Marine headquarters, Marineford.
As the leader of the meeting, Sengoku gathered all the high-ranking officers of the headquarters together. Even the lazy Garp was there. The only one absent was the Fleet Admiral.
Because of the previous incident in Mary Geoise, Kong resigned, but he was still in the middle of the handover of office process. Although Sengoku was still an Admiral, he had already started to usethe Fleet Admiral's authority and fulfilled his duty as a Fleet Admiral.
"Since everyone is here, then I will just say it!"
Sengoku looked at everyone and said: "The meeting this time is mainly to discuss about Seven Warlord of the Seas, the World Government is very dissatisfied with the Marine because of what happened at Mary Geoise and agrees that we need more power to combat the pirates. Therefore, we'll use pirates to deal with pirates!"
"Using pirates to deal with the pirates? Sengoku, what does this mean?" Z, who attended the meeting for once question Sengoku's words.
The other Marines were also puzzled. Pirates and their Marines were archenemies. What was the meaning of using of pirates to deal with pirates? Did the Marines want to cooperate with the heinous pirates?
Although such a thing did happen once at God Valley where Garp teamed up with Roger, there was no other way at that time...
"The World Government will give the Seven Warlords some benefits. Their past crimes will be pardoned, and their wanted posters will be rescinded, but they'll have to give a portion of their loot to the World Government whenever they plundered another pirate or a land."
After a slight pause, Sengoku also noticed the dissatisfied look on Z's face, but he kept going, "In short, they can roam freely as long as they answer to the Marines' compulsory summon and pay World Government a portion of their plunder."
"Legal plunder? That is going too far, Sengoku!"
Z's eyebrows were raised as he looked at his old friend. He then said in a deep voice: "I will never agree to this! If pirates are allowed to plunder, then what are we protecting? Do we have to watch as these Seven Warlords attack the civilians in front of us?"
"I'm not asking for your opinion, Z! The World Government has already made a decision, there's nothing we can do to change it. This meeting is not to discuss whether this plan is feasible or not, but to choose the suitable candidates for the Seven Warlords!"
Sengoku knew full well that his old friend would not accept such a decision, but as he said, the World Government had already decided to go with that plan regardless of his opinion.
Hearing this, Z's face changed. Then he suddenly stood up and left without saying a word.
All other Marines didn't seem pleased either. They were also against the Seven Warlords plan, but they were well aware that it was useless to oppose it.
In this meeting room, only Garp was sitting there with his eyes closed. He never cared about these political matters. As a Marine, he only ought to protect the justice he believed in. Even if the World Government did give them the right to legally plunder, they would have to taste his iron fist if they were to do it in front of him!
He had never liked those World Government idiots anyway!
"Next, let's discuss the Seven Warlords candidates. The World Government requires the candidates' status, strength, and influence as a reference. To put it simply, the Seven Warlords must have enough strength to deter other pirates in the sea!"
Sengoku didn't care about Z and continued the meeting.
"Uhh... Sengoku... I have a question. Is that Seven Warlords position only available for pirates?"
At this time, Garp, who had been indifferent the whole time, was the first to open his mouth. He grinned and said: "If it is not limited to pirates, I have someone in mind... Well, forget it. You and the World Government will not agree with that person becoming the Seven Warlords. But to be honest, that person will definitely be able to deter most pirates!"
"Garp, what are you trying to say?" Sengoku felt that he had a hunch who Garp meant, but he knew that it definitely wouldn't fly.
Most people would probably sew their mouth shut by now.
But Garp had to say what was in his mind!
Therefore, in front of all the high-ranking officers, Garp directly said what he thought: "Ah, that's right! It's Vongola Primo. If I remember correctly, he seems to be a mafia, not a pirate. Apart from beating the crap of idiots like the Celestial Dragons, he didn't do anything particularly evil. In addition, his strength is..."
"Enough, Garp!"
Sengoku immediately interrupted his old friend before he could finish his sentence. He was losing his composure when Garp nonchalantly said that name as the faces of many officers changed, especially Kizaru, who lost one of his arms to Vongola Primo!
Then again, he wouldn't be Garp if could read the atmosphere.
At this time, Aokiji suddenly said, "I think it is feasible! If we can recruit Vongola Primo as the Seven Warlords, it will be the best case scenario for the World Government and us. We will have one less enemy and gain another powerful helper in the New World. Such an idea is...
"Are you suggesting that we should compromise with that evil Mafia Family, Kuzan?"
At this moment, Akainu couldn't help but shout, "Don't forget, that Mafia Family has fought with us more than once. At the same time, they also attacked the World Nobles. This is an unforgivable crime!"
"I am just stating the truth!" Aokiji said as he thought that his idea was not wrong. If they could recruit Vongola Family as Seven Warlords, it would be profitable for the Marine and the World Government!
"All right!"
Seeing that the two people had no intention of stopping their argument, Sengoku immediately interrupted: "There's no need to discuss that matter any further. Let's discuss the other candidates!"