'What is this woman plotting?' Morgans studied Stussy's face but couldn't discern her intentions.
"I can't promise that."
Though unsure of Stussy's motives, Morgans wouldn't casually agree to her request.
As for Cyrus, Morgans had never met him face-to-face.
They had communicated multiple times via Den Den Mushi and had deep collaborations, but Morgans knew nothing of Cyrus's temperament or whether he was easy to deal with.
Dealing with such a powerful figure always required extreme caution, and you couldn't afford to be casual just because the other party seemed good-tempered.
Respect was essential when facing the strong, because once you provoked them and earned their disdain, it would be too late.
"Just pass a message for me. He'll agree," Stussy said softly with an unwavering smile.
The certainty in her tone made Morgans realize something.
'This woman...'
"So it's true that you've collaborated with and joined the Hunter Guild," Morgans remarked, recalling earlier intelligence and matching it with Stussy's demeanor.
It seemed she had genuinely joined the Hunter Guild.
"Although we've discussed it, whether to truly join still requires this person's approval," Stussy nodded, not denying Morgans' speculation.
"In the future, we might become colleagues!"
Upon hearing Stussy's words, Morgans stopped and turned to face her as his bird-like eyes flickered with uncertainty.
"What do you know?"
"Nothing at all!" Morgans' reaction didn't cause any change in Stussy's demeanor.
"The World Economic News Paper is being watched by the World Government. Previously, your newspaper opposed the World Government in terms of information, so in such circumstances, you don't have many choices if you want to protect yourself and your newspaper." Stussy smiled.
"Besides, according to your newspaper's series of previous reports, you've been in contact with Cyrus for a long time, right? This could be considered a foundation, however, I haven't figured out what kind of agreement exists between you two."
As for the World Economic News Paper siding with Cyrus, Stussy thought this was unlikely.
The greater possibility was that their cooperation had deepened.
"After he arrives and I meet him, I'll mention your matter to him. As for how he decides, I can't guess."
After saying this, Morgans turned and left.
Stussy watched Morgans depart without following further since her purpose had been achieved and her previous speculations had been confirmed.
During this period, many pieces of information had been spread across the seas by the World Economic News Paper, and it was possible that many of these messages were instructed by Cyrus to be disseminated by Morgans.
This indicated that Cyrus wasn't as described in the intelligence—someone who acts solely according to his own whims.
However, this actually made Stussy feel more at ease because he seemed to be a suitable partner, at least not the type who acts recklessly according to their own desires.
...
Whole Cake Island.
The Charlotte family had already learned about the conflict between Katakuri and Cyrus, along with Katakuri's subsequent disappearance.
Brulee had used the mirrors on Katakuri's ship to inspect the vessel, and the damage was severe, but no one knew about Katakuri's condition.
Meanwhile, the Rose Hunter was still approaching Whole Cake Island.
Was war unavoidable?
While many were concerned about Katakuri's situation, more were thinking that this ship's arrival would bring war, and the potential outcome of this battle worried many members of the Charlotte family.
As for Charlotte Linlin, the ruler of the Big Mom Pirates and Queen of Totto Land, her temper had become more volatile since Katakuri's disappearance, and even desserts with astonishing sweetness couldn't ease her anger.
This made those who approached her recently fearful.
When news arrived that Prince Loki of Elbaf had been captured after clashing with the Red Hair Pirates, it infuriated her even more.
Other guests invited to the tea party could occasionally feel the Conqueror's Haki erupting from Charlotte Linlin, and the entire island seemed to be shrouded in an oppressive atmosphere.
The source of this oppressive atmosphere was the Rose Hunter, which was about to reach Whole Cake Island.
The situation here was being monitored by the World Government, the Marines, and other forces in the New World, so many were now paying attention to Cyrus's Rose Hunter.
...
On the Moby Dick, Whitebeard listened as Marco recounted the received news.
"Pops, Kaido clashed with Issho of the Hunter Guild in Totto Land, but it ended inconclusively, and Kaido has now returned to Wano Country. The Rose Hunter is currently heading toward Whole Cake Island, so given Cyrus's usual methods and the current reputation of the Hunter Guild, conflict seems inevitable." Marco looked at Whitebeard, who was hooked up to an IV drip, as he delivered his report.
Although the Whitebeard Pirates and Big Mom Pirates weren't on friendly terms and had clashed numerous times before, they were still both pirates and belonged to the same pirate faction.
However, the reputation of the Hunter Guild and Cyrus, the Pirate Hunter, had been amplified by certain individuals, making it far more prominent than Cyrus's other titles.
Upon hearing this, Whitebeard ripped the IV needle from his arm and grabbed the large bowl of liquor in front of him to take a big gulp.
"Linlin's strength is nothing to scoff at," Whitebeard said after downing the liquor, and the surrounding pirates pricked up their ears when Whitebeard spoke.
"As for what you mentioned, are you thinking of intervening in this matter and joining forces with Linlin?" Whitebeard asked as he turned his gaze to Marco.
Marco nodded with a serious expression. "Pops, if they clash with the Big Mom Pirates this time, given the strength he displayed at Mary Geoise, the Big Mom Pirates might be defeated, and if that happens, we could be facing him next."
Marco had full confidence in Whitebeard's strength, but Whitebeard was older and burdened with old injuries, so although these injuries were manageable, if they flared up, Whitebeard's combat ability would decline.
So, in Marco's view, it was better to intervene now rather than potentially confront Cyrus later.
"After all, a guy like him entering the New World is bound to stir up massive waves."
After speaking, Marco waited for Whitebeard's decision.
The commanders of the Whitebeard Pirates' various divisions all watched Whitebeard intently.
Blackbeard Teach hid behind the crowd of pirates, his eyes shifting uneasily as he observed Whitebeard.
He had joined the Whitebeard Pirates for a better chance at obtaining that Devil Fruit, though he knew the odds were slim, but recent news suggested the Hunter Guild was also collecting Devil Fruits, and their movements were causing quite a stir.
Perhaps the chances of obtaining that fruit were higher there than here?