[Third-person perspective]
"What in the world is the meaning of this!?"
A voice that might as well have been a roar echoed through the Fleet Admiral's Office.
The one hurling that shout at a Den Den Mushi was none other than the Fleet Admiral of the Marine Headquarters, Sengoku the Buddha himself.
And the party on the other end of the line was his own superiors.
The supreme authority of the World Government: the Five Elders.
The reason he was interrogating them, bellowing as though he'd forgotten all sense of rank, was a certain personnel announcement reported that very morning.
The induction of two individuals, the Pirate Literary Master and the Star Clown, into the Shichibukai.
Even he, the current head of the Marines, had been caught completely off guard.
When he inquired, thinking it might be a misreport, he was told the Marines simply hadn't been notified. It was, in fact, true.
In other words, without consulting them at all, the Government, or rather a faction within it, had independently deliberated and reviewed, gone over their heads to push through every procedure, and finalized the decision.
"It is exactly as it was announced in the papers. Currently, three of the seven Shichibukai seats sit vacant. We must act swiftly to fill those vacancies and restore the balance of the Three Great Powers. We have been deliberating on this matter daily, and this is simply the conclusion we arrived at."
"Without a single notice to Marine Headquarters...!"
"The decision-making authority rests with us, the World Government. We regret that the delay in notification may have startled you, but there should be no particular issue."
'The sheer gall...' Sengoku clenched his jaw so hard his teeth ground audibly.
True, the authority to appoint Shichibukai belonged to the Government.
But that didn't mean the Marines had absolutely no opportunity to be involved in the selection process.
In fact, when Crocodile had previously fallen from the Shichibukai, a formal conference had been held to determine his successor.
On top of that, as with this recent Summit War, there were many occasions where the Shichibukai and Marine Headquarters cooperated in joint operations. The question of who occupied those seats was by no means someone else's problem.
Even without decision-making authority, not receiving a single piece of advance information was utterly unacceptable.
"It was necessary to proceed as swiftly as possible. They meet the conditions required of the Shichibukai. There should be no issue."
'That's a lie,' Sengoku declared, not aloud but in his mind.
Well, they probably weren't lying per se. But they certainly weren't stating all the facts accurately, either.
The conditions were met. He'd grant them that.
On the one hand, there was the former Roger Pirates member whose relationship as a sworn brother of Red Hair, one of the Four Emperors, made for considerable notoriety. There was also the leadership ability demonstrated by rallying the escaped prisoners of Impel Down.
On the other hand, even if it was a joint effort, there was the military prowess of having defeated Admiral Akainu and Chief Warden Magellan at Impel Down, combined with being the daughter of the Great Pirate Golden Lion, and above all, the influence the name Pirate Literary Master wielded over the public.
If two individuals of such caliber joined their side as Shichibukai, it would indeed be reassuring.
But both were pirates who had rampaged through this Summit War, and the Pirate Literary Master in particular, starting with the defeat of Admiral Akainu, had dealt devastating blows to them. An enemy, in a word.
And backing her was the Golden Lion. Anyone who knew that generation knew the man was a renowned schemer.
Being told such a person was suddenly an ally would cause chaos of staggering proportions on the ground.
If they had been notified in advance and given time to disseminate the information, a great many objections would have been raised. Naturally, those concerns would have been formally presented to the World Government.
'They knew that and deliberately withheld notification from us. Most likely, they moved to prevent at all costs the scenario where the Golden Lion and the Pirate Literary Master became enemies. At minimum, by granting them a position in the form of the Shichibukai, they could at least avoid the worst case of cooperation with the Revolutionary Army or its affiliates... but...'
That was merely kicking the problem down the road.
The immediate scenario of the Pirate Literary Master's influence falling into the hands of hostile organizations and being turned against the Government had been averted, yes. But in exchange, they had granted a position that neither the Government nor the Marines could touch.
And the ones who would exploit that wouldn't be limited to her alone.
The Government's thinking was likely that during this reprieve, they could get their own affairs in order and eliminate the Revolutionary Army and other dangerous organizations.
The Pirate Literary Master, taken alone, and as long as she wasn't needlessly provoked, posed a relatively small threat.
She had virtually no intention of opposing the Government or Marines of her own volition, and was in fact a rare pirate widely embraced by the populace.
The danger lay in what happened if she became an enemy, or if her influence fell into the hands of organizations harmful to the Government.
If that was the case, the reasoning went, give her candy, keep her tame, and at minimum maintain a state of non-hostility.
'As if Shiki would sit idly by! If things go wrong, he might pull something that wildly exceeds our projections in ways we never imagined, using the Pirate Literary Master as a front while taking his time to prepare! Or perhaps even this very situation is already going according to that man's designs...'
But regardless, what was done was done.
It was widely known to the public, and the two individuals in question had acknowledged it themselves. There was no taking it back now.
"You will be summoned to Mary Geoise at a later date for detailed deliberations. That is all."
Having said only that, the Den Den Mushi went silent. Sengoku glared at it for a while.
By the time the Den Den Mushi itself had broken into a nervous sweat, wearing an expression that seemed to say 'Hey, don't glare at me, I just delivered the message,' Sengoku finally put it away in his desk.
He let out a long sigh, as much to steady himself as to calm his nerves.
Immediately after, a knock came at the door.
Hearing it, Sengoku remembered that, ah yes, he had summoned someone. Guessing who was knocking, he called out, "Come in."
The person who opened the door and entered was exactly who he'd expected.
"Excuse me... Sengoku-san. You called for me?"
"Yes. There's something I need to discuss. Have a seat, Aokiji. ...No. Kuzan."
"...!"
The one who had entered was Marine Admiral Aokiji.
Sensing some intent behind the deliberate correction of his name, Aokiji furrowed his brow but did as instructed. He sat down on the sofa facing Sengoku, settling into a posture of attentive listening.
"...So, what's this about?"
"Right... no point beating around the bush, so I'll be direct. Kuzan."
"I want you to become the next Fleet Admiral."
***
Several days after I sent my reply to the Government accepting induction into the Shichibukai.
Since coming to our base at Merveille wasn't feasible, I'd invited Marine envoys to one of the islands that served as Golden Lion Pirates territory.
This was for the Shichibukai induction procedures. Simple enough, but apparently there was various paperwork that needed to be exchanged.
Since this was a major event, a huge number of press had descended on the place for coverage, Morgans himself included. The restrictions were kept fairly relaxed, so even reporters from small local papers seemed to have shown up in droves.
The sound of cameras had been going nonstop, so they'd surely spread the word far and wide.
Then, at the appointed time.
Arriving by Marine warship, aside from the rank-and-file soldiers, were two big names.
'...Seriously... is this personnel choice some kind of harassment?'
"It's been a while... you seem to have gotten much stronger."
"Good grief... never thought we'd be meeting again like this."
Former Marine Admiral, Black Arm Zephyr.
Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral, Momousagi Gion.
One, the person who saved my life. The other, one of the people who escorted me to Impel Down.
How was I supposed to greet them!?
Gion-san's expression was somewhat awkward, a sort of 'good grief' look. But Zephyr-san's expression was, um... I couldn't read his emotions at all?
If forced to describe it... something like... enlightenment?
Let me think... resignation, disappointment, sympathy, expectation, fighting spirit, self-reproach... it felt like all sorts of emotions and intentions were jumbled together, all mixed up. I can't put it into words! Shameful as it is for a writer, what kind of emotion even is this!?
Like, he felt responsible that the life he'd saved had become a pirate, growing into this notorious villain... but since it started from false charges, he felt sympathy... yet he couldn't forgive the anger and disappointment over how much havoc had been wreaked, hurting his fellow Marines...!?
P-please, at least say something...
But Zephyr-san fell silent after that first remark, and instead, or maybe not instead, Gion-san began speaking smoothly.
"Let me give you a quick rundown. Here, this is the Letter of Marque. It serves as both proof that you're a Shichibukai and a license for your pirate activities to be tacitly permitted. Don't lose it."
"Y-yes, ma'am."
From Gion-san, I received a document in an ornate binding, like a university diploma.
When I briefly opened it and showed it to the press, they all gleefully started snapping photos.
...Well, there's probably no Shichibukai who'd be this accommodating, and they might not even get a chance to cover this kind of thing normally. No pirate would actually invite reporters to their base. Of course they'd take pictures.
Hm, what's that, Morgans? Together with Vice Admiral Gion? Ah, you want a shot of the handover moment.
That's what he's saying, but... ah, no good? Too much hassle? Okay then.
You heard her, Morgans. Give it up.
"Any pirate activities conducted by you and your subordinates are considered 'legal,' so long as they aren't directed against Government Member States and aren't carried out in a manner harmful to the Marines or World Government. In return, a portion of your earnings will be periodically remitted to the World Government. If there are any other specific requests or conditions, those can be discussed and established on a case-by-case basis... though not everything will be approved."
"I see... what about the revocation of bounties, and whether amnesty extends to my subordinates?"
"The just-over-one-billion-Berry bounty on your head will be revoked. As for your subordinates, those who are clearly identified as being under your command will have their bounties revoked, or at minimum will no longer be actively pursued... something along those lines. The specifics will be determined through consultation with the Government and the Marines."
"When it comes to those consultations, contacting the World Government or the Marines, what channel should I use?"
"Basically, you'll use a special-line Den Den Mushi. The details are in separate documentation. I'll hand that over too, so check it later."
She followed up with "Any other questions?" but I'd covered everything I wanted to ask for now. That should do it.
When I said I had nothing else, Zephyr-san, who had been silent the entire time, slowly spoke up.
"...May I say one thing?"
"! ...Yes."
"...I can't go into it here, but I know your background. I understand that most likely, many things happened that brought you to your current position... that led you here, whether you wanted it or not. It's not as if one can choose their own parents. But even so, we are Marines and you are a pirate, and that relationship... won't change."
"...You're right."
"With your induction into the Shichibukai, if it means your power will no longer be turned against the innocent, and that even provisionally we can face the same direction, I find that something to be glad about. ...I hope you will continue, as that letter you received back then said, without straying from your path. Not as a Marine speaking, but as one human being."
"...I'll take that to heart. Gion-san too, of course... I look forward to working with you from here on."
Saying that, I bowed my head. Just slightly.
Among the Shichibukai, a group full of strong-willed, haughty types, there probably wasn't a single one who'd show this kind of courtesy, even as a gesture. Quite a few in the press corps looked surprised.
Gion-san looked surprised too, actually. Maybe she hadn't expected me to go so far as to bow my head, even if only slightly?
Besides, the Shichibukai were supposed to serve as a deterrent to pirates. Being too deferential toward the Marines probably wasn't a good look.
They were already widely derided as Government dogs and disliked for it. Getting looked down on would undermine that whole purpose, so being somewhat willful and arrogant was probably the right amount.
...Actually, come to think of it, too cooperative with the Marines is a problem, too uncooperative is also a problem... this really is a position that makes you an awkward, hard-to-handle sort-of-ally for the Marines and the Government.
Created out of necessity as a deterrent during the Great Pirate Era, but I could viscerally feel the fundamental flaws in the system's design. And it was being exploited left and right, all over the place.
Well, regardless, I did this because I thought it was the right show of sincerity toward Zephyr-san.
My gratitude and respect for him hadn't changed. I wanted to bow my head properly and say, "I look forward to working with you."
...And also, there was this.
'When I think about what's coming next... this gesture isn't a bad move at all, either.'
While I was thinking that without saying it aloud...
"Yes... I too hope it can be that way. If possible, going forward.....!?"
Zephyr-san got that far before noticing something. He abruptly cut off his words, and his Spirit, no, what could only be called killing intent, swelled to an alarming degree.
Gion-san was startled by it, but a moment later she too realized the reason. Her hand went to the sword at her hip. She didn't draw it, but rested her hand there, ready to draw at any instant, alert and on guard.
Both their gazes were directed upward, and there...
"Jihahahaha... don't get all murderous on me, Zephyr. I ain't here to fight ya. That Gion over there? Haven't seen ya in a while, but... still committing age fraud, I see."
"The first thing you say after meeting for the first time in decades is that...!? You're still an awful man, inside and out!"
"You... why are you here? What did you come to do... Shiki!"
"Whaddya mean, why? What, I ain't allowed to be here? It's my daughter's big moment. Of course I'd wanna see it with my own eyes, right?"
Saying this while drifting down from the sky was Papa, otherwise known as Shiki the Golden Lion.
The press corps, thrilled beyond measure at the descent of such a monumental figure, snapped away. Though some among them seemed to shrink back a little from fear.
Morgans, for the record, was operating as usual. Thrilled, in fact. Goes without saying.
Well, I might be the newly minted Shichibukai, but Papa was still a very active pirate. Being feared was only natural.
Zephyr-san and Gion-san were poised before me, ready to shift into combat at a moment's notice.
At the same time, they seemed to be gauging Papa's reason for appearing here, but didn't appear to have figured anything out. They were holding at alert.
Don't worry, it'll become clear soon enough.
...Well, the content might be anything but reassuring, though.
...Okay, time to act.
Put on that wide-eyed, 'Huh? Nobody told me about this?' face... and...
"...What's up, Papa?"
"Hey, sorry about this, Sue. I'll say it again: no need for alarm. I ain't here to fight ya or be your enemy. Just had something I needed to say, borrowing this occasion to do it."
Papa spoke to Zephyr-san and Gion-san while patting my head.
Incidentally, everyone seemed rather stunned by my calling him Papa. But, well, anyway.
"...Something to say? To us?"
"Not to you so much as... to the Marines and the Government themselves. Or rather... to the world."
Saying that with a sharp grin, Papa turned toward the two puzzled faces before him.
Or rather, just as he'd said, toward everyone beyond them as well, the press included, and declared:
"Now, sorry for the short notice, but..."
"I've decided to retire."
"""""...!?!?"""""
Shock.
Zephyr-san and Gion-san.
The other Marines standing behind them.
The entire press corps.
All uniformly struck speechless, visibly struggling to process Papa's bombshell.
I too (acting, of course) flinched in shock, whipping my head around with a dramatic spin to look up at Papa's face. Eyes wide, expression fully committed.
Without a word, conveying through body language alone to everyone watching: 'Wait, nobody told me about this!?'
Not an immediate turn. First, a freeze, eyes going wide with 'Huh?', then the head snap with 'Nobody told me!?'
You can do this, me! Remember the acting lessons from Carina and the theater troupe at Gran Tesoro, and put them to use!
Become the role! Become 'the me who truly heard nothing about this'! Fool not just them, but yourself!
"Yeah, when you get to my age, things start falling apart and it gets rough... I've been feeling my limits for a while now, staying on the front lines as a pirate. Honestly, I envy you youngsters who've still got it. Well, fortunately, if you can call it that, I've got a capable successor who's been growing up nicely, haven't I?"
Papa said this while patting my head.
Gion-san looked at me. Our eyes met.
I shook my head back and forth.
Paying no mind whatsoever to Gion-san's bewildered gaze or Zephyr-san's reproachful stare, Papa continued speaking fluidly.
"And so, as of this moment, I am stepping down from my positions as Captain and Pirate Fleet Admiral of the Golden Lion Pirates. As my successor, I designate my daughter, Venerdi Toto Sue. This has already been decided at a meeting of our Supreme Executives. The transfer of authority will be carried out through a handover process over the coming days with their cooperation, and everything is scheduled to proceed without issue."
"However, given the sudden nature of this personnel change, for the time being we plan to appoint several Advisors to assist or act on behalf of the Admiral in practical duties. The Advisors will include capable and trusted subordinates of my choosing, as well as myself, serving in that role for the foreseeable future, helping her along."
"Basically, long story short... I'm becoming her subordinate."
"...! Shiki, you planned this from the very start...!"
Zephyr-san's anger was plain.
Beside him, Gion-san wore an expression that all but said, 'We've been had...'
And me... an expression (acting) of 'A-ahaha...' and 'I have no idea what to do.'
The press corps, bewildered but delighted, captured all of it.
With this, as a subordinate of me, a Shichibukai, neither the Marines nor the World Government could lay a finger on the Golden Lion Pirates, Papa the Golden Lion included, or any of their affiliated pirate crews. That was now the reality.
And from all appearances, clueless little me was at best a figurehead Admiral, while real power continued to rest with Papa and the others.
The Golden Lion Pirates would operate exactly as before, simply exploiting the privileges that came with the Shichibukai title attached to my name.
Naturally, if they committed lawlessness beyond the scope of Shichibukai authority, that would be a different matter. But that wasn't going to happen, so no issue.
From the Marines' perspective, now that things had come to this, they might even be hoping it wouldn't happen...
In truth, when the Marines decided to designate me as Shichibukai, knowing full well Papa was behind me, they must have anticipated some degree of overreach from him. But apparently they never predicted he'd go this far and flat-out say "I'm her subordinate now, cheers."
Did they think it would be like Luffy, related by blood but not this deeply entangled? If so, that was naive, to say the least.
Or was the priority simply to prevent me, the Instigator, from becoming an enemy at all costs?
Or perhaps they assumed Papa's pride would keep him from becoming his own daughter's subordinate, even in name only?
Well, no point thinking about it now. It was decided.
Afterward, Gion-san told me, "If you object, you can designate individuals and exclude them from the Shichibukai's protective umbrella, you know?"
In other words: 'Exclude Shiki from that protection and let us arrest him. Actually, arrest him yourself, Shichibukai.'
But I had a reply prepared in advance: "I was surprised, but... he's still my only family. I'll trust Papa."
I was given a pained, worried look.
'Oh, she definitely thinks I'm a total victim and that Shiki played me.' Well, exactly as planned.
My wooden acting should have been easy to see through, but Papa's villain performance (wait, was it even acting?) was so masterful that it more than compensated. At least, I think so.
A born villain really does shine in situations where being evil becomes a weapon. Not a skill with many applications, but a rare bit of knowledge gained.
So then, with all that settled... looking forward to working with you, dear Marines and World Government.
You slapped a false bounty on me, and when I became famous, you tried to use me however it suited you. For that purpose, you put me through torture and who knows what else. I haven't forgotten.
And now it's the Shichibukai, is it? Telling me to be a good Government dog.
Fine, I'll play along.
But it remains to be seen who's using whom here...!
...Well, in the end, I'm not really the one doing any deep thinking. Papa's the one advancing all those plans about "using" them. For my part, I'm basically just happy about "not being hunted by the Marines anymore" and "being able to do research trips to places I couldn't go before."
...Wait? Setting aside the knew-it-or-didn't-know-it parts... when I think about it, the acting I did earlier wasn't actually that far off from reality...?
...Eh, whatever. Let's not think too hard about it.
To be continued...