Want to Become a Shichibukai?

East Blue, Goa Kingdom.

In the guardhouse room, Sabo was forced into a chair.

Outlook III forced him to admit that he had run away from home entirely at the urging of Ace and Luffy.

"It's none of their business!"

"Stubborn!"

He slapped Sabo across the face.

Outlook III turned and handed the recorder a bag of money, saying impatiently, "Just write it like that."

When they got home, the mother brought over another little boy.

This is Stelly, he'll be your brother from now on.

Stelly tilted his chin up, his eyes full of smugness. "Have you heard? The Gray Terminal is going to burn down in a week!"

Sabo looked up sharply. "There are still people there!"

"So what? The Celestial Dragons are coming; we can't let our distinguished guests see those filthy things."

Sabo clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white.

Ace and Luffy are still near the Gray Terminal; we must go and tell them.

The Sorbet Kingdom.

In the church courtyard, the wind swirled fallen leaves against the walls.

Ginny, who had just put Bonney to sleep, turned around quickly upon hearing footsteps and put her finger up to shush her.

"Bear! Keep your voice down, I just got him to sleep!"

The bear stopped at the gate, somewhat helplessly. "You were the one who shouted first."

"Stop arguing!"

Ginny glared at him, but a subtle smile played on her lips.

The bear smiled, knelt down on one knee, and extended a large palm.

Ginny carefully placed Bonney in his palm.

The tiny baby nestled in the giant's hand, so big that he couldn't even hold one of his fingers.

The bear lowered its head, its other hand tentatively protecting the child from the wind.

"Were you good today?"

"What do you mean 'well-behaved'!"

Ginny pouted, "It took forever to get her to sleep, it was so exhausting."

The bear couldn't help but laugh.

But as he laughed, his expression slowly darkened.

When Ginny saw his expression, she immediately put her hands on her hips.

"Hey, bear."

"Um?"

Why are you so distracted today? We've known each other for so many years, do you think I can't tell you're preoccupied?

Xiong paused for a few seconds, then took out a folded piece of paper from inside his coat and handed it over.

"Information intercepted by the Revolutionary Army."

Ginny unfolded it and her face instantly darkened.

The paper clearly states that the World Government is re-examining the Buccaneer Tribe ancestry.

"They haven't given up yet?"

The bear nodded.

"So many years have passed..."

Ginny gripped the paper tightly, her knuckles turning white. "What exactly do those bastards want?!"

The bear didn't respond.

Bonney moved in his palm, and he immediately softened his movements, even slowing his breathing.

The little girl rolled over, groggily grabbed one of his fingers, and fell asleep again.

Xiong looked down at his daughter, remaining silent for a long time.

Ginny.

"Um?"

"I'm trying to find a solution."

What method?

"A way for you and Bonney to live a peaceful and stable life from now on."

Ginny paused for a moment, then raised her hand and patted the back of his hand.

"Fool!"

Xiong was startled.

"You want to shoulder this all by yourself again, don't you?"

"I..."

Don't give me that!

Ginny stretched out her arm, hugged one of his thick fingers, and looked up at him.

Bonney is our daughter, so of course we need to think about things together! Do you hear me?

The bear looked into her bright, sparkling eyes, remained silent for a long time, and then nodded gently.

"Um."

Ginny then smiled with satisfaction.

Xiong didn't mention carrying it alone again, but he lowered Bonney's hand a little more.

With his other hand, he slowly reached out to shield them from the cold wind blowing in from outside.

Several days later, at Supply Port near the Deserted Island.

On the warships moored at the dock.

The Ship's Doctor was changing Ron's dressing again.

"Rear Admiral, don't move your hand."

While treating Ron's sword wound on his shoulder, the Ship's Doctor muttered, "You fought so fiercely with Hawk-Eyes, it's frightening that you only suffered this little injury."

"It's just a small cut, and it's almost healed, but you're making it seem like I'm about to die."

Ron pursed his lips.

Mihawk had already left on his coffin ship. The two men had hacked the entire Deserted Island to pieces, and the adjutant was still thankful that he hadn't sent the warship there.

Brub brub bru--

The Den Den Mushi suddenly rang loudly, and Sengoku's roar nearly lifted the roof off.

"Ron!!"

"Hey old man, I'm here."

"I heard you got into a fight with Mihawk?!"

"It's all over. He lost the one-on-one sword fight, but won the unrestricted skill fight."

After a two-second silence, Sengoku was furious. "What utter nonsense! Can't you just behave for a few days?!"

"I didn't damage the warship this time."

So I still have to praise you, right?!

"That works too."

"Ron!"

Ron had just moved the microphone away when he suddenly raised an eyebrow.

A familiar aura emanated from the warehouse amidst the crowd at the Port.

Huh? What's this guy doing here?

"Old man, I'll talk to you later, I ran into someone I know."

"Who?!"

Bartholomew the Kuma.

Who are you talking about...?

Let's talk later!

Smack

The Den Den Mushi immediately shut up.

The Ship's Doctor in the cabin stared in disbelief. "Rear Admiral, that was the Fleet Admiral's phone call!"

We'll talk about it when we get back.

Ron put on his coat, stuffed the Den Den Mushi into his inner pocket, and casually swiped open a door in front of him.

Next to the Port warehouse.

After seeing off the Revolutionary Army's intelligence agent, Xiong Gang clutched a supplementary investigation list in his hand.

Before leaving, the intelligence officer specifically instructed that government officials at the Port were already inquiring, and that these documents could no longer be shipped by ordinary mail ship.

His purpose in coming here is to confirm the scope of the investigation.

The government has not only his name on the list, but also is collecting clues about his relatives.

Fortunately, he has the Paw-Paw Fruit, which allows him to travel quickly to and from the Sorbet Kingdom, so he doesn't have to leave his wife and daughter behind for long periods.

Just as I was about to leave, a voice suddenly came from beside me. "Hey, Kuma!"

The bear looked down and saw that it was Ron, and his tense shoulders relaxed.

"Ron?"

"Haven't seen you for years, and you don't even greet me anymore?"

Bear glanced at the porters passing by nearby, then led Ron around to the back of the warehouse.

After confirming that no one was around, he spoke in a low voice, "Long time no see."

Where's Ginny?

"At home."

How have you been lately?

Xiong's smile faded slightly, "It's alright."

Ron looked up at him and suddenly noticed that Bear was holding a document in his hand.

"What is this?"

Xiong hesitated for a moment, then bent down and handed the list to him.

Ron took it and glanced at it.

Buccaneer Tribe.

The smile on his face immediately faded.

"Is the government still investigating your bloodline?"

"Um."

The bear's voice was low. "Before, when I was alone, if they tried to catch me, I could run away."

"Now I have Ginny, and a daughter."

Ron glanced down at the list.

Even this guy has to be wary of government agents following him when he goes home?

These bastards are really relentless.

He thought for a moment, then suddenly spoke:

"Kuma, you know the Shichibukai, right?"

"Know."

"Interested in becoming one?"

The bear paused, taken aback.

"I am a member of the Revolutionary Army."

"I know, but the World Government doesn't."

Ron glanced at the list.

"But we can't just hand you over to the government."

"However, the government is definitely eyeing your capabilities. If we can reach an agreement, I'm confident I can help you solve this problem."

The bear remained silent for a moment.

"Will they agree?"

"Have no idea."

Ron shrugged.

"Let's talk first. If we can't reach an agreement, it's not like I'm asking you to sell yourself."

"Besides, if they dare to threaten you with your family, then you might as well give up Shichibukai."

Xiong looked down at the list and didn't speak for a long time.

"Are you willing to stand up for me?"

"Nonsense."

Ron glanced at him.

"But discuss it with Ginny first. If you dare to make a decision on your own without her knowledge, I won't take the blame for you."

Xiong couldn't help but laugh, remembering how Ginny had slapped his hand and called him an idiot a few days ago.

"Good."

Blu-ray! Blu-ray!

The Den Den Mushi in my arms exploded again.

"Ron!!"

"Old man, haven't you finished cursing yet?"

"The World Government called! Mihawk has accepted the Shichibukai invitation!"

"Isn't that great?"

"What a load of rubbish! That guy even made a condition!"

What are the conditions?

"If he challenges you to a sword duel in the future, the Navy must not interfere!"

Ron's lips twitched.

"No, he's only been gone a few days! How can he be thinking about the next match so soon?"

"Just tell us whether you agree or not! The higher-ups are waiting for a reply!"

Ron turned to look at the bear beside him and suddenly smiled.

"I agree."

"However, I also have conditions."