"There are six others as formidable as I am!
First is the one celebrated as "the world's strongest swordsman," Dracule Mihawk.
Though he lives alone in a castle on Kuraigana Island, no one has ever dared set foot on his territory. He's powerful, mysterious—and would be a difficult target.
Second is Bartholomew Kuma, former king of the Sorbet Kingdom, nicknamed "The Tyrant."
Once a ruthless pirate, he's now been completely transformed—his consciousness erased—by Navy scientist Vegapunk.
So now, he's considered part of the Navy!
Third is Jinbe, captain of the Sun Pirates and protector of Fish-Man Island.
But word is he recently allied himself with "Whitebeard" Edward Newgate. Attacking him might draw Whitebeard's attention!
Fourth is Gecko Moria, captain of the Thriller Bark Pirates.
He likes summoning thousands of corpses—pretty disgusting, to be honest.
Fifth is the only woman among the Seven Warlords—Boa Hancock!
She's the Empress of Amazon Lily's Kuja Kingdom and captain of the Kuja Pirates. Known as the Pirate Empress.
Her island sits in the Calm Belt—ships rarely pass there. Plus massive Sea Kings roam nearby. No ordinary ship can reach, let alone land.
Last, and perhaps the most notorious, is Donquixote Doflamingo.
He's the king of Dressrosa, always in the spotlight. Taking him down means going to the New World and taking on an entire nation!
As Crocodile—former Warlord—briefly listed off their enemies:
"According to your logic, Kuma is off-limits. He turned 'good,' and attacking him would cost face for the Navy and Government.
We must pick three of the remaining five—and you're in charge, Captain Renji."
Douglas Bullet nodded. Immediately, everyone turned to Renji.
"Whatever. Let's start with someone nearby. Besides, the ship could use a little fun—right?"
Renji Kai narrowed his eyes and smiled.
That night, Garp and Tsuru stayed at the Loguetown Navy base and visited Smoker.
Smoker hadn't defeated the Renji Kai pirates—but considering that even Admiral Sakazuki's fleet failed, it wasn't his fault.
He'd surely be promoted once recovering.
The next morning, as a newspaper arrived, Garp saw the headline—then angrily slammed it down.
"What's wrong?" Tsuru, sipping her coffee, asked.
"We've been played," Garp said coldly. "They leaked the story."
Tsuru snatched the paper: it declared the Renji Kai pirates had fought Admiral Sakazuki and defeated multiple Vice Admirals in Loguetown.
It also revealed that the World Government and Navy had secretly negotiated with Renji Kai—on condition he eliminate the other six Warlords.
The scoop exploded worldwide.
The Five Elders instantly grilled Fleet Admiral Sengoku via Den Den Mushi.
Onboard Sakazuki's flagship returning to Marineford, he was pleased—not furious.
"These idiots tried to stop me from destroying them—now watch them get scorned and ridiculed!"
While reactions from the Government and Navy were intense, the six remaining Warlords erupted in fury.
Jinbe immediately phoned Sengoku through the Den Den Mushi.
On a gloomy fog-filled ship, Gecko Moria sneered as he read the paper:
"A little whippersnapper with his head too big—he's asking for death. If you step into the West Blue, I'll make sure you don't come back!"
Sitting with an ominous calm was Dracule Mihawk—black hair, eagle-eyed, a goatee, and a black top hat with white fur trim.
He glanced at the newspaper, then calmly set it aside and sipped his coffee.
He is the world's strongest swordsman.
In a grand palace, Boa Hancock gathered before her throne, surrounded by women.
"Your Majesty, the World Government and Navy are abhorrent—they're using others to eliminate us!"
"Hmph! They dare send forces to Amazon Lily?
Order immediate patrols around the Calm Belt. Any suspicious vessel approaches—report it at once!"