"I was a Warlord," he says with a smirk and a roll of his eyes, the meaning clear — as if the World Government would appoint someone who is weak.

And then, with a wry tone, "Besides, isn't saying that the same as patting your own back?" He knows full well he would never have made it to who he is now without Cora-san... so he doesn't really mind, because he made it more than clear in Dressrosa that he's aware of owing literally everything to the man.