Holy Land Mariejois:
The destroyed Holy Land of Mariejois, after receiving a large influx of slaves from the Red Continent and funding from the World Government, had begun to undergo a vigorous rebuilding process.
"The World Conference is about to begin. The policy of increasing the Sky Gold must be enforced, and the printing of our Berries must speed up as well. Otherwise, it could take a long time to recover from the losses of the last explosion," said the Scientific Defense God, Saint Satan.
"Previously, we were going to use capturing Warlord as a topic to convince the allied countries to increase the Sky Gold, but we were disrupted by the Flying Pirate Crew and Infinite Pirate Crew. Although we killed Warlord, we still failed. However, we did capture John, which should allow us to continue negotiations with the allied countries."
"In addition to increasing the Sky Gold, we can also increase the number of allied countries. With the arrival of the pirate era, many non-allied countries that once believed their strength was enough to stand on their own are now being invaded by pirates. They'll have no choice but to rely on us. If they still refuse to join us, we can take their wealth instead!"
"Also, we can start harvesting those fat sheep we've raised on the Red Continent. Even if they are not yet fully matured, it's time to take a portion."
"By the way, we can also increase our investment in the Underworld. The dark industries there are extremely profitable," said the Finance God, Saint Nasushou.
"I'm not worried about wealth. With our foundation, we'll recover most of our losses in ten years at the latest."
"However, due to the appearance of weakness in the World Government recently, there's been great turmoil in both the Four Seas and the first half of the Grand Line."
"Because of Roger, pirates are breeding in large numbers. Many allied countries are requesting protection from the World Government, and in order to increase the Sky Gold, we've sent a large amount of forces to help them. But now, our power is nowhere near enough!"
"A new force calling themselves the Self-Righteous Army has suddenly risen, and their core ideals are almost completely opposite to ours. They've incited internal turmoil in an allied country, completely overthrew that nation, and caused it to withdraw from the alliance."
"Not only that, but they are expanding rapidly and even encouraging other countries to join them!"
"On top of that, the Infinite Pirate Crew has not only established trade islands in the West Blue but also in the other three seas and the Grand Line. They've been selling weapons and various supplies on a large scale, causing huge turmoil in our entire rear."
Said the Legal Affairs God, Saint Wojkuli.
"We can put the Infinite Pirate Crew aside for now. In fact, we might even use the goods they sell to make a profit."
"But we must suppress the Self-Righteous Army first. Even if it means reducing aid to the allied countries and increasing the investment in CP organizations, we must eliminate this threat!"
"This force is more dangerous to the World Government than pirates. Their ideals threaten our 800-year rule, and we cannot let their ideas spread. If they do, the slaves we control, the non-allied countries, and even the allied countries might start having second thoughts, or worse, secretly join the Self-Righteous Army and try to overthrow the World Government!"
Said the Environmental Affairs God, Saint Maz.
"The Self-Righteous Army must be eradicated, without a doubt. There should be no chance for them to develop, spread, or continue their legacy."
"But as for pirates, we must keep them in check. Relying on the Marines is out of the question. The Seven Warlords system we proposed should be implemented now!"
"Here are two candidates: Gecko Moria and Crocodile. These two were defeated by the new world pirate Kaido and have recently fled back to the Four Seas."
"They have good strength, and they hold a grudge against the New World pirates. They are perfect candidates for the Seven Warlords. I think we should send someone to make contact and gauge their interest."
Said the Scientific Defense God, Saint Satan, as he took out two files on Gecko Moria and Crocodile.
"Agreed!"
"Agreed!"
"Agreed!"
...
**Alabasta:**
After being defeated by Kaido, Crocodile had been relentlessly hunted by the Beast Pirate Crew in the New World. Forced to flee, he made his way back to the Grand Line.
Upon seeing Crocodile escape the New World, Kaido ceased his pursuit.
"Damn Kaido! Once I find the Ancient Weapon, I'll kill you first!" Crocodile cursed, remembering how during the chase, he had unintentionally learned of the secret about the Ancient Weapon in the Alabasta Kingdom.
Having shaken off Kaido's pursuit, Crocodile immediately made his way to this desert kingdom.
"If Kaido dares to follow me here, I'll make sure he knows what it feels like to be tortured!" Crocodile said, looking out over the golden sands, a smirk forming on his face.
As a user of the Suna Suna no Mi (Sand-Sand Fruit), the desert provided a huge boost to his abilities, and he was confident he could defeat Kaido here!
"The World Government's allied countries are a hassle, but I can always recruit new subordinates."
With that thought, Crocodile began recruiting once again. His previous subordinates had all perished in the battle with the Beast Pirate Crew, and now he was all alone.
"World Government lapdogs, what do they want from me? Do they want to capture me?"
As Crocodile was about to resume recruitment and rebuild his forces, a group of individuals dressed in white suits and masks approached him.
"Capturing pirates is the Marines' job. We are here to invite you to join the Seven Warlords of the Sea established by the World Government."
"The Seven Warlords are officially recognized pirates. As long as you follow certain rules, you can legally plunder."
"Additionally, the World Government will cancel your bounty, and you will have an equal standing with the Marines. As long as you don't take action against the Marines, they cannot act against you."
"Furthermore, the Seven Warlords also have—"
The CP0 agents explained the rules of the Seven Warlords to Crocodile.
"Interesting. I never expected the World Government to need to use pirates to deal with other pirates. But this will be very helpful for my plans!"
"With the title of Seven Warlords, the Marines won't be able to interfere with my actions in the Alabasta Kingdom. Plus, it can serve as a cover while I search for the Ancient Weapon, Pluto."
Crocodile, initially inclined to reject the offer due to his disdain for being the World Government's lapdog, suddenly realized that the title had many benefits.
"So, Crocodile, have you decided to join the Seven Warlords?"
CP0 paused for three minutes, giving Crocodile time to think.
"Alright, I'll accept the position of Seven Warlords!"
After careful consideration, Crocodile decided to take up the offer. The advantages it provided were simply too great.
As for cooperating with the World Government to deal with pirates, he was only interested in actions that would benefit him. If there was any risk or no reward, he could always refuse. After all, this wasn't the first time he had been hunted by the World Government.
On the other side, Gecko Moria, also defeated by Kaido, had fled back to the Grand Line and received the same invitation from the Seven Warlords.
"Damn the World Government! They actually want me to serve them, just like the Marines!"
Upon receiving the invitation to join the Seven Warlords, Gecko Moria angrily tore the invitation in half.
"Boss, since we're being hunted by Kaido, why don't we use the World Government's name to intimidate Kaido?"
Seeing Moria's anger, Willow Gagura suggested.
Earlier, while Kaido had been busy with Crocodile, Moria had been rescued by his subordinates.
Before escaping, Moria had stolen many shadows from the Beast Pirate Crew and used them to kill several members of the Beast Pirates.
When Kaido found out, he was furious. Even though Moria had fled to the Grand Line, he was still being relentlessly hunted, and he hadn't shaken Kaido off yet.
"Hm? That crazy Kaido actually dared to enter the Grand Line? Doesn't he fear the Marines and the World Government?"
"Maybe you're right. We can hide behind the World Government's name and make Kaido retreat!"
After weighing the pros and cons, Gecko Moria, like Crocodile, accepted the title of Seven Warlords of the Sea.
End of Chapter