"Is the Marine Headquarters planning to take action against the Seven Warlords of the Sea?"
"My judgment was correct. At this critical moment, the title of Shichibukai is no longer a talisman, but a time bomb tied to the body. It cannot protect the Germa Kingdom at all."
"The only way for Germa 66 to continue its greatness is to become a member of the World Government."
Vinsmoke Judge put down the newspaper, his brows furrowed with urgency and worry.
In the North Sea, the most powerful and active family had undoubtedly been the Donquixote family. But now, Germa 66 was next in line.
Who else but him was making fortunes from war, trading in destruction, and slaughtering cities? On top of that, as a former member of MADS, once wanted by the World Government, Judge knew he was certainly one of Rosen's key targets in the North Sea.
"Doflamingo has already been taken down. That means Germa 66 could very well be next."
Thoughts flashed one after another in Judge's mind. He knew he couldn't sit and wait any longer, or he'd be waiting for death.
Whether it was him, the King of Germa, being collared by Rosen like Doflamingo, or his kingdom being destroyed altogether—it was all unacceptable.
With that thought, Judge pulled a Den Den Mushi from his drawer and dialed. He needed to accelerate Germa's cleansing and bring his kingdom ashore overnight.
Buru Buru... Click.
The line connected quickly, and a sinister voice slithered out.
"What's wrong? The King of Germa seems quite free lately. This is the fourth time you've called me this month."
The man on the other end laughed.
"Spandine, you know why I called you." Judge's voice was cold. "One word. When will the Germa Kingdom's application to become a member of the World Government be approved?"
"What do you think a member state is?" Spandine sneered. "Do you think just saying you'll pass means you'll pass? I'm only the leader of CP9, not CP0, and certainly not one of the Five Elders. The most I can do is help you with connections."
"So when will those connections bear fruit?" Judge pressed, barely containing his anger.
"That depends on your sincerity." This time Spandine spoke plainly.
Click.
Judge hung up immediately, his face twisting.
Four times. He had called Spandine four times this month. Each time Spandine demanded payment, and three times Judge had given it. In total, at least two hundred million Berries—if not more.
And that wasn't even including the Heavenly Tribute Germa would be forced to pay once accepted as a member state. Even with the profits of war, the kingdom's coffers would be stripped bare.
Research alone drained more than wars could earn. Combat uniforms. Clone soldiers. Bloodline factor modifications. Everything that made Germa great was built on money.
"You bastard!" Judge cursed through clenched teeth. "If you weren't useful—if you weren't CP9's leader—you'd already be a corpse. Spandine!"
It was obvious Spandine didn't want to help; he simply wanted to bleed Germa dry. He wasn't even the sort of corrupt official who at least got things done in exchange for bribes.
"It seems the only way… is to find her." Judge's voice dropped to a growl. "Damn it, Spandine. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had to waste such a valuable favor so easily."
With that, Judge pulled out another Den Den Mushi.
Buru Buru…
Click.
A soft, sultry female voice flowed out, enough to make a man's bones weaken.
"It's Mr. Judge, isn't it?" Though she asked, her tone brimmed with certainty.
"You're already CP0 now, so you should know my situation better than anyone," Judge said sharply.
"Stussy, I know you've always despised me for using clones as tools of war. But you weren't created by Vegapunk alone. I had a hand in your creation too. I won't claim to be your father, but you can't deny the bond between us. Help me this once, and we'll be even. As long as I live, you can come to me whenever you need something."
Time was life now. Judge couldn't afford delays.
For a moment, Stussy was silent. Then she replied, her voice velvet but edged with steel.
"Prepare the Heavenly Tribute. Someone from Cipher Pol will collect it soon."
After all, Judge had been one of her creators. And from the Government's standpoint, gaining a member state like Germa—a technological and military power—was worthwhile. The Five Elders would welcome it, and the Celestial Dragons cared only for the tribute.
Unlike Spandine, Stussy's influence was real.
"Thank you," Judge exhaled, the weight lifting from his shoulders. With Germa becoming a government-affiliated nation, he would be cleansed. From wanted criminal to official king of a member state.
"We're even now," Stussy replied. Her voice remained charming, but cold.
Click.
The line went dead before Judge could answer.
He sat frozen for a moment, pain written across his face. Such a precious favor, consumed in one desperate gamble. But compared to the shadow of Rosen's blade hanging over him, the cost was worth it.
The identity of a member state was not only a transformation, but a shield.
Yes, the World Government could revoke it at will, just like they could strip the title of Warlord. But for now, there was no greater protection.
At least, under the laws of the Government, Rosen—Vice Admiral of the North Sea—would have no jurisdiction over him.
"Doflamingo," Judge muttered, pride creeping into his tone.
"You never imagined this, did you? When next we meet, you'll be a guard dog in a collar, while I'll be the king of a member state—high above the rest."
"And the same goes for you, Rosen."
In the past, Germa 66 and the Donquixote family had cooperated, but more often they clashed. And in raw strength, Judge had always been suppressed by Doflamingo.
Now? His rival had been collared, while he himself stood washed clean, elevated to a king of the World Government.
Even Rosen couldn't touch him now.
Judge leaned back, pride swelling in his chest. Arrogant, vain, and ambitious—he was once again certain of his greatness.