"The terms are fine, I can accept them. But I have one condition."
After reviewing the agreement, Aeridar gave a nod of approval. However, he raised a new demand.
"What condition?" Fleet Admiral Sengoku fixed his eyes on Aeridar, his voice laced with caution. "As long as it's not too outrageous."
Aeridar met Sengoku's gaze without flinching and offered a disarmingly casual smile. "Well now, Fleet Admiral Sengoku, this is actually our first time meeting face to face! I hope we can get along."
"Save it," Sengoku scoffed, his expression unimpressed. "Any dealings with people like you always end up being troublesome. Just spit it out, I'm not promising anything."
Aeridar simply shook his head, amused. Then, slowly and deliberately, he laid it out:
"I'm going to seize control of a nation in the New World, one that's not a member of the World Government. After that, I want to formally apply for membership. That's my condition."
Owning a country as a base of operations would be a massive strategic boon for Aeridar. Once his nation became a member state, he'd enjoy the World Government's recognition, and potentially, protection. That would open all kinds of doors: legal cover, political influence, a seat at the Reverie, and a share in the world's power pie.
Sengoku's face darkened. "A pirate-led nation? You think we'd ever allow that?"
Nearby, Vice Admiral Tsuru frowned slightly and shot Aeridar a meaningful look.
"Oh?" Aeridar chuckled, eyes flashing. "Then how do you explain Dressrosa?"
His voice carried a biting sarcasm. To him, both the Navy and World Government reeked of hypocrisy.
"That was... a one-time mistake. And an exception at that," Sengoku growled, his tone defensive.
But the truth stung. Dressrosa had been a public stain on the Navy's pride, a nation ruled by a pirate, Donquixote Doflamingo, no less. Despite being a Warlord of the Sea, Doflamingo was secretly a Celestial Dragon and descended from Dressrosa's original royal line. His connections rendered the Navy powerless to act. Neither Sengoku nor the Five Elders had dared to move against him.
"Don't be so quick to dismiss my offer," Aeridar said, wagging a finger. "My target is a non-member nation. If I succeed and that country joins the World Government, that's another foothold for your side in the New World. That benefits you far more than it does me."
The World Government boasted over 170 member nations, but most of them were located in the Four Blues or the first half of the Grand Line. In the latter half, the New World, its influence was tenuous at best.
That region was the realm of the strong. Between the Four Emperors and powerful non-member states like Wano and the Mokomo Dukedom of Zou, few dared oppose them. Other nations were backed by their own pirate crews or militarized factions, the Kano Kingdom and Germa Kingdom being prime examples.
Sengoku gave it serious thought. For the Navy, this didn't change much. But for the World Government? The allure was undeniable. Gaining a new ally in the New World, especially one powerful enough to hold its own, would be a huge win, even if its ruler was a pirate.
"This isn't something we can decide," Vice Admiral Tsuru said calmly. "It'll need approval from the World Government."
"That's fine by me," Aeridar said, shrugging. "I'm in no rush."
"...Sengoku," Tsuru called out.
"I know." Sengoku nodded and pulled a Den Den Mushi from his coat, dialing a line that few had access to.
"Moshi moshi, this is Sengoku."
"Sengoku? What is it? Isn't the Warlord summit still underway at Marineford?" came a deep, steady voice from the other end, a voice belonging to one of the Five Elders, the highest authority in the World Government.
"The meeting just concluded. We're finalizing the agreement for the new Warlord of the Sea, Chris T. Aeridar. He's agreed to the terms, but he has one condition."
"Hmph. Since you're calling us, I assume it's something you can't authorize yourself. Let's hear it."
Sengoku met Aeridar's gaze as he spoke into the receiver. "He plans to take over a non-member nation in the New World and wants to have it join the World Government."
"A non-member state in the New World... and then apply for membership..." There was a pause. Then the voice replied:
"Grant his request. As long as the nation he seizes is not currently a member, the World Government will recognize its new leadership and approve its application. That is our only condition."
Just as Aeridar and Sengoku had expected, the Five Elders couldn't resist the opportunity to expand their influence deeper into the New World.
Sengoku ended the call, face unreadable. "You heard him. We accept your terms, but the country must be a non-member state in the New World. That's non-negotiable."
"No problem," Aeridar said, grinning. "That was my plan all along. Just wait for my signal."
He glanced around the room, his grin growing wider.
"Though when that day comes, you'll have to start calling me King. Hahahahahaha!"
He laughed brazenly, unapologetically, in the heart of Marine Headquarters itself.
"Don't celebrate too soon," Vice Admiral Tsuru warned, her tone sharp beneath its calm exterior. "Unless you've got the backing of a Yonko, you'll be up against powers most non-member nations can't hope to match. One wrong step, and you'll become the shortest-serving Warlord in history."
Aeridar caught the barbed tone easily, but his expression only turned more arrogant.
"Hahahaha... I appreciate the concern, Vice Admiral Tsuru, but no need to worry. The day you call me 'Your Majesty' is closer than you think."
"Oh, is that so?" Sengoku arched a brow. "Then I'll wish you luck, because if you fail, you'll be a royal pain in our side."
"Much appreciated, Fleet Admiral." Aeridar chuckled again, this time more casually. "But that kind of failure? Not in the cards."
He glanced down at the finalized Warlord contract that had just been amended. Without hesitation, he signed his name and stamped his seal.
A nearby officer quickly reviewed the document, confirmed everything was in order, and declared:
"Congratulations, Aeridar-dono. You are now an official member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Your probationary period is over."
"Well then, until we meet again."
With an air of pride, Aeridar rose to his feet. With a dramatic sweep of his coat, he strode out of the room, his presence still lingering in the air like a fading storm.
Watching his retreating figure, Sengoku murmured to himself,
"I only hope the Five Elders made the right call..."
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