The third time was this advancement quest for [Erudite]. (continued)

Fleet Admiral Kong pretended he had heard nothing and outlined the World Government's—or, more precisely, the Five Elders'—general requirements for the Shichibukai.

"Ahem!"

To everyone's surprise, Admiral Zephyr was the first to speak.

"I have a candidate to propose."

"Who?"

"White Ghost!"

Zephyr casually tossed out the name of a pirate who was both a logical choice and an unexpected one.

"That's impossible, Zephyr!"

Fleet Admiral Kong's brow furrowed as he spoke gravely.

"Among the things White Ghost has done is an [unforgivable crime]! He violated the dignity of the Celestial Dragons!"

"Whatever else you might say, isn't White Ghost a pirate? Hasn't he fought those monsters in the New World several times? Isn't he powerful enough?"

Zephyr fired off one rhetorical question after another.

"Even his abuse of... ahem, his violation of the Celestial Dragons' dignity proves his 'ultimate evil' as a [pirate], doesn't it?"

Under Zephyr's relentless questioning.

The other senior officers in the conference room slowly caught on.

The Marines had no power to resist orders from the World Government, especially orders issued personally by the Five Elders.

In that case, they might as well make their move through the choice of Shichibukai candidates.

And among the many top Great Pirates known to the officers in the conference room.

There happened to be one.

Ruthless enough, evil enough, strong enough!

More importantly, he openly opposed the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, yet never harmed ordinary civilians. He was even more proactive in fighting pirates than many Hawk Faction Marines!

To be frank.

Judged by pirate standards, [White Ghost] certainly qualified!

More importantly still, the vast majority of senior officers at Marine Headquarters did not dislike White Ghost. On the contrary, they even harbored a certain quiet fondness for him!

"Pwahahaha! White Ghost, a Shichibukai?!"

Garp burst