Two Shichibukai Candidates Confirmed

"Crocodile, Bullet, sit here."

For now, Mu Chen could only play the middleman and usher Bullet and Crocodile in.

Once the three of them sat down, Mu Chen spoke. "I brought back both candidates for the Shichibukai. They killed Golden Lion, too. I'd say they performed well."

As soon as Mu Chen finished, Fleet Admiral Sengoku spoke up. "We've read your mission report. You did well, Mu Chen. Since they've agreed to become Shichibukai, let's lay down the terms."

After that brief praise, Sengoku looked straight at Bullet and Crocodile and got to the point. They were Marines and pirates; there was no need for pleasantries. "Bullet, Crocodile, you're both strong enough to qualify as Shichibukai. I won't belabor that. First, your bounties will be frozen. They won't go up, and the Marines won't pursue you anymore."

"Beyond that, the Marines won't interfere with anything you do at sea. There's just one condition: you can't massacre civilians at will."

"Finally, if the Marines launch a military operation against major pirates, you must come and fight alongside us."

Mu Chen had already told Bullet and Crocodile about these terms, so of course they agreed.

"No problem."

Crocodile blew out a puff of smoke and answered casually. He made no demands of his own. His deal with Mu Chen was private, so there was no reason to bring it up with the Marines.

Bullet, meanwhile, had kept his eyes fixed on Garp the entire time. Suddenly, he stood, planted both hands on the table, and leaned toward Garp. Sengoku and the others tensed. They knew Bullet was obsessed with fighting, and he was a major pirate. It wouldn't be surprising if he attacked without warning.

Despite Mu Chen's earlier assurances, they couldn't let down their guard. "You've been staring at me since