"Mission Three: Based on intelligence provided by Boa Sandersonia, Vice Captain of the Kuja Pirates, and information held by the Marine, a preliminary conclusion has been reached,
The Starry Sky Pirates are suspected of engaging in a covert alliance with an exceptionally powerful organization."
Aokiji's gaze locked onto Luffy, a trace of veiled menace flickering in his eyes. It was unclear, however, whether that threat came from the World Government… or from the Marine itself.
He paused, and then continued in a low, solemn tone:
"Mission Directive: Terminate any possibility of Moonlight Moria forming alliances with others. Failure to comply will immediately nullify Mission Two, and trigger a maximum-level bounty on the Starry Sky Pirates and all known collaborators. A full-scale manhunt will begin."
"Additionally—"
The moment those words left Aokiji's mouth, Moria, Robin, and Brook instantly tensed. Their battle readiness surged to its peak.
But Aokiji showed no reaction. He simply pressed on, his voice sinking even lower:
"—collaborators are to be executed on the spot."
"However!"
Suddenly, his tone shifted upward.
"However, should the collaborators agree to cooperate, the Marine is prepared to make concessions… including, offering a position within the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
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Silence fell over the group.
None of them had the authority to respond. Everything rested on Luffy's decision.
"The Seven Warlords…"
Luffy, too, went quiet for a while.
But his pause wasn't because of the Warlord offer. What truly puzzled him was the World Government's attitude toward Moria.
In the original timeline, after the Paramount War, the government had sent Doflamingo and a horde of Pacifistas to hunt Moria down. Yet Moria had served them loyally for years as one of the Seven Warlords.
This suggested that his race, or perhaps the knowledge he possessed, was not the issue. Otherwise, they wouldn't have allowed him to live that long in the first place.
So what was it?
The most likely reason… was his Shadow-Shadow Fruit.
By keeping Moria under the Warlords' watch, the World Government could monitor his movements closely. If anything unexpected happened, they could deploy high-level combatants to deal with him immediately.
This approach not only kept Moria's power in check, but also ensured the Shadow Fruit didn't fall into dangerous hands.
But now…
Luffy glanced sideways at Moria.
What exactly does the Shadow Fruit do that makes the Government so afraid?
Why are they so desperate to prevent Moria from working with anyone?
Their firm stance suggested they already knew something, perhaps a secret interaction between the Shadow Fruit and another power, something with a devastating potential.
Or maybe… the Government had already mastered that power. They were simply biding their time, nurturing Moria until the moment came when they'd need his ability.
Too many questions. Too much fog.
And for now, Luffy had no way to clear it.
Still, despite the Government's order to sever ties with Moria…
Luffy had no intention of complying.
He hadn't farmed enough coins yet.
That said, a compromise was necessary, otherwise, his experience farming plan would fall apart entirely.
In the end, once he was strong enough… he could do whatever he wanted.
And to be fair, being one of the Seven Warlords came with plenty of perks.
Most of all… Luffy just thought it sounded fun.
He didn't really care who he might replace, it made no difference to him.
After all, what is freedom to a pirate, if not doing whatever makes you happy?
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As Aokiji spoke, Luffy gradually recovered some strength, enough to stand on his own. He gently tapped Robin's wrist to signal that he no longer needed support.
Then, he pulled away from her and strode confidently toward Aokiji.
Despite the obvious gap in their power, Luffy stood tall and calm, his gaze steady.
"So then, Vice Admiral Aokiji…"
"If I reject the Government's offer, what will you do?"
Aokiji sighed, scratching his head in frustration.
His thinning hair, usually fluffed up to appear normal, was getting tousled flat, exposing a shiny patch that looked dangerously close to balding.
After a long pause, he exhaled a cold breath and answered:
"If that's your decision, then I'll return to Marine Headquarters and report everything,
Including your strength levels and those of your crew.
What the Marine and the World Government decide after that… will be out of my hands."
Then, with a quieter, private grumble, audible only to himself, he muttered:
"This is such a pain…"
─────────🏴☠️─────────
"Is that so?"
Luffy smiled.
He didn't believe for a second that the World Government, after waiting so many years, would throw everything away over a mere "misunderstanding."
More importantly, wasn't getting Luffy into the Warlords exactly what they wanted?
The so-called "freedom" of the Warlords had always been a farce. The Marine always seemed to know exactly where they were when needed.
So really, the Government would love nothing more than to bring Moria's ally under surveillance, within the ranks of the Seven Warlords.
Otherwise, Aokiji wouldn't have brought the offer in the first place.
Looking Aokiji dead in the eyes, Luffy continued with a casual grin:
"You can tell your superiors this. One year from now, Moria and I will part ways. If that's acceptable, then have someone deliver the Warlord title to me."
"If not…"
"Then let the Marine come, and see for themselves what price they'll have to pay to try and stop me!"
Despite being the clear underdog, Luffy's unwavering gaze left Aokiji strangely unsettled.
He knew how wide the power gap was.
But standing there, face to face, Aokiji couldn't shake the crawling feeling at the back of his neck, a chilling sense of something unnatural.
─────────🏴☠️─────────
One Month Later
Marineford – A Marine Office
"He really said that?" Vice Admiral Tsuru narrowed her eyes as she reviewed the report submitted by Aokiji.
The document was thorough, suspiciously so. It detailed everything, even minor facts like Hancock standing at the docks to see Luffy off. Yet it made no mention of Nico Robin whatsoever.
It was… unlike Kuzan's usual style.
Thoughtfully returning the report, she said:
"I have no objections. The agreement with Amazon Lily has been finalized.
Deliver this report to Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Let him make the final call."
As her eyes lingered on a particular name on the document, Tsuru let out a dry chuckle and shook her head.
─────────🏴☠️─────────
Three Days Later
A shocking headline made waves across the Grand Line.
Alongside the Four Emperors and the Marine, a new force officially stepped into the global spotlight.
The world had long been familiar with the name "Seven Warlords of the Sea." Over the years, rumors and news had teased out their identities, each granted privileges and bound by obligations.
It wasn't a new concept. The Government and Marine routinely paraded their names to the public.
But this time was different.
Because today, a new name was etched into the pages of history.
The newspaper listed the Warlords one by one, their names bold and imposing:
"World's Greatest Swordsman" – Dracule Mihawk
"Pirate Empress" – Boa Hancock
"Desert King" – Crocodile
"Knight of the Sea" – Jinbei
"Great Pirate" – Gecko Moria
"Heavenly Yaksha" – Donquixote Doflamingo
And finally,
"Captain of the Starry Sky Pirates" – Monkey D. Luffy!!!
Bounty: 0
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"Who the hell is this guy?"
"Never heard of him!"
"Damn government lackey!"
"Let's kill him!" one pirate shouted, slamming the paper with his finger.
"If we take him out, we'll be famous overnight!"
"Yeah! He looks like a kid, must be all show and no substance!"
"Wait, if the Government recognizes him, he must be strong."
"Who cares?! We're pirates! Since when do we get scared?!"
Some pirate, probably with more guts than brains, began riling up the tavern, urging everyone to go challenge this new "government-approved" Warlord.
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