Chapter 207: Gearing Up

In the original storyline, Miss Buckin only dared to claim she was Whitebeard's woman after his death. Her son, Edward Weevil, declared himself Whitebeard's biological son and adopted the name "Edward." Together, they tried to ride on Whitebeard's reputation.

At this point in time, however, Miss Buckin wouldn't dare make such a claim, not even with ten times her usual audacity! But years later, Weevil was invited to join the Seven Warlords of the Sea primarily due to the title of "Whitebeard's Son" and his extraordinary combat prowess, which he demonstrated during battles against remnants of the Whitebeard Pirates.

Why now, though? Is the World Government so desperate to complete the ranks of the Seven Warlords? Could it be that Weevil, who once severed the arm of former Admiral Zephyr, was chosen as their candidate?

"What did Teacher Zephyr say about this?"

"Teacher Zephyr and Fleet Admiral Sengoku agreed—you shouldn't know about this. They fear you might clash with CP (Cipher Pol) over it," Ain hesitated. "Cipher Pol operates directly under the World Government. If you oppose them, you'll face immense trouble!"

"Hmph! Teacher Zephyr is underestimating me!"

"Sengoku and Teacher Zephyr mean well, but Weevil… he must die this time!"

"Ain, keep this a secret, even from Sengoku and Teacher Zephyr."

"In the next few days, I'll be 'training' in my office. No interruptions from anyone!"

"Understood, Vice Admiral Wright!"

Left alone in his office, Wright felt an indescribable tension fill the air. Fleeting golden sparks crackled faintly around him.

A soft sound snapped Wright out of his thoughts—it seemed a sheet of paper had fluttered slightly.

Rubbing his temples, Wright exhaled deeply. He had planned to finish his current tasks and then spar with Mihawk to hone his swordsmanship, but the World Government's interference had spoiled those plans entirely.

This operation had to be covert. CP must not discover his involvement.

For Zephyr, for Sengoku, and for himself, clashing openly with CP right now would be detrimental.

But with his distinct skills and equipment, staying anonymous posed a significant challenge.

How could he eliminate someone of Weevil's strength—even with the latter's severed left arm—while keeping his identity hidden?

"First, let's find out where this guy is."

Taking out a white Den Den Mushi equipped with anti-eavesdropping measures, Wright dialed a number.

"Lord Morgans, how are things lately?"

"Oh, splendid! Vice Admiral Wright, your recent feats have been impressive. A new battleship, defeating Whitebeard's Fifth Division Captain Vista, and other veterans like 'Thunder Lord' McGuy and 'Ice Witch' Whitey Bay!"

Morgans' voice trembled with excitement. "Whitebeard hasn't made any moves yet, but your actions have sent a clear warning! Brilliant work!"

"However, you might want to tone it down a bit. At this rate, your reputation will soon exceed manageable levels!"

"I understand," Wright replied before pausing. "Today, I have something to consult you about."

"Oh? When it comes to intelligence, you've come to the right person! After all, how else could I create groundbreaking news without timely information?"

Wright chuckled. "The World Government is preparing to extend an invitation to a pirate—a summons to join the Seven Warlords of the Sea."

"What?!"

Morgans' composure shattered. "The Seven Warlords? Such critical news, and I didn't know about it? Hold on!"

Angry shouts and commotion echoed through the Den Den Mushi. After some time, Morgans returned, visibly irritated.

"Unbelievable! The World Government concealed this! They even sent CP to handle it personally! If I hadn't known in advance, even I wouldn't have picked up on CP's intentions!"

"Give me twelve—no, eight hours!" Morgans' tone turned dark. "As the king of news, I can't tolerate such an oversight. I'll provide you with detailed information within eight hours!"

"Thank you, Lord Morgans."

Wright's voice grew cold. "This pirate's name is Weevil. He wields a naginata, his left arm is severed, and he's accompanied by a short, leopard-print-clad old woman named Miss Buckin."

"He wasn't well-known before, but recently, he attacked a naval training ship led by former Admiral Zephyr, severely injuring Teacher Zephyr…"

"His strength has thus gained the World Government's recognition."

As Morgans processed this revelation, his Den Den Mushi's expression turned to shock.

"I need his location," Wright stated firmly.

"Understood."

True to his reputation as the world's premier media mogul, Morgans' intelligence network spanned the globe.

Armed with Weevil's name and characteristics, Morgans pinpointed his location in just over three hours.

"This Weevil and his mother Miss Buckin are truly bizarre," Morgans remarked. "Their strength is undeniable, but that mustache and naginata… What's their connection to Whitebeard, really?"

"Dead men's lineage isn't worth investigating, don't you think, Lord Morgans?" Wright's voice was chilling.

Morgans laughed heartily. "Fair enough. We'll focus on ensuring no news of this leaks!"

"Understood."

To confront Weevil without revealing his identity, Wright decided: Ashes could not be used.

Its distinct characteristics made it impossible to disguise, but using a standard longsword wouldn't allow Wright to maximize his capabilities as a master swordsman.

"A Great Grade blade, at least… Wado Ichimonji? No, that'd draw attention and endanger Kuina."

"The Second Generation Kitetsu? Hmm, Zoro won't set sail for a while. I can use it temporarily."

"As for Haki… as long as I avoid long-range slashes, disguising myself within a ten-meter radius is feasible."

Thanks to the Lightforged Beacon Crystal left at Isshin Dojo, Wright soon stood before a training Zoro.

"Big Brother Wright! You're back already? I thought your leave only came once a year!"

"This is a special case," Wright gestured for silence. "Only Master Koushirou and you know I'm here. Don't tell anyone else."

"A secret mission?" Zoro's excitement was palpable.

"Sort of. I need your help."

"Me? Help you, Big Brother Wright?"

"Of course—you can lend me your Second Generation Kitetsu for a few days."

"…"

"Oh…"

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