HPDBC Chapter 80: Big Boss Meeting!
Chapter 80: Big Boss Meeting!
Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Big Boss Meeting!
In the Holy Land of Mariejois, inside a vast conference room within the headquarters of the World Government, the most powerful figures were gathered. It had been about half a year since Roger's execution, yet the world was still reeling from the aftermath.
The Marines and CP agencies had been working tirelessly to handle the resulting surge of pirate activity. But despite their best efforts, the increase in pirates had been explosive, far outpacing what they could contain. This sudden shift had left the World Government scrambling, and now, they were meeting for the fourth time in six months to discuss strategies for controlling this turbulent new era.
Sitting around the round table, Marine Admiral Sengoku wore a deep frown, a look mirrored by his colleagues Tsuru, the Chief Staff Officer, and Vice Admiral Sakazuki, who were also present as representatives of Marine. Across from them were members of the CP agency, men with featureless masks and pristine white suits, giving them an air of eerie, silent authority.
On the opposite side of the table sat Claudius, a cigar dangling lazily from his lips. He looked completely at ease, exuding a calm confidence that seemed almost out of place in such a high-stakes meeting. Behind him stood Stussy, holding a stack of documents, her demeanor that of a loyal and observant secretary.
They didn't have to wait long before the doors opened, and the bald elder of the Five Elders, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, known as one of the highest authorities in the world, entered. He scanned the room, noting with satisfaction that everyone was present, then took his seat at the head of the table. Drawing a cigar from his coat, he cut and lit it, exhaling a slow plume of smoke before addressing the room.
"Alright, let's get started," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Let's begin with reports from the Naval Headquarters and the CP agencies. What's the current situation?"
Sengoku exchanged a glance with the head of the CP agency, then took the lead. "Our Marine branches worldwide have ramped up recruitment efforts. However, it takes time to train and equip new soldiers. From the initial recruitment to becoming battle-ready, it requires at least a year. Building up enough strength to tackle this new wave of piracy... it's going to take a while. This isn't going to be a short fight. We're looking at a prolonged struggle on the seas."
Nusjuro nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging the challenge but withholding any criticism. He knew that these kinds of things couldn't be rushed.
The CP agency representative, a man referred to as "Gis," took over. "We've made some progress. First, we've focused on targeting potential threats early on, dealing with smaller but promising pirate crews before they can grow. We've managed to eliminate many of these 'saplings' before they could take root and expand."
As he spoke, Stussy efficiently handed out copies of the document to each person around the table. Sengoku opened his copy, and his eyebrows shot up in surprise. The file contained profiles on two pirates: Crocodile and Doflamingo.
Crocodile was a relatively new but rising figure on the Grand Line. Sengoku already knew that Crocodile had once been a subordinate of Claudius, which had puzzled him before. Why would Claudius, a high-ranking Celestial Dragon, sponsor a pirate? And now, here was Doflamingo, Claudius's cousin, also active as a pirate under the name "Donquixote." What was Claudius's angle in all this?
As Sengoku flipped through the file, a murmur of interest spread around the table. Even the bald elder looked intrigued as he reviewed the information.
The elder finally looked up, his curiosity evident. "So, Claudius, what's the purpose of showing us this? What are you proposing?"
Claudius chuckled and said, "These two, Crocodile and Doflamingo, are some of the most promising young pirates in the current era, wouldn't you say?"
Gis nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Your Highness. They've both established themselves quickly."
"Then, using them as an example, let me introduce a concept I call 'The Seven Warlords of the Sea Plan,'" Claudius said, an almost wicked glint in his eyes.
Everyone was silent, watching him intently.
Claudius continued, "To put it simply, this plan is about 'ruling Pirates with Pirates.' Instead of fighting the rising tide of piracy head-on, we endorse certain pirates, ones we can control and use them to manage the chaos in our favor."