Chapter 545: Buggy the Star Clown (Part 1)
"We can join, but how come I've never heard of this so-called 'Seven Warlords of the Sea'?"
Mihawk's nod had made the other two decide. But his next words were like a bucket of cold water poured over their heads.
That's right! We've never even heard of these Seven Warlords. What if it's a conspiracy by the World Government against us?
Buggy and Crocodile were lost in thought. Ever since Roger's death, they had been forced onto this broken-down ship to evade the Marines' pursuit. After five years of being chased, they knew the ways of the World Government and the Marines like the back of their hands. If this was a conspiracy targeting them, it wouldn't be simple.
"Hah! Who cares?" Buggy declared, hands on his hips as he looked to the sky. "We'll just join. We can just give them a verbal agreement for now, and then see what the World Government does next. If it's beneficial to us, we'll play along. If not, who cares?"
This made Mihawk and Crocodile turn to look at him, which instantly caused Buggy to break out in a cold sweat.
Mihawk and Crocodile exchanged a glance, then nodded.
"Fine," they said in unison. "You'll be in charge of it."
After their discussion, Buggy walked out of the cabin with Mihawk and Crocodile trailing behind him. The three of them sat down again before the CP0 agents sent by the World Government.
The man in the lion mask smiled at the three men seated before him. "So, how was your discussion?"
Buggy thought for a moment. "This 'Seven Warlords' thing you mentioned, why haven't I heard of it? And how can you guarantee it's real?"
Buggy's question took the lion-masked man by surprise. Perhaps he never imagined someone would question the authenticity of the World Government.
"Mr. Buggy, you need not doubt this. The Seven Warlords of the Sea is a system that was only recently decided upon. Its purpose is to counter the three Emperors who have risen to power in the New World. Your mission will be to cooperate with the Navy to strike at pirates around the world, as well as the three Emperors of the New World."
Hearing this, Buggy shot to his feet, slamming his hands on the table. Now he understood why the World Government was being so generous. They wanted to use them as cannon fodder against the three Emperors. As a former member of the Roger Pirates, he knew better than anyone how terrifying those three were. This instantly made Buggy hesitate. Even Mihawk and Crocodile, sitting behind him, sat up straighter.
The sudden, strong reaction from the pirates startled the lion-masked man.
"Are you trying to use us as cannon fodder?" Buggy asked menacingly.
"Of course not! You will only be assisting the Navy. You won't be required to face the three Emperors directly!" the lion-masked man quickly explained, waving his hands. He immediately understood the problem. His mission was to recruit the Buggy Pirates to lay the foundation for the establishment of the Seven Warlords. As the first to be invited, the World Government was prepared to give them plenty of face.
Originally, the World Government had intended to invite Gecko Moria. But Moria, confident in his own strength and his ability to contend with the three Emperors, had scoffed at the offer and killed the CP0 agent sent to recruit him. This had forced the World Government to turn its attention to Buggy.
They had no other choice. At present, apart from the three Emperors, only the Buggy Pirates, the Moria Pirates, and a handful of others had any real fame on the seas. The World Government could only start by inviting the most famous. The Buggy Pirates were an excellent choice. Although they had never entered the New World, their name was well-known. They were in the newspapers every other day. And their captain was a former member of the Roger Pirates. The political significance of this identity was immeasurable. If even a member of the Roger Pirates joined the World Government, the propaganda value for the Warlord system would be world-shaking.
Hearing the agent's explanation, Buggy relaxed. Assisting... just assisting is fine. Although it would mean offending the three Emperors, with the Navy and the World Government taking the lead, he wouldn't be in direct danger. The main reason Buggy wanted to join was that he was sick of being chased by the Marines. Heaven knew why they followed him around like a pack of mad dogs. All he wanted was to search for treasure in peace.
Seeing that Buggy was wavering, the lion-masked man pressed his advantage. "As long as you agree, tomorrow's newspapers will announce everything. The Seven Warlords system will be declared to the world. You won't even need to go to Marine Headquarters or Mary Geoise. We will make the announcement directly."
These words dispelled Buggy's last shred of caution.
He looked at the lion-masked man. "Fine. I accept your invitation. I'm in." Buggy stood up and clapped his hands to seal the deal.
The lion-masked man was overjoyed. "Welcome aboard!" he said, extending his hand.
Buggy shook it. As their hands clasped, a camera flashed.
A new era had begun. The Three Emperors, the Marines, and the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Three great powers now officially vied for supremacy on the tumultuous seas.
"Moshi moshi! Lord Five Elders, the Buggy Pirates have accepted the title of Warlord of the Sea. We can publish the news tomorrow."
In Mary Geoise, Saint Marcus Mars was delighted. "Is that so? Then proceed as planned. This will be tomorrow's top headline." The Seven Warlords plan, three years in the making, was finally being implemented. The other four Elders nodded without a word.
The next day, news that shook the world was delivered into everyone's hands.
Buggy the Star Clown, Warlord of the Sea!
The World Government Implements the Seven Warlords System!
The Duties of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!
The headlines on the newspapers appeared before the eyes of the world.
"What? A pirate has been recruited?" The contents of the paper stunned everyone who read it.
"Damn it! Once a pirate, always a pirate! How can a pirate be recruited? Where is the justice?"
"This is the first time in eight hundred years! The first time! How could the World Government be so foolish?"
Cries of shock and disbelief rang out. The questioning tone in their voices showed that everyone was against the World Government's decision. Complaints flooded in, mostly from the member nations of the World Government. Many nobles and kings expressed their dissatisfaction, especially with the "legal plunder" clause of the Warlords' duties.
At Marine Headquarters, Sengoku looked at the newspaper in his hand. "I never thought the Buggy Pirates would actually become one of the Seven Warlords. Fate is a strange thing!"
Kong glanced at Sengoku and then at the others. "This is an order from the World Government. Revoke all bounties on the Buggy Pirates."
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