One Piece: Ulquiorra Template

Chapter 113: Destination - Big Mom!

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Ian's voice echoed through the conference room, silencing the assembled Marines. With both the instigator and the subject of their discussion present, the situation surrounding the vacant Warlord position and its controversial challenger had taken an interesting turn.

"Cut the crap, Fleet Admiral Sengoku. You know as well as I do how underhanded the World Government can be. The prisoners in Impel Down deserve their punishment, but they're not lab rats for the World Government's twisted experiments. They're the ones truly responsible for this mess." Ian's voice, transmitted through the Transponder Snail, caused the faces in the room to harden.

"You insolent Kid! Do you realize what you're saying?!" Sengoku roared, while Garp struggled to contain his laughter.

Zephyr, Akainu, Kizaru, and the others exchanged knowing glances. True power allowed one to speak freely, consequences be damned.

In this world, strength was the ultimate truth.

"Don't make me laugh. I'm still a Marine, so I'll call you Fleet Admiral. You're a good man, Sengoku, but you're too soft. Look at what the World Government's rule has done to the world. How many nobles exploit and oppress the common people while pirates take the blame? You know better than anyone. Ohara, the West Blue incident... These events prove they're nothing but power-hungry fools."

"You bastard! Where are you?! Get back here and explain yourself!" Sengoku bellowed, his face red with anger. The new generation was becoming increasingly brazen, their strength fueling their conceit.

"Mary Geoise," Ian replied calmly.

"......"

A stunned silence fell over the conference room. A single thought echoed through the minds of everyone present: Had he actually stormed the Celestial Dragons' sanctuary in a fit of rage?

"Don't worry. I'm just passing through on my way to the New World... Overthrowing the World Government is a bit premature. I'm not quite strong enough yet."

Sengoku breathed a sigh of relief. At least the young Vice Admiral wasn't completely blinded by his own power. He knew his limits, knew when to bide his time. However, Ian's next words made him see red.

"Fleet Admiral Sengoku, I have a question for you. Who are the strongest pirates in the world? And what was the original purpose of establishing the Seven Warlords of the Sea?"

"The strongest pirates...?" Sengoku was puzzled. Why would Ian ask such a basic question, something known to every Marine? Nevertheless, he answered.

"The strongest pirates are the Four Emperors, the rulers of the New World. They are Whitebeard, Kaido of the Beasts, Big Mom, and Shanks. Their crews control the second half of the Grand Line, creating a power vacuum that makes it difficult for the Marines to operate. We haven't yet found a way to break their hold on the New World."

"The Seven Warlords of the Sea are seven powerful pirates granted legal immunity to plunder in exchange for assisting the Marines in maintaining balance against the Four Emperors. As you know, the Marines can only handle two Emperors at once. The Warlords act as a deterrent, a necessary buffer. That's why we need them."

Sengoku explained, reciting information known to every Marine. As he spoke, a chilling thought began to form in his mind, a possibility he hadn't dared to consider.

A look of disbelief spread across his face. The other Marines, initially confused by Ian's questions, now mirrored Sengoku's dawning horror. Even Garp and Zephyr stared at the Transponder Snail in stunned silence. Could it be...?