Sengoku's Reaction

"Crocodile is dead, what about the Shichibukai? Two random people showed up and killed him. Now the other Shichibukai have a lot of complaints. Their positions have been challenged too many times," Vice Admiral Ghost Spider confronted Sengoku.

"I told you Rono had amazing potential, yet you traded him to those Celestial Dragons, along with Sairona. Look at him now, only 15 years old and he can kill a Shichibukai. Even an Admiral might not be his limit!" Vice Admiral Huo Shaoshan, who had taught Rono for a month, also grumbled indignantly.

"Oh my, these young people nowadays are truly amazing. I'm a bit at a loss," a lazy voice chimed in. It was Aokiji.

"The Navy's authority cannot be challenged. Although I dislike the Shichibukai system, since they have surrendered to the Navy, they cannot be killed by outsiders," Akainu said with a grim expression.

"My, my, at least CP9 is part of the World Government, right? At least they're allies," Kizaru tried to smooth things over.

"Crunch, crunch," Garp munched on senbei with relish.

Sengoku looked at the bickering crowd in the conference room and felt a headache coming on. Tsuru wasn't helping him at all, just watching the show with Garp. He shot a glare at the leisurely Garp and coughed twice. "One by one. First, regarding Admiral Akainu's issue, Admiral Kizaru makes a valid point. The Navy is subordinate to the Navy, so there will be no bounty issued. Second, Vice Admiral Huo Shaoshan's issue. Although I spoke to you last time, there are still those present who don't know, so I'll say it again. Geniuses are useless until they grow. Rono's situation is not the first of its kind in recent years. Furthermore, the Gongdongtalio Family's offer was too tempting: a 15% increase in Navy funding and a 30% increase in the Science Department's funding. You should have all noticed the significant improvement in the soldiers' conditions." Sengoku paused, looking at the silent crowd, and continued, "Vice Admiral Tsuru and I have discussed it, and we will answer Vice Admiral Ghost Spider's question as well. We have unanimously decided to grant Rono the title of Shichibukai."

"What? I don't agree! If that's the case, where is the Navy's authority?" Akainu was the first to object, and the others also voiced their opinions.

"Then what about the other Shichibukai's opinions?" Vice Admiral Ghost Spider asked.

"Let them fight amongst themselves. If they can't hold onto their positions, then someone else will take them. As long as the title of Shichibukai is maintained, not a specific person, Vice Admiral," Sengoku replied calmly.

"If there are no other objections, then this meeting is adjourned."

Sengoku waited for a moment, and seeing that no one else spoke, he dismissed the meeting. The others gradually left, and only Tsuru remained.

"Tsuru, proceed with the plan."

"Don't worry."

A week passed. Spandam sent someone to teach Rono and Sairona the Six Powers. Rono trained with the instructor during the day and conducted practical combat training with the system at night. He had thus initially mastered the Six Powers. As for Sairona, he only practiced Kami-e, Soru, and Geppo. In Sairona's words, his output relied entirely on skill, and it would be difficult for assassins to get to him with these techniques... Well, that was Rono's explanation, but Sairona's meaning was similar to what Rono expressed.

Spandam became increasingly glad that he had bet on the right horse, and it was a buy-one-get-one-free situation. Nodding to the instructor, Spandam spoke to the two of them.

"Rono, Sairona, stop for a moment. A dispatch has arrived from Marine Headquarters. Rono has been appointed as a Shichibukai, and you can even choose a country as your fief."

"Shichibukai? Is this like loot dropped from a boss fight?" Rono scratched his head. Although he didn't understand the meaning of Rono's strange terms, Sairona and Spandam indicated they were already used to it.

"There's also a document from the Gongdongtalio Family, hoping Rono will choose Alabasta as his fief," Spandam said, ignoring Rono's words. "The Baroque Works also hopes you will take them under your wing, though it will be in your name. They will send people to manage it, so you don't need to worry."

Spandam hadn't mentioned the deal with Crocodile since Rono returned. As for that batch of World Government goods, it was actually a lie fabricated by the Celestial Dragons pressuring the World Government and Crocodile. Deng and Haddaway would have died even if they had completed their mission.

Crocodile was dead, and Rono had become the new Shichibukai. For Spandam, his good brother, it was incredibly easy to reap benefits and achievements.

Thinking of this, Spandam's mouth began to water.

"Hey, hey! Spandam, are you listening?"

"Huh? What is it?"

"I said, can I form a pirate crew?" Rono repeated.

"Nani? WTF? A pirate crew? Holy crap!" Spandam looked completely bewildered. He had never heard of someone from the World Government forming a pirate crew. "Uh—I'll have to ask about that."

"Mhm, mhm." Rono nodded like a good boy.

"Ah, I almost forgot the main business. The reason I called you was not just for this, but also to have you come to Marine Headquarters to accept authorization." Spandam pulled Rono along, "Sairona, coming with us?"

"Sure, it's been a while since I left the Navy, I'm quite nostalgic," Sairona replied with his usual poker face.

The Marine Headquarters warship was already docked before the Gate of Justice, led by Vice Admiral Huo Shaoshan. Sengoku was playing the emotional card.

The group arrived at Marineford in a grand procession. Pirates on the road saw the Marine Headquarters flag from miles away and fled, which made Rono a little disappointed. Are you even pirates? Why run at the sight of a warship! You're embarrassing the pirates.

If those pirates knew, they'd spit on Rono's face. It's normal for pirates to run when they see Marines, okay?

However, upon arriving at Marineford, Rono's attention was immediately diverted. "Sugoi!" Looking at the vast and majestic Marineford, Rono couldn't help but exclaim. The last time he came, Rono was in a salted fish state and didn't observe Marineford, so he was shocked this time.

Sairona glanced at Rono calmly. "Foolish Captain." Spandam picked up Rono's words. "Indeed, no matter how many times you come, it's always spectacular!"

In the original work, the execution ground for Ace's execution could accommodate tens of thousands of Marines and pirates, let alone the even wider training grounds and living areas.

A messenger came to greet them. After settling the others, he led Rono to a conference room.

There were three Shichibukai in the conference room: Empress Boa Hancock, Tyrant Bartholomew Kuma, and Sky Lancer Donquixote Doflamingo. Sengoku and Vice Admiral Tsuru sat at the head of the table. Empress Hancock rested her feet on the conference table, completely unconcerned about exposing her spring scenery. Tyrant Bear stood beside them; honestly, even if he wanted to sit, his enormous physique wouldn't allow it. Sky Lancer Doflamingo sat on the conference table with his legs crossed.

Seeing Rono walk in, the three shifted their gaze to him.