"Our purpose has already been made clear."
The man wore a well-tailored black suit, and his fairly handsome face carried a gentle smile. He was the sort of person who made others feel refreshed just by looking at him.
"So, what is your decision?"
The man looked solemnly at the group before him, or rather, at one particular man among them. "Will you accept the government's offer and become the new Shichibukai, or not? Please give us your answer, Fire Fist Ace."
This was Area 21 of the Sabaody Archipelago, Bar Street. Countless taverns were gathered here, and it had always been the place where pirates congregated most densely.
Yet at this moment, this island that was usually so lively had fallen utterly silent.
Because of the two groups currently facing each other warily.
Standing opposite the man in the black suit was a freckled, fairly handsome man wearing a hat and exposing his upper body. He scratched his head in frustration. "From now on, I won't have to be hunted by the Navy. I can receive the government's protection, and even gain the legal right to plunder. I can rob people legally without it being considered a crime."
"The Shichibukai, huh? That sure sounds tempting."
The crowd kept their distance, surrounding the two opposing groups, every face filled with shock.
"D-Did I hear that right? Are those government guys inviting Fire Fist Ace?"
"It can't be that everyone heard wrong! The government really wants Fire Fist Ace to become a new Shichibukai!"
"But weren't all the Shichibukai positions already filled?"
"Idiot, even though many people have forgotten, Doflamingo was also a Shichibukai! The government never stripped him of the title, but after last year's great upheaval in Wano Country, Doflamingo naturally went down along with the Beasts Pirates!"
"I