Two days later.
The latest issue of the newspaper was released, but the report on the battle at Hachinosu Island had been completely distorted.
"The Crimson Behemoth Rampages at Hachinosu Island!"
All the destruction on Hachinosu Island was attributed solely to Gurd, with no mention of Admiral Kizaru's serious injuries and escape.
There was a new bounty notice.
"Earth Calamity" Groudon Gud, bounty of 1.16 billion Berries !
It was quite in line with the bounty for the Beasts disaster.
As for the title of calamity, it was likely related to his ability to cause earthquakes, but he preferred the meaning of the land.
Ironically, the photo on the bounty notice was not of Gurd himself, but of Groudon, looking quite impressive with its fierce pose.
"Who do they think they're looking down on with such a small amount of money?"
Gurd tossed the bounty notice aside.
It was clear that the content of the newspaper was crafted by the World Government; after all, they couldn't publish something so embarrassing as an admiral fleeing in disgrace.
It was their usual style.
"Let's go."
Gurd turned and left, taking Ulti and her brother toward the center of the island, Skull Castle, which was now the only place on the island that could be considered official.
The platform had already been set up.
The captains were seated upright, while the area below was filled with media reporters who had come to hear the news, including the renowned journalist Morgans.
Today, a press conference was to be held!
"Lord Gurd has arrived!"
As Gurd made his entrance, the reporters immediately raised their Photographing Den Den Mushi, snapping photos of him as if he were a superstar.
They were being paid, after all!
Their attitude had to be proper, and the press release needed to be well-written!
Marco stepped forward, speaking in a low voice, "Gurd, Dad has entrusted me with the reconstruction of Hachinosu Island."
"That means you're on board, right?"
Gurd raised an eyebrow with a smirk.
Marco shrugged helplessly.
Rebuilding Hachinosu Island required funds, and with the financial resources of the Whitebeard Pirates, they could scrape together some money, but it would be tough on them, and they would have to do the work themselves.
Alternatively, they could simply leave it to the pirates on the island to handle, but if they did that, the pirates would surely fight fiercely over the limited territory.
Compared to that, Gurd's proposal was undoubtedly more tempting; not only would he provide money and labor, but once the construction was completed, they could also share the profits without lifting a finger.
But in the end, what would happen was still unclear, even to Dad.
What pirate was keen on construction, anyway?
"Alright, let's sign the contract!"
Gurd took out the prepared contract and, in front of the media reporters, signed it along with Marco and the other captains.
The contract was simple: nearly a quarter of the land on Hachinosu Island would belong to him, and he would be responsible for its management and construction. According to the usual practice, the subsequent profits would be split seventy-thirty with the Whitebeard Pirates.
He would take seventy percent!
In simple terms, it was a form of investment attraction.
"Jekekekek～～"
Gurd put his arm around Marco's shoulder, flashing a friendly and bright smile under the camera flashes, his teeth gleaming!
"Don't keep a straight face; smile a little."
"…"
Marco forced a stiff smile.
With so many reporters around, he felt a bit socially anxious.
Once the photo session was over.
Gurd took the microphone, his expression serious as he addressed the reporters: "Next, I will explain the specifics of this collaboration among the Four Emperors."
Finally, it was settled.
He had even thought of the news headline.
"Four Emperors Unite to Create the World's Safest Community!"
Establishing a peaceful community in the most dangerous Pirate Paradise, once you move in, you'll never have to worry about personal safety again, even if you go out empty-handed in the dead of night.
The sense of security would be off the charts!
Due to previous hype, the whole world was watching Hachinosu Island, and now that he was collaborating with Whitebeard to do something big, it would surely attract global attention.
Was there any better way to promote this?
Moreover, with his investment in advertising, each issue of the newspaper would feature some soft articles for promotion, and it wouldn't be long before the suffering people around the world would start to yearn for it.
Unlike the situation in Wano Country, for people around the world ravaged by war, there was only one thing they needed.
Safety!
Damn safety!!
They needed safety!!!
As for whether any pirates would cause trouble, what fool would dare to provoke both the Beasts and Whitebeard's two major Emperor crews at the same time?
If such a fool did exist, he would take them down no matter how many there were; even if they hid in Laugh Tale, he would find them and flay them alive!
Jekekekek～～
This was the first step toward Gurd's real estate venture on a global scale, and it was the most important step. As long as the world accepted this concept, all the communities he built in the future would carry the label of safety!
When that time came.
Wouldn't it be reasonable for the rent to be a bit higher?
Page One leaned in closer to Gurd, lowering his voice.
"Brother-in-law, our people have arrived."
"Great!"
Gurd's eyes lit up, and he immediately stood up.
"Everyone, please follow me!"
"Huh?"
Seeing this, the media reporters quickly followed Gurd.
Before long, they arrived at the port.
Several Beasts warships were docking, followed by a large number of workers in orange vests and hard hats gathering at the port.
A full thousand people.
They were the most elite construction team of prisoners, selected through multiple rounds of screening!
"Line up!"
"Snap!"
Everyone stood tall and straight, ready for inspection.
Babanuki stood at the front of the line, holding a Den Den Mushi: "Listen up! You are now a mature construction team. Maintain discipline, and if anyone embarrasses Lord Gurd, I'll flay them alive!"
"Yes, Lord Babanuki!"
A thousand voices roared in unison, shaking the heavens.
"Move out!"
"Yes!"
The construction team, carrying their tools, marched forward in perfect unison.
The long-term military-style management had paid off; in terms of discipline and morale, the prisoners had undergone a complete transformation.
They were now idealistic, responsible, hardworking, and had a sense of team honor—new era prisoners!
"Thud! Thud! Thud!"
The orderly marching of the formation, with each footfall hitting the ground almost in sync, created a stunning visual effect that amazed everyone.
If accompanied by a march, it would feel like an invincible regular army, even more disciplined than the Navy!
As the formation passed in front of Gurd, Babanuki raised his hand and shouted.
"Salute to Lord Gurd!"
"Swish!"
The prisoners tilted their heads and raised their hands in a synchronized salute!
It was Lord Gurd who had reshaped their bodies and spirits, who had given them glory and rebirth!
Loyalty!!!
"Big news! This is big news!"
Morgans' eyes sparkled as he excitedly snapped photos with his Den Den Mushi, while other media reporters were also frantically taking pictures.
Before coming, they had thought there wouldn't be any big news, but at this moment, an uncontrollable thought surged in their minds.
These workers would shock the world!
Gurd raised his hand to signal the workers, then looked at the astonished captains beside him, a smile creeping onto his lips.
"My construction team isn't bad, right?"
"…"
Marco was left speechless.
Not just not bad; this spectacle was practically about to conquer the world!
(End of Chapter)