"If there is anyone on this vast sea that you can truly fear or even be afraid of, then it is only the Revolutionary Army."
When the words "Revolutionary Army" reached the ears of the Five Elders, an immense pressure suddenly arose, as if even the air had become viscous, or as if it were the prelude to an impending storm.
Even the cadres and Crocodile the Sand on the side could feel the invisible pressure, but Roy continued speaking as if nothing was wrong.
"Admittedly, compared to the behemoth that is the World Government, the Revolutionary Army, which has only been around for a decade or two, is still very immature and may be easily defeated in a direct confrontation."
"However, the most terrifying thing about the Revolutionary Army is its ideology. A single spark can start a prairie fire. Its plague-like ideology spread throughout the world, undoubtedly shaking the foundations of the World Government's' rule."
"Shut up!" A sudden, unexpected shout rang out. For the Five Elders, who were usually calm and composed, to be so enraged, it was clear that their sore spot had been hit.
However, Roy continued calmly, "That's why you are so eager to seek Pluton. It's not just to use the power of the Ancient Weapon to quell the Great Pirate Era, but more importantly, to suppress uprisings in various countries and destroy the Revolutionary Army."
"Phantom Sword Roy, do you know what you're doing? Do you want the World Government to completely destroy you?" The Five Elders' voices were very calm, but this was precisely their expression of extreme anger, like a volcano before it erupts.
"I'm just making a very simple choice. Since you don't think much of my offer, the Revolutionary Army might be very interested."
"You're playing with fire!" The crisp sound of a coffee table shattering came from the Den Den Mushi, showing that even the Five Elders couldn't maintain their composure under Roy's verbal onslaught.
"Hahaha, you'd better think this through. The reason the Revolutionary Army is weak is simply because it doesn't have enough resources. But if the Revolutionary Army really gets Pluton, they might have the capital to stand on equal footing with you. At that time, who knows who will be in charge of this world."
"Hmph! What kind of daydream are you having? The whereabouts of Ancient Weapon cannot be determined by one or two pieces of Poneglyph. Even if they did obtain the Poneglyph, it would only increase their chances by one or two percent at most," the Five Elders retorted without hesitation.
"That being said, but do you dare to bet?" The Den Den Mushi perfectly captured Roy's smug expression, making the Five Elders want to crush Den Den Mushi.
Even though they were very unhappy and frustrated, the Five Elders still had to admit that they really didn't dare to do this.
Like Roy, a pirate who had only slightly shown interest in Ancient Weapon, he was already facing the killing intent of the Five Elders.
If the Revolutionary Army truly shifts its focus to finding the Ancient Weapon, then the World Government will be genuinely at a loss. Allowing the Revolutionary Army to obtain Pluton would be no less devastating than a dozen pirate emperors attacking the Holy Land Mary Geoise simultaneously.
Since Roy revealed his trump card, the silence on the other end of the Den Den Mushi has been increasing, indicating that Roy has gradually taken control of the situation.
"Is this your bargaining chip, your so-called sincerity?" The Five Elders suppressed their anger; it had been many years since anyone had dared to speak to them like this.
"Of course, if I weren't sincere, I wouldn't have thought of contacting you first. After all, for a small-time pirate like me to talk to such important figures as you is an incredibly heavy burden." Roy's tone was somber that anyone who didn't know better would think he had suffered some great injustice during the conversation.
The Five Elders were so angry they couldn't speak, clearly shocked by Roy's shamelessness.
As his subordinates chuckled, their fear of the World Government gradually dissipated. Even the Five Elders, the world's highest authority, were being led by the nose by Roy. It seemed that the captain was indeed more powerful.
This silence was longer than any before, feeling like an eternity, and everyone pricked up their ears, wanting to confirm the final result.
"We can agree to your conditions, but there is one condition: you must return the data chip that you stole from the Dongdong Island Base."
"Hmm?" Roy frowned slightly. Although he didn't know what the Five Elders were up to, he didn't want such a small matter to affect the overall situation. Anyway, all this data could be copied. "Okay, no problem with that."
"Very good, Phantom Sword Roy, welcome to the World Government and become a member of the Shichibukai." The Five Elders, true to their political nature, changed their tone after confirming their stance, making everyone feel as if they were in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
"You are probably very clear about the powers and obligations of the Shichibukai, so we won't go into detail. The only thing to note is that while you spare no effort in fighting pirates, remember to curb the development of the Revolutionary Army."
However, the Five Elders seemed to know that such words were no different from farting to Roy, and quickly continued, "As for your information and title Shichibukai, it will be published in the newspaper within a day."
When the Den Den Mushi was hung up, a huge cheer suddenly erupted. In everyone's eyes, taking the title of Shichibukai from the Five Elders was a great victory that was no less than crushing the Navy's expedition.
"Haha, I never thought that we would transform from rookies to Shichibukai so soon after setting foot on the Grand Line."
"The captain is now a great pirate even the World Government acknowledges!"
"Supernovas, Shichibukai, the captain is going to become one of the Four Emperors!"
"Lord Roy, please allow Alabasta to fly your flag."
Although the Shichibukai have been defeated twice, this does not mean that the Shichibukai are worthless. You must know that the Shichibukai are a privileged class with the right to legally plunder.
Being Shichibukai) means wealth, fame, and power, attracting countless pirates to join them. In fact, in the first half of the Grand Line, the Shichibukai flag was more effective in deterring pirates than the Navy and the Four Emperors.
In Roy's view, the Shichibukai represent greater freedom. As far as the Navy and the World Government are concerned, as long as the Four Emperors' power structure remains unchanged, the Shichibukai will have their place.
As a de facto neutral force, the Shichibukai are both feared and courted by various factions. With proper maneuvering, they can undoubtedly extract greater benefits from the complex situation on the high seas.
Perhaps noticing the cheers, CP0, who had been waiting outside, came in.
"Congratulations, Captain Roy, on becoming one of the Shichibukai. I presume the Five Elders have already given their instructions. May I ask if you could now transfer the data on Dongdong Island to me?"