Typical Meeting

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All eyes turned toward the newly arrived ship.

Before long, three figures emerged: Akira, Boa Hancock, and Shisui. Hancock held onto Akira's arm, standing on his right, while Shisui took his place on the left. The trio's entrance instantly captured everyone's attention.

Uchiha Akira and Uchiha Shisui were the hottest names across the globe right now.

Akira had fought admirably against two Marine Admirals, Aokiji and Kizaru, simultaneously, holding his ground without falling behind. Shisui, on the other hand, had faced Kizaru one-on-one and fought to a draw.

The Marine Admirals, once synonymous with terror to pirates worldwide, had somehow been reduced to a new benchmark for strength.

Moreover, both Akira and Shisui had made headlines by attacking the Celestial Dragons. One struck down two of them, while the other dealt with one. It almost seemed intentional: if one fought two Admirals, he also dealt with two Celestial Dragons; if one fought one Admiral, he took on one Celestial Dragon.

The Celestial Dragons were no ordinary targets—they were the "world's nobles," the literal founders of the World Government. For Akira and Shisui to dare lay hands on them was audacious beyond belief.

But what made this even bolder was their current situation. Just days after attacking the Celestial Dragons, they had the audacity to walk straight into their territory—Mary Geoise, the Holy Land. Did Akira truly fear nothing? After all, the Marines were only one branch of the World Government's forces. There were still the Army and the shadowy "Knights of God."

"So, that's Uchiha Akira..."

Hawkeye Mihawk's eyes locked onto Akira. Being a man who enjoyed staying informed, Mihawk frequently read newspapers. Akira's name had caught his attention a month ago.

To fight and wound two Marine Admirals—this feat alone placed Akira in a league of his own. Although the photographs in the papers weren't clear, Mihawk had noticed that Akira used a blade to injure Aokiji. Not just once or twice, either.

As the world's greatest swordsman, Mihawk recognized the incredible swordsmanship that Akira must possess. Injuring Aokiji to such an extent was something Mihawk himself doubted he could achieve, igniting within him a burning desire to test his blade against Akira's.

"Fufufu! After attacking the Celestial Dragons, they strut into Mary Geoise as if they own the place. The Uchiha Security Company is truly brazen!" Doflamingo sneered.

"You don't even know the half of it," Blackbeard muttered bitterly. He still hadn't gotten over Akira snatching the Goro Goro no Mi (Thunder Fruit) right out from under him, only to give it to one of his subordinates instead of keeping it for himself. That fruit could've been his greatest weapon.

But Blackbeard had no choice but to swallow his anger. He had fought Akira once and knew he wasn't a match for the young Uchiha. And now, standing before him, Akira seemed even more terrifyingly powerful. Adding insult to injury was Boa Hancock's presence beside him, the world's most beautiful pirate—a sight that only fueled Blackbeard's growing resentment.

"Uchiha Akira... his shadow must be unimaginably strong. If I could acquire it, I might be able to reclaim my position in the New World..." thought Gecko Moria, glancing at Akira.

Bartholomew Kuma said nothing, but his eyes were focused on the man who had shaken the world in mere weeks.

Even the Marines tasked with welcoming the guests couldn't hide their tension.

Akira surveyed the figures before him. He instantly recognized the identities of those present: Donquixote Doflamingo, Mihawk, Gecko Moria, Kuma, and Blackbeard. In his previous life, these infamous Shichibukai had all been well-known.

Soon, everyone gathered in the grand conference room prepared by the World Government. A large round table was laden with an extravagant feast for the participants to enjoy.

Not long after, Fleet Admiral Sengoku entered with his staff.

"Thank you all for coming, you scum of the sea!" Sengoku began with a biting tone.

"Fufufu! Still as arrogant as ever," Doflamingo chuckled.

"We are here to discuss defensive strategies for the upcoming war..."

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, your summons was for the Shichibukai. Why is the Uchiha Security Company here?" Doflamingo inquired, his tone laced with suspicion. Could the Uchihas have ties to the World Government?

"To ensure the success of our plans, I issued a contract to the Uchiha Security Company," Sengoku replied flatly.

His words stunned the room. Just days ago, the Uchihas and the Marines had been at each other's throats, and now the World Government had hired them?

Even more surprising was the fact that Akira had accepted the job.

Doflamingo turned to Akira with a smirk. "Fufufu! The younger generation is truly fearless. I hear your daily fee is a hundred million berries. Care to share how much the World Government offered to convince you to walk into the lion's den?"

Akira smiled. "No need to keep it a secret. They're paying two billion berries."

"Two billion?!"

The other Shichibukai were shocked. Just for participating in one war, Akira stood to make a fortune.

Even Doflamingo's expression froze for a moment. As an underground emperor, he knew how long it would take to earn that kind of money. For the others, who weren't as wealthy, the sum was downright unimaginable.

"Hey, Sengoku! Why is it that we're here to fight Whitebeard's crew for nothing, while they're walking away with 2 billion?!" Moria protested, frustrated. He desperately needed funds to rebuild his forces after suffering heavy losses.

Sengoku responded coldly. "You are Shichibukai, granted special privileges by the World Government. In return, it is your duty to answer our summons."

"Tch!" Moria clicked his tongue in irritation. He knew they were being exploited for free labor.

With no further objections, the meeting continued.

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