"This matter is entirely up to you."
Sengoku had no objections to it. When the Secret Special Force SWORD was first founded, he had already granted Michael full authority to recruit freely.
However, in the next moment, Sengoku suddenly looked up and said:
"Michael, after discussing with Tsuru recently, we've decided to roll out a new policy..."
"Hmm? What policy?" Michael looked at Sengoku. "Old man, I'm just a Rear Admiral. Do you two top brass really need to ask for my input when implementing new policies?"
"Because this policy... is related to you. To be precise, it concerns the entire Secret Special Force SWORD."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Considering the fact that more and more powerful pirates are appearing across the sea, we believe a new policy is necessary to create more internal chaos among the pirates—to prevent powerful pirate alliances from forming."
Sengoku set down his pen and the documents in his hand, sat upright, and looked seriously at Michael as he continued:
"Inspired by your recruitment of Issho and the successful integration of the entire Amazon Lily, we've devised a new plan. We're going to contact and recruit powerful pirates, grant them official status, and stop hunting them. In return, they will be responsible for hunting down other pirates across the sea."
"We're calling it... the Seven Warlords of the Sea Plan."
As soon as Sengoku finished speaking, the previously nonchalant Michael instantly furrowed his brows.
Did he hear that right?
The Seven Warlords of the Sea?
And it was inspired by him?
Michael's lips twitched into a stiff smile.
"Do you want me to be honest?"
"What else? You think I want you to flatter me? Then your skills wouldn't even rank in the Navy."
"Alright then... the starting point of your plan isn't bad, but once it goes into execution, you'll see—it's full of problems." Michael began ticking off points on his fingers. "What kind of impact will this have within the Navy? How will you choose and vet candidates? Once the plan launches, how are you going to monitor these so-called 'official pirates'? Most importantly, how much autonomy are you planning to give them?"
While Michael rattled off his concerns, Sengoku remained completely calm.
"None of those are problems—as long as we have the Secret Special Force SWORD."
As soon as Sengoku said that, Michael understood.
This new "Seven Warlords of the Sea" wasn't the same as the one in the original timeline.
This was more like an auxiliary branch of the Secret Special Force SWORD—flexible identities that could be discarded at any time. Even pirates could be used in this role.
"And with this official status, not only will they not be pursued or attacked by the Navy, but they'll also be able to legitimately claim bounty rewards after hunting pirates... In essence, they'll become pirate hunters serving the Navy."
"As for restrictions... that's up to you."
Sengoku's clear-cut answers instantly crushed Michael's initial intent to refuse.
While he could still bring people into the Navy or the Revolutionary Army, there would always be individuals who didn't suit either of those organizations.
Like Doflamingo, whose every move was already under Michael's watch.
Or Crocodile, who might try to usurp a kingdom someday.
Or even Mihawk, who had yet to earn the title of "World's Greatest Swordsman."
These formidable but unaligned individuals—who would never join the Navy or the Revolutionary Army—could be coaxed into becoming part of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. That wouldn't be such a bad option.
And under Michael's supervision and restrictions, the negative consequences of the Warlords seen in the original timeline could be entirely avoided.
"If you put it that way... I think it could work."
"At the very least, it'll put a leash on some powerful figures and prevent them from running wild across the seas, creating more trouble for the Navy."
"So you're in?"
Sengoku wasn't surprised by the result, but still wanted to confirm it.
"I agree. But getting the rest of the Navy to accept it—that's your job."
"Alright, if there's nothing else, you can go now." Sengoku nodded and added a reminder. "By the way, the naval base in Alabasta was completed a week ago... Michael, you should report for duty."
...
Sabaody Archipelago
"So you're taking the entire Secret Special Force SWORD to Alabasta now?"
"Well, I was the one who brought it up back then. Of course I have to follow through."
Michael stood side by side with Gion at the dock, watching members of the Secret Special Force SWORD load supplies onto the warship.
Before heading to Alabasta, aside from restocking at Sabaody Archipelago, Michael had also passed orders to Gloriosa and Shakky to have the Kuja warriors report to Sabaody for enlistment.
"You really don't know how to slow down..." Gion sighed, then gave Michael a resentful glare. "And it's not just you being busy—you even had to drag me into it."
"Ahaha, well, there aren't many high-ranking female officers in the Navy. And you're the only woman with a code name, so you're obviously the best choice to train the Amazon Lily warriors." Michael chuckled. "They've always shown unquestioning respect toward strong women."
"...Like I owe you something!"
Gion huffed, extended a slender finger, and jabbed it into Michael's forehead.
Then she turned and began walking toward the Navy garrison in Sabaody Archipelago.
"You're not going to see me off?"
"Not in the mood!" Gion had only walked a few steps before suddenly turning back. "By the way, do you remember that swordsman who showed up two years ago?"
"You mean... Mihawk?"
"That's right. I've never stopped tracking him these past two years... And the most recent intel, from three days ago, says he appeared near the waters of Alabasta."
Michael raised an eyebrow.
Alabasta?
What would Mihawk be doing there?
Of course, the question lasted only a moment before Michael let it go.
With Mihawk's drifter lifestyle, it wasn't strange for him to turn up anywhere.
"Thanks for the intel, Gion."
This time, Michael didn't call her "Gion-san" or "Momousagi," but used her real name.
Maybe the sudden shift caught her off guard, because she didn't reply and simply turned to leave.
But reflected in the glint of her radiant golden katana, a faint blush could be seen on her cheeks.
"Ugh... Rear Admiral Michael, you really are something..."
Not far off, Hina had witnessed the whole thing and was now looking at Michael like he was some kind of player.
"Screw you! What do you know, you brat?!"
"Just because Hina is young doesn't mean Hina hasn't read novels! That was classic playboy behavior!"
"...Wait a sec, are you smoking now?!"
"Trying to change the subject because you got caught red-handed, huh!? What kind of trashy parent are you!?"