Location: Inside the Sorbet Kingdom Church
"The Seven Warlords of the Sea (Shichibukai) are the World Government's sanctioned 'Super Pirates.'"
Storm paced around the clay globe he had created.
"In the eyes of the public, the Marine Headquarters, the Four Emperors, and the Seven Warlords are the three great powers that balance the world."
"But in my opinion," Storm smirked, "that balance is a joke."
"The Marines and the Emperors are undeniably monsters. But the Warlords? Their reputation is fierce, but their battle record is mediocre. Most of them are just pirates who lost to an Emperor in the New World and ran back to Paradise to lick their wounds."
He looked at Kuma.
"Normally, you need an invitation to become a Warlord. But there are exceptions."
"Take Blackbeard (Marshall D. Teach). He isn't famous yet, but he will recommend himself by capturing a high-value pirate."
"I considered recommending myself," Storm admitted. "But while my strength is sufficient, my pirate resume is blank. So I need a shortcut."
"The shortcut is simple: Defeat an existing Warlord. Steal their reputation. Take their seat."
Storm manipulated the clay globe, marking seven spots.
"The current roster is:"
Dracule Mihawk (Hawkeye) - The World's Strongest Swordsman.
Boa Hancock (Pirate Empress) - Ruler of Amazon Lily.
Jinbe (Knight of the Sea) - Boss of the Fish-Man Pirates.
Donquixote Doflamingo (Heavenly Demon) - King of Dressrosa.
Gecko Moria - Ruler of the Florian Triangle.
Sir Crocodile - Hero of Alabasta.
Hanafuda (The Lizard King) - A Zoan-type user known for his ruthlessness.
"Defeat a Warlord..." Kuma frowned. "That sounds incredibly difficult. They are legendary figures."
"Difficult?" Storm laughed. "Kuma, you underestimate yourself. In my opinion, you are already stronger than half of them."
Storm thought of Crocodile losing to a pre-gear Luffy. Or Moria, who got lazy and fat.
"Among the Warlords, your strength is top-tier. And so is mine."
"Kuma, do you want to be a Warlord? If you do, pick a name."
"No," Kuma shook his head. "I have no ambition for power."
"Then listen to my plan."
Storm sliced the clay globe, removing the New World section.
"Jinbe and Doflamingo are in the New World. We'll ignore them for now. That leaves five in Paradise."
"Hawkeye is on Kuraigana Island."
"Hancock is in the Calm Belt (Amazon Lily)."
"Moria is in the Florian Triangle (Thriller Bark)."
"Crocodile is in Alabasta."
"And the Lizard King Hanafuda is on Banaro Island."
Storm looked at Kuma.
"I have a question. Your Nikyu Nikyu no Mi (Paw-Paw Fruit) allows for long-distance travel, correct?"
"Yes." Kuma raised his hand, showing the soft paw pads. "I can repel the air to launch myself or others to specific destinations instantly. It takes about three days and three nights to land."
"However," Kuma added, "I can only send people to locations I have visited or know the coordinates of."
"Perfect," Storm grinned. "You traveled the world with the Revolutionary Army. Which of these five islands have you visited?"
Kuma thought for a moment.
"I haven't been to Amazon Lily or Thriller Bark. The Calm Belt and the Fog are difficult to navigate without a Log Pose."
"But I have been to Banaro Island, Kuraigana Island, and Alabasta."
Storm nodded in satisfaction.
Banaro Island meant The Lizard King.
Kuraigana Island meant Hawkeye.
Alabasta meant Crocodile.
"This fits perfectly with my 'Operation Warlord Hunt'," Storm declared. "We will find them. We will defeat them. And we will use their defeat to force the World Government to the negotiating table."
"It's a win-win. I get their Grand Trophies to boost my strength, and you get the political leverage to save Bonney."
Kuma looked at the three targets.
"If you were to travel," Kuma asked softly, raising his hand in his signature pose, "where would you like to go?"
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