Red Line, World Government Headquarters.
Council Chamber.
Saturn ran his hands over his cane, an arrogant smile on his face.
"As long as he isn't intercepted in the deep sea, with Yūtora's strength, there's no one on Fish-Man Island who can match him."
Topman Warcury nodded with a calm smile.
"Yūtora has awakened his Devil Fruit. Paired with his close-quarters combat skills from years of field missions, even a Marine Admiral would struggle against him."
Saint Mars added flatly,
"The Fish-Man race has always lacked top-tier combat power. Even if Fisher Tiger has recovered, he won't be able to stop him."
The blond Saint Peter took a light sip of tea.
"Fish-Man Island, that vast treasure trove in the deep sea, will become the supply source for the Holy Land."
Warcury stepped slowly to the desk. His sinister face reflected in the glow of the Den Den Mushi lined before him.
Looking down at the world map, his gaze fell on the island marked with a fishman symbol.
"Once we fully seize Fish-Man Island, we can enslave the entire Fish-Man race and establish a supply line."
"A deep-sea transport route... Even that brat Daren's flying fleet won't be able to stop it."
At those words, Kong's heart shook violently. He stared at the Five Elders in disbelief.
Enslave the entire Fish-Man race?
Were they truly going to tear up the peace treaty with Fish-Man Island... and discard their hypocritical mask completely?
"Be patient, Kong..."
Warcury looked at him with a half-smile, his cloudy eyes trying to read every flicker of expression on the Fleet Admiral's face.
"This is how the world works. The Celestial Dragons rule everything, and we—leaders of the Celestial Dragons—look down upon the world."
"Fish-Man Island is the perfect example... For us, just a single command is enough to claim that treasure."
"It's as easy as this..."
He slowly raised his wrinkled hand, palm up... then began to turn it downward.
"Brrru brrru..."
But at that moment, an urgent military Den Den Mushi rang out, interrupting the gesture.
The line connected automatically. A panicked, trembling voice came through:
"R-reporting to the Five Elders!"
"CP0 Senior Agent... Yūtora-sama's Vivre Card..."
The speaker swallowed hard, his voice laced with dread.
"...has completely burned up!"
Warcury's hand froze mid-motion.
Kong noticed the faint tremble in the wrinkled palm.
Time in the chamber seemed to freeze.
The air itself turned thick and suffocating.
Even the condescending smirks on the Five Elders' faces had gone rigid.
Kong blinked and looked toward them.
Warcury: "..."
Mars: "..."
Saturn: "..."
Peter: "..."
Nusjuro: "..."
The five stood there in silence, unmoving.
But not one of them could meet Kong's gaze.
"Five Elders?"
The voice on the Den Den Mushi continued, frantic and full of unease.
"Fish-Man Island is completely cut off from the outside. The CP division has been unable to infiltrate. At present, we have no knowledge of what's happening on the island..."
"Yūtora-sama... is most likely dead."
"Awaiting your next orders!"
The only reply was silence.
"Five Elders..."
The agent tried to say more—
But Kong stepped forward, picked up the Den Den Mushi, and said,
"This is Kong. Since the mission has failed, suspend all operations."
"The elders are not in a good mood right now. Don't disturb them."
Without waiting for a reply, he hung up.
Then he turned around with a solemn face, saluted the Five Elders, and said,
"The situation is critical. The North Blue Fleet is watching many Member Nations closely."
"The intimidation of the ten leading Member Nations will spread rapidly."
"If left unchecked, this may trigger mass panic and global political unrest."
"However, I believe in your wisdom and the vast foundation of the government. Surely, you have countermeasures in place. I won't take up any more of your time."
With that, he turned sharply and walked toward the exit.
"Kong."
Just as he was about to step through the doors, Saturn's hoarse voice echoed behind him.
"Convey our orders: the Marines are to temporarily suspend all military operations against Rogers Daren and the North Blue fleet."
The smile on Kong's lips disappeared in an instant. He turned, raised his hand, and saluted crisply.
"Yes!"
In front of him were the Five Elders, their faces devoid of expression.
Saturn's grip on his cane tightened, veins bulging visibly across his hands.
"You must understand—this is not us conceding."
Kong nodded.
"I understand fully."
"Rogers Daren is still just an insignificant insect, incapable of causing real upheaval."
"I completely agree."
"This is about honoring the agreement with the Member Nations and ensuring their safety."
"I naturally understand."
"When this is over, you'll come serve within the government. You know we've always held high expectations for you."
"I will do my best."
"..."
"...Then I'll take my leave."
Kong saluted once more, then briskly exited the council chamber.
As he descended the Celestial Stairway, the slight hunch in his back slowly straightened.
The grand statues flanking him no longer seemed intimidating.
His footsteps grew lighter.
He didn't stop until he was completely outside the walls of Pangaea Castle.
There, the man known as "Steel Bone," stood still.
Head bowed.
Silent for a long moment.
His shoulders began to shake.
Until at last, he couldn't hold it in any longer.
He drew in a deep breath, looked up—and burst into unrestrained laughter!
...
New World.
Pleasure District.
Daren had just opened his eyes from the soft silk bed when he saw Stussy's graceful figure seated in front of him.
The Queen of the Pleasure District wore a black lace dress. In her left hand, slender white fingers held a lit cigarette. Her legs were elegantly crossed, the toe of one foot playfully hooking her black peep-toe high heel.
Leaning slightly forward, her expression was a mix of curiosity, confusion, awe, and disbelief as she quietly studied Daren's chiseled features.
"My face can't be that mesmerizing, can it?"
Daren grinned.
Stussy was silent for a beat before asking,
"How did you pull it off?"
She blinked her alluring eyes.
"Just one minute ago, the World Government's entire force withdrew from the North Blue… And it seems Marine Headquarters has even dialed back its efforts to hunt you down."
"You've won, Daren."
Stussy's gaze burned with intensity, her eyes glittering.
"You actually made the Five Elders—the most powerful men in the world—back down for the first time in 800 years."
..
(100 Chapters Ahead)
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