Good, good. The response isn't bad at all.
The Five Elders told me to wait a moment, but the fact that they didn't outright refuse means they're quite shaken.
(As expected, I was right to think they want to strengthen their influence over the Navy while they still can.)
It'll be too late once the situation stabilizes.
The Government likely intended to manipulate information by framing it as "the Government wants to improve the situation, but the Navy won't cooperate."
If this becomes established, the Government's past failures could become even more prominent and spread further.
The Navy would also have time to consolidate their forces that were directed against the pirates.
(Well, I need to confirm our strategy with Daz and the others, and tell them where to find the prepared plan drafts.)
I had considered this possibility quite thoroughly, and there are things I've left behind as preparation in case of my death.
The problem is Robin, whose expression mixes shock with the look of someone about to cry... ugh?!
"You idiot!!"
Wait, Kuzan?!
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇
"You idiot!!"
Before I knew it, I had grabbed him by the collar.
This man who had continued fighting various strong opponents was still just a boy, and his body lifted easily into the air.
"Gh... Is something wrong, Admiral Aokiji?"
"You're doing something completely reckless!"
The boy, no, the man who had just become an adult, asked with a nonchalant expression despite his face twisting slightly in pain.
"It's fine. I've involved the Navy as an organization, struck at points where the Government finds it difficult to move, and obtained verbal commitments in front of Marines and Government officials. If they accept the current proposal, all the more so..."
"That doesn't change the fact that you're the one going into the most dangerous place!"
No, thinking about it, this man wouldn't hesitate to do such a thing.
Even back then, he had calmly appeared alone before three Navy officers.
"I have a chance of success. Rather, I've created one. When the World Government responded to my request for dialogue, they acknowledged the value of our 'Black Cat' organization in front of many soldiers. They're taking time to respond to our meeting request after that."
Even now it's the same.
This isn't the face this man usually makes.
He's surprisingly expressive, and when with his companions, though still somewhat mature, he shows a face appropriate for his age.
When with Daz Bones, he has a quiet expression, discussing books they've read together.
When Hina teased him for becoming Perona's pillow and chair while she napped, his face would scrunch up.
When with Nico Robin and Hancock, he enjoyed tea and sweets while exchanging casual banter.
He enjoyed meals and conversations together with the 'Marine Hunter' after their training bouts, along with the guard unit kids.
"There's no guarantee there won't be people trying to kill you! In fact, some went berserk and targeted Nico Robin, who was under your protection in our cooperative arrangement, without any orders!"
"Yes, that possibility naturally exists, but..."
He never harms civilians. He never takes from civilians.
"As discussed in our recent call with Fleet Admiral Sengoku, as predicted, many civilians are being trafficked as slaves to the New World. The Navy is handling the situation, but the expansion of pirate forces that have gained significant labor power is unavoidable. A harsh era is coming for civilians without the power to fight."
More than that, he's a man who develops land himself, choosing to create rather than steal.
"If we don't act now to improve relations between the World Government and Navy, there will be further fatal delays in responding to this Great Pirate Era that can no longer be stopped."
He's a man who fights pirates more than most Marines.
"If there's even a small possibility of improving that situation, it's more than worth risking the life of a single pirate."
"Don't be ridiculous!!"
Such a man...
"Pirate?! Where is there a pirate?! I don't see one anywhere! Hey!"
"Now! Where exactly is this pirate you're talking about?!!"
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇
He's right in front of you, damn it!!
What the hell do you think I am?!
I've properly conquered islands like a pirate, controlled the population, made them work, and collected tribute money!!
I'm prepared to fight, and even though my territory is ships, I've warred against member nations and declared war on the Government. On top of that, I'm boldly harboring a survivor of Ohara. If this doesn't make me a pirate, what does?!
And to top it off, the 'Dark King' is drinking on the ship!
Ah, I can sense it! 'Dark King', you're laughing your ass off while drinking deliciously right now, aren't you?!
I can tell, you bastard!!
"Kuzan, please. Try to understand..."
No, it's true that we're practically friends now, and honestly I don't want to fight you either at this level of friendship, but you're still a Marine and I'm still a pirate!
"The Government is getting anxious too. To settle the situation even slightly in their favor, it's easier during chaos than after things calm down. Conversely, to box them into a framework, now that they've stepped onto the stage themselves is the only chance."
The Government doesn't think the current situation is fine either... I think.
But at the same time, they must have been watching for timing that would be even slightly advantageous.
Probably, due to the harmful effects of continued absolute rule, they lacked sufficient crisis awareness at the initial stage. Combined with the subsequent chaos and my protection of Robin, they were probably confused about how to proceed.
"But that doesn't mean you have to..."
"No, it has to be me. At this stage, only we 'Black Cats,' who have formed an agreement with the Navy, can interfere with the Government. Even if the Government prepared a third party, this time the Navy side wouldn't be satisfied, right?"
Robin's existence is particularly significant.
What the Government fears most is probably the spread of Ohara's knowledge, which they thought they had eliminated, as a result of the Navy backing us.
That's precisely why our agreement with us 'Black Cats,' who have Robin, can become a negotiating card the Navy can play against the Government.
Rather, I hoped Sengoku would think that way and accept the ceasefire agreement, so I brought up the topic through Kuzan.
Thanks to that, I was able to avoid the idiotic situation of a two-front operation against both the pirate alliance and the Navy.
If that had happened, I would have had to take the risky strategy of thoroughly crushing those vulgar bastards once and absorbing the alliance.
"Kuzan, for the Marines... and for us 'Black Cats' too, the real trial begins now."
"...Reconstruction? But the pirate alliance is already..."
"No, reconstruction is incredibly difficult. And from here on, rather than organized threats, scattered and unpredictable pirate problems will balloon up all at once."
It's going to be pure hell.
Civilians who have just gained some breathing room are more troublesome than those living in fear, and unorganized raiding groups are seriously as troublesome as a plague of locusts.
When we conquered Mopcy, I could somewhat suppress them with the fearsome reputation of being 'pirates,' but...
"From now on, soldiers involved in reconstruction will have to confront the ugly side of human nature. It will be a battle that wears down the heart more than facing pirates, who are clear enemies."
Given Kuzan's abilities, it's natural that his power would be sought on the battlefield.
In this world full of pirates even before the Great Pirate Era, he's naturally been assigned to many field operations.
The stories that came up in casual conversations with the Marines were mostly tales of valor, and from what I've seen of his command style, he clearly has almost no experience with rescue and reconstruction operations.
"Remember Colonel Bigle's unit. From here on, cases like that will increase tremendously. On top of that, even though we've crushed the core of the pirate alliance, the real command structure remains intact. Even though things have calmed down, we can't let our guard down."
If it were 'Black Cat' soldiers I could be more directly involved with, I could step in and handle it. I've lectured the officers and guard units on the importance of such care, but I wonder how much understanding there is on the Marine side...
(Even though we've captured the command structure, I can clearly see a massive outbreak of food-seeking, truly genuine pirates coming. Damn it...)
"And the pirates who will increase from now on are those forced into piracy out of necessity. It would be good if soldiers could simply dismiss them as pirates, but not everyone can. Only a handful can cut down someone emaciated, holding a sword with trembling hands, without disturbing their hearts."
There are some dangerous ones especially among the second and third-class privates.
I had the guard unit make a list of soldiers who empathize too much, just in case. I'll pass along that list later.
"In this situation, if they maintain distrust toward the Government, soldiers will become exhausted and might suddenly go berserk. Like those who attempted to assassinate Robin."
Actually, Kuzan should understand this too.
He's been observing the soldiers' condition alongside me, after all.
(The Government could do anything... It's like a world where conspiracy theories have come true.)
"So I'm going to take a step toward improving relations here and now. I will definitely ensure that soldiers can focus on the work in front of them and take pride in their uniforms."
I'm sharing information with Sengoku through coded letters, and if I'm alone, I'm confident I can escape even from Mariejois.
Kizaru will probably follow, but if I focus entirely on escape, there's a chance.
After all, I've slipped right past him unnoticed once before.
"I'll handle the politics with Sengoku and the others. So please take care of the field during that time."
Just having you, one of our greatest military assets, here in the West Blue has enormous significance.
The fact that Sengoku hasn't recalled you to headquarters shows his intentions to some degree, and he's probably thinking the same thing I am.
"I will definitely, definitely turn this situation around."
So, come on... could you let go of me for now?
"...You have a real chance of success?"
"Of course."
Actually, the moment the Five Elders took time to consider, I'd already won.
"You're coming back?"
"Yeah."
I'd put the success rate at 70%.
As long as my legs aren't sealed, I can manage somehow.
The question is how Kizaru will move. That suspicious old man who flashed killing intent for a moment earlier.
Seriously, why did he direct killing intent at me? It seems Mihawk quickly checked him though.
"...There are still..."
"Hm?"
"There are still mountains of things I want to learn from you."
What are you planning to learn from a pirate?!
"I'll protect this sea with my life on the line. So... make sure you come back properly."
◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇
"We intended to use this opportunity to drain non-member nations' power, crush the 'Black Cats'' chance to grow, and lay groundwork for a future 'Black Cat' encirclement... but it's been turned around on us."
"It could be called a good opportunity to reset the situation with the Navy, but what are the 'Black Cats' aiming for?"
"In the first place, even with his mediation, won't things lean toward the Navy..."
On the table surrounded by the five men holding supreme power in the World Government, photos and wanted posters of the main figures of the 'Black Cat' organization currently known were scattered.
The pirates, who now commanded a grand fleet capable of defeating Germa's elite forces, had seen no updates to their bounties since their Governor Kuro received a bounty exceeding 100 million.
"...Whatever we say, he is a pirate, and the Navy is one of his enemies. Isn't there a possibility he's trying to use this opportunity to play some trick on the Navy?"
"Like Spandine?"
"Hmm, I don't think that man would bother contacting us for confirmation when glory is right in front of him. He was probably taken in by Kuro's smooth talk."
"That Silent Step bastard. To think he'd become such a troublesome man."
Bounties represent the degree of danger to the Government.
As with Nico Robin, high amounts can be placed even on those with low combat threat levels.
In that sense, Kuro was a special-grade dangerous individual. The Government wanted to place a bounty exceeding one billion on him immediately.
However, the fact that the pirate Kuro was conversely contributing to maintaining public order complicated matters.
"We'll accept the proposal. I think that's fine, but..."
"...Can we capture or kill Kuro here?"
"It's a difficult situation."
"From what we saw in the Germa battle, those under Kuro's command are not to be underestimated. We want to avoid that level of military force becoming a clear anti-Government faction."
"But without Kuro, and if their forces are divided to control non-member nations..."
In essence, the issue they were grappling with was what to do about Kuro.
It was a discussion of how to handle a pirate connected to far too many flashpoints.
However, only four were participating in the conversation, with one person not joining in, instead quietly contemplating something.
"What's wrong? Do you have some idea?"
"...Hmm. Even I would normally laugh off this idea as impossible, but..."
"Could we not welcome him as a Celestial Dragon? With his subordinates as that man's retainers?"
The remaining four's eyes widened.
"Ridiculous!"
"That would never be permitted."
"There's no precedent for such a thing, and creating such a precedent would damage the World Nobles' position!"
"Bringing in outside blood is quite common. Saint Rosward, for instance, has taken over ten wives and fathered children."
"Most of those wives are used up and discarded to the lower world."
"There are children, though..."
"...A son-in-law..."
The remaining four initially objected, but at the same time, they understood.
They knew how beneficial it would be to incorporate that talent.
"We cannot leave a man with such broad vision in the wilderness. Especially not in the position of a pirate, who is unquestionably our enemy."
"But what about Ohara's knowledge?"
"At least once we've absorbed him, we can keep him under our control."
"...No, however, he's not the type who seeks power. Even while controlling Mopcy, I hear he didn't seize all authority from the royal family that remains there. There's no way he'd accept such an offer..."
"...If only he would at least accept joining the Seven Warlords."
The invitation to the Seven Warlords had come from sensing this during their first dialogue.
Of course, at that time, the plan had been to keep him close while having him clash with and wear down other pirates.
"There's no point dwelling on the past. I understand what you're saying. It would be a waste to either leave his talent unchecked or crush it entirely."
"Some way to skillfully bring him in..."
"Whatever we decide, we still need to meet face-to-face and talk with him... Agreed?"
The remaining men all nodded in agreement to the questioner's words, and then the man reached for the receiver.
"It's me. Yes. We'll accept the request. We've decided to arrange a meeting."
"Once the date and time are decided, we'll notify you. Until then, remain in place and gather as much information on the 'Black Cats' as possible."
"...That's all."
***
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