Chapter 19: The Seven Warlords

“Ugh… What do you think of this proposal, Vice Admiral Tsuru?”

“To be honest, I’d like to tell them to discard the proposal from the pirate island, but… Unfortunately, our current situation forces us to consider even the smallest of aids.”

“Haah, is that so???”

While sighing as he reviewed the proposal sent by the queen of the women’s island, Kong, accompanied by his advisor Tsuru, shook his head and replied in resignation.

The proposal was indeed one that would normally be disregarded as a mere blind spot—a suggestion not worthy of attention.

Yet, in this time of acute need, it arrived at just the right moment. Despite originating from pirates, the Navy had no choice but to contemplate it.

The outcome of their deliberation was…

“Honestly, while the Peace Mane are unpleasant to behold, they are undoubtedly a hundred times better than Mogonia. Occasionally, there are some among them that I find somewhat agreeable… It’s best to accept this, through this means.”

“So, you mean we’ll only accept pirates from the Peace Mane?”

“Of course. Accepting members from Mogonia would be beneath the Navy’s dignity.”

Tsuru, known for her adaptability, and Kong, with his wealth of experience, agreed to the proposal with the understanding that the line would be drawn firmly—only the Peace Mane could be included.

Had this proposal arisen in the era of Sengoku, it’s possible that the three admirals might have loosened their standards, even accepting Mogonia and utilizing their power.

But Kong and Tsuru maintained a clear boundary, leading to a modified version of the Seven Warlords proposal—only the Peace Mane would be allowed to join.

Thus, they decided to accept the proposal and dispatched their response via telegram. Shortly thereafter, Kong and Belliosa came to an agreement, and the Seven Warlords system was officially established.

The First of the Seven Warlords: Queen of Amazon Lily – Belliosa, 90 million Berries.

“Now that our queen has become one of the Seven Warlords, we have officially entered into a collaboration with the Navy.

Given the Navy’s current manpower shortage, the Kusa Pirates will be temporarily disbanded and deployed to various military vessels. Please keep this in mind!!!”

“Ugh, I don’t want to part with them!!!”

“Hang in there. How many years can it really be? Once the seas calm down, we’ll be able to return to our old ways.”

At Belliosa’s words, the crew, though reluctant, could only accept the situation.

She added that the current circumstances were truly unique—a time of special conditions that couldn’t be replicated.

“If the Navy eventually stabilizes, they won’t need our help anymore. So until then, we must survive, gain valuable experience within the Navy, and return as stronger warriors!!!”

“Yes!!!! Captain!!!!!!!!!”

The Kusa Pirates, in the end, had no choice but to accept this reality. And amidst this, Boa Hancock—myself included—was also present. After all, I was a member of the Kusa Pirates, an elite member at that.

More than anything, I longed to venture out and explore the world.

Being confined to this area with only the Kusa Pirates was dreadfully dull. If I was going to be out on the seas, I wanted to experience true adventure. I thought it would be a good idea to align with the Navy, travel the seas, and build my experience.

With that thought in mind, I couldn’t help but let my excitement show. Captain Belliosa noticed this and looked at me with a hint of concern, but ultimately nodded in agreement. Despite my youth, I was a thoughtful person. She believed I would be fine, and that this would be a great learning experience for me.

***

“So, who is the person coming aboard my ship?”

“Yes, they say it’s the next queen of Amazon Lily! We’ve received instructions from the Seven Warlords, so please take good care of her, Captain Zefa!!!”

“Hmm… The next queen of Amazon Lily…”

With a slight tsk, Captain Zefa lit up a cigar, his thoughts clearly distant.

Zefa, known as Black Fist, was a renowned Navy officer, not only famous for his strength but also for his exceptional ability to teach and train others. The soldiers who passed through his command often experienced rapid improvement in their skills.

Given his role and the Navy’s position, it was natural that Belliosa would want to send the future queen, Boa Hancock, to Zefa’s ship for her training.

Understanding the situation, Zefa nodded. It was true that many of his seasoned officers had left, and he was now lacking high-ranking personnel. So, Boa Hancock, the future queen, would indeed join his crew.

“…So, this is Black Fist Zefa’s ship?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“Is it really him?”

I asked in surprise as I was escorted by a Navy soldier. The soldier, his excitement barely contained, replied, “Yes, it’s him!”

Though I was still young, I had the maturity of an adult. My beauty was also striking, and I already had the ability to captivate the attention of men, combining both innocence and allure.

As I realized my beauty and the impact it had, I couldn’t help but feel a flutter of excitement.

After all, I was about to meet the legendary Zefa—the Navy’s greatest educator! If I could train under him, it might elevate my abilities, including my combat prowess.

With that thought, I eagerly anticipated my arrival at his ship. And, after a short time, I was finally face-to-face with the legendary Black Fist Zefa.

“…So, you’re the so-called next queen?”

“Nice to meet you, Black Fist Zefa. If you think I’m just a child, I’m happy to be called that.”

I greeted him boldly, my tone playful. Zefa seemed surprised, his eyebrows twitching, but he took my hand with a firm grip.

Seeing him, I smiled with satisfaction.

“During my time on your ship, I will learn everything you have to offer, Black Fist Zefa. I look forward to it.”

“You’re bold for a little brat.”

With those muttered words, I boarded Zefa’s ship.