He was still a member of the Shichibukai, but he already knew full well that once the man before him became Fleet Admiral, he would take a series of forceful measures.
Those might even include moving against the Shichibukai.
The current situation was already clear.
The Shichibukai existed almost in name only.
Doflamingo, Gecko Moria, Empress Boa Hancock, and Kuma himself all had complicated ties to Xia Le. They could even be called his people.
Of the entire Shichibukai, Sea Knight Jinbe had been stripped of his Warlord status, and Marshall D. Teach had left during the Summit War. Of the five who remained, four already followed Xia Le's orders.
That left only Dracule Mihawk, who clearly wasn't enough to keep the organization going.
This alone showed just how formidable Xia Le was.
The Marines were now arguably stronger than they had ever been, surpassing every previous era.
And with such immense power at his command, what would Xia Le do in the future?
Kuma's thoughts churned. He could hardly imagine it, yet he began to look forward to what lay ahead.
Time flew, and another month passed in the blink of an eye.
The lingering heat of the Summit War gradually faded. People stopped discussing the Whitebeard Pirates' defeat and the Marines' strength, returning instead to their peaceful lives.
In the New World, however, the situation grew more chaotic as the various factions fought incessantly.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
"Are you ready, Xia Le?"
"Remember, this is your final step before becoming Fleet Admiral. Don't say anything reckless."
"No matter how angry you are or how wronged you feel, you have to keep it all under control right now."
Sengoku's expression was grave as he spoke in a low voice.
His Marine Uniform was immaculate, without a single crease,