100. Factions Emerge

The concept of credibility is essentially the public's evaluation of how well the Navy fulfills its duties. To put it more plainly, it is the Navy's reputation.

However, building a good reputation and maintaining credibility is not easy; it is a difficult task.

But destroying them is exceptionally simple—one bad policy is enough to bring down the reputation that others have fought for decades to build.

That is why Zephyr, Sengoku, and Borsalino were the first to point out the true dangers of the Shichibukai system.

If this issue could not be resolved, it would be nothing short of chronic suicide for the Navy Headquarters.

"If the pirate warlords we have recruited continue to plunder civilians, then our Navy's claim to uphold justice will become nothing more than a joke," Zephyr said, turning his head to gaze at the large plaque hanging high above.

"The justice we in the Navy uphold must never be tainted by a mere few pirates!"

Garp picked up where Zephyr left off. The usually carefree Navy hero spoke in a manner that was as straightforward as his personality.

He casually patted Zephyr on the shoulder. "If the Navy tolerates the Shichibukai looting civilians, then in the eyes of other forces and the people, we will be nothing more than protectors of crime."

The main responsibilities of Navy Headquarters are twofold: maintaining stability and security across the world's seas, and serving as a military force for naval warfare, ensuring both offense and defense.

In essence, it is both an international police force and a violent military organization.

Sakazuki tapped the wooden armrest of his chair and spoke with a frown, "The Navy must never act as a shield for pirates. I propose that if any Shichibukai is found plundering civilians, the Navy Headquarters should immediately revoke their status and dispatch forces to eliminate them."

"Seconded!"

"Seconded."

"Ah la la, there's a problem," Kuzan interjected, resting his hands behind his head. "If the Shichibukai cannot rely on looting civilians for funds and resources, then our bargaining chips to attract them will be insufficient."

Hina, with her distinct onion-shaped nose, stood by Kuzan's side. "What if the World Government funds the Shichibukai instead? After all, they were the ones who created this system."

"You know that's unrealistic, Hina. The World Government allows the Shichibukai to plunder because, at its core, it wants a share of the spoils from the pirates. Why would they turn around and fund them instead?" Onigumo lit a cigarette as he spoke.

Strawberry glanced at his direct superior, Borsalino, and proposed, "Since the Shichibukai are recruited from powerful pirates, could we have them attack other pirates and seize supplies from them instead?"

Borsalino smirked, a cigarette hanging from his lips as he spoke in a slightly muffled voice, "Of course, that's possible. You have to understand, the original purpose of the Shichibukai system was to have these powerful pirates hunt down other pirates in the first half of the Grand Line."

"At the very least, their formidable reputation can intimidate minor criminals." Gumir, who had always been close to Kuzan, ran a hand over his nearly bald head and offered his opinion.

Zephyr smiled as he watched his students debate. With each contribution, the solution to this critical problem was gradually taking shape.

After integrating everyone's opinions, Zephyr gave his conclusion: "The Shichibukai must obtain resources and supplies from other pirates, but they must not attack civilians or towns."

"If they violate this fundamental principle, the Navy Headquarters has the authority to immediately revoke their titles and privileges, and reinstate their bounties for capture," Sengoku nodded as he noted this revised policy.

He was confident that the Five Elders would not oppose this—after all, this was essentially forcing the Shichibukai to prove their allegiance.

No one could truly predict a pirate's nature, so making the recruited Shichibukai completely sever ties with their former pirate lives was absolutely necessary.

Even though both acts involve obtaining resources and money, plundering civilians and hunting other pirates are fundamentally different.

This distinction would ensure that the Shichibukai were qualitatively different from the wanted pirates, reinforcing the legitimacy of the system.

With this framework in place, the Navy Headquarters' credibility and authority would not be directly compromised by the reckless actions of recruited pirates.

At the same time, the Navy could oversee the Shichibukai, ensuring they fulfilled their duty of eradicating other pirates.

Bastille's voice, muffled by his mask, carried across the room. "Regarding the selection of Shichibukai candidates, should we secretly arrange for Navy personnel to infiltrate their ranks?"

Hearing this, Kong furrowed his brows, but before he could speak, Tsuru interrupted from the front row. "That's impossible."

"But, Vice Admiral Tsuru, why can't we have Navy officers fake their defection and infiltrate the Shichibukai?" Bastille asked, clearly puzzled.

"This way, we could ensure constant surveillance over the Shichibukai while also weakening their reputation."

Tsuru waved her hand, trying to disperse the thick smoke around her.

But in this enclosed space, surrounded by dozens of chain smokers, her efforts were in vain.

"You brats, cut down on the smoking," she scolded, shooting a glare at Onigumo, who had been the first to light a cigarette. Then she continued her argument:

"The Shichibukai system requires powerful and well-known pirates!"

Seeing the young rear admirals still looking confused, she elaborated,

"The number of Navy officers who possess the strength to meet this requirement is already very limited, not to mention they are all well-known figures in the Navy.

Moreover, our fake defectors wouldn't have any reputation in the pirate world."

"Great pirates aren't fools. They'll see through such tricks. If the Navy tries to interfere in this way, none of them will join an organization where they have no freedom," Tsuru shook her head.

She silently added in her mind: The Five Elders aren't fools either.

The Shichibukai system is, at its core, a tool for the World Government to keep the Navy in check.

There's no way they would allow the Navy Headquarters to manipulate it this easily.

The power of the Navy was already growing too large in certain people's eyes.

With the imminent expansion of the Giant Squad and the formation of the Naval Science Unit,

the Five Elders would never tolerate the Navy gaining absolute dominance.

As for the Army?

Sorry, those idiots have never been a factor in the Navy's calculations.

The Navy's opinion of the Army had remained unchanged for generations.

And from the beginning until now, it had always been the same:

"Idiots, have some shame. Do you even know what shame is?"

Sakazuki nodded in agreement. He knew Tsuru was right.

Even if the Navy secretly groomed a candidate for the Shichibukai, the effort and resources required would not be small.

The biggest issue was that time was too short.

Maybe years down the line, they could exploit a loophole, but right now,

the idea of filling all the Shichibukai seats with secret Navy operatives was simply too unrealistic.

Doberman took a cigarette from Onigumo and brought up another topic. "Given our current requirements, we won't be able to fill all the Shichibukai positions in the short term.

We need pirates who will fight amongst themselves, but at the same time, we need ones without ambition."

Sakazuki nodded. "Correct. This is a long-term project.

But without a doubt, a pirate with an established power base will at least have concerns to consider.

We can start from this angle."

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