Truth be told, Michael had always maintained a "don't provoke me and I won't provoke you" attitude toward Enies Lobby.
Although Enies Lobby held considerable judicial authority, its actual influence was rather limited.
Neither the Marines nor the World Government paid much attention to Enies Lobby under normal circumstances.
In most cases, when the Marines captured pirates or the World Government apprehended criminals, they handled the matters themselves.
Only in rare instances requiring formal procedures would prisoners be sent to Enies Lobby for Judgement.
This so-called "Judgement" was merely a formality—a predetermined verdict read aloud for show.
In a way, the numerous judges at Enies Lobby had never truly judged a single person.
For the World Government and the former Marine leadership, they were simply tools to showcase the majesty of political rule!
Once someone entered Enies Lobby, there was no investigation of truth, no proper trial process.
They were simply sent to Impel Down for imprisonment or execution.
Speaking of which, by the original rules, Gol D. Roger should have been executed at Impel Down too.
But to maximize the impact of his execution, the World Government ultimately chose Loguetown in East Blue after much deliberation.
Since Roger was from Loguetown, executing him at the place where it all began and ended would leave a lasting impression.
Except...
They and Roger had the same idea.
This incident had left Enies Lobby feeling humiliated for years...
Now, they probably couldn't take it anymore.
After all, as professional judges, even if they didn't necessarily aspire to fair and impartial justice...
They didn't want to keep being used as the World Government's pawns either!
So when Michael brought Tom to Enies Lobby and formally filed a lawsuit with an official, by-the-book attitude to reopen Tom's case...
The judges immediately cast aside the pressure from the Five Elders and CP agents, promising to hold a proper trial in three days.
This development immediately stirred up the CP agents stationed at Enies Lobby.
One who appeared to be a high-ranking officer stood up and approached the Chief Justice.
"Chief Justice! I believe this matter requires careful consideration... There are still many unresolved questions about Tom's case. The CP organization hasn't completed its investigation. How can you proceed with a trial?"
Chief Judge Baskerville's appearance featured three distinct heads on a single body, though in reality, it was three individuals stacked together, seemingly symbolizing the concept of the "Trinity."
Despite his bizarre appearance, his authority over all of Enies Lobby was irreplaceable.
Baskerville frowned, then glared at the domineering CP organization officer before him.
"You... what do you think you are? Even the head of the entire CP organization should bow in greeting when meeting me... Apart from the commanders of CP1 through CP8, no one else has the right to speak to me directly! So do you understand now? Just how lenient I usually am with you?"
When a mild-mannered man suddenly loses his temper, it's always fierce and abrupt.
The triumphant Chief Judge watched the CP officer, who was at a loss for words, feeling immensely satisfied.
The CP organization had often relied on the backing of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons to act arrogantly toward him.
"However, I will consider what you've said... Whether it's the opinion of the World Government or the Marine, both serve as reference points for Enies Lobby."
"Now, I declare: Plaintiff, the World Government; Defendant, Tom of Water Seven!"
"In three days, the families will be present, evidence prepared, and the trial will commence immediately."
...
Once the trial date was set, it was like hurling a meteor into a sea that appeared calm on the surface but churned with undercurrents.
The CP organization—these dinosaurs—were practically being roasted alive over the flames!
A small place like Enies Lobby had set the entire world into turmoil.
And as the author of the world's most widely circulated newspaper, the World Economic Journal, "Big News" Morgans naturally wouldn't let this event slip by...
Most importantly, Michael had personally called him via Den Den Mushi, emphasizing that he must attend the trial and recount every minute detail in his report.
Honestly, when Morgans received that call from Michael, the bird nearly burst into tears.
In the past, whenever a major story worth sensationalizing arose, the World Government or the Marine would typically warn Morgans to keep his beak in check.
Either with threats or bribes.
Though Morgans always feigned compliance, he still felt somewhat stifled.
But this was the first time he'd encountered...
Someone encouraging him to report freely!
"Just you wait, Michael! This old bird will stake every last feather to make sure this becomes the biggest, hottest event in years!"
No sooner had he hung up the Den Den Mushi than Morgans, brimming with ambition, heard another flurry of calls.
"Boss! Trouble! It's the World Government! The World Government is calling too!"
"Look at you, panicking like that!" Morgans declared resolutely.
"Turn them down! Tell them Morgans is going to write the most earth-shattering report in history this time!"
"But... but the World Government says the Five Elders want to speak to you personally!"
"The Five Elders? At this point, even if their ancestors rose from the grave and stood by my bedside saying, 'Tone it down or we'll take you away,' I wouldn't back down!"
****
"Damn it! Even that news-writing bird Morgans has turned us down!"
Saturn, one of the Five Elders viciously flung the Den Den Mushi aside.
"Saturn, you're being too impulsive. This isn't the attitude we need right now..."
"Nusjuro, I don't need your reminders."
****
"Do you know why the Five Elders are so anxious?" Sengoku stood at the bow of the warship, with Borsalino by his side.
Kuzan and Sakazuki had each gone their separate ways—one leading a team to inspect the ship, the other fishing at the stern...
Both simply found it awkward to face each other, preferring to stay out of sight.
Only the ever-calm Borsalino remained beside Sengoku.
"Probably... because both the Marine and Enies Lobby, which should have been their spear and shield, have started getting restless lately?"
"Because the Reverie, held once every four years... is about to convene."
A knowing smile crossed Sengoku's face.
"The World Government has grown too complacent recently, leading many member nations to question its authority and status..."
"They need to stabilize morale, to set up a target to divert attention outward."
"And Michael is that target... What they don't realize is..."
"This target has wings and is about to soar into the heavens."
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