Reverie: Discussing the Shichibukai

A brief silence.

Although the Five Elders were unwilling to accept the outcome of the Sabaody Battle, they had to face reality: with their Admiral Level combat power stretched thin, launching another large-scale military operation against the Uchiha Clan would only come at a higher cost.

"So," the Five Elders with long beards slowly began, steer the conversation back on track, "The most important thing right now is to fill the vacancies of the Shichibukai."

Sengoku proposed holding an emergency meeting of the Shichibukai, and it was set for today.

The three current Shichibukai who can be contacted at this meeting are Bartholomew Kuma, Donquixote Doflamingo, and Jora Mihawk.

"Hawkeye?" The Five Elders with swords raised an eyebrow. "He actually agreed to come?"

The Five Elders with the long beard shook their heads. "He just happened to be near Sabaody. Kuma needed to report on the Revolutionary Army's movements, while Doflamingo volunteered—that guy never does anything without a reason, he's probably up to something again."

"Very well," the Five Elders said coldly, "Then let them all in."

The heavy doors slowly opened. Three distinctly different figures, led by guards, entered the council chamber that would decide the fate of the world.

Leading the way was Bartholomew Kuma.

This Shichibukai, known as the "Tyrant," was so tall that he almost reached the ceiling of the council chamber, his imposing figure casting a heavy shadow on the ground.

He held in his hands a Bible he never parted with; its pages were yellowed and the edges curled, a stark and absurd contrast to his infamy.

He was expressionless, silent as a rock, and each step he took was as steady as stepping on a drumbeat.

Following closely behind is Donquixote Doflamingo.

He wore his signature pink feather coat, the hem trailing slightly on the ground, and swaggered as if he were there to watch a good show rather than attend a serious meeting.

The corners of his mouth always held that chilling smile; his sunglasses concealed his eyes, but couldn't hide the sinister and playful aura that emanated from his very bones.

The last to walk in was Jora Mihawk.

He wore his signature black cloak and carried the Supreme Grade Blade, "Yoru," hailed as the World's Strongest Black Blade.

His footsteps were so light they were almost inaudible, yet each step carried a suffocating sense of oppression.

Those sharp eyes, like those of a hawk, swept across every corner of the council chamber without lingering, as if nothing in the room was worth a second glance.

"Oh, long time no see, Mihawk," Doflamingo spoke first, his tone full of flippant teasing. "I didn't expect you to come to such a boring meeting. I thought you were only interested in your little boat and red wine."

Hawkeye didn't look at him, only replying casually, "I was just passing by. I happened to be checking something out."

"Oh?" Doflamingo's smile deepened. He took a half-step closer, lowering his voice so everyone could hear, "You're here to confirm that brat named Uchiha Natsu, right?"

I heard he has a 4 billion bounty on his head and has also been given the title of ' Godslayer '.

Tsk tsk tsk -- jumping from 3.5 billion to 4 billion, the first madman in 800 years to dare kill Celestial Dragons. You're quite concerned about an opponent like that, aren't you?"

Hawkeye paused almost imperceptibly for a moment.

He turned his head, his sharp eyes finally meeting Doflamingo's, his voice still as calm as still water. "He's not a swordsman. If he were, I would go to the West Blue to find him myself."

"Oh dear, that's a real shame." Doflamingo shrugged, his smile growing increasingly meaningful. "But aren't you curious? A kid in his teens single-handedly repelled Kizaru twice, and even dared to kill a Celestial Dragons in public at Sabaody. How many years has it been since we've seen a madman like that on this sea?"

His gaze swept past Hawkeye to the Five Elders at the far end of the long table, their faces remaining impassive. His tone was undisguised sarcasm. "I'd quite like to meet him. After all—it's rare to see someone who can force you high and mighty 'Creators' to hold an emergency meeting."

"Doflamingo," the bald Five Elders said coldly, "Watch your words."

"Alright, alright, I'll shut up." Doflamingo raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, but the smile on his lips remained unchanged.

He pulled out a chair and sat down, his pink feather coat spreading out like a poisonous flower blooming in a dark council chamber.

Kuma remained silent throughout.

He stood quietly in the corner, holding the Bible in his hands, but his eyes were not on the pages. Instead, he looked out the window of the council chamber at the distant Mary Geoise skyline, as if waiting for something, or as if he was completely indifferent to everything in front of him.

His silence was as firm as a mountain, yet it made some people unconsciously glance at him a few more times.

The Five Elders ignored Doflamingo's provocation.

The Five Elders with long beards cleared their throats and officially began the meeting. "The reason for gathering you all here today is to discuss the selection of a successor to Crocodile as one of the Shichibukai."

The positions of the Shichibukai cannot remain vacant for too long; the balance of power among the three major forces must be maintained. If anyone has a suitable candidate, please suggest one."

Hawkeye leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his tone as indifferent as if discussing the weather. "I'm not interested in this politics. You decide."

Kuma remained silent, showing no intention of speaking.

He didn't come here today to give a speech.

Doflamingo crossed his legs and smiled meaningfully, "I would like to recommend someone, but that guy isn't on the Grand Line right now—he's hiding on Origin Island in the West Blue, with a bounty of four billion, nicknamed ' Void Demon Tamer.' Do you think he might be interested in this position?"

"Doflamingo," the blond Five Elders's voice suddenly turned cold, "Don't joke around in this situation."

"Just kidding." Doflamingo shrugged, his smile widening. "But seriously, with his current fame and strength, if he really applied, would you dare accept him?"

The Five Elders fell silent for a moment. It was this moment of silence that made Doflamingo's smile become incredibly radiant.

Just then, an unusual noise came from above the conference table.

Everyone looked up.

A figure they had never seen before was hanging upside down from the ceiling chandelier in an almost eerie posture.

The person was dressed in a black and white suit, with a delicate face, holding an ornate cane, and had two pure white wings folded on their back.

He didn't know when he sneaked in, nor how long he had been listening there.