Chapter 135: Shichibukai Conference
Naval Headquarters, Marineford.
As the date of the Navy's campaign against Whitebeard approaches, naval elites from around the world continue to converge on Marineford, amplifying the tension in this colossal fortress. Even the ordinary residents could feel the oppressive atmosphere looming over the island.
On this particular day, several warships arrived at Marineford from different directions. Onboard each vessel was a Warlord of the Sea, the Shichibukai—one of the three great powers of the world.
Although only five remained in the Shichibukai ranks, their combined presence still commanded undeniable weight.
The Shichibukai system, established by the World Government, granted power and legitimacy to select pirates. Now, with the war against Whitebeard looming, the World Government had issued compulsory summons to each remaining member.
Present were:
Dracule Mihawk, the world's strongest swordsman, "Hawk-Eyes."
Boa Hancock, the "Pirate Empress," famed as the most beautiful woman in the world.
Bartholomew Kuma, the "Tyrant."
Gecko Moria of Thriller Bark.
Jinbe, the former captain of the Sun Pirates.
As they disembarked, their powerful presences caused even seasoned Marines to gulp nervously. The sight of the Shichibukai gathered in one place was rare and awe-inspiring.
Inside the Navy Headquarters conference hall, a large circular table sat at the room's center. Seated already were:
Fleet Admiral Sengoku the Buddha
Vice Admiral Tsuru, Chief Staff Officer
Admiral Akainu (Sakazuki)
Admiral Aokiji (Kuzan)
Originally, this meeting was to be held at Mariejois, but due to the volatile situation, it was relocated to Marineford.
Once the Shichibukai were seated, Sengoku rose and addressed them.
"Now that everyone is here, we will begin the Shichibukai meeting."
"Everyone?" Moria sneered. "Don't lump us in with that dead man Doflamingo. And where's that sand crocodile? Crocodile hasn't shown up, has he?"
Sengoku glanced at him. "Due to criminal activity, Crocodile has been stripped of his title. The current roster includes only the five of you."
"Hmph. First Doflamingo, now Crocodile," Moria scoffed, standing and slamming the table. "So much for the Shichibukai system. If the government can strip our titles so easily, what's the point of all this?"
Kuma responded calmly. "Crocodile was defeated by a young pirate—Monkey D. Luffy of the Straw Hat Pirates. Moreover, he used his Shichibukai title to incite rebellion in Alabasta. These actions were grounds for dismissal."
"Even the Sand Crocodile fell?" Moria chuckled darkly. "One Shichibukai after another. This is getting interesting."
"The Shichibukai system was flawed from the start," Akainu interjected coldly, his eyes sweeping over the warlords. "Doflamingo. Crocodile. Nothing but troublemakers. This whole setup is disgraceful."
"What did you say?" Moria snarled, baring his teeth. "You looking down on us?!"
"No," Akainu replied, magma beginning to drip from his fists. "I've always seen you for what you are—scum. If you have a problem, I'll be happy to erase you right now and focus on Whitebeard later."
"Heh. Let's see you try, lava man!" Moria drew his scissors, ready for a fight.
As tensions exploded, Kuma silently grabbed Moria's arm, while Mihawk's icy gaze stopped Akainu mid-step.
"We were summoned to fight Whitebeard, not each other," Mihawk said bluntly.
Sengoku scowled. "That's enough, Sakazuki. And to be frank, I agree with you. This system has been problematic. But we're facing Whitebeard—our greatest threat yet. If you Shichibukai can't prove your worth now, there's no need for the title to continue."
"So what? You want us to throw our lives away to prove our worth?" Hancock scoffed. "If that's your goal, I'll drop the title right now."
"I'm no pawn either," Moria growled.
The other warlords—Mihawk, Kuma, and Jinbe—remained silent but clearly shared the sentiment.
The message was clear: they might be allies of the World Government for now, but none would serve blindly in a war not their own.