Chapter 102: Chapter 102 Recruitment and Rivalry
The New World had calmed significantly since Satoru's rise as the "White Dragon" Admiral. Pirates, once notorious for their unchecked arrogance, now acted with caution, their boldness dulled by the ever-present threat of his intervention. Yet, despite his efforts to maintain order, Satoru found himself yearning for a simpler life—a fleeting thought of Windmill Village and its quiet charm crossed his mind.
Just as he was about to indulge in a daydream about Luffy and the village's peaceful days, his transponder snail rang, jolting him back to reality.
Satoru picked up the receiver, greeted by the familiar voice of Fleet Admiral Sengoku. However, Sengoku's tone was unusually grave, hinting at a task of great importance.
"Satoru, we're initiating the **Seven Warlords of the Sea** plan. Your mission is to recruit two candidates in the New World."
Satoru's brow furrowed. The plan was controversial—a way to co-opt powerful pirates by granting them certain privileges. "Let me guess, you want me to 'convince' them, one way or another?"
Sengoku confirmed, naming the two targets: **Donquixote Doflamingo**, the infamous "Joker" of the underworld and ruler of Dressrosa, and **Dracule Mihawk**, the world's greatest swordsman.
"Doflamingo, huh?" Satoru muttered, recalling the pirate's notorious deeds and his ties to the Celestial Dragons. "If he refuses, I assume I have free rein to handle him?"
Sengoku's response was curt: "Whatever you want."
The unspoken permission brought a sly grin to Satoru's face. The idea of confronting the manipulative warlord excited him, though he knew Doflamingo would not go down easily.
The second name intrigued him even more. **Dracule Mihawk**, the man whose swordsmanship rivaled the Four Emperors.
"Mihawk's no ordinary foe," Sengoku warned. "Even Akainu struggled against him. He's a swordsman of unparalleled skill and possesses Conqueror's Haki, possibly even mastery over its advanced forms."
The mention of Mihawk's prowess sent a thrill through Satoru. "A chance to face the world's greatest swordsman? Don't worry, Marshal. I'll see this through."
Sengoku, however, emphasized caution. "If he refuses, only engage if absolutely necessary. And remember—this isn't about winning; it's about securing the Seven Warlords."
As the call ended, Satoru leaned back in his chair, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Doflamingo, Mihawk... looks like my vacation depends on you two."
For the sake of his much-desired leave, Satoru resolved to handle these formidable pirates, even if it meant using force.
With the weight of the mission and the anticipation of facing two legends, Satoru's journey to Dressrosa and Mihawk's domain was set to begin. What awaited him were not only fierce battles but also the challenge of navigating the delicate politics of the Seven Warlords system.
Little did he know, this mission would further cement his name as a force that even the strongest pirates of the New World couldn't ignore.