Mary Geoise, the Hall of Power. Here, comfort was in short supply compared to what Ritter had enjoyed.
The Five Elders sat around the round table, the atmosphere so heavy it felt as if water could drip from it.
(Ritter: Ah yes, yes, you drip water every day, you water ** the author quickly covers Ritter's mouth Brother, my dear brother, don't say that, or you'll be sent to the little black room.)
On the surveillance feed, Zambaron Rizzan Steel Saint, still cosplaying his "Polar Sacred Shield," spun endlessly on the screen.
The Five Elders gathered to watch the footage in the crystal orb. As they observed Ritter lashing Zambaron until his skin split and bloodied flesh was exposed, the Financial God Nasuro Steel Saint's fists clenched and crackled.
"Outrageous!" Nasuro's beard bristled with fury. "How dare he humiliate my nephew like this!"
The Scientific Defense God Satan Saint pushed up his glasses. "Each lash from Ritter avoided the vital points. This isn't punishment; it's… a performance."
"A performance for whom?" Environmental God Volruli Saint sneered. "For us?"
Legal God Peter Saint flipped through his files. "Isn't it obvious? We tried to teach him a lesson. If he had behaved, he wouldn't be… Ritter."
"Enough!" Agricultural God Mas Saint slammed his hand on the table. "Discussing this is pointless. The real concern is how we respond tomorrow!"
Nasuro's face darkened. "I propose deploying the Divine Knight Corps!"
"You should be calm, not reckless," Satan Saint said sharply, lifting his head. "Starting a battle in Mary Geoise? Do you realize the area Ritter's blood mist can cover? From Shabody to the outskirts of the Holy Land, his blood mist can extend that far. That he didn't let it spread further into the Holy Land is already generous. Even covering the Holy Land fully would be instantaneous for him."
The hall fell silent. The crystal orb froze on Ritter's haughty declaration: "We'll go tomorrow."
"Has Lord Im been notified?" Peter Saint asked quietly.
Volruli shook his head. "His Lordship said… wait a little longer."
"Wait for what? Until he beats every Celestial Dragon in Mary Geoise?" Nasuro roared.
Satan Saint suddenly chuckled. "Actually… this might not be a bad thing."
All eyes turned to him.
"Think about it," Satan Saint's lenses gleamed coldly. "Zambaron Rizzan Steel Saint is a complete idiot. What else does he do besides causing trouble? Ritter just disciplined him, and in doing so, saved us a lot of work and gave your family a large share of heavenly prestige."
"Agreed," chorused four voices.
"What do we do next?" Nasuro's expression suddenly calmed, as if his earlier hysteria hadn't been his.
"More importantly," Satan Saint continued, "the more reckless Ritter becomes, the more it shows he feels untouchable. What we should really worry about is the source of his backing…"
Mas Saint pondered. "You mean… remnants of the Roger Pirates?"
"Or worse," Peter Saint said gravely, "Whitebeard, Big Mom, Kaido… even the Revolutionary Army."
Another silence fell over the room. Finally, Volruli sighed. "Then… we deal with it tomorrow. Tonight, strengthen the Holy Land's defenses."
Volruli continued. "We also need to adjust our approach to Shanks."
"Because of Ritter?" Nasuro asked.
Volruli nodded. "Exactly. With Ritter involved, and Shanks as the intermediary, our relationship with Ritter will naturally improve."
"As for Nasuro's nephew," Satan Saint cast a glance at his colleague, "send him to the medical chambers, and use the finest medicine. Remember…" He spoke meaningfully, "keep his mouth shut."
Nasuro nodded, outwardly unconcerned.
The next day, Ritter arrived as expected, fashionably late.
The grand doors slowly opened. Ritter strode in, his crimson cloak billowing like a living shadow. He surveyed the room, eyes settling on the Five Elders, and grinned broadly. "Well, well! Looking well, my old friends! Have you missed me? Oh, Satan! That beard is stylish new model, huh?"
Satan Saint internally cursed the "latest beard model."
The Five Elders made no move to respond, but Ritter paid them no mind.
He strode directly to the central seating area and patted Satan Saint's shoulder. "Step aside, brother. Make room for me, and I promise to be cordial." Satan's eyes flickered coldly but he silently moved over.
This U-shaped sofa had Satan's usual seat near the center, the coveted C position. With Satan stepping aside, Ritter claimed the main seat, directly facing Shanks.
Ritter flopped down among the Five Elders, legs crossed. "Don't mind me. I'm just accompanying my little brother." He snapped his fingers. "Make room for him, folks. Zero consideration for others, really makes me worry about you all."
Legal God Peter Saint's mouth twitched, but he gestured for servants to bring a delicate fruit platter. Ritter casually plucked a cloudberry and popped it into his mouth. "Hmm, sweeter than yesterday."
Shanks stifled a laugh and sat casually in the chair opposite. "Hello, everyone."
Environmental God Volruli Saint forced a smile. "Did you both rest well last night? Was the environment comfortable?"
"Fair enough," Ritter replied, legs still crossed. "Just some minor issues with the hot spring towels. Next time, make sure that's arranged." He snapped his fingers. "Oh, and the fruit platter poor presentation."
The servants scrambled, and Nasuro's face darkened further than a blackened cauldron.
Satan Saint adjusted his glasses, deciding to get straight to the point. "Shanks, actually, we invited you here because of your heritage…"
"Huh?" Shanks tilted his head. "My heritage?"
Peter Saint cleared his throat. "You are a descendant of the Figland family. Forty years ago, during the Divine Valley Incident, you were… taken by… well, Ritter." He shot Ritter a sharp glare.
Shanks blinked innocently. "Oh, really?"
The Five Elders froze. Mas Saint slammed his palm on the table. "You're a Celestial Dragon! A descendant of the creators!"
"Wow!" Shanks exaggeratedly opened his mouth, turning to Ritter. "Big brother, am I that impressive?"
Ritter tossed another grape into his mouth, rolling his eyes. "Impressive? Pfft. Just a bunch of reincarnating fools."
"Ritter!" Nasuro finally lost control. "Watch your words!"
"So what?" Ritter's eyes gleamed red. "Wanna fight?"
The hall went tense in an instant.
Shanks suddenly burst out laughing. "Hahaha, calm down, gentlemen." He stood, spinning his straw hat on his finger. "Even if I really am a Celestial Dragon… so what?"
Peter Saint spoke up. "You could return to the Holy Land! With your strength and reputation, and the privileges of your lineage, you could join the Divine Knight Corps, become the most esteemed figure in the world, even rule the seas with ease!"