"Are you crazy!?"
"That's the Shichibukai you're talking about!"
Stussy blurted out without thinking, her face unable to hide the shock.
This guy was completely insane!
As a member of CP0, the World Government's highest intelligence agency, Stussy understood better than anyone the hidden purpose behind the creation of the Shichibukai system.
Recruiting pirates as Shichibukai and granting them the legal right to plunder was, on the surface, a way to curb the ever-growing pirate threat.
By positioning the Shichibukai as a buffer between pirates and Marines, it created a state of mutual confrontation and balance, thereby strengthening the World Government's control over the seas.
After all, the development of Marine strength had already started showing signs of slipping beyond the World Government's grasp.
Especially with the rise of the "Golden Generation"—Sakazuki, Borsalino, Daren, and Kuzan—this younger generation of Marine monsters had entered the very core of Marine authority, controlling numerous key positions.
Combined with Daren's existence—a "human natural disaster" and unparalleled long-range deterrent weapon—the Marines' military might had reached an all-time high.
Thus, the deeper purpose of the Shichibukai system was to balance the ever-expanding influence of the Marines!
But now, Daren actually wanted to interfere with the selection of the Shichibukai!
This was no different than trying to snatch food from the mouth of the World Government!
"So you're worried about me?"
Daren smiled playfully and said,
"I thought you'd be thrilled to see me get myself killed."
Stussy gritted her teeth and said,
"I'm just worried that if the World Government targets you, you'll end up spilling all my secrets!"
Daren chuckled and said,
"Only two members of the Shichibukai have been confirmed so far, meaning there are still five spots open."
"I'm just concerned because I want to help our esteemed government by suggesting some suitable candidates."
He spread his hands innocently.
"I'm absolutely loyal to the government."
A cold smile tugged at the corner of Stussy's lips.
She didn't believe a word Daren said.
Trusting that this ambitious, defiant man was loyal to the World Government?
She'd sooner believe the Pleasure District was a place of virtue!
Besides, even if Mihawk, Fisher Tiger, and Gecko Moria seemed like decent candidates, Boa Hancock... she was only three years old!
Three years old! What qualifications did she have to become a Shichibukai!?
Stussy shot him a look that practically screamed, "You must be joking."
"So what exactly are you plotting?"
"The government has a strict selection process for the Shichibukai. You can't possibly interfere."
"Besides, Crocodile, the 'Desert King,' and Douglas Bullet, the 'Demon Heir,' have already been confirmed. They're not people you can control."
"That's not necessarily true... Who do you think ripped off their hands?"
Daren looked at Stussy with a strange smile.
Stussy: ...
Hearing the confidence in Daren's voice, a wave of shock surged in her heart.
The two confirmed Shichibukai... were both already influenced by Daren!?
Somehow, seeing Daren's smug, proud expression only made her more furious.
She bit her lip and snapped,
"So what if that's true!?"
"Apart from those two, the government already has a full list of candidates for the remaining five spots!"
"Oh?"
Daren's interest was finally piqued.
"Who's on the list?"
"None of the people you picked are on it."
Stussy smiled proudly.
She grabbed a sealed document from the desk by the wall, opened it, and handed it to Daren.
"See for yourself."
Daren opened the list and glanced through it casually.
"Dylan Fair, from North Blue, nicknamed Blood Axe, bounty: 140 million Belly."
"Battier Reinhardt, from West Blue, currently in the New World, Logia-type Numa Numa no Mi user, bounty: 120 million Belly."
"..."
Each name on the list belonged to a "great pirate" with a bounty over 100 million, all with fearsome reputations.
But to Daren, they looked like nothing more than extras destined to die off-screen...
"Well?"
Seeing Daren remain silent, Stussy thought he was frustrated that his plan was falling apart and teased with a coquettish laugh,
"What a pity. Looks like your plan is about to fail, Vice Admiral."
Daren glanced at her, then suddenly grinned.
"Not necessarily."
Under Stussy's surprised gaze, he pulled out a Den Den Mushi and dialed a number.
Two seconds later, the call connected, and a low voice came from the other end.
"Daren?"
"Yeah, it's me. I heard there's a guy called 'Blood Axe' causing a stir in North Blue?" Daren said coolly.
There was a brief pause before Momonga responded,
"That's right. He hasn't broken any rules, so I let him be."
"Kill him."
Daren exhaled a puff of smoke as he spoke.
"No problem."
Without a second thought, Momonga hung up. In the next instant, his figure disappeared from the Base Commander's office in a flash of lightning.
He and Daren had fought side by side for years, developing a level of trust and understanding that went beyond words. No matter how strange the order, Momonga would carry it out without hesitation.
"What... are you doing?"
Stussy finally realized what Daren intended and stared at him in disbelief.
Was he serious?
But she quickly sneered,
"According to intelligence, Blood Axe is extremely cautious. Even a Vice Admiral might not be able to take him down. Don't waste your time—"
"...Buru Buru, Buru Buru..."
The military Den Den Mushi rang again, cutting her off.
Her expression changed immediately, a sense of foreboding creeping up as she fixed her gaze on the Den Den Mushi in Daren's hand.
It couldn't be...
Daren caught her look and, smiling, answered the call.
"It's me."
Momonga's low voice came through again,
"He's dead."
Stussy's pupils shrank into pinpoints!
How much time had passed between the two calls?
Not even a minute!
This had to be a joke.
But deep down, she knew—the man before her had no reason to lie.
"This is troublesome."
Daren chuckled and chatted for a moment before ending the call.
He looked up at her with a smirk,
"What were you about to say?"
Stussy's face stiffened, her teeth grinding in frustration.
"So you killed one Blood Axe! Big deal! There are over a dozen names on that list! You can't possibly kill them all!"
"Who says I can't?"
Daren laughed without a care.
He slowly stood, walked over to Stussy, and gently patted her smooth cheek, smiling as he spoke,
"Listen carefully, my Queen. What I say will always come true."
"The ones I've chosen will all become members of the Shichibukai.
It's only a matter of time."
He lightly hooked Stussy's chin with a finger.
"But one thing's certain—The Shichibukai will all belong to me."
Stussy trembled at the provocative touch, gritting her teeth.
"I don't believe you!"
Daren smiled,
"If you don't believe me, let's make a bet."
Already provoked, Stussy snapped back,
"What do you want to bet?"
Daren chuckled,
"If you win, I'll grant you any wish you want."
"But if you lose..."
He slowly extended his index finger and gently brushed Stussy's red lips.
"If I lose, I'll grant you any wish you want too."
Stussy refused to back down,
"It's a deal!"
Daren smiled with satisfaction,
"Then you'd better be ready to call me master."