Chapter 125

It had been a week since the Marines were chased away from Dressrosa, and the news of their defeat spread across the New World like wildfire. Many aspiring pirates, drawn by tales of our victory, flocked to Dressrosa, eager to join the rapidly growing Donquixote family. The new bounty posters for the three main fighters of the Donquixote family sent waves through the New World, igniting fear and respect among our enemies and allies alike.

[WANTED]

[DONQUIXOTE DOFLAMINGO]

[DEAD OR ALIVE]

[695,800,000 BELLY]

[WANTED]

[DONQUIXOTE ROSINANTE]

[DEAD OR ALIVE]

[770,960,000 BELLY]

[WANTED]

[ISSHO]

[DEAD OR ALIVE]

[490,000,000 BELLY]

The high bounty was a testament to the threat we posed to the world government and the Marines. They knew we were not to be taken lightly, and our growing influence in the New World only cemented our reputation.

It seemed like the World Government's stance towards us had shifted significantly, as the new bounties sported the "Dead or Alive" tag once more. This change underscored the growing threat we posed in their eyes. Even Issho, our formidable blind swordsman, was dumbfounded that his first bounty had almost reached half a billion Belly. It was a clear sign of the fear and respect he had garnered in such a short time.

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Pangea Castle, Mary Geoise

The Reverie meeting room, located within the grand confines of Pangea Castle, the Holy Land of the World Government, exuded an air of unparalleled opulence and authority. This prestigious chamber, reserved for the world's most powerful and influential rulers who were invited, was a testament to the gravitas and solemnity of the discussions held within its walls.

"So, the Shichibukai will effectively be working for the World Government in helping curb the pirate threat. In turn, they will be granted certain privileges, including the legal right to plunder," announced the current chairperson of the Reverie, a representative selected by the Elders to oversee the proceedings. His voice was steady, yet the weight of his words sent ripples of unease through the room.

The atmosphere grew tense as the full implications of this announcement settled over the gathered monarchs. Faces paled, and a murmur of discontent spread among them. The notion that these so-called warlords would be given free rein to engage in piracy with the blessing of the World Government was almost too much to bear. The rulers had just been informed that the World Government had already selected the Seven Warlords.

"Legalized piracy?" King Elizabello I of Prodence clenched his fists, his voice barely masking his outrage. "This will only embolden them! How can we trust that they will target only other pirates and not our own kingdoms?"

Queen of Ambrosia Kingdom raised her voice in a bid for calm. "Surely there must be safeguards in place? Measures to ensure that the Shichibukai do not abuse their newfound authority?"

The chairperson nodded, though his expression was strained. "There will be oversight, of course. The Shichibukai are expected to follow certain guidelines and report their activities. However, their cooperation is deemed essential in the fight against the growing pirate menace."

King Riku of Dressrosa, still reeling from recent events in his own kingdom, spoke up, his voice tinged with desperation. "But at what cost? How can we be certain that the world government can keep these pirates in check? Dressrosa has already suffered enough."

The tension in the room was palpable. The decision to legitimize the Shichibukai, granting them the right to plunder under the World Government's banner, was not one taken lightly. It was a calculated risk, a desperate measure to counterbalance the escalating threat posed by the pirate empires rising across the seas.

King Cobra of Alabasta leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the chairperson. "Who are these Seven Warlords? We must know who we are dealing with."

A hush fell over the room as the chairperson began to list the names. "The Seven Warlords chosen are: Dracule Mihawk, the Marine Hunter; Sir Crocodile; Gecko Moria, the Shadow Master; Ochoku, a remnant of the Old Era; Hector Barbarossa, the Butcher; Anne Bonney, the Snowblade Witch; and finally Empress Shakuyaku, the former Kuja Empress."

Gasps and whispers erupted among the rulers. These names were infamous, each associated with immense power and notoriety. The prospect of them being legitimized by the World Government was both alarming and contentious. The latter four even sported bounties exceeding 700 million bellies, with the highest among them nearing a billion.

The King of Sakura Kingdom cleared his throat, his voice carrying a note of hope. "Perhaps, if managed correctly, this initiative could turn former enemies into allies. But we must remain vigilant. The balance of power is delicate, and any misstep could lead to disaster."

The chairperson nodded solemnly. "Your concerns are valid, and your vigilance will be crucial. The Shichibukai system is an experiment, one that we hope will stabilize the seas. But it is not without its risks."

"This is supposed to be a joke, right? These are bloodthirsty pirates. I am against it—no, this cannot come to fruition," one of the kings interjected, his face flushed with anger.

Only recently, one of his trade fleets had been razed by one of the pirates mentioned on the list, and the said pirate had beheaded more than a hundred people while capturing more than a dozen of his ships.

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room. Many of the rulers shared his sentiment, their expressions grim and voices raised in objection.

Queen Mororon of the Tajine Kingdom, her face bristling with agitation, spoke up. "How can we trust these pirates? They have terrorized our seas, and now we are to believe they will act as protectors? This is madness!"

King Riku of Dressrosa added his voice to the dissent. "These are criminals, responsible for countless atrocities. To grant them legitimacy is to undermine the very principles we stand for."

The chairperson raised his hands, attempting to quell the rising tide of discontent. "Please allow me to explain further. The Shichibukai system has been approved by the World Government. This is a notification, not a proposal. The countries affiliated with the World Government will not be targeted by the Shichibukai."

"But what guarantees do we have?" King Cobra of Alabasta demanded. "Words on paper mean little when dealing with those who thrive on chaos and violence."

The chairperson's expression tightened. "There will be oversight. The Shichibukai are expected to adhere to strict guidelines and report their activities. Any deviation from their duties will be met with severe consequences."

King Tacos of the Shishano Kingdom, his face a mask of worry, spoke softly but firmly. "This still feels like a dangerous gamble. We are placing our trust in those who have betrayed it time and again. What happens when they turn on us?"

The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the air. The rulers exchanged uneasy glances, the fear and uncertainty palpable.

King Strogonaff of the Beef Kingdom, his deep voice resonating with authority, broke the silence. "If this system is to proceed, we must insist on clear and enforceable safeguards. The security of our kingdom cannot be left to chance."

The chairperson nodded, his expression grave. "Your concerns will be conveyed to the World Government. The Shichibukai system is not without its risks, but it is a necessary measure in these troubled times. We must unite against the greater threat posed by the uncontrolled pirate menace."

Despite the chairperson's assurances, the room remained charged with tension. The rulers, each responsible for the well-being of their nations, were reluctant to place their faith in a system that empowered those they had long considered enemies. The path forward was fraught with peril, and the decisions made here would echo across the seas, shaping the future of the world.

After three days of the pageantry known as the Reverie, King Riku Doldo stood anxiously outside the Room of Authority. Finally, his request for a private audience with the elders had been approved.

Throughout this reverie, he had been deeply troubled, his thoughts consumed by the situation back home. His family was practically held hostage by the Donquixote brothers after his attempt to attack them from the rear ended in disaster, with his troops—more than a hundred thousand soldiers—obliterated. Now, his only hope lay with the World Government, as even the Marines had been pushed back by the Donquixote pirates.

King Riku paced the hallway, the grandiose surroundings of Mariejois doing little to ease his nerves. The opulence of the Reverie stood in stark contrast to the dire circumstances his kingdom faced. Every intricate detail of the palace, from the gilded tapestries to the marble floors, seemed like a cruel reminder of the power and security that eluded Dressrosa.

The doors to the Room of Authority, massive and adorned with the insignia of the World Government, loomed before him. When they finally creaked open, King Riku took a deep breath and stepped inside. The room was vast, its high ceiling supported by pillars etched with ancient scripts. At the far end, seated behind a long, ornate table, were the Elders—figures of immense authority whose decisions shaped the fate of the world.

King Riku bowed deeply, his heart pounding. "Esteemed Elders, thank you for granting me this audience."

The elders regarded him with a mixture of curiosity and impatience. Elder Mars, with a long, flowing beard and piercing eyes, spoke first. "King Riku, you have requested a private audience. What is it that you seek?"

King Riku straightened, his expression resolute. "My kingdom, Dressrosa, is in grave peril. The Donquixote family has usurped control, and my family is held captive. My attempt to reclaim my kingdom with military force has failed, and the Marines have been unable to provide the necessary support. I come before you to plead for intervention. Dressrosa cannot withstand this tyranny alone."

Elder Nusjuro, his bald face lined with age and wisdom, leaned forward. "You are asking for direct intervention. This is not a request we take lightly. What makes you believe the World Government should involve itself further in your conflict?"

King Riku's voice trembled with emotion. "Dressrosa is a loyal member of the World Government. Our plight is a direct result of the pirate menace that threatens all our lands. If the Donquixote family consolidates their power, they will become an even greater threat. We need your support to restore order and protect our people."

The elders exchanged glances, their expressions inscrutable. Elder Mars spoke again. "The situation in Dressrosa is indeed concerning. However, the World Government's resources are stretched thin, and the Shichibukai system has been implemented to address the pirate threat. What would you propose as a solution?"

"Before we address the situation in Dressrosa, we must first notify you that your kingdom has yet to pay the yearly Heavenly Tribute," Elder Nusjuro stated, flipping through a folder. "You must understand that you lose the privilege of being an affiliated country if you fail to pay your tribute. It is quite audacious of you to come here asking for support when you have not fulfilled your obligations."

King Riku's face paled as the Elder's words sank in. He was completely dumbfounded. The Elders were well aware of the turmoil in Dressrosa, yet they were placing all the blame squarely on him.

"But, sir!, we had the tribute ready, but... but the Donquixote brothers seized what was owed to the Celestial Dragons," Riku pleaded, his voice trembling. The direction of the meeting was derailing, and the Elders' nonchalant behavior towards Dressrosa's plea made him increasingly uneasy with each passing second.

"King Riku, you must understand that we never received any tribute from you, nor did you hand it over," Elder Warcury chimed in. "It's only your word that says the Donquixote brothers stole it. It seems to me like a convenient excuse. For all we know, you might just be using the Donquixote pirates as cover to avoid paying the tribute."

The elders exchanged glances, their expressions hardening. They had already been made aware that the Donquixote brothers had taken complete control of Dressrosa and had even captured all of their agents. This had forced the Elders to rethink their strategy. The silence of the two brothers regarding their secrets in exchange for control over Dressrosa seemed like a fair trade, and with Imu-sama's orders, they could not touch the Donquixote brothers directly.

Riku felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. "Please, elders, understand our plight. My kingdom is suffering under their tyranny. The tribute was taken by force, and my people are being oppressed. We need your intervention."

Elder Nusjuro leaned back, his eyes cold. "Your word against theirs, King Riku. You failed to protect your kingdom and the tribute. The Donquixote brothers have established themselves in Dressrosa. And as it stands now, you are not affiliated with the World Government, so why should we intervene in matters foreign to us?"

"But they are pirates!" King Riku exclaimed, desperation creeping into his voice. "They will only bring more chaos and suffering. Dressrosa needs the World Government's support now more than ever."

Elder Warcury sighed, rubbing his temples. "King Riku, the World Government's resources are stretched thin. The Shichibukai system was created to help manage the pirate threat. We cannot intervene in every conflict, especially when there are doubts about the legitimacy of your claims."

King Riku's heart sank. He could see the indifference in their eyes, the political maneuvering that left his kingdom as collateral damage. "Please, I beg of you. Do not abandon Dressrosa. My people are suffering."

Elder Nusjuro closed the folder and looked at King Riku with a mix of pity and finality. "We will consider your plea, King Riku. But understand this: without the tribute, your standing with the World Government is precarious. Your kingdom's fate lies in your hands as much as ours."

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