"To be honest, what I really want to address is the current situation—specifically, the constant interference from the World Government.
It's true that the Navy is a subsidiary of the World Government, but the sheer amount of political pressure we face is reaching a breaking point.
If we don't act, we'll be dragged down with them when they inevitably collapse. This 'Revolutionary Army' people have been whispering about lately is a prime example of the blowback.
For now, I'm proposing the establishment of a specialized committee to counteract the status quo, where bounties are issued or retracted purely based on whims from above."
"A specialized committee? What kind of thing are you planning to build?" Borsalino asked, tilting his head.
"In short: an internal organization that conducts factual investigations before a bounty is set, rather than just acting on a report.
It would also review current bounties, retracting them based on present circumstances, and cleaning up the records of those who have been missing for years.
Just as I suggested the 'Intelligence,' 'Supply,' and 'Engineering' divisions to Fleet Admiral Kong—and the separation of the 'Science' and 'Technical' squads—I want to create a department specifically for bounty oversight."
"Hmm. And what's your real aim, Senpai?" Kuzan interjected.
"Three things. One: Reduce the number of bounties or retractions caused by political pressure or false reports.
Two: Prevent the fraudulent collection of bounty money through fake claims. Three: Standardize the relationship between threat level and bounty amount.
We need to stop cases where a low-threat individual has a massive bounty, or vice-versa. I also want to fix the discrepancy between land and sea bounties."
"It won't go that smoothly," Sakazuki grunted. "There are simply too many pirates in the world today."
"I hear you, Sakazuki. But that's exactly the problem. The definition of a 'pirate' is currently too vague. Anyone who heads out for an adventure—searching for treasure or exploring uncharted lands—is reflexively labeled a 'pirate' by the world.
My proposed definition for a pirate is this: 'Any person who, for private ends, commits illegal acts of violence, detention, or pillage on the high seas or in a town/village, using a private vessel, or any act of inciting or intentionally facilitating such deeds.'
We should focus our strength on those who fit that description. For 'self-proclaimed pirates' who are primarily adventurers, we should prioritize guidance and warnings over immediate arrest."
"Well, having a solid definition would certainly make things clearer," Borsalino mused.
"Most 'self-proclaimed' pirates call themselves that simply because they don't know any better. If we try to arrest every single person, we'll run out of prison cells—especially now that their numbers are exploding.
If they ignore the warnings and keep flying a Jolly Roger, then we bring down the hammer. But as it stands, our manpower is limited, and the gap in capability between the HQ and the branch offices is too wide. We can't achieve uniform results across every sea.
Sure, making an example of some is necessary, but the reason people go to sea won't change. The Pirate King's final declaration is going to flood the world with 'pirates' who are just looking for his treasure. You agree, don't you?"
"Hmm. You might be onto something, Senpai," Kuzan admitted.
"Exactly. It's a gold rush. Yet everyone is raising a pirate flag despite how harshly the Navy treats them. That's my take. What do you three think?"
"It sounds fine in theory," Sakazuki said, "but changing the entire system will take years."
"I want to talk to Garp and Sengoku, then submit the proposal to Fleet Admiral Kong. I'm hoping to start moving by next year. Will you support me?"
"Sure, why not? Your logic is sound," Kuzan shrugged.
"I'm in too. If it means the higher-ups mess with us less, I'm all for it," Borsalino added.
"What about you, Sakazuki?"
"Hmph... I still believe pirates should be arrested regardless."
"Aren't you being a bit too stiff, Sakazuki-san~?" Borsalino teased.
"Look, we'll still review every bounty. We'll coordinate with the Intelligence Division and focus on the high-threat targets first. Isn't that better?" I countered.
"Fine. But there's a catch. For this to work against the World Government's interference... Sakazuki, Kuzan, I need you two to 'clash' a bit."
"Clash?" Sakazuki frowned.
"What are you plotting now, Senpai?" Kuzan asked warily.
"I don't mean right now. But down the line, I want Sakazuki to represent the 'No Mercy for Pirates' faction, and Kuzan to be the 'Discriminating Justice' faction.
If you two are publicly at odds, those in the Government who dislike my new system will likely try to recruit Sakazuki to their side. I'm not saying it's the CP agencies, but... You know."
"I see. So he infiltrates the opposition and feeds us information from the inside," Borsalino grinned.
"Sounds like a pain," Sakazuki muttered. "Let Kuzan do it."
"No way! Sakazuki-san is the only one who can pull off the 'hardliner' act convincingly. If I suddenly became a fanatic, everyone would know something was up," Kuzan argued.
"I agree. It suits you, Sakazuki. And what about me?"
"Borsalino, I want you to stay right in the middle. Be the guy whose true allegiance is impossible to read. That way, you can move between both circles."
"Krieg," Sakazuki sighed. "Instead of making us do all the dirty work, why don't you hurry up and climb the ranks yourself?"
"Ah, Sakazuki-san! Don't mention that! Senpai just failed his promotion exam for Brigadier General, remember?" Kuzan smirked.
"The written portion, specifically the mathematics, was a disaster, wasn't it? Ballistic calculations are important, you know?" Borsalino added.
"Oh... sorry about that, Krieg. Well, there's always next time. Just work harder."
"SHUT UP! All of you! I'm not a freak of nature like you three! It's not that easy! You guys are definitely going to be Admirals one day, but I'm just a regular guy doing my best!"
I finished my pitch amid their laughter. The details still needed to be hammered out, but the plan had moved one step forward.
I have about twenty years before the main story starts. First stop: The Ohara Intervention.
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