"Shichibukai were originally established to balance the utterly chaotic situation across the seas, though later on, in actual practice, they basically became Orin's private domain..."
"But it's undeniable—if there is a vacancy among the Shichibukai, the balance between the three major forces will collapse, and the world's situation will become even worse."
The Shichibukai were never weaklings. At least symbolically, they represented the pirates—an independent third-party force outside both the pirates and the World Government.
Because of Orin's name, they were even enough to suppress a huge number of pirates who wanted to head out to sea.
Although certain events had greatly damaged the relationship between the World Government and Orin, the World Government still needed to maintain good appearances on the surface…
Unless Orin truly did something absolutely unacceptable to the World Government.
"That bastard Crocodile really caused us a lot of trouble. But her imprisonment can be considered a small warning to Orin."
"And Orin approving Crocodile's transfer into Impel Down… that must also be him giving respect to the World Government, pressured by us."
The Elders were very satisfied with this.
"But the vacant position in the Shichibukai must be filled as soon as possible."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro's gaze deepened.
"There are many eyes watching from the outside—especially those emperors of the New World."
Saint Topman Warcury also spoke coldly.
"Now is not the time to tear our face with Orin. Trading a few CP0 for one Shichibukai hasn't made us lose much face. What matters now is selecting a pirate with enough fame and strength. And this year's batch of eye-catching pirate rookies is especially large."
Saint Marcus Mars stood straight, holding some intelligence reports.
"Newcomers on the sea are as numerous as the river's carp, but their threat level is far less troublesome than those who have already grown."
As the Warrior God of Agriculture, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter's eyes were dangerously sharp.
"Exactly. And we must pay attention to what secret Orin is hiding. This man is far too mysterious. He knows the secrets of Laugh Tale, yet he's placing such extreme importance on a certain matter. That is unlike him. CP's investigations must NEVER stop!!!"
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter also picked up a report and nodded.
"Just right—while the meeting to re-discuss the Shichibukai list is starting, we can summon the Shichibukai to Marine HQ. That will also create an opportunity for CP. Without the Shichibukai obstructing them, CP0's actions should go much more smoothly."
It was obvious that Mihawk cutting down several CP0 members earlier had caused significant pressure for them.
From beginning to end, no one cared about the actual details of the Alabasta incident.
...
Marine Headquarters,
Fleet Admiral's office.
"Reporting to Fleet Admiral Sengoku—the final decision from the World Government Elders regarding Crocodile has been sent over."
Hearing the new order, Fleet Admiral Sengoku put down his pen and, along with Tsuru and Garp, looked toward the marine messenger.
"Crunch, crunch…"
"What the hell? Aren't those Shichibukai bastards always under Orin's authority? Why's the World Government poking their noses in again?"
Garp spoke while chewing senbei loudly, with zero respect for the World Government.
The messenger didn't dare comment, awkwardly opening his mouth…
Sengoku slammed his palm down, shattering the desk, his face burning red with anger.
"Shut up, Garp!!!"
"It's because of your pirate grandson that such a huge mess happened in Alabasta!!!"
But Garp acted like he hadn't heard a thing, picking his ear and pouring more senbei into his mouth.
Tsuru ignored the two old men who had been arguing their entire lives. She calmly set down her teacup and looked at the messenger.
"Go on. What's the World Government's stance?"
"Yes, ma'am!!!"
Only then did the marine continue reporting.
"First, the Navy is to supervise Crocodile's successful imprisonment in the underwater prison—Impel Down, held in Level 6."
This matter had already been arranged. It wouldn't be long before Crocodile was sent into Impel Down.
To avoid her missing her old bed, she was even being placed in the same cell as last time.
"Second, convene a meeting of the Shichibukai to discuss their opinions regarding filling the vacancy, and restore the Shichibukai lineup as soon as possible. The World Government's temporary recommendation is… Enel!!!"
Tsuru took another sip of black tea and nodded lightly.
Anyone with a brain knew what this truly meant: "asking the Shichibukai" was really just asking for Orin's opinion—who he felt was suitable to fill the seat.
And Enel, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit user, was naturally the first candidate that came to their minds.
"Enel, huh? I heard he appeared in the Sabaody Archipelago before, but there hasn't been any news about him lately."
"But the meeting can proceed as normal. After all, Marine Headquarters doesn't have much authority to comment on the final choice of the Shichibukai."
...
A few days later—
The Shichibukai arrived promptly.
As the ship docked, a blond man swaggered forward with his signature pigeon-toed steps, walking like a crab, followed by a massive figure holding a Bible.
"Shichibukai—Donquixote Doflamingo has arrived at the marine port!!!"
"Shichibukai—Bartholomew Kuma has also arrived!!!"
...
Inside the meeting room—
"Stop! What are you doing!!!"
"No, my hand isn't listening to me!!!"
"Cut it out!!!"
"I'm not doing anything!!!"
Two Marine officers were strangling each other, while Vice Admiral Tsuru drank her tea calmly as if she saw nothing. The rest of the marines quickly realized—
"Doflamingo! This is your doing, isn't it!!!"
On the balcony, a blond man wearing a pink feather coat grinned wickedly, his fingers twitching.
"Fufufufufufu… Such a boring meeting—doesn't adding a bit of fun make it better??"
Kuma simply drank his tea calmly.
"All this noise—what kind of disgraceful behavior is this for pirates claiming to rule the sea?"
A powerful voice echoed through the room.
Leading a goat, Sengoku walked in. Only then did Doflamingo obediently release his strings.
"To be honest, I didn't expect the arrogant Shichibukai—six of you, and two actually showed up. That's quite a high attendance."
"Fufufufufufu… I didn't want to come either. I'm just bored, that's all. After all…"
"This kind of bullshit meeting has no reason to exist in the first place."