"The Shichibukai Plan?"
"They want to use pirates to keep other pirates in check? The World Government sure does come up with some wild ideas..."
In the Marine Headquarters conference room, Garp lounged back in his chair with his legs crossed, openly grumbling about the World Government's new directive.
Zephyr, who had resigned from the Marines and given up his position as an Admiral to serve as an instructor, wore an even sterner expression.
"Those powerful pirates are all ambitious to a fault. And they expect them to willingly obey the World Government's orders!"
"Suspending their bounties, refusing to hold them accountable for their crimes, even turning a blind eye to their privateering... This is practically aiding and abetting evil!"
Zephyr had fought countless pirates, yet he had never killed a single enemy. He was known as the "Non-Killing" Admiral.
But after his family had been brutally murdered by a band of pirates twelve years ago, Zephyr's view of pirates had changed.
Seeing the tense atmosphere, Vice Admiral Tsuru, a Wash-Wash Fruit user, spoke up to admonish him. "Zephyr, the World Government naturally has its reasons for doing this."
"Hmph!"
Zephyr snorted and turned away without another word.
Sengoku, famed as the "Tactician," didn't voice any objections.
"To uphold justice, using a few schemes and methods isn't necessarily a bad thing."
Kong sat at the head of the table, his brow furrowed into a shape like the mountain-shaped beard on his chin.
Garp was an idol to countless Marines, while Zephyr had trained most of the Marine officers. The two of them had enough influence to shake the entire Marine force.
If they continued to oppose it, the Shichibukai Plan would be difficult to carry out.
Kong spoke in a deep voice. "At present, the Marines alone can no longer maintain stability across the entire sea."
"I'm sure you can all foresee that, even though we successfully dealt with Roger, the situation on the sea will soon become even more chaotic."
"The Shichibukai Plan was proposed precisely to deal with what lies ahead!"
"Besides, this plan is still only in its early stages. The World Government will carefully select those who serve as Shichibukai."
Kong pointed to a bounty poster that had been deliberately placed on the conference table.
"This man is the first candidate we've chosen to test the plan. The World Government has already sent people to contact him."
"We'll observe him and use his conduct to decide whether the Shichibukai system should be formally implemented..."
"Does anyone have any objections?"
Seeing that everyone remained silent and that Garp and Zephyr had no further objections, Kong nodded.
"All right, that's enough for today. Meeting adjourned."
"Garp, stay behind!"
At Kong's words, Garp looked puzzled. His buttocks, which he had just lifted from his chair, settled back down.
"What is it, old man? Want to try and persuade me to become an Admiral again?"
Kong shook his head. "The World Government has assigned you an important mission. You'll lead a special squad to hunt down the pirate who attacked Mary Geoise, codenamed 'Demon Lizard,' anywhere in the world, and investigate the evil forces that may be behind him."
"The World Government's intelligence agencies are also doing everything they can to find information about him."
"Furthermore, for this mission, the World Government has made an exception and granted you the authority to launch a Buster Call if necessary!"
As he spoke, Kong took a Golden Den Den Mushi from his coat and solemnly held it out to Garp.
Garp didn't answer him right away. Instead, he picked up the doughnuts on the table and began eating them one after another.
He didn't want the World Government ordering him to run all over the world...
But then he thought about it. If he accepted this mission, wouldn't he have a perfectly good reason to go wherever he wanted?
Before he died, Roger had entrusted his unborn child to him. This was the perfect opportunity to bring the child back. With Roger's talent, his child would surely become a pillar of the Marines if he joined.
Kong's hand froze in midair as he watched Garp trying not to grin.
"Garp! You bastard! Were you even listening to a word I said...?"
Before Kong could finish, Garp snatched the Golden Den Den Mushi from his hand.
"I understand. I'll do my best to complete the mission!"
With that, he strode straight out of the conference room, leaving Kong with nothing but a dashing view of his back...
Outside the conference room, Tsuru, Zephyr, and Sengoku heard Kong roaring from inside.
Tsuru said helplessly to Garp, who looked utterly unconcerned, "Garp, Fleet Admiral Kong is getting old. Couldn't you at least stop making him angry?"
"Hahaha! Tsuru, it's been so long!"
Garp changed the subject, and there was nothing Tsuru could do about him.
The four of them had joined the Marine Academy at the same time. From fighting pirates shoulder to shoulder in their early days to now holding high positions in the Marines, they had been through it all together.
They had long since formed a deep friendship, and they had known for years exactly what kind of person Garp was...
The four of them walked side by side, prompting the Marines around them to stop and salute.
Hero Garp, Buddha Sengoku, Black Arm Zephyr, Great Staff Officer Tsuru—these were all Marine legends...
The four of them passed the Marine Cafeteria and happened to run into Leon and the others as they came out.
"Vice Admiral Tsuru!"
Sauro, towering over everyone, was the first to spot the group.
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