The Celestial Dragons had always drawn sharp lines between nobility and inferiority, even among themselves. Different families within the Celestial Dragons were clearly divided into higher and lower standings.
Topman Warcury, no, Saint Topman Warcury, came from one of the weaker Celestial Dragon families.
Yet from a young age, he had lofty ambitions. To restore his family's honor, he willingly gave up his privileged life, concealed his identity, and sailed across the seas. Eventually, he relied on his formidable strength to become a member of the God's Knights.
Beyond his overwhelming martial prowess, Saint Topman Warcury was also renowned for his "profound wisdom," having personally resolved many difficult and critical issues with his intelligence and strategy.
As far as Stussy knew, every organizational system from CP1 to CP0 was deeply tied to Saint Topman Warcury.
It could be said that the unification of judicial power under the World Government and the strength and efficiency of the CP divisions were largely due to his efforts.
For this man who controlled all CP agents, Stussy harbored nothing but deep respect and fear.
...
Upon hearing Saint Saturn's words, Saint Topman Warcury, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, slowly opened them.
Though small in stature, simply sitting there, he radiated an immovable majesty, like an ancient sage from myth.
He glanced at Stussy, then spoke in a hoarse voice:
"That kid Rogers Daren is rebellious and unruly. He's certainly not easy to tame."
At these words, Stussy's eyes lit up.
Truly worthy of being the Warrior God of Justice and the symbol of "wisdom," Saint Topman Warcury!
His insight was extraordinary!
However, just as she thought Saint Topman Warcury was about to remove Daren from the investigation, his next words left her stunned.
"But assigning him to this investigation is the best choice."
Stussy could hardly believe her ears. She tried to keep her expression in check, but her fists clenched tightly.
A knowing smile curled at the corner of Saint Topman Warcury's lips as he continued calmly:
"The murderer targeting the Shichibukai candidates is clearly trying to interfere with, or even destroy, the Shichibukai system."
"Rogers Daren has no such motive. After all, the two confirmed Shichibukai—'Crocodile' and the 'Demon Heir' Douglas Bullet—were both personally recruited by him for the Marines."
"If he had intended to disrupt or sabotage the establishment of the Shichibukai, he could have easily acted behind the scenes long ago."
"And most importantly, someone like Rogers Daren is a beast born of chaos, obsessed with power and status, known far and wide as 'scum'... precisely the type who values his position above all else. He wouldn't dare risk it by doing something like this."
...
Hearing this logical and thorough analysis, the other four Five Elders nodded in agreement, smiling as they praised:
"As expected of you, Saint Topman Warcury."
"Your analysis is indeed spot on."
"Rogers Daren is a hungry hunting dog. As long as you throw him enough bones, he won't dare bite the hand that feeds him."
"…"
As the highest authorities of the World Government exchanged words, Stussy's expression beneath her mask froze completely.
She was utterly stunned, her heart howling in disbelief.
What... what is this!?
Your Excellencies, you're mistaken!
That bastard isn't some hungry dog—he's a vicious, cunning wild wolf!
And Daren never intended to destroy the Shichibukai system—he only wanted to ensure his chosen candidates became Shichibukai!
The corners of Stussy's eyes twitched uncontrollably. She was on the verge of losing control, desperate to blurt out the truth.
But she couldn't say a word.
With no evidence left at the scenes of the candidate assassinations, even if she told the truth, the Five Elders wouldn't believe her.
Worse, they might even accuse her of questioning their judgment and authority!
...
"Fox, what do you think?"
The blond Five Elder, Saint Pete, suddenly turned his gaze toward Stussy.
Stussy trembled, bit her red lips, and lowered her head, saying,
"I believe that your judgment is absolutely correct."
"Hmm," Saint Saturn seemed to remember something and said,
"I heard that after Daren attacked Totto Land, he stayed in your Pleasure District for a few days?"
Stussy didn't dare to hide anything.
"Yes, we did have some contact."
"Did he realize who you are?" Saint Topman Warcury narrowed his eyes.
Stussy was swept by Saint Topman Warcury's cold gaze and felt the hairs on her entire body stand on end.
"He... he discovered my true identity."
She knew that Saint Topman Warcury had probably guessed something, so she decided to tell him part of the truth.
Saint Topman Warcury smiled slightly and said,
"That doesn't matter."
"That kid is smart, so it's only natural that he noticed something."
"It's precisely because he's smart enough that we entrusted him with the task of investigating the Marines in the North Blue Celestial Dragon murder case."
...
Upon hearing this, Stussy's pupils contracted and her heart began to race.
A bone-chilling coldness rose from the soles of her feet, shot up her spine, and into her brain, making her scalp tingle.
So that was it!
No wonder Lone Wolf's provocation had no effect!
It turned out that Daren had previously had dealings with the Five Elders and had carried out their secret mission to investigate the Marines!
Damn it!
She had been completely tricked by Daren!
No wonder he wasn't nervous or wary of her little moves. He must have already been in cahoots with the Five Elders!
In that case, her actions in guiding the investigation had suddenly become completely ridiculous!
Hearing this, Stussy finally understood.
Whether or not the Five Elders truly trusted Daren was not important.
What was important was that they believed they could keep Daren firmly under their control!
But the actual situation was not like that...
...
"Leave the investigation to that brat Daren... But before that, we must first find out who leaked the list!"
Saint Topman Warcury's voice suddenly became cold and sharp, like a sword blade choosing its target, and the room was instantly filled with a cold killing intent.
"As far as we can see, the number of people who are qualified to know the list of candidates for the Seven Warlords of the Sea is extremely limited."
"We can rule out the Marines first. Neither Kong nor Sengoku would dare to leak the list, and as for that brat Daren... his security clearance is not high enough, so it's impossible for him to know the contents of the list."
"In that case, the person who leaked the list is most likely within the CP."
"Stussy... do you have any ideas?"
...
As soon as the words fell, Stussy was struck as if by lightning.
A drop of cold sweat seeped from her smooth forehead and slowly slid down.
She maintained her outward calm, but inside she was overcome with fear like never before.
Because the person who leaked the list... was herself!
...
(40 Chapters Ahead)
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