Mary Geoise, the Room of Authority.
The five figures representing the world's highest power looked serious, all staring at the Den Den Mushi on the central desk.
After hearing Aus's words, they exchanged glances, then slowly nodded.
Actually, in their view, there was never any need to worry about whether Aus's list would have problems or their loyalty to the World Government.
Even the most obedient wolf was still a wild beast—never comparable to the Marines, their own loyal dog.
What they needed was just the deterrent force of those great pirates among the Seven Warlords. That would help the World Government rule these seas better.
Of course, if Aus—hailed as the "Next Generation's King" on the seas—could join, that would be perfect. Too bad he'd refused not long ago.
"Well then... let's hear it, Aus! Having been crew on Roger's ship, we acknowledge your judgment. Who's this man who caught your eye?"
After a moment of silence, Saint Saturn spoke first.
Hearing this, Doflamingo tensed up, but saw Aus speak unhurriedly: "You should know this guy pretty well. Donquixote..."
Hearing that surname, all Five Elders froze.
A Celestial Dragon?
"Doflamingo."
Five Elders: !!!
Seeing the shock and confusion on the Den Den Mushi's face, Aus smiled: "That's right—the brat you kicked out of the Holy Land. He's got Conqueror's Haki now.
I honestly can't figure out your thinking. Abandon a clan member with Conqueror's Haki, but send Admirals to protect those assholes who only know how to ride slaves."
Aus wanted to keep needling them, but before he could say more, the Five Elders cut him off coldly.
"Internal Celestial Dragon affairs don't need your concern! Let's discuss the Donquixote boy!"
The usually cold and silent Nusjuro, clutching his sword, spoke icily.
No matter what, this was Celestial Dragon family business. Even if they'd made mistakes, it shouldn't be judged by an outsider like Aus.
No—rather, Celestial Dragons could never be wrong.
"You should understand, Aus. Seven Warlord positions belong to great pirates who can deter the seas and have real fame. Doflamingo? Sure, we've heard of him—maybe he's got some rep in North Blue, but on seas this vast, that's nowhere near enough!"
Right. To them, some eighteen-year-old North Blue punk—even with underworld power and influence—still wasn't sufficient.
In their expectations, he should at least have notable achievements, like... fighting an Admiral one-on-one, clashing with a Yonko.
"You should give young people chances, shouldn't you, Five Elders?"
Aus naturally expected this refusal, but wise as he was, he'd already thought of a counter: "Don't you just want fame and deterrent force? Simple... What if I vouch for him? What if I tell the media and newspapers that the great pirate Donquixote Doflamingo narrowly lost to me and successfully escaped alive?"
"This..."
Hearing this, not only was the previously instant-defeated Doflamingo stunned—even the Five Elders, who'd weathered countless storms, were momentarily speechless.
You could play it like this? Treat everyone like idiots?
But shock aside, after thinking it through, they realized with weird expressions... it might actually work.
With Aus's identity as Pirate King crew, plus those world-shaking achievements, newspapers could add details and fool the entire world. Even the guy himself agreed—who could question it?
Having solved the qualification problem, after brief discussion, the Five Elders agreed in principle.
But Saint Peter still reminded: "Aus, since you're willing to stake your reputation as guarantee, we have no objections. But understand this—on these seas, the Seven Warlords exist to balance Marines and New World overlords. They absolutely cannot be defeated."
"This means once Doflamingo loses, not only does the World Government lose face—so do you. You get that, right?"
Pretty clear message. In cruder terms: if Doflamingo lacked real strength but got pushed to high position anyway, it'd just slap everyone's face.
But this wasn't a problem for Aus. He knew this flamingo born from rage and hell had potential. Guy was a Warlord for years without issues. Only got beaten when the protagonist showed up—and that was half plot armor anyway.
He was plenty qualified as a subordinate.
"Since you're worried about this, how about we make a deal?" Aus narrowed his eyes, smiling.
"We're listening," came the cold reply.
"If Doflamingo loses his spot due to defeat, then I'll take that spot myself. That stake heavy enough?"
Aus entered the game personally.
Sure enough, hearing this condition, the Five Elders didn't even deliberate—they agreed instantly.
Because this looked like a no-loss deal however you viewed it.
If Doflamingo held his ground, then with Aus's guarantee, that flag would never fall.
And if he couldn't? Perfect—with "Black Gun" Aus joining the Seven Warlords plus other powerful members, it'd truly become a force capable of rivaling New World overlords.
Tremendous good news for World Government prestige.
"Click."
After agreeing, the Den Den Mushi was quickly hung up.
The quiet cell went dead silent. Only flickering candlelight illuminated the recent conversation's star—Doflamingo's face, full of uncertainty and cold sweat.
Everything that just happened felt like a dream. Unreal.
Such things... how were they possible...
In just a few words, a major sea figure got elevated by the world's top bigshots—as easily as lifting an ant.
Of course, if they wanted to destroy him, it'd be just as simple as crushing one.
Looking at the man who slowly pocketed the Den Den Mushi, expression calm as water, Doflamingo admitted this was his first time—
His first time witnessing what true power really meant!!!
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