One Piece: Starting with Sign-in Naruto Character Cards

First of all, the Shichibukai system was proposed by them. The purpose was simple: to make the world a little less chaotic.

But in truth, it was also them who created that very chaos.

In other words, they actually wanted the world to be unstable. That's why they were willing to give some infamous pirates legal status.

Because even though the world is under the control of the Celestial Dragons, for many years now, they've been constantly pushing the limits of what the people of the world can endure.

So, in order to divert attention, the higher-ups naturally shifted the blame to pirates around the world.

And if there were no pirates in this world, what purpose would the Navy, Enies Lobby, and Impel Down even serve?

Moreover, in that scenario, the common folk would only care about living in peace. At that point, would the Celestial Dragons still dare to treat the people like slaves at will?

Who knows? If they push too far, the people might really unite and rise up against the rule of the Celestial Dragons.

That's why—at least for the Celestial Dragons and the World Government—pirates must exist!

And if Rikuya Kazama were to become a Shichibukai, that would align perfectly with their greatest interests.

"Sakazuki-san… it seems like they might've received word ahead of time. Shouldn't we call this off?"

At that moment, sensing that Rikuya might've already been informed of something, the vice admiral known as Onigumo couldn't help but speak up.

He was timid by nature and had always been at odds with Sakazuki in this operation. So now, despite the presence of others, he openly voiced his objection.

"What did you just say?"

Hearing a subordinate oppose him in front of Rikuya and the others, Sakazuki's expression darkened instantly. He turned, clenching his fists, and glared directly at Onigumo.

Seeing Sakazuki's angry gaze, Onigumo visibly flinched, cold sweat forming on his forehead.

Though their ranks were only a step apart, the difference in strength between them was like heaven and earth.

This only served to further confirm Rikuya's suspicions.

"To my knowledge, Marine Headquarters is planning to add a new admiral position. You three have been stuck as vice admirals for years now...

If this matter today ends up angering the World Government, then you can kiss your chances of becoming an admiral goodbye!"

Once again, Rikuya dropped a bombshell.

The moment the words left his mouth, a wave of unrest swept through the navy ranks.

Everyone began whispering among themselves, discussing the implications of what Rikuya had said.

"You idiot. I've never heard a single word about the Navy creating a new admiral position. Don't spread lies and sow discord here!

I'm under orders to arrest you today. Anyone who dares resist will be executed on the spot!

And if anyone within the Navy dares to disobey, don't blame me for showing no mercy!"

Sakazuki could feel that something was off. Originally, he had hoped to provoke Crocodile into starting an internal conflict among the enemies.

But instead of infighting, the pirates stood united—while signs of mutiny began to appear on his side.

So he had no choice but to double down with a hardline stance.

And seeing Sakazuki draw a line in the sand like that, the three vice admirals behind him, though deeply reluctant, didn't dare openly defy a direct order from an admiral.

With the three men falling silent, Sakazuki turned back to face the group.

"Who's that green-haired punk? How the hell did you sneak in here? Get lost before you get yourself killed with them!"

With that, Sakazuki glared at Bartolomeo, who stood beside Rikuya.

"The hell does it matter to you?!"

Being belittled like that made Bartolomeo flare up instantly.

"Enough talk! If we can't settle this peacefully, then we fight!"

Seeing that the situation was beyond saving, Douglas Bullet began to release a wave of ominous red aura.

It was the sign of his unique Devil Transformation.

At the same time, Rikuya once again activated Might Guy's powers!

"Ding! Host has successfully used the 'Might Guy' character card. Usage count -1."

The last time he faced Shanks, he used Tsukuyomi—and was completely drained for several days. His eyes also suffered significant damage.

So, until he exchanged for someone with the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, he wasn't planning on using Tsukuyomi again.

If that thing ended up permanently blinding him, it would be a disaster.

With that thought, Rikuya decided Might Guy was the better choice for now.

"Enough! Time to die—ATTACK! HELLHOUND!!"

At Sakazuki's order, the battle began!

The moment the words left his mouth, his arm elongated rapidly and transformed entirely into molten magma.

Then, in a flash, that massive lava-covered arm launched like a rocket toward Rikuya and the others.

Seeing the clouds of smoke from the incoming magma blast, Rikuya and his crew frowned slightly.

But right then, Bartolomeo, who had been itching to act, finally made his move.

With a flash, he threw up his iconic Commons Fingers hand gesture.

And in the next second, as the sea of magma bore down on them, a transparent square-shaped barrier unfolded right in front of him!

BOOOOM!!

Sakazuki's lava strike slammed into the barrier with overwhelming force.

A thunderous explosion rocked the skies above Loguetown.

Even Smoker, lying weakly in a hospital bed, was jolted awake by the sound.

"Is that… reinforcements?"

Opening his eyes, he looked to the nearby marine soldier and asked weakly.

"Yes, Vice Admiral Smoker! Admiral Sakazuki has arrived and is leading the charge against the Rikuya Pirates!"

"Good… With him here, we should be able to win…"

Letting out a soft sigh, Smoker slowly closed his eyes again, falling back into rest.

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