Alright lads,
Been thinking about the 'balance of power' recently. This thinking chiefly concerns the role of the Shabooki. Now, I know alotta' ya' think that these guys are a bit of a pxss-weak letdown (excluding Dofla, OFC), because in comparison to top Marines and the Yonkou, the Shichis don't really amount to shxt.
That may or may not be true; however, if their comparative weakness is a reality, then let me argue that this was always going to be the case. In fact, this was why their institution was created in the first place: to maintain a 'balance of power'. Bear wit this brother, I'll try and explain me position.
Upon their introduction, the Shichibukai were seen as 'Government dogs' (that is a legit quote, right?). Although their role seems somewhat unclear, we can see from their involvement against WB at MF that, ultimately, they are 'Government dogs'; however, since Thriller Bark, we have received information to suggest that they are also, to some degree, Yonkou dogs too.
Firstly, one must acknowledge why a pirate would become a Shichibukai. Beyond the initial bonus of virtual exemption from most manners of persecution, Shichibukai gain international notoriety w/o the fear of the WG attempting to investigate their private affairs. This causes a dual profit on the behalf of the Shichibukai: 1. They're free to make big money through whatever means they wish 2. Big names want to get involved, because, Shichibukai are also big names. What's more, the Shichibukai would, presumably, have a greater understanding of the WG's operations, and so, Shichibukai flirting with Yonkou is not an unbelievable thing.
Because, as of yet, no Shichibukai has been shown to crunch a Yonkou's skull. Yeah, BB did shoot up WB w/ all his mates, but, that was after that old ass motherfxcker took 50 cannon balls and got a fxcking magma fist through half of his head. Otherwise, Gecko and Croco got fxcked up. So, if you're a Shichibukai who wants to excel in the NW, then you're gonna' hafta' become someone else's bitch, again (see: Jinbei, Dofla).
But this is what the 'balance of power' is all about. Both the WG and Yonkou get a sweet deal - some guy who knows shxt about both parties and that's willing to capitulate to your demands so long as they get a bit of money outta' it. Or, alternatively, in the case of Jinbei, some much needed protection for FI.
Arlong Park, does this all make sense? Do y'all read me?