"Do as you please with that matter." Sengoku naturally had no objections—when establishing the SWORD Secret Special Forces, Michael had already been granted the authority to recruit freely.
But then Sengoku suddenly looked up and said.
"Michael, after recent discussions with Tsuru, we've decided to implement a new policy..."
"Hmm? What policy?" Michael looked at Sengoku. "Old man, I'm just a Rear admiral. Why would you two highest-ranking leaders need to consult me about any policy you want to implement?"
"Because this policy... concerns you—to be precise, it concerns the entire SWORD."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"Given that powerful pirates are multiplying across the seas, we believe a policy is needed to sow discord among pirates and prevent the formation of powerful pirate alliances."
Sengoku set down the documents and pen in his hands, sitting upright as he continued looking at Michael.
"Inspired by your recruitment of Issho and the pacification of Amazon Lily, we've formulated this plan. We will contact and recruit powerful pirates, granting them official status so they'll no longer be hunted down by the Marine. In return, they'll be responsible for hunting other pirates at sea."
"We're calling it... the Shichibukai Plan."
As soon as Sengoku finished speaking, Michael—who had been distracted moments earlier—immediately furrowed his brow.
Had he heard that right?
And it was inspired by him?
Michael's lips twisted into a stiff smile.
"Old man, do you want my honest opinion?"
"Of course. Did you think I wanted flattery?"
"Alright then... Your plan's starting point isn't wrong, but when implemented, you'll find it's full of fucking problems." Michael began counting on his fingers.
"What impact will this have within the Marine? How will candidates be picked? Once launched, how will these 'official pirates' be monitored? Most importantly—how much autonomy will you give them?"
As Michael fired off questions, Sengoku remained completely unruffled.
"None of these are problems... as long as the SWORD Secret Special Forces exists."
The moment Sengoku said this, Michael understood.
This proposed "Shichibukai plan" wasn't the same as the original Shichibukai from the story.
This seems more like an additional external department established for the SWORD, with flexible identities that can be discarded at any time—so even pirates can be utilized.
"And aside from protecting them from being hunted or attacked by the Marine, this official status also allows them to legally collect bounties after hunting down pirates... Essentially, it turns them into Marine-exclusive bounty hunters."
"As for restrictions... you decide them all."
Admiral Sengoku's series of explanations instantly swept Michael's initial impulse to outright refuse far from his mind.
Though he could currently guide people into either the Marine or the Revolutionary Army, there would always be those who didn't fit into either organization.
Take Doflamingo for example, whose every move was now under Michael's control.
Or Crocodile, who might later attempt to seize control of a country.
And then there was Hawkeye, who hadn't yet earned his reputation as the "World's Greatest Swordsman."
For such formidable individuals who would never join the Marine or the Revolutionary Army, tricking them into becoming Shichibukai was also a viable option.
Under his supervision and restrictions, the negative impacts of the original Shichibukai could be entirely avoided.
"If you put it that way... I suppose it's acceptable."
"At the very least, this would rein in a group of powerful individuals, preventing them from running rampant across the seas and causing more trouble for the Marine."
"So, you agree?" Sengoku wasn't surprised by this outcome but still needed confirmation.
"I agree. But convincing the rest of our Marine comrades is your job."
"Alright, if there's nothing else, you can go now." Sengoku nodded, then added, "By the way, the Marine branch in Alabasta was completed a week ago... Rear Admiral Michael, it's time for you to assume your post."
"So, you're taking the entire SWORD to Alabasta now?"
"Since I was the one who proposed this in the first place, I should honor my word."
Michael stood side by side with Gion at the docks, watching as the SWORD members loaded supplies onto the warship.
Before heading to Alabasta, aside from replenishing supplies at Sabaody, Michael had also informed Gloriosa and Shakky to have the Kuja warriors come to the archipelago to enlist.
"You're really keeping yourself busy..." Gion sighed, then shot Michael a resentful glare.
"And not just busy yourself—you have to drag me into it too."
"Haha, well, there are only a few high-ranking female officers in the Marine. So, it's only natural for the warriors of Amazon Lily to train under you." Michael chuckled. "After all, they've always been obedient to strong women."
"...Enough with the flattery!"
Gion huffed and jabbed a slender finger against Michael's forehead.
Then she turned and walked towards the Marine base on Sabaody.
"Aren't you going to see me off?"
"Not in the mood!" Halfway there, Gion suddenly turned back. "Oh, by the way, do you remember that swordsman who appeared two years ago?"
"You mean... Hawkeye?"
"Right. I never stopped tracking his movements these past two years... The latest intel, from three days ago, places him in the waters near Alabasta."
Michael raised an eyebrow.
What was Hawkeye doing there?
The question lingered only for a moment before Michael shrugged it off.
Given Hawkeye's wandering nature, it wasn't surprising for him to show up anywhere.
"Thanks for the intel, Gion-chan."
This time, Michael didn't call her just Gion but also used a cute honorific.
Perhaps the sudden change caught her off guard, as she left without a word.
But the dazzling golden blade of her sword faintly reflected a pair of her flushed cheeks.
"Wow, Rear Admiral Michael, you really are..."
From a distance, Hina who had witnessed the whole scene, was now looking at Michael with the eyes of someone judging a scum.
"Shut it! What does a kid like you know?"
"Hina may be young, but Hina's read novels. That's a textbook scum behavior!"
"...Wait, have you started smoking recently or something?!"
"Can't win an argument with a kid so you change the subject, huh!? What kind of a useless adult are you!?"
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