Chapter 80: Big Boss Meeting!

In the Holy Land of Mariejois, inside a vast conference room within the headquarters of the World Government, the most powerful figures were gathered. It had been about half a year since Roger's execution, yet the world was still reeling from the aftermath.

The Marines and CP agencies had been working tirelessly to handle the resulting surge of pirate activity. But despite their best efforts, the increase in pirates had been explosive, far outpacing what they could contain. This sudden shift had left the World Government scrambling, and now, they were meeting for the fourth time in six months to discuss strategies for controlling this turbulent new era.

Sitting around the round table, Marine Admiral Sengoku wore a deep frown, a look mirrored by his colleagues Tsuru, the Chief Staff Officer, and Vice Admiral Sakazuki, who were also present as representatives of Marine. Across from them were members of the CP agency, men with featureless masks and pristine white suits, giving them an air of eerie, silent authority.

On the opposite side of the table sat Claudius, a cigar dangling lazily from his lips. He looked completely at ease, exuding a calm confidence that seemed almost out of place in such a high-stakes meeting. Behind him stood Stussy, holding a stack of documents, her demeanor that of a loyal and observant secretary.

They didn't have to wait long before the doors opened, and the bald elder of the Five Elders, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, known as one of the highest authorities in the world, entered. He scanned the room, noting with satisfaction that everyone was present, then took his seat at the head of the table. Drawing a cigar from his coat, he cut and lit it, exhaling a slow plume of smoke before addressing the room.

"Alright, let's get started," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Let's begin with reports from the Naval Headquarters and the CP agencies. What's the current situation?"

Sengoku exchanged a glance with the head of the CP agency, then took the lead. "Our Marine branches worldwide have ramped up recruitment efforts. However, it takes time to train and equip new soldiers. From the initial recruitment to becoming battle-ready, it requires at least a year. Building up enough strength to tackle this new wave of piracy… it's going to take a while. This isn't going to be a short fight. We're looking at a prolonged struggle on the seas."

Nusjuro nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging the challenge but withholding any criticism. He knew that these kinds of things couldn't be rushed.

The CP agency representative, a man referred to as "Gis," took over. "We've made some progress. First, we've focused on targeting potential threats early on, dealing with smaller but promising pirate crews before they can grow. We've managed to eliminate many of these 'saplings' before they could take root and expand."

Gis hesitated slightly before adding, "Additionally, we've come across a group we believe warrants attention. They call themselves the 'Revolutionary Army.' Although they haven't done anything overtly hostile yet, their ideology is… concerning."

Claudius raised an eyebrow, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. The CP agency was already aware of Dragon's activities. Impressive, he thought, given how new and low-profile the Revolutionary Army still was. For now, they hadn't been deemed a true threat, but the seeds of future tension were already planted.

Nusjuro took this information in stride. "Understood. Sengoku, continue expanding Marine's ranks as quickly as possible. We'll increase the military budget this year to support these efforts."

"Yes, sir. It's all in the name of justice," Sengoku replied, a subtle gleam of satisfaction in his eyes.

The elder then turned to Gis. "Keep up the pressure. Eliminate these up-and-coming pirates as soon as possible. We may not be able to cut down their numbers significantly, but if we can prevent the strongest from rising, it's still a victory."

"Yes, my lord," Gis responded promptly, his tone filled with deference.

Claudius remained silent throughout these exchanges, calmly taking drags from his cigar and watching the others speak. His relaxed demeanor contrasted sharply with the urgency of the discussion, almost as if he were detached from their concerns.

Finally, Nusjuro's gaze landed on Claudius, and his stern expression softened slightly. As a member of the Celestial Dragons, Claudius was family to him, so to speak, and beyond that, Claudius had proven himself capable by capturing both Golden Lion Shiki and, ultimately, the infamous Pirate King, Roger. Even if the latter event had set off an unintended tidal wave, the elder still admired Claudius's results.

"Claudius, what about you? Do you have anything to report on CP-X's recent activities? Any suggestions on how we might handle the escalating crisis at sea?" the elder asked, a faint smile on his lips.

Claudius straightened up, setting his cigar aside as he reached for a document that Stussy quickly handed him. With a casual smile, he opened the folder and spread it out on the table in front of him. "Actually, Your Excellency, I do have something I'd like to propose. I've been preparing a plan, and I'd like to hear your thoughts on it."

As he spoke, Stussy efficiently handed out copies of the document to each person around the table. Sengoku opened his copy, and his eyebrows shot up in surprise. The file contained profiles on two pirates: Crocodile and Doflamingo.

Crocodile was a relatively new but rising figure on the Grand Line. Sengoku already knew that Crocodile had once been a subordinate of Claudius, which had puzzled him before. Why would Claudius, a high-ranking Celestial Dragon, sponsor a pirate? And now, here was Doflamingo, Claudius's cousin, also active as a pirate under the name "Donquixote." What was Claudius's angle in all this?

As Sengoku flipped through the file, a murmur of interest spread around the table. Even the bald elder looked intrigued as he reviewed the information.

The elder finally looked up, his curiosity evident. "So, Claudius, what's the purpose of showing us this? What are you proposing?"

Claudius chuckled and said, "These two, Crocodile and Doflamingo, are some of the most promising young pirates in the current era, wouldn't you say?"

Gis nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Your Highness. They've both established themselves quickly."

"Then, using them as an example, let me introduce a concept I call 'The Seven Warlords of the Sea Plan,'" Claudius said, an almost wicked glint in his eyes.

Everyone was silent, watching him intently.

Claudius continued, "To put it simply, this plan is about 'ruling Pirates with Pirates.' Instead of fighting the rising tide of piracy head-on, we endorse certain pirates, ones we can control and use them to manage the chaos in our favor."