To begin with, the Shichibukai system (Warlords of the Sea) was a creation of the World Government, and the reason was simple: to reduce global chaos.
But in reality, the world's chaotic state was something they themselves had created.
In other words, they wanted the world to remain unstable, which is why they were willing to grant notorious pirates legitimate status.
Because even though the world is under the control of the Celestial Dragons, those aristocrats have been pushing the limits of public patience for decades.
To divert attention from themselves, the higher-ups naturally aimed their weapons at pirates all around the world.
If pirates no longer existed, what purpose would the Navy, Enies Lobby, or Impel Down even serve?
And at that point, the common people would focus only on how to live peacefully. When that day comes, would the Celestial Dragons still dare to enslave the world as they please?
They might anger the population so much that people could actually band together to revolt against the Celestial Dragons' regime.
So, for the Celestial Dragons and the World Government alike, pirates must exist.
And if Renji Kai were to become one of the Seven Warlords, it would serve their best interests perfectly.
"Admiral Sakazuki, it seems they might've received intel ahead of time. Should we consider backing off?"This time, it was Onigumo, one of the Vice Admirals behind Sakazuki, who spoke up.
Naturally cautious by nature and frequently opposed to Sakazuki's extreme methods, Onigumo didn't even care that others were present—he voiced his dissent on the spot.
"What did you say?"Sakazuki's expression darkened instantly. He turned, clenched his fists, and glared at Onigumo with growing rage.
Onigumo was clearly startled by the look in his superior's eyes, and cold sweat started forming on his forehead.
Although they were only a rank apart in title, the difference in power was massive.
Renji Kai took note of this and was further convinced of his assumption.
"As far as I know, Navy HQ is planning to add another Admiral position soon. You three have been stuck as Vice Admirals for years.
If this incident causes you to fall out of favor with the World Government, your chances of promotion will vanish."Renji Kai dropped another explosive revelation.
As soon as he said this, murmurs spread throughout the Marines.
The Navy side began whispering among themselves, visibly shaken by what they'd heard.
"Idiot! I've never heard anything about a new Admiral seat being added. Stop sowing discord!
I'm here under direct orders to capture you. Anyone who resists will be executed without mercy!
And if anyone in the Navy dares to disobey, don't blame me for showing no mercy!"Sakazuki barked in fury, realizing something was wrong.
His original plan had been to provoke Crocodile into starting an internal fight among Renji Kai's crew.
But instead of infighting, it was the Navy's side that began to show signs of mutiny.
So now, all Sakazuki could do was double down on his authority.
Seeing him put his foot down so harshly, the three Vice Admirals—though clearly reluctant—didn't dare disobey.
Once they fell silent, Sakazuki turned back again.
"And who's that green-haired freak? Why are you even here? Get lost before I vaporize you too!"He pointed at Bartolomeo, standing beside Renji Kai.
"What the hell does that have to do with you?"Bartolomeo snapped back, clearly provoked by the insult.
"Enough talk! Looks like negotiations are over—let's fight!"Douglas Bullet growled. His body began to emit thick red steam—his signature transformation into Devil Mode.
At the same time, Renji Kai activated his Might Guy character card.
Ding! Character card "Might Guy" activated. Possession count: -1.
Last time, when facing Shanks, Renji Kai had used Tsukuyomi, which left him severely drained for days and inflicted heavy damage to his eyes.
Without the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, he wasn't planning to use Tsukuyomi again anytime soon.
If his eyes were permanently damaged, it wouldn't be worth it.
So this time, he went with Might Guy.
"Alright, now all of you can die. Kill them—Hellhound!"
Sakazuki launched the full assault.
As he shouted, his arm elongated and transformed into magma, surging forward like a molten meteor.
A massive torrent of lava hurtled toward Renji Kai and the others, filling the air with heat and smoke.
All of them frowned as they felt the intense pressure of the oncoming magma.
But just then, Bartolomeo finally made his move.
He quickly formed his iconic Commons fingers gesture.
And just before the magma hit, a transparent square-shaped barrier formed in front of them like a shield.
BOOOOOM!
Sakazuki's molten attack smashed violently into the barrier.
A deafening explosion thundered across the skies above Loguetown.
Back in a hospital room, Smoker, lying on a bed, was jolted awake by the blast.
"…Has backup arrived?"He asked weakly, spotting a Marine soldier beside him.
"Yes, Vice Admiral Smoker. Admiral Sakazuki is currently leading the fight against the Renji Kai Pirates!"
"That's good… If he's here, we might actually win this time…"Smoker sighed in relief and slowly closed his eyes to rest again.