Kai could already guess it—
Within the Marine high command, there would definitely be different voices regarding the creation of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
For example…
A man like Akainu—who preached "Absolute Justice"—would be the first to oppose it.
And Sengoku, Garp, and the others…
They likely wouldn't want to publicly acknowledge pirates either.
If even the World Government recognized pirates as "legal"…
Wouldn't the sea go completely insane?
So for the Warlords proposal, it was almost certain the Marines were full of opposition—especially someone like Zephyr.
After all, Zephyr's family had been slaughtered by pirates.
He would absolutely hate the idea of granting pirates official status.
Kai could already see that coming.
But the result?
Kai could predict it with absolute certainty.
No matter how loud the opposition was, the Seven Warlords system would still be created.
That was already decided.
A proposal drafted by the World Government itself wasn't something the Marines could overturn.
The only thing Marine HQ could do was execute it.
Opposing it?
Meaningless.
No one in the Marines could change the decision of the people above.
Not even Fleet Admiral Kong.
If even the Fleet Admiral couldn't block it…
Then Admirals and Vice Admirals below him had even less say.
So from the moment the proposal reached Marine Headquarters…
The Seven Warlords already "existed."
The only thing left was selecting the seven pirates who could actually terrify the sea.
That was Kai's view.
No matter how many dissenting voices the Marines had…
No one could change it.
"The proposal is out…"
"So next comes sending people out to sea to find seven terrifying pirates—seven top-tier monsters to suppress the chaos."
"And anyone qualified to be a Warlord…"
"They'll need more than strength."
"They'll need reputation big enough to shake the sea."
Kai's thoughts drifted.
The Warlords system existed for one reason:
Deterrence.
To stabilize the sea's short-term order, preserve the current balance, and stop pirates from getting too bold and breaking the existing structure.
Because once the structure collapsed…
The World Government's rule would be threatened.
So they needed the Warlords.
Warlords weren't created to "catch pirates."
That was a joke.
The Warlords weren't subordinates. They were partners—a deal.
Even the World Government couldn't command them absolutely…
Unless it was willing to pay an equal price.
That was the true intent behind the system:
To preserve the sea's balance and prevent pirates from breaking the World Government's control.
As for what kind of changes the Warlords would bring after they appeared…
No one could predict it.
Only Kai knew how messy the future would become.
"Mr. Kai… what do you think about the Warlords?"
The research team leader asked cautiously.
"How do I see it?" Kai shrugged.
"If the World Government orders it, what do you think we do—ignore it?"
"Just execute."
"And don't think too much."
"This has nothing to do with you."
"And you don't want to get involved."
"The water here is deep."
"That's true…"
The researchers nodded in agreement.
They were just scientists.
They couldn't interfere with high command decisions.
But deep down, they still felt disgusted.
When did the World Government need to publicly recognize pirates?
What a disgrace.
Of course, none of them dared to say that aloud.
They could only feel bitter about it in their hearts.
"Just keep your head down."
"This isn't something you—or I—can change."
"Even the Fleet Admiral doesn't have a voice in this."
"The moment the proposal reached Marine HQ, it was already decided."
"The Marines can't oppose it. We can only adapt."
Kai spoke bluntly.
A Warlords proposal would absolutely shake the Marines internally.
And once it happened…
It could split the Marines into countless factions.
Before this, the Marines were simple.
They fought pirates.
They protected civilians.
Their values were clear:
Protect the weak.
Punish the wicked.
But once the Warlords proposal came out…
The Marines would no longer be "pure."
Different voices. Different sides. Different factions.
And Kai could already imagine it.
Even the World Government was going to grant pirates "legal rights."
How could the Marines accept that?
Over the years, how much blood had the Marines spilled fighting pirates?
How many lives had been lost?
The hatred between Marines and pirates wasn't recent.
It was ancient.
From the beginning of history, pirates were never legitimate.
And now—
Because of a single proposal—
Pirates who should have been executed on sight would suddenly transform into "legal" great pirates protected by the World Government.
And the Marines wouldn't even be allowed to touch them freely.
How would the Marines feel?
They put their lives on the line every day.
They hunted pirates to keep the sea safe.
And now the pirates they hated most…
Would be protected.
It was insanity.
"Seven Warlords…"
"I'm looking forward to meeting you."
"That day probably isn't far."
Kai narrowed his eyes and pushed those thoughts down.
The one saving grace was this:
The Warlords proposal came after he became strong.
Otherwise, with Marine HQ becoming this chaotic, he might not even be able to stay here.
Luckily—
When the storm began…
He already had enough power to stand above it.
Vice Admiral-level combat power.
Even compared to future Warlords, he wasn't inferior.
That was his confidence.
Strength was everything.
Only strength let Kai ignore all of it.
He wasn't the "third-generation Marine brat" relying on Hero Garp's name anymore.
Now—
He could rely on his own power.
He could carve out a path with brute force.
One man—deterring an entire sea.
Just as Kai was lost in thought—
Step step step—
A firm series of footsteps came from outside the chamber door.
A moment later, the door opened.
Zephyr stepped inside.
The instant Kai saw him, he could feel it—
Zephyr was in a bad mood.
His face was dark. His aura heavy.
The kind of gloom that didn't need words.
And the reason was obvious:
The Warlords proposal.
"Kai."
Zephyr's eyes softened slightly when he reached Kai, but his voice remained heavy and serious.
"Get ready."
"You're going out to sea with me."
"Out to sea? Where?"
Kai was surprised.
Going out with Zephyr—was this a mission?
To be honest, in this full year…
Kai hadn't executed a single mission.
He'd been trapped inside the institute repeating the same brutal training day after day.
He hadn't even had a chance to leave Marineford.
"It's not you and me alone," Zephyr said.
"It's the entire training camp—every trainee, including you."
He paused, then explained in brief.
"This is the training camp's graduation trial."
"And since you're one of our trainees, you won't be exempt."
"This term has run for one and a half years."
"So…"
"It's time to graduate."
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