One Piece: Signing In as a Pirate Begins with Roger's Execution

"I wouldn't hand this kind of opportunity to anyone else. Don't worry, I'll handle it cleanly. No one will know it was one of ours who did it!"

Karl considered Sengoku's suggestion for a moment before nodding in agreement.

Fish-Man Island was undeniably a crucial strategic location, and the Fish-Men's physical prowess was naturally superior to that of humans. Winning them over could greatly benefit Karl's plans.

Moreover, Sengoku genuinely sought to bring peace to the entire world.

Though his ideology could be summarized as "Justice Reigns Supreme," his version of justice did not necessarily align with the World Government's vision.

In this timeline, Sengoku differed significantly from his original counterpart—he no longer blindly trusted the World Government. Karl's influence had awakened Sengoku to the discrepancies between the government's agenda and his own ideals of justice.

Unlike in the original story, where Sengoku only began doubting the World Government after the Marineford War, here he was already aware of its flaws. Despite this, Sengoku remained committed to his role as a guardian of world peace, not for the World Government, but for his own vision of balance and harmony.

"Take a short break and set out immediately. Foolshout Island isn't far from here—you can reach it in about an hour if you fly," Sengoku said. Taking the leash from Karl, he dragged an unconscious Doflamingo and unceremoniously dumped him in the corner of the office.

Thankfully, Sengoku's goat—the one notorious for shredding documents—wasn't present. Otherwise, Doflamingo might have suffered yet another indignity.

"Sengoku-san, does anyone else know about this?" Karl asked cautiously.

"Rest assured, as acting Fleet Admiral, I haven't informed anyone else about this mission. Without my orders, no one will know.

"However, be cautious. The Fish-Men's resentment toward humans still runs deep. If Fisher Tiger doesn't cooperate, handle the situation as you see fit."

"Understood. But before I leave, there's something I need to report," Karl replied.

"What is it?" Sengoku asked, his curiosity piqued.

Karl hesitated briefly before deciding to reveal his plan for the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Although the concept had not yet been proposed at this point in time, Karl intended to be the one to bring it forward.

The Seven Warlords plan aligned with Karl's long-term strategies and would inevitably intersect with his upcoming meeting with Fisher Tiger and Jinbe. Introducing the idea now seemed prudent.

Karl's plan for the Seven Warlords closely mirrored the original—a strategy to counterbalance the pirates of the New World.

The latter half of the Grand Line had already earned the moniker "Pirate's New World" among pirates and civilians alike. Even some Marines had begun to acknowledge the term, given the area's chaos and danger.

Furthermore, the titles of the "Three Emperors" were becoming increasingly well-known. The Whitebeard Pirates, the Beasts Pirates, and the Big Mom Pirates ruled the New World unchallenged.

While Shanks had already gained some renown and could compete with the Three Emperors, he had yet to earn the title of the "Fourth Emperor." For now, the New World remained dominated by the Three Emperors.

"So, you're suggesting the Seven Warlords as a countermeasure against the Three Emperors? Do you think it will work?" Sengoku asked, frowning. Karl's proposal felt out of character, given his disdain for pirates.

Sensing Sengoku's doubt, Karl smirked confidently. It was as if he had anticipated the question.

"Sengoku-san, you've got to look beyond the surface. I'm about to meet Fisher Tiger. I'll select a powerful Fish-Man as a candidate for the Seven Warlords.

"With Queen Otohime's efforts as well, we might not erase the Fish-Men's hatred for humans overnight, but at the very least, they won't view the Navy as their enemy. That alone is a significant advantage for us."

Sengoku nodded, intrigued. Karl paused momentarily before continuing.

"Capone Bege, one of my subordinates, has already brought members of the Red Church to the Grand Line. Then there's Kuro—you know him—he's formed a pirate crew and is honing his strength in the New World.

"Both of them are strong candidates for the Seven Warlords. Additionally, there's a master swordsman from the West Blue named Dracule Mihawk. His goal is to become the world's greatest swordsman.

"While he isn't a pirate, his immense strength has made him a target for the Navy. Bringing him into the fold as a Warlord would benefit us greatly."

Karl's proposal outlined four initial candidates for the Seven Warlords, leaving Sengoku to fill the remaining slots at his discretion.

"I also suggest recruiting powerful pirates. That way, the Navy will have grounds to monitor their activities. If they step out of line, I'll personally deal with them, ensuring they're permanently removed."

As Karl spoke, a sly grin spread across his face, transforming his otherwise handsome features into something deviously sinister. Even Sengoku couldn't help but shiver slightly.

"If I had to guess, your true motive is to use the Seven Warlords to make it easier to eliminate pirates, isn't it?" Sengoku asked with a raised brow.

"Haha, you got me! But I insist on the four members I mentioned earlier. Mihawk and the Fish-Men are my responsibility. If I'm lucky, they'll accept the offer. As for Bege and Kuro, well, you know the drill," Karl said with a wink.

Waving him off, Sengoku shooed Karl out of the office. "Stop trying to disgust me. Go complete your mission.

"As for the Seven Warlords plan, I'll give it some thought. Once I officially become Fleet Admiral, I'll bring it up with the Five Elders."

Grinning, Karl hugged Sengoku tightly before leaving.

"See you later, old man! I hope you're Fleet Admiral by the time I get back!"

With that, Karl left the office. Sengoku watched him leave in silence, lost in thought.

Moments later, Borsalino (Kizaru) strolled upstairs.

"Oh my, Sengoku-senpai, what a coincidence. I actually have something to—" Kizaru began, turning to leave immediately upon seeing Sengoku's expression.

"Borsalino, stop right there! You've been slacking off ever since Kong left Headquarters! I've got a mission for you—head to Sabaody Archipelago and deal with those Fish-Man traffickers. If you dare slack off, don't bother expecting a bonus this month!"

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