his luck—this was truly a gift from above.

Working for a man like Karl wouldn’t be such a bad deal. At least he’d have someone powerful behind him.

A flicker of joy and hope appeared in his eyes. He knew this was a turning point, and he was determined to seize it.

“I’m willing, Lord Karl.”

Mor Morris took a deep breath and answered with conviction. His eyes brimmed with courage.

He understood that if he put in the effort, with Karl’s help, he might finally realize his dream—founding a truly influential newspaper.

“Glad to see the enthusiasm. Now let’s see if you can hold onto it,” Karl said with a smile.

There was nothing but trust and anticipation in Karl’s gaze. He was certain Mor Morris was an old hand at running a paper.

After all, his son Morgans had taken the World Economic News Paper to worldwide fame.

Karl realized that bringing Mor Morris into his crew could be a game changer when it came to controlling public opinion.

In these turbulent times, whoever masters public opinion holds the power to influence the world’s course.

Just then, Karl let out a surge of his own aura to impress both men.

But unexpectedly, Morgans suddenly transformed into his albatross form.

His body grew in an instant and wings stretched wide, standing there on the ground like a true albatross.

“Well, that certainly makes things simpler.”

Karl was a little surprised. He didn’t expect Morgans to have eaten the Albatross-type Zoan Devil Fruit at such a young age.

“Have you trained with your Devil Fruit powers at all?” Karl looked at Morgans, his eyes lit with anticipation.

Mor Morris quickly stepped out when he saw Karl’s gaze fall on his son.

He was clearly nervous and worried, fully aware that Karl’s strength was unfathomable—and that anything the man decided could change his and his son’s fate.

“Lord Karl, my child is still young. He can’t…”

Before he could finish, Karl raised a hand to stop him.

Karl’s eyes were calm and deep.

“You don’t understand. The Albatross Fruit lets you summon and train carrier pigeons. On the sea, they’re one of the best tools for spreading news.”

In a time where information moved slowly, whoever could deliver messages the fastest and farthest would seize control of public opinion.

“Here’s what we’ll do. I’ll give you one shot.”

Karl paused, arms crossed, leaning forward as he looked at them, eyes full of expectation.

“Have your son raise plenty of carrier pigeons. Train them to deliver newspapers and take photos. Something is about to happen that’ll shock the world—I want you to film the whole thing and broadcast it everywhere.”

Mor Morris was relieved to hear that Karl didn’t want anything dangerous from his son, just to use his skills with carrier pigeons.

He felt lucky—Karl didn’t want to exploit the boy, but valued his talents.

“Don’t worry, Lord Karl. I’ll make sure everyone sees that story.”

Mor Morris answered resolutely, eyes full of determination. He knew this was his moment to prove himself to Karl, and he would not miss it.

After they finished talking, Karl glanced over at Krell, who was waiting nearby.

With a signal from Karl, Krell led the pair to the guest rooms and ordered people to gather pigeons for them.

Their biggest task in the coming days would be to raise enough carrier pigeons—to deliver newspapers and capture photographs.

This was Karl’s expectation for them, and their shot at proving their worth.

“Krell, how’s everything going with Vegapunk?” Karl asked, his tone showing concern and his mind clearly turning something over.

He had big expectations for Vegapunk—the so-called mad scientist who was five centuries ahead of the One Piece world. Karl was dying to know what kind of surprises Vegapunk might bring.

Noticing Karl’s interest, Krell realized just how keen Karl was on Vegapunk.

Yet even he didn’t know just how big of an impact Vegapunk might have.

“Reporting in, Lord Karl—Vegapunk hasn’t resisted at all. He’s already entered the research facility you set up for him,” Krell replied loyally, eyes unwavering.

He thought to himself, ‘Vegapunk, I hope you can deliver Karl the power he needs, or else…’

Karl pondered for a moment. He knew he’d have to lay everything out with Vegapunk directly.

His eyes were growing distant, clearly weighing something important.

Maybe Vegapunk’s genius would be the key to fulfilling his ambitions.

“You, come with me. I’ve got some things to talk over with him privately.”

Karl’s unwavering tone showed just how seriously he was taking this.

“Yes, Lord Karl.”

Karl stood up and followed Krell toward the research facility, lost in thought as they walked.

In the original story, even the Navy posted guards for Vegapunk—should I do the same?

He paused at the research facility’s door and turned to Krell.

“Krell, go tell Halil to bring a squad of Fishman soldiers. From now on, their job is to guard Vegapunk’s safety.”

“Is Vegapunk really that important, Lord Karl?”

Krell was puzzled. He’d wondered about this even when the research center was being built—could one Vegapunk really be worth it?

Karl looked at Krell and replied firmly, “He’s far more important than you think. Watch him closely.”

“Understood, Lord Karl.”

Hearing Karl’s serious tone, Krell immediately snapped a crisp salute to show he’d carry out the order.

Then he pushed open the lab door and brought Karl inside.