The Birth of the Shichibukai Plan

"The Shichibukai Plan?"

"Using pirates to keep pirates in check? Those World Government folks sure know how to make a mess..."

In the Marine Headquarters' meeting room, Garp lounged back in his chair with his legs crossed, carelessly badmouthing the decree issued by the World Government.

Zephyr, who had resigned from his naval post and retained only the rank of General to serve as an instructor, wore a stern expression.

"Every one of those powerful pirates is an ambitious schemer, and they expect them to willingly obey the World Government's orders!"

"Stopping bounties, not prosecuting crimes, even tacitly allowing privateering... this is practically aiding and abetting evil!"

Zephyr had fought countless pirates but never killed a single enemy, earning the title of the "Non-Kill" Admiral.

But ever since his family was brutally murdered by a pirate crew twelve years ago, his view of pirates had changed.

Sensing the tension, Marine Vice Admiral and Wash-Wash Fruit user Tsuru spoke up to advise, "Zephyr, the World Government has its reasons for this."

"Hmph!"

Zephyr snorted coldly, turning his head away without another word.

Sengoku, known as the "Tactician," raised no objections.

"To uphold justice, using some strategies and tactics isn't entirely unacceptable."

Kong sat at the head of the table, his brow furrowed into a mountain shape matching his beard.

Garp and Zephyr—one was an idol in the hearts of countless Marines, the other the instructor who had trained most of the Marine officers. Together, they had the power to shake the entire Marine organization.

If they both insisted on opposing it, the Shichibukai Plan would be difficult to implement.

Kong spoke in a low voice, "As things stand, the Marines alone can no longer maintain stability across the seas."

"I'm sure you can foresee that, even though we've dealt with Roger, the situation on the seas is about to get far more chaotic."

"The Shichibukai Plan was proposed precisely to handle the coming situation!"

"Besides, this plan is still in its infancy. The World Government will strictly select the candidates for the Shichibukai."

Kong pointed to a bounty poster deliberately set apart on the conference table.

"This man is our first test candidate. The World Government has already sent people to contact him."

"We'll observe him and decide whether to formally implement the Shichibukai based on his performance..."

"Do you have any objections?"

Seeing the room fall silent, with Garp and Zephyr no longer voicing dissent, Kong nodded.

"Alright, that's all for today. Dismissed."

"Garp, stay behind!"

Hearing Kong's words, Garp looked puzzled, his half-raised rear dropping back down.

"What is it, old man? Trying to talk me into becoming an Admiral again?"

Kong shook his head and said, "The World Government has assigned you a critical mission. You're to lead a special squad to hunt down the pirate who attacked Mary Geoise, codenamed 'Demon Lizard,' across the globe, and investigate any evil forces that might be backing him."

"The World Government's intelligence agency is already scouring for information on him."

"And for this mission, the World Government has granted you the unprecedented authority to issue a Buster Call when necessary!"

With that, Kong pulled a Golden Den Den Mushi from his pocket and solemnly offered it to Garp.

But Garp didn't respond immediately. Instead, he grabbed a donut from the table and started munching away.

He had no desire to be ordered around the world by the World Government...

But then he thought it over—taking this mission would give him a legitimate excuse to go wherever he pleased...

Before he died, Roger had entrusted his unborn child to Garp. This was the perfect chance to go pick him up. With Roger's caliber, if his child joined the Marines, he could surely become a pillar of the organization.

Kong's hand hung in the air as he watched Garp, who looked like he was about to burst out laughing.

"Garp! You bastard! Are you even listening..."

Before Kong could finish, Garp snatched the Golden Den Den Mushi from his hand.

"I got it! I'll do my best to complete the mission!"

With that, he strode straight out of the meeting room, leaving Kong with nothing but a carefree silhouette...

Outside the meeting room, Tsuru, Zephyr, and Sengoku listened to Kong's roaring from inside.

Tsuru sighed helplessly at the unbothered Garp. "Garp, Fleet Admiral Kong is getting old. Can't you stop provoking him?"

"Hahaha! Tsuru, long time no see."

Garp dodged the topic, and Tsuru could only shake her head.

The four of them had joined the Marine Academy together, fought side by side against pirates from the start, and now held high positions in the Marines.

They had long forged deep bonds of friendship and knew Garp's personality all too well...

As they walked side by side, passing Marines stopped to salute them.

Hero Garp, Buddha Sengoku, Black Arm Zephyr, Great Staff Officer Tsuru—these were Marine legends...

The four passed by the Marine mess hall, just as Leon and his two companions came out.

"Vice Admiral Tsuru!"

Sauro, towering and broad, spotted the group first.