User blog comment:DancePowderer/Truly Our Tyrant?/@comment-3242083-20110214153631

I'm not sure, I believe that Kuma became a Shichibukai by Dragons order/plan. After all the title of a warlord opens all doors to gather information. The only downside was probably the pacifista project, an extra deal he had to make in order to remain his title - the guarantee that he will not betray the marines at any time (see braindead kuma). Dragon seemed not surprised when Ivankov told him about "Kuma acting strange".

Also, even if I try really hard, I can not imagine ANY of the shichibukai ASKING for the title...I just can not. Blackbeard would be the exception, since he has no sense of honor and would practically do anything to achieve his goals, even begging. But the rest? No way.

I also don't think that the marines are/can be that picky considering new positions.

Powerful? Check.

Feared by the world? Check.