"Negotiation!?"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku's words stunned Marines and pirates alike.
The Marine elites, led by Admiral Akainu, clenched their fists, their faces twisted in outrage.
From Sengoku's tone, they could already guess what kind of order the World Government had given.
It was… unacceptable. Didn't the Celestial Dragons and their dogs realize this would humiliate the Navy once again?
Or perhaps, in the eyes of the World Government, the Navy itself was nothing but a disposable tool.
"Oh? Negotiating with me on behalf of the World Government? Then let's hear it."
Victor stopped, though he didn't turn around.
Whitebeard and Shanks exchanged a look. As rulers of the seas, they instantly grasped what the World Government was trying to pull.
But the real question was—what choice would Victor make?
"Victor," Sengoku declared, his voice heavy with shame, "the World Government has decided not to pursue your crimes in Impel Down and Marineford.
Instead, they invite you to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!
If you agree, Boa Hancock's crimes will also be forgiven, and she will retain her status as a Warlord.
From then on, you will enjoy all the power of the Shichibukai. The only condition… is that you never oppose the World Government!!!"
The words hit Marineford like a thunderclap.
Pirates were shocked that the mighty World Government would humble itself to win over a criminal.
Marines were frozen in disbelief, unable to process what they'd just heard.
Why!? On what grounds!?
This man—Victor—was one of the main culprits behind the Navy's humiliation today.
And now the Government was not only pardoning him, but inviting him into the Shichibukai? To them, it was nothing short of spitting on justice itself.
The Navy's elites burned with fury. Many wanted to charge forward, blades drawn, to restore the honor of justice.
But even Akainu, whose face was dark with fury, could do nothing. Orders from the World Government were absolute.
The mood among the Admirals was heavy. Even Aokiji's usually calm eyes flickered with something like disappointment.
"Hahaha! The Seven Warlords of the Sea, huh? The World Government really went all in!" Victor laughed, seeing through their game.
The Government's intelligence network was vast, and while they might not know his origins, they clearly understood one thing: Victor belonged to no faction.
A lone powerhouse, unpredictable and dangerous. His overwhelming strength, especially the punch that had nearly crushed Akainu, made them wary.
But since he had no ties to an enemy faction, the safest play was to win him over.
As for the Navy's face? That was nothing compared to maintaining the rule of the World Government—and keeping the Celestial Dragons happy.
"What's your choice, Victor!?" Sengoku barked, face twisted with anger.
Victor's answer was calm, almost casual. He neither agreed nor refused immediately, leaving everyone on edge.
Both Marines and pirates silently prayed he would refuse—Marines to salvage their pride, pirates because true pirates despised the Shichibukai system.
"My choice?" Victor glanced down at Hancock, still sleeping peacefully in his arms.
Her flawless face reminded him of the past he already knew—her childhood, her chains, her suffering under the Celestial Dragons.
He would avenge her someday.
He would kill the Celestial Dragons someday.
And if you hate the thief, how can you eat at the same table as him?
"I refuse! I don't need anyone to lean on—and I sure as hell won't work for the Celestial Dragons! As for my crimes? Investigate them all you want! Raise my bounty as high as you can—I don't give a damn!"
His voice was firm, echoing across the battlefield.
Relief washed over both Marines and pirates alike. Even Sengoku and Akainu's tense faces finally softened slightly.
At least justice hadn't been humiliated twice in one day.
"Hahahaha! You're something else, Victor! How about it—join my crew. We're few, but once you're aboard, you'll be my brother!" Shanks grinned, his invitation half-joking, half-serious.
He liked Victor's spirit, and anyone valued by both Whitebeard and the World Government was worth recruiting.
"Gurararara! Oi, Red Hair, you brat—don't try to cut me off! Victor, join my crew instead. I'll make you the Vice-Captain of the Whitebeard Pirates!" Whitebeard threw his weight into the tug-of-war without hesitation, clashing directly with Shanks.
The air shook with their Haki as they squared off, neither backing down.
The pirates watching were dumbfounded. Whitebeard and Shanks, two of the Four Emperors, fighting to recruit the same man!?
And Whitebeard was even offering a position he had never given anyone before—Vice-Captain!?
The Marines were even more alarmed. They hadn't wanted Victor as a Warlord, but him joining an Emperor's crew was just as terrifying—if not worse.
Victor let out a helpless sigh.
"Uncle Whitebeard, Red-Haired Shanks… please stop messing around. The war is over. It's time I went home with Hancock. Maybe we'll meet again in the New World—but when we do, I'll be leading my own pirate crew!"
Both Emperors paused.
Shanks chuckled. "The New World, huh? Fine. Victor, I'll be waiting to hear your name roar across those seas."
"Gurarara! Well said, brat! Go on then, Victor!" Whitebeard laughed, satisfied.
The two legends shared a glance, both curious about what kind of storm this young man would unleash in the future.
"Alright then… goodbye, everyone!"
Victor turned, carrying Hancock in his arms, and walked toward the port. The war at Marineford was finally over.
He had grown stronger, yes.
But more importantly, he had learned.
From Whitebeard, what it meant to protect.
From Hannibal, what responsibility meant.
From Akainu, what it meant to hold unshakable faith.
But above all else, what mattered most… was the woman in his arms.
The Pirate Empress, Boa Hancock—the most beautiful woman in the world.