Deals and Bargains
"CP0?"
Looking at the two figures flying through the sky, Sirius said with some surprise.
The only people who would dress like this on the high seas are CP0, the intelligence agency under the World Government, which is directly subordinate to the Celestial Dragon.
Although they were all spies and agents, their attire was extremely eye-catching; one could only say that their skill and daring were exceptional.
"Interesting."
Sirius stopped attacking, stood still with his sword in hand, a slight smile playing on his lips.
So it seems that there's still a possibility that the deal might go through.
"CP0?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru was equally astonished by the arrival of this group.
She had never received any such instructions.
What is CP0?
Yamato still looked somewhat bewildered.
"They're high-ranking government agents!" Sirius blurted out, "A henchman of the Celestial Dragon."
In those few seconds, the two figures had already traversed the sky and landed on the shore.
"Black Wolf Sirius, I've heard so much about you."
The CP0 member, who was relatively shorter and wearing a suit, stepped forward and said with a smile.
As the saying goes, one doesn't hit a smiling face, so Sirius returned the smile, "Why is the World Government's top intelligence agency here?"
"In fact, we are the Black Wolf who came for you."
The CP0 representative stated, "We have brought the wishes of the Five Elders; the government wants to cooperate with you."
"Are you kidding me?"
Momousagi shouted incredulously and angrily, "Cooperation? We've never even heard of such a thing!"
Countless naval soldiers perished in the battle just now, and now you're coming out saying you want to cooperate with these pirates?
What do these bastards take the Navy's justice for?
"This is the Five Elders' intention; we are merely responsible for relaying it."
The tall, thin CP0 member said nonchalantly, "If Vice Admiral Momousagi has any objections, she can go to Mary Geoise and speak with the Five Elders in person."
Momousagi gritted its teeth.
Even with her abilities, she was still not qualified to meet the Five Elders.
"That's interesting. Why didn't you say so earlier? This fight was really inexplicable."
Sirius laughed heartily, "Tell me, how do you want to cooperate?"
The shorter CP0 member's smile widened as he said, "You must have heard of the Shichibukai, Black Wolf, right?"
"Oh,"
Sirius nodded knowingly. "You want me to become the new Shichibukai?"
Even Doflamingo isn't a member of the Shichibukai these days.
The only familiar faces were Crocodile, Gecko Moria, Boa Hancock, and Jinbe.
There are still three spots missing.
"Shichibukai?"
Jack asked with some surprise, "Is it that so-called legal pirate?"
"That sounds pretty good," Black Maria chuckled. "That way we won't be pursued by the government anymore, right?"
"That's right."
CP0 nodded slightly. "That's exactly what the Five Elders meant."
"Asshole!!!"
Gion clenched her fists in anger.
Are you kidding me!
The enemy who just inflicted heavy losses on them is now standing on the same side as them!
The short CP0 seemed completely oblivious to Momousagi's reaction, and simply continued.
"Once you join the Shichibukai, you will be protected by the government. Neither Kaido, Whitebeard, nor Charlotte Big Mom will dare to attack you easily."
"However, you will also have to make some small sacrifices."
The tall CP0 member added, "When the government needs you, you must respond to its call to arms, and at the same time, you must help the government sweep away pirates on the high seas."
"Of course, what you need to do now,"
He looked up at the huge block of ice still lying on the cliff.
"It's about returning the Heavenly Gold."
"Shichibukai?"
Sirius chuckled and said, "That sounds good too."
"Even if we outwardly comply with the government's orders but inwardly defy them, the government can't do anything about it."
"Even under the banner of legitimate pirates, we can act even more recklessly, and the Navy won't interfere with us."
Vice Admiral Momousagi pursed his lips, and Vice Admiral Tsuru's brows gradually furrowed.
These are the Shichibukai.
Although they are nominally legitimate pirates who obey the government, the government's control over them is actually quite limited.
Unless their actions truly cross the government's bottom line, the government will generally turn a blind eye to their misdeeds.
This is another major reason why the navy so vehemently opposes this system.
The righteous navy has become the protector of evil!
"It's unacceptable to outwardly obey government orders while inwardly resisting them," the short CP0 officer chuckled dryly. "If discovered, he'll be expelled from the Shichibukai."
"Then wouldn't it be fine as long as we don't get caught?" Ulti snorted.
But nobody paid her any attention.
"So, Black Wolf, what's your decision?" the tall CP0 asked.
"That sounds really good, but,"
Sirius chuckled softly. "I refuse."
"What?"
The tall CP0 officer was greatly shocked. He exclaimed, "I don't think you have any reason to refuse!"
"Because you didn't give me a reason I couldn't refuse, and,"
Sirius grinned. "I love saying NO to arrogant people."
He scoffed dismissively, "World Government? A stinking corner more repulsive than the world's dirtiest toilet, it can't contain my soul's pursuit of freedom."
"Ah, that's a bit of a shame," Black Maria said with a smile, shaking her head.
"Don't talk nonsense!"
Jack snorted coldly, "We finally escaped Boss Kaido's control, how can we let ourselves be shackled again!"
"That's right! Big Brother is destined to be the king!"
Page One shouted, "How could we possibly be subordinate to the World Government?"
"Whee."
Yamato just smiled; she knew from the beginning what Sirius would choose.
"So, Black Wolf," the short CP0 officer's voice suddenly deepened, "Can I take that as you want to declare war on the government?"
"Understand it however you like,"
Sirius grinned. "Bring it on, whether it's war or whatever."
"This guy—"
The Momousagi was deeply shocked.
Should I say he truly lives up to his reputation as an arrogant pirate?
This guy is probably one of the most arrogant pirates out there, right?
"Ungrateful pirate!"
The tall CP0 officer roared, "You will pay the price for your arrogance! Going against the World Government will only lead to your destruction!"
"Let's talk about destruction later."
Sirius chuckled and said, "If this deal falls through, let's talk about another one."
"What?"
The short CP0 almost cried out in a hoarse voice.
This guy's out of his mind; he just rejected their offer!
"The Heavenly Gold can be returned to you."
Sirius proceeded to state the terms of the deal, "But I want,"
"The complete set of Six Powers."
Thank you so much, 'Ji Hanhan', for the amazing 500 points!
Three chapters still owed!