"I can't shirk this task. What I need to do is what this paper doesn't clearly state. The Admiral Sengoku asked me to assess the people on the bounty list. With their strength, it's not something that can be done by just sending anyone!"
At the time, I was the only one at headquarters suitable for this mission, and it was an order from the Admiral and the Fleet Admiral. How could a newly promoted Vice Admiral like me refuse? What would they think? What would the World Government think?
Vic didn't reveal the deeper reasons, but only analyzed the issue of military orders: who would dare use a subordinate who doesn't obey orders? This guy isn't even in charge yet and he's already disobeying orders; what will happen to him in the future?
How could the World Government allow someone like that to command the Navy? If he really wants to become the Fleet Admiral, Vic has no choice but to lie low and not show his true colors.
However, the situation is too contradictory. On one hand, they have to show obedience to the World Government, and on the other hand, they have to face the accusations and insults from within the Navy. Vic doesn't have a good way to break the deadlock for the time being.
Although the Shichibukai are appointed by the World Government, the individuals are chosen by Vic. Any evil deeds committed by these chosen individuals, whether in the past or in the future, will be recorded against Vic.
They dared not provoke the behemoth that was the World Government, and would even find excuses for them, saying, " The World Government did let you choose, but couldn't you choose so-and-so? Why did you choose him? You shouldn't have chosen him, that's your fault!"
However, they dared not say anything openly about Vic, who was an insider in the Navy. But it was a different story in private. With so many voices, the Navy's high command and the World Government had to consider the feelings of so many people. So this matter was very contradictory and difficult to handle. Vic was still thinking about how to break the deadlock.
"This..."
Barnett thought about it and agreed. Vic couldn't disobey orders now. Not everyone is Hero of the Marines who doesn't care about power. As long as you value the power you hold, you will be controlled by the person who gave you that power!
If Vic didn't care about the positions of Marine Admiral and Fleet Admiral, he could still live a carefree life. As long as he upheld his sense of justice, he could simply apply to be stationed long-term at a Marine Base in the New World.
It can help the civilians around the base defend against pirates, and no one will tell you what to do, so you have relative freedom.
Although Barnett didn't know why Vic wanted so much power, based on his understanding of Vic, he knew Vic wasn't the type to crave power. Vic must have some unspeakable difficulties, so Barnett just needed to help Vic achieve his goal, which wouldn't conflict with his own ambitions.
Although Rebecca and the others were a bit slow to react and couldn't think that far ahead, they were already resistant to the policy itself, and even more resistant to having Vic do the task.
Which of those great pirates hasn't stained their bodies with the blood of marines? Even Red-Haired Shanks isn't immune. From the Navy's perspective, it's irreconcilable. If they all think this way, you can imagine what others will think. This is what's giving Vic a headache right now.
"Try to choose those who have done fewer evil deeds to become the Shichibukai. The World Government's decisions are not easily changed."
Even if we didn't do this mission, someone else would. The legalization of piracy is inevitable, but having the initiative in our hands allows us to filter candidates. At least our selections won't be worse than others. Try to think more positively!
Vic knew that the Shichibukai would inevitably appear. This time, apart from damaging his reputation, he could choose the Shichibukai himself. He would absolutely not choose those pirates who wanted to use the Shichibukai as a stepping stone to secretly carry out underhanded actions and harm civilians. He would be merciful if he didn't kill them. This was the only benefit he could get.
"Yes, Vic is right. We need to look on the bright side. We don't know how long the Shichibukai policy will last, but it will definitely have a huge impact on the seas. We need to take into account the pirates' personalities, character, and preferences. Being responsible to the civilians is what we should be doing."
Barnett also spoke up for Vic, saying that the others' perspectives differed from theirs, and this was the only way to appease them.
After listening to what the two said, Rebecca and Wendy calmed down, but their sense of identification with the World Government decreased significantly once again.
The World Government is becoming increasingly unscrupulous. As their status and position have risen, they have witnessed more darkness and gained a deeper understanding of the current state of the world. Therefore, they know that this is not something that can be changed by their own efforts.
After reading the details, their attention returned to the bounty posters. Now they wanted to see which pirates were qualified to become Shichibukai; careful selection was their current task.
" Vic! Which pirate should we look for first?"
After reading all the bounty posters, Rebecca asked Vic, "There are quite a few pirates on the bounty posters. Some sail the Four Blues, and some rule islands in the first half of the Grand Line."
There are also those lurking in the New World. Rebecca knows that the pirates she's looking for now are definitely not the ones from the New World, and she can't tell whether they're from the Four Blues or the first half of the world.
"Let's go find Shanks first. Although he probably won't become Shichibukai, he's on the list anyway. I've already got their location. This time, we'll go straight there except for a supply stop. If we take too long, they might have disappeared."
Vic replied that this was something he had planned long ago, and he had even gotten the Eternal Pose from someone.
"Hmm! Of all these people here, Red-Hair is the most suitable to become Shichibukai. It would be great if he could become Shichibukai!"
Rebecca had witnessed Shanks ' strength firsthand; he was not much weaker than former Admiral Zephyr. Now, some time had passed, and it was hard to say how strong he was now. However, given Shanks' personality, he probably wouldn't restrict himself like this.
"Hey! Barnett! This is the Eternal Pose for the island where Shanks others are. It's all yours now. All the affairs on the ship are also yours. If you guys can't handle something, come find me. I'm going to train now."
Vic didn't say anything more. After handing the Eternal Pose to Barnett, he went to the bow of the warship to sit down and cultivate. Recently, there were faint Artistic Conception of Wind was about to break through and reveal the whole picture, so he wanted to strike while the iron was hot.
After several more days of sailing, the warship passed several islands, but did not land due to time constraints. The food in the warship's warehouse was running low, and if they were careful with their food, they could only last for two days.
Therefore, Barnett has ordered lookouts to monitor the surrounding waters around the clock, and to land on any islands they find for resupply. He won't wait until he's completely out of ammunition and supplies before looking for islands. Some marines who know how to fish have also been assigned to the warships to fish.