74 The Candidates! Boa Hancock!
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"Regarding the selection of the Seven Shichibukai, the World Government has provided several candidates for you two to review." Kong handed a stack of wanted posters to Brontes and Sengoku.
Kong, along with Sengoku and Brontes, were the top leaders within the World Government's military structure, representing a mix of the old, middle, and new generations.
"Jinbe of the Fish-Man race?"
Sengoku was the first to glance at the list. He despised these pirates, but still, he began to review them out of his duty. He was momentarily taken aback when he saw the first candidate.
"That's right, the World Government decided to invite him to become one of the Seven Shichibukai in order to ease the tension between Fish-Man Island and the World Government." Kong said, with his arms crossed over his chest.
Sengoku was confused, and asked: "Don't the World Nobles usually hate the Fish-Man race? Why would they want Jinbe to be a Shichibukai?"
Kong looked at the two and said: "Well, some World Nobles, including the Shadowvale family, supported the Fish-Man race. These families had agreed to Jinbe's appointment because Fish-Man Island had been under the World Government's control for centuries. However, due to issues related to slavery, the Fish-Man island had never been represented at the World Conference. The situation had been very strained, particularly after the death of Fisher Tiger. Following his death, the idea of Jinbe becoming a Shichibukai gained support."
Sengoku nodded and said: "Jinbe is needed powerful enough to hold one of the Shichibukai seats. After Fisher Tiger's death, Jinbe had taken over as captain of the Sun Pirates."
Sengoku was familiar with Jinbe's strength. He was aware that Jinbe, known as the Knight of the Sea, had a good reputation in the Grand Line despite being a Fish-Man. Sengoku's main concern was the relationship between Fish-Man Island and the powerful pirate Whitebeard.
"Boa Hancock, the new Empress of Amazon Lily, with a bounty of eighty million Berries. This woman has come into prominence recently, but her strength is not to be underestimated." Sengoku said.
"She's quite beautiful." Brontes chuckled and said.
Seeing Brontes's smile, Kong shook his head helplessly and said: "Amazon Lily is one of the countries that located in the Calm Belt, it inhabited only by women, all of whom were warriors. From a young age, they were trained in archery and Haki. By offering Boa Hancock a position as a Shichibukai, the World Government would not only gain a powerful ally but also the formidable female warriors of Amazon Lily, who were deeply loyal to Hancock. This was the reason she was included in the list of candidates."
Sengoku's eyes widened in surprise as he looked at the third name on the list: "The swordsman, Hawkeye Mihawk, he is also one of the candidates?"
Kong nodded and said: "He's possibly the strongest of all the candidates. His track record is impressive, including a tie in a duel with Red-Haired Shanks, which speaks volumes about his strength. He's not really a traditional pirate; he's more of a solitary figure. It might be worth reaching out to him."
Sengoku's expression turned to a frown when he saw the last two names: Moria and Crocodile.
"These two are just losers." He commented with disdain.
"Even though they've been defeated in the New World, we shouldn't underestimate their strength and fame. Crocodile has the powers of a Logia-type Devil Fruit, and Moria, despite his loss to Kaido, is still a pirate to be reckoned with." Kong countered.
"So, we have five candidates now?" Brontes asked, looking over the list.
Roy remembered that the Seven Shichibukai were still missing two members: Tyrant Kuma and Donquixote Doflamingo.
He knew that Doflamingo had been very eager to get the Shichibukai title, even going so far as to intercept a shipment of Heavenly Gold to pressure the World Government into giving him the position.
Brontes was also aware of Tyrant Kuma's background.
Kuma was a high-ranking member of the Revolutionary Army, but he was also known as the king of a country and the leader of a powerful brutal pirate crew in the New World.
Like Doflamingo, Kuma seemed to be actively pursuing the title of Shichibukai.
"The details of extending the invitations will be your responsibility, Brontes. The Marines have a significant task ahead. We aim to implement the Seven Shichibukai system within two years. This initiative has just been approved, and many pirates are likely watching closely. By the way, have the Red-Haired Pirates returned to the New World?" Kong asked, turning to Brontes.
"They're back already. Among the four most powerful pirate crews in the New World, the Red-Haired Pirates' rise in fame and power has been the quickest. Whitebeard is focused on his family, Kaido is collecting Zoan-type Devil Fruits, and Big Mom has halted her expansion, though her children are proving to be quite capable." Brontes reported seriously.
"Let Sakazuki handle that. And Brontes, I do feel sorry for you. When the opportunity arises, I'll speak with the Five Elders. Perhaps I can persuade them to reconsider and allow you to return to the Marines." Kong said with a hint of regret in his voice.
"It's no longer important. When the time is right, I'll return naturally. Besides, this new position isn't so bad; I get to sit back and relax in the office every day." Brontes replied with a big smiling.
Kong nodded in approval: "It's good that you see it that way."
...
After the World Conference, Brontes found himself stationed in Mariejois, the seat of the World Government, where he would now work from his office.
His office was strategically located next to the chambers of the Five Elders and not far from Kong's office, which meant that his actions were under constant surveillance.
The Five Elders kept a close watch on him, listening in on his activities. However, this also meant that Brontes had the opportunity to overhear what was happening in the halls of power in Mariejois.
One of the most distressing aspects of his new position was the daily reminder of the cruelty of the World Nobles. From his office, he could hear the cries of slaves being tortured, which made his days far from peaceful.
Despite no longer being part of the Marine, Brontes remained well-informed about the organization's developments since his departure.
Under Sengoku's leadership, the Marines were performing well. Borsalino had stepped into the role Brontes had vacated as the head of the SSG, Sakazuki had taken over his previous position at the G-1 Base, and Kuzan remained at the Marineford.
...
Not Long after.
Brontes's first assignment soon arrived: he was to visit Amazon Lily and meet with Empress Boa Hancock.
The World Government's agents had already dispatched the invitation, and it was expected that Amazon Lily had received the message by now.
The World Government had extended proposals to all five candidates for the Shichibukai, but it was Brontes's responsibility to personally engage with these powerful individuals and secure their agreement to join the ranks of the Shichibukai.
With few in the World Government capable of such a task, Brontes was entrusted with the selection and recruitment of the candidates within a two-year timeframe, and he was granted the authority to do so.
Brontes's warship was unique among the Marine fleet; it had the rare ability to soar through the skies, a feature almost no other ship possessed.
This capability was essential for navigating the treacherous Calm Belt with its unpredictable weather and sea conditions.
The task of recruiting the Seven Shichibukai was well-suited for Brontes, especially now that he was in charge of the initiative.
In addition to confirming the five candidates chosen by the World Government, he needed to find two more to complete the group within the given two-year period.
...
Before Brontes's warship could reach Amazon Lily, a conflict arose on the island. The dispute involved the current Empress, Boa Hancock, and the former Empress, Gloriosa.
News of the Seven Shichibukai System had spread worldwide, and the allure of the benefits that came with being a Shichibukai had caught the attention of even the most formidable pirates.
