One Piece: Rising to Power as a Warlord of the Sea

For a full half-hour, Sengoku was lectured by the Five Elders, who criticized the navy, saying it was useless. Throughout it all, Sengoku nodded and agreed. After all, he was indeed at fault in this situation.

An hour later, the Five Elders agreed to exchange one hundred billion Berries for the freedom of the Rozwald family. Sengoku finally sighed in relief, grateful for the quiet.

After composing himself, Sengoku called Kizaru's den-den mushi again and ordered him to pass the phone to Natsu for further negotiations.

"Yo, isn't this Fleet Admiral Sengoku? What's up?" Natsu's cheerful voice greeted Sengoku.

The second round of talks between Natsu and Sengoku began, and it was uncertain whether this time it would end peacefully.

"Hmph, I don't have the authority to command pirates, especially one like you!" Upon hearing Natsu's mocking tone, Sengoku's forehead twitched with anger, but he restrained himself. The recent demon-slaying order was a complete failure.

The navy had once again underestimated the power of Natsu's Thunder Fruit and his combat abilities, particularly in the sea. The terror of the Logia Devil Fruits was once again on display.

"Hahahaha! Fleet Admiral Sengoku, you're truly full of justice, huh? Did the navy or the World Government finally come to their senses to make this call?" Natsu laughed.

"That's right. The World Government has agreed to offer one hundred billion Berries in exchange for the Celestial Dragon's life. Before we proceed, we must understand more about the Celestial Dragons' situation. I hope you won't make any irrational moves!" Sengoku replied.

"Is that so? One hundred billion Berries, huh? That's quite an exciting number, but…" Natsu's voice trailed off.

"But?" Sengoku's mood worsened. This guy was so difficult to deal with, not straightforward at all. He was reminded of Dracule Mihawk, once an excellent navy officer, now the world's most notorious criminal.

"Well, that's the price before. Now, it's going to cost more!" Natsu said.

"N-natsu, don't push your luck."

"Push my luck? As a pirate, it's perfectly reasonable to fight for my benefits, right?"

"Tell me your final price, Natsu! My patience has limits!" Sengoku's voice turned heavy, as if he was at the end of his tether.

"Well, I thought about it. I've defeated your navy and the World Government's Seven Warlords of the Sea, snatched treasure from the skies, and now I've roughed up a Celestial Dragon. Any of these things would be unforgivable in the eyes of the World Government, even warranting death!" Natsu continued.

Sengoku went silent, a vein bulging on his forehead.

"So, in addition to the money, I need an identity. An identity recognized by both your navy and the World Government," Natsu's calm voice sent a chill down Sengoku's spine.

"What do you mean?"

"I want to become one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea!" Natsu declared.

Sengoku nearly choked. Was this kid out of his mind?

"Are you kidding me, Monkey D.Natsu?" Sengoku couldn't believe it.

"Of course not! After all, I don't want to be at odds with my old man. Becoming a pirate is just about living freely. I'm a person full of justice, too," Natsu said nonchalantly.

Sengoku: "…" Who would believe this guy?

"You know, Fleet Admiral, you should realize that when the whole world sees the so-called Celestial Dragons—who claim to be descendants of gods—are wounded and bleeding, who are struck and feel pain, who can even die from fatal wounds… what do you think will happen?"

Not getting the response he wanted, Natsu continued.

"The Celestial Dragons are just a bunch of arrogant pigs, high and mighty because of their ancestors. If one Celestial Dragon dies quietly, breaking the line between life and death, then what difference would it make if several more die? After all, there are far more ordinary people than those fools. Even if it's a thousand to one, ten thousand to one, or even a hundred thousand to one, it's something the Celestial Dragons can't accept. When the wave of rebellion rises, it will be unstoppable.

So, for the sake of world peace and your navy's justice, don't you think it's reasonable to exchange a Celestial Dragon's life for a spot in the Seven Warlords?"

Sengoku's heart shook as he listened. He turned to look at Garp, who was happily munching on senbei, and paused for a moment, lost in thought. Could this kid really be Garp's grandson? He should be an impulsive, somewhat foolish guy, not someone so… cunning.

Garp: "Why do I feel like Sengoku's eyes on me are a bit off? Seems like he's not trusting me too much." He then opened the senbei bag even wider, stuffing it in his mouth, and grinned at Sengoku.

Sengoku slapped his forehead. His expectations were too high. This guy was still the same old Garp.

"Is this really your final condition?" Sengoku finally spoke after a long silence.

"Yep!" Natsu answered confidently.

"Alright. I'll recommend you to the World Government!" Sengoku reluctantly agreed.

"Hahaha, as expected of Fleet Admiral Sengoku. Such broad vision!" Natsu responded with a grin.

"Oh, and please say hi to my old man for me. It won't be long before I can visit him openly," Natsu added with a smile as he hung up the den-den mushi.

Sengoku was left speechless.

"Gah-da~"

The negotiations ended, and Natsu immediately instructed Gin to release the Celestial Dragons from the sack and let them enjoy some fresh air, to see the beautiful sunshine.

"Wuu-wuu-wuu~ Wuu-wuu-wuu~"

The two Celestial Dragons slowly regained consciousness. Struggling to open their eyes, they finally saw Natsu's back.

"Yo, you're awake? Both of you!" Natsu said casually, turning around with a devilish grin. To the Celestial Dragons, his smile was that of a devil, and they instinctively recoiled. These once mighty figures who controlled the lives of others had never imagined they'd be treated so cruelly.

"Don't be scared. Don't worry, it'll be over soon."

"Well then, we'll meet again in the New World!" Natsu waved as he headed to the bow of the ship, preparing to bid farewell and inform the navy of the exchange location.

Somewhere in the chaotic seas of the New World, with its complex currents, unpredictable climate, and islands teeming with fierce beasts and strange plants, Natsu had scouted this area previously and was planning to establish a base of operations there.

"???" Kizaru and the others were confused. How could they enter the New World? No ship without a coating could survive the journey, and it was impossible for Natsu to get permission from the World Government to sail there. After all, he wasn't a Seven Warlords of the Sea yet, so he didn't have that privilege.

"Smile Ship, begin submerging!"

Ignoring the navy, the Smile Ship slowly began to submerge. In the astonished eyes of the navy, a transparent light shield appeared around the ship, and it descended into the depths like a massive submarine.

"New World! I'm back~"

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