Manipulating Saint Saturn

Shichibukai.

It was supposed to be a tool of the World Government.

Nominally--to suppress pirates and maintain route stability.

Yet in the true calculations of the Five Elders, there was an even deeper meaning.

To counterbalance the increasingly powerful Marines today.

To weaken the independent expansion capability of Headquarters, allowing the Marines to forever remain dependent upon the will of the World Government.

This was the most core value of this system.

And now--

Rock actually wanted to hold this blade in his own hands?

This was no longer a simple matter of conditions, but a direct touch upon the bottom line of power.

Inside the Den Den Mushi.

Saint Saturn's expression turned completely cold, those aged eyes revealing a sharp, chilling light.

"Things decided by the World Government."

"Are not things a mere Marine Vice Admiral like you can change."

His voice was deep, carrying an unquestionable coercion.

"Even if We grant you certain preferential privileges."

"They are not the backing for you to do as you please."

The air seemed to be compressed.

Replaced by an ordinary person, their spine would have long since grown cold.

Yet Rock merely leaned against the back of his chair, his expression as usual.

"The Seven Warlords System indeed has its benefits."

His tone was unhurried.

"No training required, no military pay to distribute."

"They can do the dirty work and dark tasks that the Marines find inconvenient to do directly."

"When something happens, the blame can be shifted directly, and they can be discarded at any time when necessary."

"It won't affect the reputation of the World Government."

Every single sentence precisely pierced the true face of the system without the slightest concealment.

Saint Saturn's complexion grew increasingly gloomy, yet Rock continued.

"I'm not being that overbearing."

"I won't treat them