Chapter 313: Bartholomew Kuma

The Seven Warlords of the Sea, affiliated with the World Government, are seven great pirates officially recognized by the World Government, possessing catastrophic destructive power and strength on par with entire nations.

The Seven Warlords, alongside the Four Emperors and the Marine Headquarters, are considered the three great powers of the Grand Line—

But as things stand now, the Marine Headquarters' strength is rapidly growing under the influence of Fleet Admiral Sengoku and Admiral Wright.

With the Whitebeard Pirates' increasingly frequent activities and their frequent clashes with the Marine branch in the New World, the reputation of the Four Emperors continues to shake the world.

In comparison, the Warlords appear rather idle—

"Hawk-Eye" Dracule Mihawk has been slightly more active lately. Perhaps having found new motivation to continue his ascent, Mihawk has not been staying at home. Instead, he roams various parts of the world on his coffin-shaped solitary boat, carrying the world's greatest black blade, Yoru, one of the 12 Supreme Grade Blades. Reports occasionally surface of unfortunate victims who are annihilated along with their ships, prompting Fleet Admiral Sengoku to sigh that Mihawk is finally contributing something.

The Fish-Man "Knight of the Sea" Jinbe has been busy leading the Sun Pirates in escorting the migration route of Fish-Man Island. With Queen Otohime and Prince Fukaboshi spearheading the first wave of settlers, the construction of the new Fish-Man Island is met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the entire populace. As a result, more and more Fish-Men and Merfolk apply to participate in building their new home, leaving Jinbe swamped with work.

The "Pirate Empress" Boa Hancock is enjoying a time of happiness. The Gorgon Sisters have permanently lifted both their physical and emotional shackles. Elder Nyon, the former empress from three generations ago and the only other Amazon Lily tribeswoman aware of the sisters' secret, begins teaching the now more cheerful Snake Princess the art of governance.

Additionally, due to a friendly agreement with the new Fish-Man Island, the Kuja Pirates assist the Sun Pirates with part of the escort duties.

The "Heavenly Yaksha" Donquixote Doflamingo reigns as the shadow ruler of Dressrosa, suppressing the Resistance Army with cunning strategies while thriving in the underground arms trade with the Four Emperors Kaido.

However, Doflamingo is frustrated by the sudden disappearance of the genius scientist M. Caesar Clown, who had been poised to collaborate with Dr. Vegapunk.

Fortunately, funding from Big Mom had not yet arrived, sparing him from the terrifying wrath of the madwoman. Even so, the premature termination of the "Gigantification" project drives Big Mom into a frenzy, making life miserable for the residents of Totto Land.

Another recluse among the Warlords, Gecko Moria, is nowhere to be seen.

The "Thunder God" Enel is reportedly training in seclusion on Raijin Island, leaving his four priests to maintain order. Without the diligent presence of the "most hardworking Warlord," bold pirates resume activity along the island's surrounding routes.

The last of the Warlords is Bartholomew Kuma—publicly known as an obedient servant of the World Government, but in truth harboring profound hatred toward them.

Admiral Wright's first meeting with this enigmatic, formidable Warlord was in the Marine Science Division's research lab.

With the support of Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Admiral Wright, and perhaps Admiral Borsalino, Dr. Vegapunk wielded considerable influence within the Marine Science Division.

His proposal for a war weapon based on Admiral "Kizaru" Borsalino's laser abilities had garnered the backing of Commander-in-Chief Kong.

It was Kong who recommended Kuma to Sengoku, much to the latter's astonishment.

But since it was Kuma's own decision, Sengoku had no grounds to object.

Thus, within the top-secret laboratory—off-limits even to Sentomaru—Vegapunk, Kuma, and Wright sat around a circular table, staring at one another.

"So, Admiral Wright is overseeing Dr. Vegapunk's affairs. That's truly reassuring."

Kuma's voice was gentle, a surprising contrast to his nearly seven-meter-tall frame.

"Then why is it you..."

Though Wright knew Kuma's background, he was completely in the dark regarding Kuma's motives.

"She has already escaped. At this point, does the World Government still have any means to control you?"

Listening quietly, Kuma revealed a warm smile.

"Ah, Admiral Wright, you remind me of a friend of mine."

"That's a good thing!"

Wright retorted, "I know exactly who that friend is, and thank you for saving his life. I'm at ease knowing he's there... but the issue now is you!"

"Do you fully understand the consequences of participating in this experiment?"

Kuma's expression finally showed surprise. He leaned forward, peering at Wright through his glasses, seemingly oblivious to Vegapunk's sigh of resignation.

"I see... so it wasn't a coincidence."

Kuma murmured, recalling the white crystal raw stone he discovered when saving that child—nearly identical to the standard-issue Lightforged Crystals widely used by the Marines.

"I volunteered for this experiment. Cooperating with Dr. Vegapunk will ensure the World Government completely abandons the Gigantification project—I believe that's worth it."

Kuma's response made Wright's pupils contract.

Even Vegapunk was taken aback: "I see..."

"So that's why the higher-ups so readily scrapped the Gigantification project in favor of mechanical augmentations..."

"Ah, my country—once deeply afflicted by the World Government's Gigantification project—until I personally destroyed its base..."

"Thus, I earned the title of 'Tyrant' and became a pirate."

"The depths of the World Government's depravity are beyond underestimation. Dr. Vegapunk at least refrained from crossing the line, but if another scientist had taken charge, who knows what atrocities might have occurred."

Wright, recalling Caesar, scoffed: "Aren't you afraid your daughter might act recklessly if she hears of your involvement? She's quite famous in the South Blue now!"

"Isn't this the best opportunity?"

Kuma shook his head. "If we don't intervene now, while the Marines and World Government are at odds, who knows if the project would ever be abandoned—it has been ongoing for centuries."

"This deal is well worth it—at the cost of only one man."

"I had planned to approach Dr. Vegapunk anyway—this outcome exceeds my best expectations."

"Especially knowing that Admiral Wright has replaced Borsalino in overseeing Dr. Vegapunk's matters. I feel even more at ease."

"..."

Wright glanced at the composed Kuma, then at the regretful Vegapunk, and curled his lip:

"Hey, aren't you forgetting something important?"

"The three of us... we're practically allies now."

"With me here, sacrifices and prices... don't exist."

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