In the year 1507 of the Sea Calendar, when William, Edmond, Aramis, Gin, and the now-deceased Vallon were still training in swordsmanship at Koushirou's Isshin Dojo, a world-shaking event occurred in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise.
The fish-man Fisher Tiger infiltrated the residences of the World Nobles, the Celestial Dragons, causing chaos and freeing thousands of slaves, granting them their freedom. The World Government quickly labeled the incident as a terrorist attack and issued a bounty on Fisher Tiger.
The event spread like wildfire, and even in the East Blue, William and the others heard about it and followed its developments.
Later, Fisher Tiger led a group of fish-men to form the Sun Pirates, sparking a prolonged pursuit by the Marines tasked with capturing them. Fisher Tiger ultimately succumbed to injuries sustained during a battle with the Marines and died despite efforts to save him.
"Today, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, 'Knight of the Sea' Jinbe, was once a key member of the Sun Pirates and Fisher Tiger's confidant," Gin said slowly, his tone measured. As a former undercover agent within Marine Headquarters, he was the most knowledgeable about the Grand Line and the Seven Warlords. "And it was the World Government that invited him to join. That Arlong you've mentioned before was also a member of the Sun Pirates. After being captured by the Marines, he was released once Jinbe became a Warlord."
Edmond turned to William, his face incredulous. "Didn't you say the Celestial Dragons have the highest status? How could they pardon such a major offense? And without us, the Arlong Empire might have actually been established. Arlong might be a scumbag, but in the East Blue, he's a formidable scumbag. How could the World Government allow such an extremist to roam free here?"
William chuckled. It wasn't surprising that Edmond found it hard to believe. The World Government not only pardoned all crimes associated with the Sun Pirates and Fisher Tiger but effectively handed the East Blue over to a lunatic like Arlong.
"This is an era of shifting tides. The World Government and the Five Elders are shrewd politicians. They understand compromise, maneuvering, and achieving their goals through non-military means. They also understand that deals are inevitable. The crimes committed by Fisher Tiger and the Sun Pirates back then weren't any less severe than what we've done today. As long as we, like Jinbe, can offer them what they want, our crimes can be wiped clean just like those of the Sun Pirates," William explained.
"What do they want?" Edmond asked, then immediately answered his own question. "I know—it's Garp and the others, isn't it?"
"Garp is the foundation of our negotiations with the World Government, but using them as bargaining chips alone won't be enough," William replied.
Edmond frowned. "Aside from Garp and the captured Marines, what else do we have to offer?"
Dampier glanced at William before speaking. "That depends on what the World Government and the Five Elders desire most. Why did they invite Jinbe, the 'Knight of the Sea'? For racial equality or harmony?"
A wave of derisive laughter rippled through the room. Everyone here had some knowledge of the Celestial Dragons. With their existence, the idea of racial equality or harmony was nothing more than a joke.
Gin elaborated, "Back then, the World Government and the Marines released members of the Giant Warrior Pirates who were about to be executed. They used this as a starting point to improve relations with the giants, which eventually led to the first giant Marine."
"You're saying the World Government wanted fish-men as soldiers?" Edmond raised an eyebrow. "How could we replicate that? We're not a minority race."
"Profit, you fool. The World Government and the Five Elders saw enough benefit in recruiting Jinbe to invite him to become a Warlord. No one's asking you to grow fins and learn to swim," Aramis said, his tone exasperated.
Edmond glared at him before turning back to William.
William met Edmond's gaze, then looked around at everyone in the meeting room. "I need someone to go to Mary Geoise on my behalf and introduce themselves to the Five Elders. Who's willing to go?"
Sending himself directly would introduce too many variables. If the negotiations went poorly, it would leave no room for maneuvering. Back in Kalmar City, William had stayed behind to cover their retreat, so no one here doubted their leader's courage.
One by one, hands were raised in the room, some sooner, some later.
William knew not everyone was genuinely willing. Nezumi, for instance, was certainly not someone who would risk his life for him.
But William was confident that Gin, Edmond, Harden, Aramis, Dampier, Sherlock, and a few others were sincere.
"I'll go, William," Dampier said calmly, lowering his hand. "No one here is more suitable than me."
As Dampier pointed out, Gin was now deeply hated by the Marines, while Edmond, Harden, and others were mostly brawlers. They were excellent in battle but would struggle to negotiate with cunning politicians. It would be easier to have them fight an Admiral one-on-one than to have them discuss terms with the Five Elders.
Sherlock, though intelligent, was too weak, and Kuro had been among the slower ones to raise their hand.
In the battle for the East Blue, Dampier had been the standout figure, managing the situation while William was imprisoned. In terms of ability, status, and reputation, Dampier was the ideal candidate.
"Everyone else, leave," William said after some thought.
Edmond hesitated, but Aramis tugged at his arm, and he left obediently.
Once the room was empty save for himself and Dampier, William leaned back in his chair, pulling a pack of cigarettes from his pocket. He took one out and handed it to Dampier. "It's dangerous."
"If I were afraid of danger, I wouldn't have left you in prison and run off on my own," Dampier replied with a smile, biting down on the cigarette and leaning toward William's lit lighter. "Don't think that just because I spend all day in the lab, I'm a coward."
William paused, then said quietly, "If anything happens to you, someone will pay for it."
"Nothing will happen," Dampier said, exhaling a cloud of smoke. "I'm more concerned about the Warlord position. It's already full. You can't expect the World Government to make an exception for you."
"A good employee knows how to solve problems for their boss—and even bring them profits," William said with a grin.
"Moria?"
"Moria."
William and Dampier exchanged knowing smiles.
After discussing a few more details, William trusted Dampier to grasp his intentions and objectives quickly, as he always did.
Outside the meeting room, Gin and the others didn't have to wait long before the door opened again. Dampier stepped out, smiling at the group before walking away without a word.
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