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Day 2 of the Alex vs. Whitebeard Fight
After obtaining the first glimpses of the battlefield through informants aboard Whitebeard's ship, Morgans wasted no time. Using the explosive visuals captured in the records, he crafted the latest headline for the World Economy News, sending ripples across the seas.
This time, the newspaper's front page displayed a breathtaking image that shook the world.
On one side of the photo: an island-sized landmass emblematic of Wanokuni's immense power. On the other: a towering tsunami, spanning thousands of miles, birthed by the sheer might of Whitebeard's abilities.
The central close-up highlighted two legendary figures, each enlarged for dramatic effect, their imposing presences embodying the destructive clash of titans. The caption made it unmistakably clear: the New World's dual emperors were the ones responsible for the chaos threatening the balance of the seas.
The front-page headline was entirely dedicated to the battlefield's cataclysmic details, paired with vivid images captured through daring means. The following sections consumed three-quarters of the newspaper, overflowing with information and commentary that underscored the battle's magnitude and the world's fixation on the event.
HEADLINES:
[After BIG MOM's Defeat in Wanokuni, an Even More Turbulent Clash Begins! Who Will Claim the Title of the Strongest?]
[A Colossal Collision: Island vs. Tsunami! Two Powers Capable of Destroying the World Collide!]
[Breaking News! Has the Title of World's Strongest Man Changed Hands? Flying Admiral Alex Lands a Rare, Devastating Blow on Whitebeard!]
The shocking headlines greeted a world that had been holding its breath for updates. Morgans even included snapshots of the destruction to emphasize the authenticity and grandeur of the battle, further igniting global excitement.
What many had assumed would simply be follow-up coverage of the ongoing fallout from Kaido's defeat was now eclipsed by a far greater storm. The clash between Alex and Whitebeard had surpassed all expectations, creating a news frenzy like no other.
Within an hour of publication, the seas were alive with chatter, and the world boiled with anticipation.
"The strongest man in the world... Whitebeard actually lost?!"
"Unbelievable! The title of World's Strongest Man has changed hands! Whitebeard was seriously injured by Wanokuni's Air General!"
"Wait a minute... does this mean Wanokuni is officially the most powerful nation now?!"
"It might be... and honestly, compared to Elbaf's might, Wanokuni is even scarier. Not even a whole nation of giants could stop an island like that from falling!"
"Those abilities... it's beyond terrifying. Just from reading the paper, I feel a sense of overwhelming despair!"
Across the Grand Line and into the Four Blues, the conversation was unanimous: the events unfolding in the New World had forever shifted the balance of power.
In less than two weeks, Wanokuni's forces, led by Alex, had shattered the Big Mom–Kaido alliance, then delivered a blow that robbed Whitebeard of his long-held title as the World's Strongest Man.
The unprecedented streak of victories had stunned the world, leaving nations and pirates alike awestruck by Wanokuni's seemingly unstoppable rise.
In the wake of Alex's victory, reactions across the world were divided.
Some were awestruck by Alex's overwhelming power, while others took a certain schadenfreude in Whitebeard's fall. As one of the most dominant forces of the previous era, Whitebeard had held sway over the New World for decades. Yet, for those who sought to rise in the current age, the focus was shifting toward the emerging leaders of the new era.
Now, with Alex crowned as the strongest man in the world, he had become the embodiment of that future.
Back in Wanokuni, Alex leaned back in his seat, holding the newspaper that Morgans had so eagerly published.
The report was riddled with sensationalism, exaggerating the scale of the conflict to draw attention. While some parts adhered to the truth, the overall tone clearly played up the drama.
Of course, much of the article was dedicated to praising Alex's strength and Wanokuni's rising prominence. Morgans, ever the opportunist, couldn't resist aligning his narrative with the side of the victor.
Alex set the newspaper down as the implications of its coverage settled in his mind. The ripple effects of this news would be far-reaching, further cementing his influence across the world.
Though useful for his broader goals, it also underscored a narrowing path toward his ultimate ambitions. These recognition, while flattering, paled in comparison to the transformations he envisioned for Wanokuni.
Toki approached, delicately folding the newspaper and tucking it into her robes. The careful gesture suggested she saw it as a keepsake, a memento of a historic moment.
Turning his attention to Toki on his left, Alex asked, "How is the deployment plan for Sky City progressing?"
Now that the war and struggles over the throne had concluded, and the unique, expansive islands he sought had been secured, Alex was preparing to reshape Wanokuni into a domain uniquely his. Even the country's name was no longer immutable.
Toki bowed slightly. "The people have accepted the plans without much resistance. However..." She hesitated briefly. "Some of the daimyos are reluctant to change the name of the country, though they remain willing to follow your decision."
Alex nodded thoughtfully. The country was entirely under his control now, so much so that even the renaming of a nation steeped in centuries of tradition was no longer a controversial prospect.
Such power was unheard of in the world, especially considering that Alex had ruled Wanokuni for less than a decade.
This level of influence reflected the profound impact Alex had made, driven by his sweeping reforms, the prosperity they brought, the technology introduced through opening the nation, and his unmatched reputation across the seas.
For the common people, Alex's successes were a source of pride.
Yet, Alex wasn't concerned with public approval. He had no interest in being a benevolent king who served his people selflessly. His rule was guided by his own desires and ambitions, and public opinion would never dictate his course.
"Then we'll proceed as planned," Alex concluded, his voice firm. He glanced at the retainers gathered around him. "If you have suggestions, take them to Toki."
The construction of Sky City, with its new strategic layout, would fundamentally reshape Wanokuni's power structure. The current Flower Capital, even in its central position, lacked the reach to control the nation as a whole. The new city would solve these limitations, ushering in a new era for the country.
"As long as Flower Capital stays the same, I don't mind the changes," Perona piped up, floating casually in the air. Her mischievous grin widened as she added, "Besides, I'm only interested in living close to Lord Alex!"
Her statement elicited a chorus of similar responses from the other retainers. Each one, in their own way, expressed a desire to remain by Alex's side as he built the future of Wanokuni.