The Shichibukai were powerful pirates officially recognized by the World Government, each possessing catastrophic destructive power and terrifying strength rivaling that of an entire nation.
It was precisely that strength that allowed them to become Warlords, with the legal right to plunder.
Most of these powerful individuals were villains who wreaked havoc on the seas. Only their strength and ability to intimidate others had earned them invitations to join the Shichibukai.
On the surface, they had become the World Government's lapdogs. In reality, their arrangement was merely a balance built on mutual exploitation.
The fact that the Shichibukai were counted among the world's great powers, alongside the Four Emperors and Marine Headquarters, spoke volumes about their strength.
Now that Marine Headquarters was launching a war, the Warlords, tied as they were to the World Government, naturally could not escape involvement.
"They're all ambitious bastards. Ordinary officers from Headquarters might not be able to keep them in line, even those of flag rank."
"They might not even be able to get them to come."
Sengoku sighed softly.
He understood the relationship between the World Government, the Marines, and the Shichibukai better than anyone, including all its intricacies.
They were merely using one another. Whenever the Marines could spare the resources and an opportunity arose, the Shichibukai became priority targets.
"River would be a good choice."
"Even someone with a Warlord's strength probably wouldn't dare act arrogant in front of him."
His eyes flickered, and Sengoku quickly made his decision.
With the Paramount War approaching, Headquarters had been sending summons across the world, one after another, without pause over the past few days.
Elite troops from various regions were also arriving at Headquarters to report for duty. As a result, important meetings had been held almost back-to-back these past few days.
As