One Piece: Rise of Valoria

The Den Den Mushi crackled, connecting William's call. Morgans' raspy voice came through. "This is Morgans. Who's calling?"

William leaned into the receiver, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. "This is Kael D. William."

For a moment, there was silence on the other end. Then Morgans let out a loud, surprised laugh. "Kael D. William, the Tyrant! You've been out of the picture for three years! Where on earth have you been hiding?"

William chuckled, keeping the mystery alive. "That's not important, Morgans. What matters is that I have something that'll make the front page of the World Economy News Paper. Something no one's ever dared to do."

Morgans' curiosity was piqued, his eagerness practically vibrating through the Den Den Mushi. "You have my attention, Tyrant. Just what kind of story are we talking about?"

"Oh, not just any story." William's voice dropped to a low tone. "I want you to broadcast a live event, Morgans. Not just an article—something the whole world can watch in real time. Can you do that?"

There was a pause. Morgans' bird-like eyes narrowed as the Den Den Mushi reflected his suspicious expression. "Depends on what this 'event' is. And if it is as crazy as you say."

William's grin grew even wider. "How about… executing a Celestial Dragon? Is that crazy enough for you?"

The Den Den Mushi's features morphed into a shocked expression. Morgans was stunned, completely silent for a moment. Then, his voice came through, barely a whisper. "Did I hear that right, Tyrant? Did you just say… execute a Celestial Dragon?"

William's tone was steady. "Yes, you heard me right. Now, the question is… do you have the guts to broadcast it, Morgans?"

Morgans was quiet again, clearly weighing the risks of this massive scoop. Sandersonia nudged William's arm, chuckling, "Looks like he's chickened out."

William chuckled. "Well, he is an oversized chicken, after all."

At that, everyone in the bar burst out laughing. But Morgans snapped back to life, loudly squawking, "I can hear you, you know! And I'm not a chicken—I'm an Albatross!"

They laughed even harder at his squawk, but Morgans managed to calm himself, clearly wrestling with the weight of William's request. "You do realize the danger, Tyrant? The World Government will come for my head if I broadcast this."

"I'm aware of the risks," William replied with a smirk. "But I thought that you, a journalist known as Big News Morgans, despite the danger, will not miss this kind of big news."

Morgans' eyes gleamed, his excitement overpowering his fear. "You're right, Tyrant. This is big news—bigger than anything I've covered. Alright, I'm in. But… are you really sure you can pull this off?"

William's confidence never wavered. "Just focus on the broadcast. I'll handle the rest. I need you ready by noon tomorrow."

Morgans nodded eagerly, his voice steady with resolve. "Where's this grand event going down?"

"Sabaody Archipelago, Human Auctioning House in Area 1." William's tone was firm, final. "Can I count on you, Morgans?"

Morgans chuckled, his excitement echoing over the call. "Don't worry, Tyrant. I wouldn't miss this for anything. Everything will be set by tomorrow."

"Good." William's grin was sharp. "Let's make history tomorrow, Morgans."

He hung up, a feeling of triumph washing over him as he turned back to his crew. Shakky watched him with an amused smile, her arms folded. "You're one bold kid, William. Speaking of bold plans, have you thought about your organization? You're going to need some serious help for this kind of ambition."

"Believe me I thought a lot about it." William nodded then gave her an earnest look, "How about this, Shakky? Want to be the head of intelligence for my kingdom, and be part of our dream?"

Shakky's eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, she was silent. William leaned in, pressing on, "If we're going to take down the World Government, we'll need more than just strength. They've got over 900 years of foundation. We need information, strategy, and someone who knows their way around secrets. That's why I'm asking you, Shakky. You're the best for the job."

He gestured to the girls, signaling them over. "Come on, ladies. Help me convince sister Shakky to join us!"

The girls exchanged glances, their expressions lighting up with playful enthusiasm. Sandersonia and Marigold moved in, gently massaging Shakky's shoulders, while Robin picked up her glass and filled it with her favorite drink. Hancock took Shakky's hand, giving her a warm, charming smile as she tilted her head and acted adorably.

After a few moments, Shakky's cool facade cracked, and she let out a hearty laugh, clearly amused by their antics. "Alright, alright, you can stop. I'm in, William. I'll help you—and I'll be part of this dream of yours."

William's face broke into a genuine smile. "Thank you, Shakky. We'll make sure you don't regret it."

He turned to Rayleigh, who had been quietly watching the scene with his usual, easygoing expression. William tilted his head, grinning. "What about you, old drunkard? Are you coming along, or are you going to keep drowning yourself in Shakky's booze?"

Rayleigh scoffed, shaking his head. "What's with the insult, you stupid kid? I'm your teacher, show me some respect. Besides, what could an old guy like me possibly do to help?"

Hancock, standing beside William, narrowed her eyes in disdain. "He's right, William. He is practically useless."

William laughed, nodding in agreement. "You know, honey, you're right. He is just an old stupid pirate after all. But, since Shakky seems to have a soft spot for him, I suppose we can take him along so she won't feel lonely."

Rayleigh slumped, feigning defeat. "You ungrateful brats. I'm not talking to you anymore."

Then the whole group burst into laughter.

"We're just messing with you, old man." William took a fancy bottle of wine from his space dimension. He held it out to Rayleigh, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Here, This is for you."

Rayleigh squinted at the bottle, then his eyes widened as he recognized the label. "Where did you get this?"

"Oh, some fancy wine we took from the stupid celestial pig Callen when we escaped. Totally forgot I had a few bottles," William said with a shrug.

Rayleigh's face twisted in frustration, and he shouted, "You mean you had something like this, and you didn't offer it to me on Rusukaina? Do you have any idea how I spent those two years?"

William chuckled, teasingly pulling the bottle back. "Stinky old man, if you don't want it, I'll just keep it for myself. Besides, two years of staying sober was probably good for your health. You should be thanking me!"

Rayleigh's hand shot out, grabbing the bottle out of William's grasp. "Who said I didn't want it, you cheap brat?"

He popped the cork and took a long sip, sighing in delight. "Now this is what I call good wine." Then he looked at William "I can join you kids, but you have to give me all your stock of this wine."

Seeing Rayleigh's reaction, William grinned slyly. "Alright, old man. I'll give you the rest of the stock—twenty bottles in all."

Rayleigh's eyes lit up, but William wasn't done yet. "But I'll be giving them to Shakky for safekeeping."

Rayleigh froze, looking horrified. "No! You have no idea what she'll make me do to get those from her!"

William laughed, crossing his arms smugly. "Well, that's between you and your wife, old man."

Rayleigh looked at him resentfully "I hate you kid, yo…"

Before he finished speaking, Rayleigh felt a chill, then he turned to Shakky, who was staring at him with a cold smile.

"What do you think I'll make you do, Ray-san?" Shakky said with a tone that sent shivers down Rayleigh's spine.

Rayleigh's shoulders slumped. He gulped nervously. "Now, Shakky… let's talk about this reasonably…"

Shakky grabbed his ear with a firm grip, pulling him along. "Oh, don't worry, Ray-san. I'm sure we'll work something out."

Rayleigh winced as she dragged him to the back of the bar, casting one last glare at William. "I hate you, kid. You're nothing but trouble!"

William and the girls burst into laughter, watching the legendary Dark King Rayleigh get dragged off, defeated by his wife.

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