"So... Michael, you believe Water 7 should become a new World Government-affiliated nation?" "Aside from this, what other move could slightly legitimize CP9's actions?" Michael pointed at Rob Lucci and the others on the screen. "I know a thing or two about these individuals... They'd pretty much qualify for my SWORD Special Forces." With this statement, Michael was elevating Rob Lucci and the others in the eyes of the Five Elders. If even Michael thought they were promising talents... would the World Government really let them go to waste so easily? Especially now, when the Marine wasn't being particularly obedient... These geniuses in CP9 were undoubtedly valuable resources. In the future, the Five Elders might even want to promote them into CP0. "Don't forget, CP0 seems to be quite short-staffed right now, doesn't it?" Michael said with a grin. "These are some fine seedlings." "Ah, you always so considerate of the World Government's interests," Nusjuro said, his lips twitching slightly... Who was it that caused CP0's severe manpower shortage?! Why didn't you just surrender back then, you winged bastard?! Nusjuro inwardly raged, but he forced a smile onto his face. "Very well, I now announce the addition of a temporary agenda: the elevation of Water 7 from a free trade city to a World Government-affiliated nation. Please vote by show of hands." With the endorsement of one of the Five Elders, all the nations present voted in favor. Another unanimous decision. But... this was only natural. After all, Water 7 held the lifeline of the entire world! In a world of seafaring, a nation specializing in shipbuilding carried immense weight. Especially now that they had developed the miraculous Sea Train! Most importantly, once they became a World Government-affiliated nation, the resistance to spreading the Sea Train to other major nations would be almost negligible. Tom sat to the side, patting Iceburg's shoulder excitedly along with Franky. "Go on, Your Majesty." "Me?" Iceburg pointed at himself with a wry smile. Although the newly elevated nation of Water 7 would still govern the same territory as before... The pressure was absolutely incomparable. In the past, if they wanted to discuss shipbuilding or sea train business with other countries, they could only engage with their finance and construction departments... But now, they would have to face the royal families of various nations. After all, in terms of status, only these individuals could be considered his equals. "Young man, step forward." Nusjuro offered Iceburg a kindly smile. "Water 7 is not the name of a country..." Nusjuro actually had a decent impression of Tom and his two apprentices—at least they weren't troublemakers. Moreover, Water 7 becoming a member state of the World Government was ultimately beneficial to the organization itself. That was also why his expression had been so complicated when he looked at Michael earlier. He had initially assumed that all of Michael's actions were aimed at suppressing and marginalizing the World Government... But now, it seemed this man... Had other schemes in mind. However, now wasn't the time for speculation. The priority was ensuring this Reverie concluded smoothly and that all member states, under the unified leadership of the World Government, began addressing the issue of the Revolutionary Army. "Nusjuro-sama Are you suggesting that I should name the new Water 7?" "As the mayor of Water 7 and its first king, I believe you indeed have that right." "Is that so..." Iceburg turned back, meeting Tom's proud and encouraging gaze, and Franky's deliberately aloof expression—though the corners of his lips were curled upward... "Then this newborn nation... shall be called the Shipwright Kingdom!" Before the assembled kings could even begin their customary applause, the piercing voice of Spandam erupted from the still-active Video Transponder Snail. "Hey! Rob Lucci! Haven't you found the Pluton Design Schematics yet?!" "Sir... you should lower your voice. We're still undercover." "Undercover my ass! With your abilities, slaughtering everyone in Water 7 wouldn't even be a problem!" Spandam roared furiously as he stormed into Tom's Workers. "What I want are the Pluton Design Schematics! Only those schematics can redeem my past failures and put me back on the path to success! You idiots, can't even find a single blueprint? Useless! So much for CP9's so-called geniuses—utterly useless!" Spandam's shouting not only made the CP9 members frown in irritation but also drew the displeasure of everyone at the Reverie, including Nusjuro. Of course, Nusjuro wasn't annoyed by the noise—he was frowning at the sheer stupidity of the man. The reason Spandine and Spandam had successively become leaders of CP9 wasn't due to their strength or intelligence. On the contrary, they were so weak they couldn't even match a fit ordinary person, and their intellect was lacking—yet they arrogantly believed themselves clever. Greedy, obstinate, and utterly incompetent, everything they did reeked of a combination of idiocy and malice... Their sole redeeming quality was their absolute obedience to the World Government's orders. But now, the task he had assigned to other CP9 members had been recklessly handed over to their most elite operatives... Thus, even that one advantage had vanished. Follow current novels on 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⚫𝙣𝙚𝙩 A father and son pair with no virtues, only flaws... are utterly worthless. Michael glanced at Nusjuro's expression before smiling and cutting off the Video Transponder Snail connection. At any rate, he'd already annoyed the Five Elders enough—no need to let that idiot Spandam further pollute his brain. After the connection was terminated, the World Conference resumed, now with an additional seat for Iceburg. For all subsequent agenda items, Michael didn't cause the slightest disturbance. Yet Nusjuro kept a close eye on Michael's movements. With every new topic raised, he would glance at Michael to see if he intended to interfere again and create another sensational incident. After all, the previous trial of Tom had been sensationalized by that bird Morgans! Tom, once branded by the World Government as the "Pirate King's accomplice," had been transformed in public perception into a pitiful shipwright caught between pirates and the World Government. Everyone sympathized with the portly fish-man elder who risked execution to build the sea train. After Nusjuro stole his twenty-fifth glance at Michael, Garp whispered to him. "Michael, has the old man taken a fancy to you? He can't seem to take his eyes off you?" Michael replied with perfect calm: "The Celestial Dragons have always had... weird tastes. Maybe the old coot's a gay." ----------------------------- Read 40 chapters ahead and support me on . (.)com/Newbietranslator