Alabasta, Port Nanahana.
At the docks, masts of merchant ships and pirate vessels stood like a forest, their massive sails flapping noisily in the salty sea breeze.
Inside a restaurant by the harbor, Ryan sat by the window, his table piled high with plates. Golden, glistening sandworm legs emitted an enticing aroma, desert beast steak was drenched in thick sauce, and a colorful fruit platter was stacked into a small mountain.
Ryan ate with gusto, his cheeks bulging as juices dribbled down the corners of his mouth. He wiped them away casually with the back of his hand and continued devouring the food.
Mikita sat opposite him, dabbing her lips elegantly with a handkerchief, her lemon earrings swaying gently. She kindly reminded him, "Mr. Ryan, you should at least pay some attention to your manners."
"Can manners fill my stomach?" Ryan replied without looking up, his words muffled by the large piece of roasted meat he'd just stuffed into his mouth. Yet, an untimely image from yesterday's bathhouse flashed through his mind—Princess Vivi's slender waist, flushed cheeks, and those suppressed... Unconsciously, a meaningful smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.
A princess of a kingdom... truly quite delightful...
Ryan lifted his mug and took a large gulp of ale, then wiped his mouth with his hand before standing up and patting his full belly. "I'm full. Time to set off."
After settling the bill, the two left the restaurant and walked along the cobblestone path deeper into the port. Mikita held onto Ryan's arm, her eyes darting around as she surveyed the surrounding ships, occasionally rising on her tiptoes in an attempt to spot a suitable target.
"Where are we heading next?" Mikita finally couldn't resist asking. "We can't just keep wandering around Alabasta forever."
"First, we find a ship to the next island." Ryan stopped and gazed at the sparkling sea in the distance, a playful smile curling his lips. "The world is vast, and there are plenty of interesting places to explore."
"Mr. Ryan, please wait a moment." Just then, two men in black suits and top hats emerged from the crowd, blocking their path. The leader was slender and wore gold-rimmed glasses, his eyes behind the lenses sharp and calculating.
Ryan frowned slightly at the two men. "Who are you?"
The man bowed slightly and produced a gilded invitation from his inner pocket, offering it to Ryan. "We are envoys of the World Government. Having heard of your heroic deeds in Alabasta, we deeply admire your prowess. The World Government cordially invites you to join the ranks of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."
"Seven Warlords of the Sea..."
Upon hearing this, Ryan was momentarily stunned, then a mocking smile spread across his face. Instead of accepting the invitation, he crossed his arms. "Sounds quite impressive, but why should I join you?"
The other envoy stepped forward to explain, "Mr. Ryan, once you become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, your current bounty will be immediately suspended. The World Government will no longer pursue any past crimes you've committed. You'll be free to sail the seas without being hunted by the Marines. Moreover, with the status of a Warlord, you'll have access to ports that are closed to ordinary pirates and enjoy numerous privileges."
"Oh?" Ryan raised an eyebrow, a flicker of contemplation in his eyes as he spoke leisurely, "Sounds good, but there's no such thing as a free lunch. What price must I pay to become one of the Seven Warlords?"
The lead envoy adjusted his glasses and replied unhurriedly, "You may act according to your own will. The World Government will not interfere excessively. However, when the government requires your assistance, we hope you will accept the summons to help deal with certain pirate matters.
Of course, if you find any mission too troublesome, you need only relinquish your title as a Warlord, and you will no longer be obligated to fulfill this duty.
Moreover, as one of the Seven Warlords, you may engage in certain pirate activities with the World Government's tacit approval, though you will need to periodically submit a portion of your earnings to the government."
Mikita listened nearby, her eyes widening more and more. Though she was normally carefree and outspoken, she didn't dare utter a word on such a crucial matter concerning their future. Ryan's decisions had never allowed for others' opinions—she only needed to follow obediently.
The faint, elusive smile never left Ryan's lips as he watched the envoy before him, his mind clear as day. With Crocodile dead, a vacancy had opened among the Seven Warlords. Having personally slain the old sand-crocodile, Ryan naturally became the top candidate to fill the position.
The World Government's move was rather straightforward.
Ryan stroked his chin, pondering. He had always wanted to travel the Grand Line, to see its varied landscapes. But with a Bounty on his head, he'd be pursued by the Marines wherever he went—truly an eyesore. Becoming a Warlord would be like carrying a "golden pass"—he could enter any port freely and openly inquire about local curiosities and tales. How convenient.
Moreover, the Seven Warlords were a "third-party force." He wouldn't have to kowtow to the World Government or mingle with other Pirates. He could come and go as he pleased, which suited him even better.
Forced summons? At worst, he could just abandon the title and flee—after all, he never cared for such empty honors in the first place.
In the end, this identity was nothing more than a "convenience card" for his journey. It wouldn't hinder his enjoyment of the scenery and would save him trouble—why not take it?
At this thought, Ryan suddenly chuckled aloud and reached out to pat the envoy's shoulder with just the right amount of Strength. "Alright then, I'll take the position as one of the Seven Warlords."
The two envoys visibly relaxed. The bespectacled man quickly retrieved the invitation letter back into his briefcase and instead produced a Den Den Mushi about the size of a palm, its shell adorned with intricate golden patterns, far more refined than an ordinary one.
"This is the World Government's exclusive communication Den Den Mushi, with encrypted channels—only direct departments can connect." He presented it with both hands, his tone growing even more respectful. "Your registration will be completed within three days. At that time, your Bounty will be officially revoked, and all privilege credentials will be relayed to you through this Den Den Mushi."
"Nothing else, right?" Ryan took the Den Den Mushi and casually tucked it into his coat, his gaze sweeping over a ship flying a skull flag in the distance. Though not the largest vessel, it was considerably more spacious than the average pirate ship.
"Nothing else, Mr. Ryan." The bespectacled man promptly bowed. "Should any urgent matters arise, we will contact you immediately. We wish you a pleasant journey."
With that, the two bowed once more before turning and melting into the crowd, their steps light and brisk—clearly having accomplished a troublesome task.
Mikita waited until the two figures had completely disappeared before she couldn't help tugging at Ryan's sleeve, her eyes shining like two stars. "A Seven Warlord! Mr. Ryan, what does that make us now..."
"Temporary travelers who can strut across the Grand Line without worry," Ryan raised an eyebrow as he walked toward the tattered-sailed merchant ship. "Let's go 'borrow' that ship first..."
"Wait, Mr. Ryan, that ship is way too big! How are just the two of us going to handle it?" Mikita followed Ryan's gaze, her brows immediately furrowing. "Just raising and lowering the sails on that vessel requires three or four people, not to mention lookout duties, steering, and hull repairs..."
"Big ships are more comfortable. Better than squeezing into a tiny boat where you can barely turn around." Ryan continued walking without pause, a careless smile playing on his lips. "As for crew, that's simple - we'll just hire some laborers."
Cramped spaces made one feel like being trapped in a cage.
"Laborers?Mikita's eyes shifted thoughtfully, then she seemed to remember something important, her tone carrying a hint of cautious probing. "Those Baroque Works members who got captured by the Marines... we kind of know them..."
She quickly glanced up at Ryan before immediately lowering her head again. "Compared to grabbing complete strangers, they at least understand navigation and know the rules. They'd probably be easier to manage!"
Ryan raised an eyebrow, glancing sideways at Mikita. He naturally understood her intention - they'd all been in Baroque Works together before. Even if they weren't close friends, it would still be easier than partnering with complete strangers.
Just like how that group of women later wanted to rescue their companions and ended up opening a small tavern together?
"Not a bad point." Ryan suddenly laughed aloud, stopping his steps before the ship's plank.
Mikita's eyes instantly brightened, all her restraint vanishing as she quickly stepped forward and naturally linked arms with Ryan, her lemon earrings swaying in a cheerful arc with the movement. "Shall we go now then?"
"No rush." Ryan smiled. Now that he was a Seven Warlord, would the Marines really refuse if he asked for a few "idle" prisoners?
The privileges of being a Seven Warlord were coming in handy at just the right time.