"So, what are your opinions?" Sengoku looked up, scanning the people on both sides of the room, seemingly waiting for responses from Kizaru and Garp.
"Notify the World Government. This matter is crucial. Let them prepare," Zephyr said without hesitation. Though he bore no goodwill toward the Celestial Dragons, this involved the dignity of both the World Government and the Marine Headquarters, so he had to take it seriously.
"I agree," Garp nodded.
"Agree," Kizaru said.
"Agree," Aokiji said.
"Agree," Tsuru said.
...
Seeing everyone reach consensus, Sengoku stood and pulled a Transponder Snail from a drawer, expertly connecting it to another Transponder Snail stationed at the Holy Land.
After a moment, the snail's eyes opened wide, its face aged and wrinkled. "Sengoku?" it croaked in an old, tired voice.
"This is Sengoku," he answered.
"What's the matter?"
Sengoku took a deep breath and recounted Tsuru's analysis to the Five Elders, detailing Ye Chen and others' strength and emphasizing the need for extra caution.
"We are aware. We will keep an eye on this matter," came the response before the line went dead.
The people in the room exchanged looks. They hadn't expected that after discussing the issue late into the night, the World Government would respond so lightly—like a warning ignored.
It was like offering advice to someone walking into danger, only to have them brush it off.
Zephyr frowned and looked at Sengoku. "What do we do now?"
Sengoku opened his mouth but found no words. He had gone through so much trouble gathering everyone to discuss this, only to have the World Government reply so dismissively. He felt uneasy.
"What else can we do? Go back to sleep. I'm exhausted," Garp said, standing and yawning before slowly walking out of the office.
"My wounds haven't healed yet; I need to rest. I'll leave too," Kizaru said as he followed Garp's footsteps.
"I just traveled all the way from the West Sea. I'm tired too. I'm going to head out," Aokiji said, leisurely walking out.
Akainu saw Kizaru and Aokiji leave and didn't want to stay either. He briefly told Sengoku goodbye and left.
Before long, Tsuru and Zephyr also said their goodbyes and left.
In a short time, only Sengoku remained alone in the room.
He looked around at the empty room with a helpless expression.
"All that could be said has been said. What happens next is up to fate."
...
"What's your take on Marine Headquarters' speculation?"
In a richly decorated room, five old men sat around a round table. The first to speak was an old man with long straight white hair and a long beard.
"Marine Headquarters is getting worse. They can't even catch a petty thief after so long," said another old man with white curly hair and a flat cap, a scar running down his left cheek. His words were full of disdain for Marine Headquarters.
"I think Marine Headquarters is going downhill. Zephyr and Kizaru were badly injured recently—useless," another said.
"Maybe Marine Headquarters needs new leadership. Keeping them is a waste of resources," another added.
These five unremarkable old men were the pillars of the World Government, the famous "Five Elders," the highest authority in the World Government, each wielding more power than Marine Headquarters' Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
"Though Marine Headquarters isn't much, it still serves a purpose. But what do you think of Ye Chen?" the white-haired elder asked.
"He's just a petty thief. Let CP0 capture him," said a blonde elder with a scar across his chest, speaking dismissively.
"I disagree. Kizaru and Zephyr are among Marine Headquarters' top fighters, and both were heavily injured. That tells us a lot about Ye Chen's power. Sending CP0 after him is like hitting a stone with an egg," said another elder, holding a knife.
The Five Elders fell silent after hearing this. Despite their dissatisfaction with Marine Headquarters, they recognized the strength of Kizaru and the others and were surprised by the news of their injuries.
"Have we found anything useful about Ye Chen?"
"Not much so far."
"Then let's summon all Celestial Dragons back to Holy Land. I don't believe Ye Chen dares attack Holy Land itself."
"I agree. Call all Celestial Dragons back to Holy Land, then have CP0 continue investigating Ye Chen. I don't believe he left no trace."
"I agree."
"Agreed."
"Let's do that for now."
After some discussion, the Five Elders reached a decision.
Though they appeared cautious about Ye Chen, their words revealed a condescending attitude toward Marine Headquarters' warnings.
They firmly believed Ye Chen wouldn't dare storm Holy Land. Or rather, they believed no one dared.
It was the arrogance of long-held power.
Ye Chen knew the Five Elders feared he might attack or kill Celestial Dragons. The Elders' decision to recall Celestial Dragons probably made him laugh.
His initial target was indeed to kidnap Celestial Dragons, but now his true goal was Holy Land itself.
So their so-called "absolutely safe" Holy Land would soon become history.
...
At Daughter Country, in a clearing, Ulquiorra, Esdeath, and Ye Chen stood on the ground while Osiris's massive form circled high above in the sky.
Esdeath spoke first, "Lord Ye Chen, you've summoned us here. Are you planning to make a move?"
"You've been talking for a long time. It's time to deliver the grand gift. Otherwise, others might say we're all talk."
This book is provided by FunNovel Novel Book | Fan Fiction Novel [Beautiful Free Novel Book]