Austin: Entering the Game With His Own Body!

(The request for updates reached 4000, satisfying my OCD. Here's another chapter for you.)

Holy Land Mary Geoise, Chamber of Power.

The five individuals representing the world's highest authority looked serious, all staring at the Den Den Mushi on the central desk.

After hearing Austin's words, they exchanged glances, then slowly nodded.

In truth, they had never worried about whether the list Austin provided would have issues, or about their loyalty to the World Government, etc.

Even the most obedient wolf is still a beast;

it can never compare to the Marines, their own dogs.

What they needed was the deterrent power of those Great Pirates within the Shichibukai. This would help the World Government rule the seas more effectively.

Of course, if Austin, hailed as the 'King' of the Next Generation on the seas, were to join, that would be even better. It was a shame he had refused not long ago.

"Then... tell us, Austin!

After all, you were a crewmate of Roger's. We recognize your judgment. Who is this man you've taken a liking to?"

After a moment of silence, Saint Saturn was the first to ask.

Hearing this, Doflamingo tensed up slightly.

Austin, however, calmly replied, "You should be very familiar with this person.

Donquixote..."

Upon hearing the surname, the Five Elders were stunned.

A Celestial Dragon?

"Doflamingo."

The Five Elders: !!!

Seeing the shock and confusion appearing on the Den Den Mushi's face, Austin smiled and said, "That's right. It's that kid you banished from the Holy Land. He's now a Conqueror's Haki user.

Honestly, I don't understand how you think. You abandon a clansman who possesses Conqueror's Haki, yet you send an Admiral to protect those guys who only know how to ride slaves."

Austin wanted to continue his teasing, but before he could say more, he was coldly interrupted by the Five Elders.

"The internal affairs of the Celestial Dragons are not your concern! Let's discuss the Donquixote boy now!"

Nusjuro, who was usually cold and taciturn, spoke up chillingly, holding his sword.

After all, this was a family matter for the Celestial Dragons. Even if they had made a mistake, it shouldn't be judged by an outsider like Austin.

No, it should be said, Celestial Dragons could never be wrong.

"You should understand, Austin. The position of Shichibukai belongs to those Great Pirates who can awe the seas and have renown.

Doflamingo? We have heard of him. He might have some fame in the North Blue, but on this vast ocean, it's still far from enough!"

That's right.

To them, a mere nineteen-year-old North Blue punk, even with some influence in the Underworld, was still not enough in their eyes.

In their expectations, he should at least have a notable achievement.

For example...

fighting an Admiral solo, or clashing with a Four Emperor.

"Shouldn't you give young people a chance, Your Excellency Five Elders?"

Austin had anticipated this reason for refusal, but being as wise as he was, he had already thought of a solution:

"Don't you just want fame and deterrence? It's simple...

What if I'm willing to vouch for him? What if I'm willing to tell the media and newspapers

that the Great Pirate--Donquixote Doflamingo narrowly lost to me, and then managed to escape alive?"

"This..."

Hearing this, not only was Doflamingo, who had been instantly defeated earlier, stunned, but even the Five Elders, who had weathered countless storms and witnessed countless events, were momentarily bewildered.

You can play it like that?

Treating people on the seas like people from Wano Country?

But despite their shock, after thinking it over, they found with peculiar expressions that...

It seems like it could actually work.

As a crew member of Austin the Pirate King, coupled with world-shattering achievements, adding a few fabricated details to the newspapers would be enough to fool the entire world.

Even the original owner agrees now, so who could question it?

With the eligibility issue resolved, the Five Elders briefly deliberated and, in principle, agreed.

However, one of the Five Elders, Peter, offered a reminder at this point.

"Austin, since you're willing to put your own reputation on the line as collateral, we naturally have no objections. But you must understand--

On this sea, the Shichibukai, as an entity nominally balancing the Marines and the New World overlords, absolutely cannot afford to lose a battle."

"This means that if Doflamingo is defeated, it won't just be the World Government's authority that suffers, but also your own face.

Do you understand?"

The meaning was already very clear.

To put it more crudely, if Doflamingo lacks the necessary strength, pushing him into a high position he doesn't deserve would only be slapping oneself in the face, leading to a loss of face for everyone involved.

But this was not a problem for Austin.

Because he knew, this Flamingo, born from rage and hell, still had potential.

He had been a Shichibukai for so many years without issue, only to be defeated by the protagonist in the end. While his lack of strength was a factor, it was also partly a plot-driven demise. He was more than qualified to be a subordinate.

"Since you have doubts about this, how about we make a promise?" Austin narrowed his eyes and smiled, "We're listening," came a cold reply.

"If Doflamingo loses his qualification due to defeat, then let me take his place.

This stake should be heavy enough, right?"

Austin put himself on the line.

As expected, upon hearing this condition, the Five Elders agreed without even deliberating.

Because no matter how you looked at it, this was a no-lose deal.

If Doflamingo could hold his ground, with Austin's guarantee, this flag would absolutely not fall.

And if he couldn't hold his ground, then it would be perfect. With Austin, the Black Gun, joining the Shichibukai, along with the other powerful members, they would truly transform into a formidable force capable of confronting the New World overlords.

This would undoubtedly be great news for the World Government's authority.

Click.

After agreeing to this, the Den Den Mushi was quickly hung up.

The silent prison cell instantly became quiet, only the flickering dim candlelight illuminated the side profile of the man who was the subject of the recent conversation—Doflamingo, his face a mixture of shock and uncertainty, covered in cold sweat.

Everything that had just happened felt like a dream, giving him a sense of unreality.

Something like this...

How could it be possible...

Within a few words, a major figure at sea was promoted by these top figures in the world, as easily as lifting an ant.

Of course, similarly, if they wanted to destroy him, it would be as simple as crushing an ant.

Watching the man calmly put away the Den Den Mushi, his expression as placid as still water, Doflamingo admitted it was the first time.

The first time he had witnessed, what true power really was!!!