Fleet Admiral Kong sat in the middle and spoke:
"The candidate who meets the requirements for the Shichibukai is Crocodile, known as the Desert King."
"As for this candidate..."
"First, Crocodile is a Logia user with the power of the Sand-Sand Fruit."
"Second, he bears a grudge against one of the major powers in the New World."
"Not long ago, Crocodile fought a major battle against Hale Nock in the New World."
"In the end, his entire force was wiped out, and he escaped the New World alone."
"The government has already located him."
"We intend to send someone to approach him."
"We'll help him establish himself and see how it works out."
"If anyone has any questions, feel free to discuss them."
A clamor of conversation rose from those seated below.
Vice Admiral Tsuru folded her hands on the table:
"What about the authority granted to the Shichibukai?"
"Exactly how far does it extend?"
Kong folded his arms and leaned back in his chair:
"We discussed that at the Holy Land last time."
"The Navy will be excluded from their right to plunder legally."
"If they plunder a naval vessel, they will be stripped of their Shichibukai title immediately."
"And imprisoned in Impel Down."
"In addition, they must not carry out large-scale plundering of the government's affiliated nations."
"Nor may they use any means to take control of the government's affiliated nations, and so on."
"The other privileges remain unchanged."
"During this trial, we can provide various forms of assistance where necessary."
"Allow him to grow as quickly as possible."
"And see how it works out."
"Then we'll consider adding more members."
Tsuru nodded without saying anything more.
Still, like most of those present, she had reservations about this system.
But it was an order from the government. There