Let the Show Begin, Five Elders!

I will become Shichibukai?

Although Storm had long ago formulated a plan to "become Shichibukai".

But at this moment, he received a personal invitation from one of the Gorosei, the highest authority in the World Government...

A sense of magical realism still welled up in Storm's mind.

He hasn't even started yet.

Why is the World Government in such a hurry?

Is this what it feels like to "get something for free"?

Storm just deliberately contacted Aokiji, saying he wanted to "give him credit"...

That was just polite talk.

At least that wasn't his intention.

Storm's real plan is to proceed in two steps.

First, eliminate Hanafuda, the King of Lizards, to create a vacancy in the position of Shichibukai.

Then, capture all the trash on Banaro Island alive, and use them, along with the King of Lizards's corpse, to make a deal with the World Government!

Barring any unforeseen circumstances.

It's practically a done deal that Storm will succeed the Shichibukai.

In the future, there will also be two other Shichibukai who will "rise to power" through this method.

Blackbeard Teach captured Ace, handed him over to the World Government, and then volunteered to become Shichibukai.

Trafalgar Law became a new Shichibukai by stealing the hearts of one hundred pirates and handing them over to the World Government.

Storm's plan combined the best aspects of both Blackbeard Teach's and Trafalgar Law's plans.

He wasn't worried that the World Government would refuse the deal...

Furthermore...

Even if the World Government suddenly has a "burst of justice" and rejects Storm's secret deal...

Storm then went on to cause trouble for the other Shichibukai!

The current Shichibukai.

Aside from Hawk Eyes Mihawk strength is unknown.

The rest of the people.

Storm could deal with them, if not with ease, but certainly no more difficult than kneading mud.

Even if we take a step back and say...

Legitimate transactions are not acceptable.

Improper transactions are acceptable!

Looting the Heavenly Tribute, forcibly threatening the World Government, and seizing the position of Shichibukai is also a good idea...

There are already "predecessors" who have waded into these muddy waters for Storm.

Gorosei, you don't want the Celestial Dragons' National Treasure secret to be revealed, do you?

--From a pink Doflamingo who wishes to remain anonymous.

Cough cough.

All in all.

Plans can't keep up with changes.

Storm never expected that the World Government would actually invite him to become Shichibukai!

This is truly an unexpected delight.

As is widely known.

Whoever takes the initiative becomes the one who is passive.

But one should still maintain a certain level of "restraint"...

"Shichibukai, huh!"

Storm snorted coldly, the loud nasal tone revealing his disdain for the Shichibukai.

Please begin your performance, Saint Nusjuro!

Pangea Castle, Chamber of Power.

Saint Nusjuro, along with several other members of the Gorosei who were listening in, all sensed disdain from Storm's reaction.

The Gorosei exchanged a knowing glance, their unique spiritual communication flowing between them.

Just as the intelligence indicated! That White Dragon has an extreme aversion to pirates!

'Otherwise, how could he have wiped out the entire Infinite Hell?'

'He's even more radical than that mad dog Sakazuki!'

'Given his past performance, it's understandable that he looks down on the Shichibukai.'

Let's stick to the original plan...

The Gorosei finished their discussion.

In the end, it was still Saint Nusjuro was responsible for communicating with the White Dragon.

"White Dragon, I've been keeping track of your news lately."

Saint Nusjuro said in a calm tone.

"You made such a big mistake in Impel Down."

"If the government hadn't deliberately concealed it, you would have been wanted by the navy long ago!"

"Deliberately concealing it? It was indeed deliberately concealed."

Storm scoffed, not fooled by Saint Nusjuro's words.

"But isn't this your concern that if news of Impel Down gets out, it will affect the government's image?"

"But the government did indeed stop the Navy's bounty on you."

Saint Nusjuro responded calmly.

"However, what you did in Alabasta before was still too much."

"Sand Crocodile is a veteran Shichibukai, and has always worked for the government..."

After hearing this...

Storm quickly regained control of his expression.

He was worried that if he didn't control his expression, he might burst out laughing.

Has Sand Crocodile been working for the World Government all along?

Gorosei, are you getting senile?

Sand Crocodile has been plotting to create the Ancient Weapon [Pluton] Pluton, which is strictly forbidden by the World Government to research or explore!

Storm only responded with a muffled groan.

"Sand Crocodile, not bad."

That's exactly what Storm really thought.

Without a doubt.

Aside from being somewhat emotionally fragile, Crocodile was definitely a qualified ruthless leader.

His bounty was only 81 million Beli, indicating that he did not commit any major misdeeds during his rise to fame.

After becoming Shichibukai, he diligently fought pirates and maintained his persona as the "Hero of Alabasta."

Although Crocodile later orchestrated the civil war in Alabasta...

However, this has not yet happened.

Storm's opinion of Crocodile wasn't too bad.

If he truly believes Crocodile is inadequate...

Sand Crocodile that doesn't even know how to use [Haki] would never have survived to this day!

"Yes, Sand Crocodile did a pretty good job."

Saint Nusjuro nodded in satisfaction.

"Compared to the other Shichibukai, Sand Crocodile is the most cooperative with the government's actions."

"However, the commotion you caused in Alabasta still damaged the reputation of the Shichibukai."

"It even damaged the government's reputation!"

Another string of nonsense!

Storm secretly rolled his eyes.

The World Government can keep what's happening in Impel Down a secret.

This is because the Calm Belt is deep within Impel Down, where every blade of grass and every tree is strictly controlled.

World Government are absolutely certain that information will not leak out.

However, Storm's defeat of Sand Crocodile in Alabasta happened in public.

The World Government can't hide it even if it wants to!

Moreover, the Gorosei had no intention of hiding it in the first place.

"The government has no choice but to issue a bounty on your head."

Saint Nusjuro continued.

"I know your past; you're from the Navy."

"Once a bounty is placed on your head, it means your family, elders, friends... will all become your enemies."

"Vongola Storm, you don't want to engage the Navy in close combat either, do you?"

That bald guy must be from Wano Country, right!?

Storm didn't mince words and rolled his eyes wide.

"I'd love for the navy to come after me! The stronger the navy, the better!"

Storm's words were absolutely heartfelt.

Shichibukai very powerful?

Is the Pirate Emperor really that powerful?

The navy has always been the undisputed master of the seas!

Of all the powers of the sea.

In terms of sheer numbers of strong individuals, the Navy definitely has the most.

There are many strong individuals, and they are of high quality.

The more Big Trophy they can provide, the higher their quality.

Storm genuinely hopes that a Marine Vice Admiral will arrive today and an Admiral Candidate tomorrow...

If the Navy can "train" him like this, his strength will continue to increase wildly!

But this is a heartfelt remark from Storm.

To Saint Nusjuro, it sounded like a child's stubbornness.

"Vongola Storm, don't get into this pointless argument."

Saint Nusjuro chuckled and extended the invitation again.

"On behalf of the World Government, I formally invite you to join the Shichibukai!"

The Gorosei offered a final way out.

Storm did not remain "reserved" any longer.

"I can accept the government's invitation."

Storm nodded at first, then changed the subject.

"But I have a few conditions."

Condition?

How many more?

Saint Nusjuro's smile faded, and he narrowed his eyes slightly.

He knew very well that the government would have to pay a price to appease those vicious pirates.

Saint Nusjuro was only slightly surprised by Storm's words, but did not directly refuse.

A powerful and renowned pirate on the high seas, willing to become Shichibukai Great Pirate the Sea...

Actually, there aren't many.

The World Government has very few options.

White Dragon Vongola Storm is one of the most suitable candidates currently identified by the Gorosei to serve Shichibukai.

There isn't even one!

Saint Nusjuro asked, "What are your conditions?"

"First of all, I am not a spineless remnant of the Old Era like the Sand Crocodile and the King of Lizards."

"Storm said."

"I won't linger in the Paradise phase! I only have one goal—"

"Become Great Pirate, delve into the New World, and then... become Yonko!"

Saint Nusjuro, along with the other Gorosei, were completely taken aback by Storm's conditions...

Simple.

"Ha ha!"

Saint Nusjuro laughed loudly.

"The Shichibukai were originally intended to counterbalance the power of the Pirate Emperor."

"You want to challenge the Pirate Emperor? The government will absolutely support you!"

My second condition is...

"Storm said slowly."

"I want to see Dr. Vegapunk."

"Vegapunk?"

Saint Nusjuro frowned slightly.

Why do you want to see him?

"I just want to meet the smartest person in the ocean."

Storm countered with a question.

Does this need a reason?

Saint Nusjuro's intuition told him that the White Dragon was definitely hiding something.

However, meeting Vegapunk is not a difficult thing...

Saint Nusjuro finally nodded.

"No problem, but you need to go to Punk Hazard Island in person."

"If that's the case..."

Storm nodded slightly.

"I accept this invitation to Shichibukai!"

"The government's order will be disseminated to the world tomorrow morning through the World Economic Journal."

Saint Nusjuro announced calmly.

"Your bounty, and the news of your becoming Shichibukai, will be announced to the entire world."

Snap!

The Gorosei have withdrawn from communications.

Storm glanced at the black-suited agent who was still carefully holding up the Den Den Mushi and gave him a friendly smile.

"Thank you for your hard work, I'll be careful to be gentle..."

"Um?"

The agent in the black suit hadn't even reacted yet.

Storm sent him directly to keep the King of Lizards.

It's just cleaning up the internal mess of the World Government, would anyone find that inappropriate?

Aside from this unexpectedly intrusive CP Agent.

The identities of the other dozen or so people were not questionable.

Storm didn't bother digging deeper into these people's secrets; he planned to hand them over to the Navy later.

The prisoners were dealt with properly, and the valuables were inventoried.

Storm waved to Robin was standing nearby.

It's lunchtime!

The six-star Big Trophy I just won by defeating the King of Lizards.

After Storm personally executed Hanafuda.

The once crystal-clear Diamond Trophy has been transformed into a [Blood Diamond Trophy] that combines the effects of granting wishes and adding stat points.

Besides.

The Red Ogre Brogy, the Blue Ogre Dorry, and Hanafuda also contributed three five-star trophies.

"The Platinum Trophy is secondary; there's nowhere to allocate skill points now. I'll just use the [Blood Diamond Trophy] to allocate points!"

Storm first used the Blood Diamond Trophy to allocate points to his Speed attribute.

[Speed: ★★★★★★★] (Seven Stars)

Storm's [Strength], [Speed], and [Stamina] attributes have all reached the standard seven-star level!

"One more wish left..."

Storm looked up at the sky; the white clouds were clustered together in a continuous expanse.

"Sky Island..."