"A miracle worker, you're a miracle worker doctor Michael!!"
In that instant, Chin Jao completely forgot about matters like "Garp" or "the Marines."
His massive arms wrapped around Michael in a bear hug.
Tears stread down his weathered face, weeping with overwhelming joy.
The howling cries even made the entire building tremble slightly.
Michael wore an awkward smile.
Just how hard was this old man crying anyway?
He rcilessly pushed Chin Jao away and sat back down.
"Chin Jao, hold your tears for now..." Michael said with a smile. "Hear my terms first, then you'll have proper grounds for crying."
Though Michael's smile shone brilliantly, it made Chin Jao instinctively swallow back his tears.
His instincts scread that nothing good would co of this!
"As a Marine, you've healed my head... so my grievances with the Marine and Garp are settled from now on."
"Settled? That works." Michael nodded, then handed over the Warlord appointnt docunt.
"Sign this, and everything's negotiable."
Chin Jao looked down at the docunt, confusion flickering across his face.
Pirates across the Grand Line had gradually learned over the past six months that the Marines planned to recruit seven official pirates, called the "Seven Warlords of the Sea."
Everyone claid it was a Marine plot to divide the pirates.
But in reality, every pirate strong enough was searching for a chance to beco one.
No harassing civilians?
How much money could civilians even offer anyway?
It'd be far more satisfying to hunt down rival pirates for bounties!
Moreover, as a Warlord, periodic etings would be held by the Marine to outline objectives and major events.
In a way, it was like getting an official position.
And one directly under the Marine's higher-ups.
Most who beca pirates did so for survival and wealth.
If they could build connections with the Marine's leadership... who the hell would want to remain pirates!?
So Chin Jao eyed Michael skeptically.
Was this young Marine... really not deceiving him?
"What, that look says you don't trust ." Michael shrugged. "Do you need to cut you down again?"
Feeling the lazy calm in Michael's gaze—underlaid with a thread of killing intent—Chin Jao shuddered.
Now he vaguely recalled his helplessness against that slash...
He'd regained his pointed head, returning to his peak.
After years of tempering, he was even stronger than before.
He was confident he could block that slash without much effort.
But then what?
The second slash, the third...Who knows how many slashes like this the four-winged man could unleash.
"Are you certain you can make one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea?"
"It seems most pirates have received this information, except for those who weren't particularly interested." Michael nodded thoughtfully.
"But it's understandable you didn't know I was the one deciding this. After all, when I had the news spread, I deliberately concealed my involvent."
Michael had arranged this half a year ago.
In a way, it was like planting a seed of doubt among the pirates.
Especially the powerful ones.
Before the official announcent, none of them knew if soone they knew might suddenly beco a Warlord and then turn around to collect their bounty by taking their heads.
And even after the official announcent when the Warlords' identities were revealed, it didn't matter.
Michael had also spread the replacent chanism for the Warlords.
For pirates, as long as you could kill a Warlord, you could take their place.
Perfectly reasonable and convincing.
Most importantly, it aligned perfectly with the pirates' way of thinking.
Chin Jao listened to Michael's words, his heart burning with excitent.
Soone this powerful had no reason to deceive him!
Which ant the appointnt docunt before him was genuine!
"Just sign your na or leave your fingerprint, and you'll beco one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
Michael nodded, and Stella, who had been standing guard outside, raised her hand, naturally materializing a pen in her hard.
Chin Jao didn't hesitate to pick up the pen and sign his na.
This was exactly what he wanted!
They were originally the naval force of Kano country, but for national security, they had beco "pirates."
Over the years, though the Happo Navy had grown more like real pirates, at their core, they were still soldiers of Kano country.
For them, the title of Warlord was invaluable.
As Chin Jao signed the appointnt docunt, Michael's lips curled into a bright, sunny smile.
"From today onward, you are one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"Thank you, Vice Admiral Michael." Chin Jao's gratitude was sincere.
"As a Warlord, the Happo Navy—from the First Treasure to the Eighth—will unconditionally stand with the Marines."
"Exactly. But rember—it's the Marines' side, not the World Governnt's." Michael gave Chin Jao a knowing look.
Cold sweat instantly broke out on Chin Jao's forehead.
What did that an!?
Were the Marines and the World Governnt... at odds?
Could they even be on the verge of opposing each other?
Had he just boarded a wrong ship?
"Don't be so afraid. We won't need the Happo Navy anyti soon... but there is one thing where your sacrifice will be necessary." Michael smiled warmly.
"I heard... aside from your pointed head, your greatest pride is the legendary treasure vault, the Iceberg, said to hold all your wealth?"
Seeing Michael's expression, Chin Jao swallowed hard.
"Indeed, that's the case... It's just that ever since Garp smashed my head into its previous shape, I haven't been able to open it again."
Chin Jao wasn't lying.
After losing his pointed head, he could no longer break through the Iceberg, leaving his wealth trapped inside, sothing he could only stare at helplessly...
Otherwise, why would he harbor such hatred for Garp?
That single punch not only diminished his strength but also turned his treasure into what felt like an indefinite frozen deposit.
"But now, you can open it again."
Michael's calm remark left Chin Jao utterly dumbfounded.
'So, healing my head and granting the title of Warlord of the Sea...
It was all because you had your eyes on my vast treasures!?'
"...Vice Admiral Michael, how much can you leave ?"
"Leave you? What's left? This is practically selling official positions and titles—shouldn't I be compensated? Besides, with just this little money, you're buying a future-proof Warlord title. Do you really think it's a bad deal?"
"Not a bad deal... sobs, damn it, not a bad deal at all."
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