Chapter 804: Are You Being Polite?
Chapter 804: Are You Being Polite?
Zatanosen Island, private hot spring bathhouse.
"Haaah..."
Kuro leaned back, arms propped on the edge of the bath, exhaling deeply in relaxation.
Beside him sat a small lacquered table laden with sake bottles and cups.
On the other side of the table, Smoker mirrored his posture.
Behind them, two Maids stood, firmly kneading their shoulders.
Both men lifted their sake cups simultaneously, took a sip, and sighed with satisfaction.
"Hey, Kuro."
Placing his cup on the wooden table, Smoker spoke, "I heard you're against Vegapunk's proposal to abolish the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"Yeah, that's right."
Kuro nodded, tilting his head toward his Maid, "A little harder please. I've got some tension here."
"Yes, right away", the Maid replied gently.
Ah, the cruel capitalist feudal society.
As long as you had money, anything could be bought.
If this society's military force value was maxed out too...
"Why oppose it?"
Smoker asked gravely, "Are you one of those stubborn old fools who think the Seven Warlords can still help us maintain order?"
Kuro rolled his White Eye, "Don't insult me. Calling us old farts when you yourself never openly opposed it. You know as well as I do - yeah, they're despicable trash, but they did help maintain balance. What's wrong with letting pirates fight pirates? Besides, you know my proposal."
"Do you really think that'll work? I doubt the higher-ups will give us those rights", Smoker questioned.
"Who knows?" Kuro shrugged, "I just suggested it, and someone agreed. That's all. Whether it succeeds is up to fate. Smoker, while we maintain stability and peace, we also need to face reality. You know Big Mom and Kaido have started making contact."
Smoker nodded grimly, "If the two Four Emperors really do connect, the world will descend into chaos."
Kuro continued, "They were on the same ship before, not just in terms of relations - I mean literally. You've heard that rumor, right?"
A shadow passed through Smoker's eyes, "Rocks' crew? Tina mentioned it once."
"Exactly. So the best course remains keeping the Seven Warlords system. Though the current Warlords, aside from that one, might not necessarily act if trouble arises. Pirates will always be pirates. The best solution is to handpick new reliable ones ourselves."
Kuro flicked his fingers. From his nearby clothes, two 'Triple Blend' cigars flew toward them, landing in his hand and hovering before Smoker.
"Hey, you're taking my cigar again!" Smoker shouted, clearly annoyed.
"Relax, try something rougher once in a while. Changes your palate", Kuro said, placing the cigar between his teeth. With another flick, a lighter zipped toward him, which he caught to light his smoke.
Are You Being Polite!?
Smoker twitched his lips, bit down on his cigar, and snatched the lighter from Kuro's outstretched hand before igniting it with a glare.
"Let's talk about choosing candidates..."
Smoker exhaled a stream of smoke, gaze fixed on the swirling vapor above, "If we really could choose, there is someone I'd recommend. He'd work."
The smoke seemed to form a grinning face - Luffy's face.
Among pirates, he held favorable opinions of very few. Actually, almost none.
"You're suggesting... him?"
Kuro studied Smoker's expression, "Don't tell me it's Luffy?"
Smoker fell silent for a moment, then nodded, chuckling, "Though he'd probably refuse. He's too focused on becoming the Pirate King."
"Exactly. Not only would he refuse, even if he joined, that hotheaded idiot would cause endless chaos", Kuro blew another puff of smoke. "Let's talk about this again if it actually gets approved."
...
Mariejois.
Pangu Palace.
The meeting hall where the world summit was held.
Surrounding the massive round table sat fifty kings representing their nations.
Among the many member states, aside from those with urgent reasons to attend, most seats rotated regularly. With so many nations but limited spots, smaller countries often followed larger ones' agendas to push through their own interests.
This summit followed much the same pattern.
After two days of intense debate, the hall fell into silence. The initial demands had been laid bare, and now they entered a stalemate - the perfect time to discuss broader policy.
"I have a proposal."
Arabasta's King Kobra suddenly stood, addressing the assembly, "Regarding the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Their influence has waned, and the system itself causes catastrophes to nations. My own Arabasta, and King David's Dressrosa both suffered greatly under their tyranny. I propose we completely abolish the Seven Warlords system!"
"Abolish the Seven Warlords?"
Several kings nodded, "Not an unreasonable idea. The current Warlords lack prestige. Maintaining them costs resources without providing real benefits."
"I agree. They can't offer protection anymore. Luffy defeated many Warlords. Nowadays, pirates fear them not at all."
"Exactly. Without might, aren't they just ordinary pirates?"
As murmurs spread, Kobra turned toward David.
This 'King Conqueror' would surely agree.
After all, Dressrosa's suffering had been far worse than Arabasta's.
"I disagree!"
The sudden voice cut through the growing consensus.
To Kobra's astonishment, David stood, declaring, "We must not abolish the Seven Warlords!"
"King David!"
Kobra frowned, "Have you forgotten your nation's suffering?"
"Not at all. But those were isolated incidents. We shouldn't generalize", David replied. "The Seven Warlords are vital for balancing power in the Grand Line, a safeguard against the Four Emperors. Ending this system would only destabilize the world further. We can't simply abolish them on a whim, King Kobra."
He turned to the assembly, "That said, the current Warlords lack true might. Their dangers now outweigh their benefits. So I propose we reform the system - hold new elections for the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Let experienced Navy officials, who understand pirates best, choose candidates with both combat power and prestige. Transfer the choice of the Seven Warlords from the World Government to them, restoring balance in the Grand Line."
(End of Chapter)
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