"Admiral, shouldn't you notify Mr. Morgans, nya? About the Shichibukai matter."
After sharing the style system and hunting techniques with Robin and the Felynes, Huamei Meow suddenly reminded him.
Oh right, he almost forgot about this!
Sherwin slapped his thigh, then took out the Den Den Mushi and called Morgans…
It was picked up instantly.
"Hahahahahahaha! I've been waiting for your call this whole time!" Before Sherwin could speak, Morgans excitedly asked, "How did it go?! Did you succeed?!"
Sherwin had already given Morgans a heads-up long ago about becoming one of the Shichibukai.
Morgans had even prepared most of the news draft before Sherwin arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago, determined to publish the big news as fast as possible once Sherwin confirmed things.
"Mm, it went well." Sherwin replied with a grin.
"If you want, the World Economy News Paper can put up our Investigation Team cat-paw flag."
"Hahahaha! Better not!" Morgans roared with laughter as he refused.
"As journalists, the World Economy News Paper has to maintain neutrality! At least on the surface, right?"
Through the Den Den Mushi, he even winked at Sherwin.
Sherwin cooperatively played along with a serious expression. "Exactly. Our World Economy News Paper has always reported news impartially and objectively."
"Hahahahahahaha!" ×2
The two thick-skinned and black-hearted fellows burst into synchronized laughter, making Robin and the Felynes on the side stare at them in silence.
"Good thing Klee Meow didn't hear that, or she'd get corrupted by the Admiral again, nya…"
Huamei let out a sigh, pressed his hand to his forehead helplessly, and muttered.
Robin gave a gentle smile and said, "I actually think this place is becoming more and more suitable for someone like me, the Devil Child."
"Ahem, Lord Sherwin behavior… is very… um… very wise, nya…"
The loyal Seijuro Meow forcefully tried to save Sherwin dignity, and immediately received a very cat-like, hard-to-read look from his friend Link Meow…
(=ω=)
Pretending not to hear the Felynes and Robin teasing him, the Hunter quietly activated his "Diamond Body," and continued giving Morgans detailed intel about his trip to Marineford — including the part where Doflamingo got beaten up by his Felynes, and how they plucked three Devil Fruits from the World Government.
"Donquixote Doflamingo, huh?"
The Den Den Mushi in front of Sherwin showed a troubled expression.
"That man is… complicated. It not easy for us to report on him."
"As expected, you know about his identity too…"
"What?! You also— hmm, well, it makes sense. You always manage to uncover hidden information. Knowing the Heavenly Yaksha identity isn't surprising for someone like you."
Given Sherwin consistent display of sharp intelligence-gathering skills, Morgans accepted this fact with ease.
"Since you know his identity, then naturally you understand my concerns."
"Of course. When it comes to news reporting, you're the professional," Sherwin shrugged casually.
"I'm only telling you everything that happened in Marineford. How you report it is up to you. I don't have any special requests this time."
"Hahaha! Then here to a smooth cooperation! The newly appointed Shichibukai — 'Hunter' Lord Sherwin!"
Morgans felt more certain than ever that partnering with Sherwin had been one of the best decisions he ever made.
With the latest issue of the Economic Times and the World Government official newspaper hitting the stands, the news that Hunter Sherwin had become a Shichibukai quickly spread.
However, compared to the official newspaper, which only announced the matter, the Economic Times gave a far more detailed account.
It stated that Sherwin had no interest in becoming a Shichibukai at first, and that the authorities had spent three Devil Fruits to persuade him.
Although the Economic Times didn't mention the Heavenly Yaksha getting humiliated, it did report the earlier incident of Gecko Moria getting beaten up, revealing to the public that the recent "Shadow Return" event was Sherwin doing.
Adding that he had also exposed the Sand Crocodile conspiracy, Sherwin reputation among ordinary civilians instantly surpassed that of the long-established Shichibukai.
On the other hand, just as the World Government had anticipated, the vast majority of pirates held no favorable impression of Sherwin.
Some who had originally thought about taking refuge under this newly appointed Shichibukai immediately abandoned the idea.
Sherwin couldn't care less about how others reacted. He only became a Shichibukai for the Devil Fruits and convenience he never intended to claim territory like the others.
Besides, they were already on their way to Fish-Man Island and had no idea what was being reported outside.
After leaving Marineford, Sherwin and the others didn't return to the Sabaody Archipelago for coating, because back when they first arrived at Sabaody, the two research Felynes on the ship had already learned how to apply coating. Moreover…
Their ship already had diving capabilities—
The Dodo Advance · Great Sea Dragon Form!
Of course, when the Dodo Advance switched into its diving form, its appearance was still quite different from that of a real Sea Dragon.
In fact, it could be said that among all its modes, this one looked the least like its original model.
At first, Sherwin had wanted the diving mode to be designed as an oversized anglerfish, since they already had a smaller anglerfish-shaped submarine.
But Purah Meow had her own creative vision. She felt that since all the other modes were based on monsters, the diving mode naturally couldn't be an exception. So in the end, she made it into a Sea Dragon form…
Although to Sherwin, this form looked more like a giant sea turtle with a bubble strapped to its back, a pair of bull-like horns, and a wide split tail.
"Waaaah—! It the deep sea, meow!"
(=﹃=)
Klee Meow pressed tightly against the Dodo Advance protective shield, staring at all kinds of bizarre deep-sea fish, sea beasts, and Sea Kings outside.
Drooling, she shouted, "Those fish look so tasty! Sherwin-nii, can we catch some, meow?"
"There no space left on the ship…" Sherwin rubbed her little head.
"We haven't even finished the previous stock. Once we reach Fish-Man Island, their king will treat us to a feast. They probably know best which fish taste good, so let leave these ones alone for now."
"Fine…" Klee Meow scrunched her nose and regretfully licked her lips.
Sherwin didn't plan on bothering the sea creatures—but some of the Sea Kings and sea beasts had already set their sights on the Dodo Advance.
"Hehehe~ This is the perfect time for me to shine, meow~"
Shermie proudly stood before a glass sphere in the engine room, placing both her tiny paws on it.
"Take this! Shermie Super Dazzling Meow Blast!"
A blinding burst of electricity flared around the Dodo Advance. Whether it was the sea beasts and Sea Kings trying to attack them, or harmless fish and shrimp farther away, all of them were stunned belly-up and floated slowly toward the surface.
And the Dodo Advance, in its "Sea Dragon" form, continued to calmly paddle its fins and tail, swimming deeper into the ocean.