Holy Land Mary Geoise.
"The methods of Shirogai Yamikuro are too bizarre!"
The Gorosei's faces were solemn.
They had already considered him dangerous, ranking this unknown pirate alongside the Four Emperors despite his short time at sea. But now, after his latest move, they realized they had underestimated him.
From thousands of miles away, Shirogai had demonstrated the ability to harm Celestial Dragons in Mary Geoise itself. And everyone in the room knew—this was just a warning.
If he truly decided to act, the majority of the Celestial Dragons could be wiped out instantly.
At that moment, a knock came from the door.
"Reporting, Five Elders…"
A fully armed guard stepped inside, panic in his voice.
"No need to speak, we already know."
The calm reply of Shepherd Ju Peter Saint eased the guard's nerves slightly.
"An attack on the mind… a troublesome ability," Jaygarcia Saturn muttered, tapping his cane. "Notify those who fainted. They must undergo cleansing in the purification chambers immediately. We cannot risk accidents."
"Yes, Saturn-sama!" The guard bowed deeply before leaving.
The Gorosei exchanged grave glances, speaking telepathically among themselves.
"This man is far too dangerous! His threat level exceeds even the Four Emperors."
"Better to stall him for now. We'll have the Marines track him down and strike when the chance arises."
"No. The risk is too high. What if his threat against Mary Geoise isn't a bluff?"
"Then we halt all actions against the Straw Hat Pirates for now. Imu-sama must decide."
"His existence alone disrupts the balance of the world. Hide it. Keep his bounty at 200 million Berries. Do not increase it again."
"This will conceal his true power and prevent the Four Emperors or the Revolutionary Army from approaching him."
"And what of his bloodline research? If we cannot secure his blood, perhaps the 'green blood' project should proceed instead."
"…Agreed. For now, we abandon pursuit."
A decision was made. The Gorosei would suppress all knowledge of Shirogai, keeping him buried in shadow.
Moments later, the dark golden Den Den Mushi crackled to life again.
"Speak," Shirogai said, his lips curling into a faint smile as Conqueror's Haki gathered around him. The oppressive aura was so strong that even the distant Kizaru trembled.
"Cease all investigations against the Straw Hats," Marcus Mars Saint's indifferent voice replied. "This matter will be erased. But you are forbidden from laying a hand on the World Nobles again. In return, the Warlord agreement is nullified."
Shirogai's grin widened.
"Oh? You want me to ignore your empty threat just now… as if it were nothing more than air?"
Bang!
Jaygarcia Saturn's cane struck the floor. His voice was faint, but sharp as a blade.
"Shirogai Yamikuro, we acknowledge your strength. But remember—you are speaking to the most noble and powerful leaders in the world. Do not test our patience."
Shirogai chuckled, running his fingers across the Den Den Mushi almost mockingly.
"Keep your arrogance. One day, it will be the very tomb that buries you."
The Gorosei fell silent. A long pause followed before the line clicked off.
Shirogai tossed the Den Den Mushi toward Kizaru with a yawn.
"Kizaru, your task is done. Or are you lingering because you want me to buy you a drink?"
"Drinking can wait~~ my duty isn't finished yet." Kizaru tucked the Den Den Mushi inside his coat, his sunglasses hiding a flicker of unease. His voice stretched lazily, but the tension was clear.
"Then, Shirogai, let's hope our paths never cross again."
In the next instant, his body transformed into a streak of golden light, vanishing into the sky.
Shirogai stood among the ruins, gazing over the unconscious pirates scattered on the ground. In the distance, Bellamy lay sprawled in a heap of trash, felled by the weight of Shirogai's Conqueror's Haki.
"The most noble arrogance of the world's so-called rulers… and the lowest arrogance of petty pirates," he muttered with disdain. "But in truth, what difference is there? Celestial Dragons, Bellamy… all of you are the same. Blindly conceited. Frogs in a well, waiting for death."
His smirk grew cold.
"Your world is boring, Celestial Dragons. I'll add some fuel to your fragile order. Let's make things more… entertaining."
…
Meanwhile, in Mary Geoise, the Gorosei stared at the disconnected Den Den Mushi, their expressions darkening.
"A truly arrogant man," Topman Warcury rumbled. "Create a new file. Shirogai Yamikuro—the Plunderer. Danger level: S. Codename: Arrogant Emperor."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"CP0 will search his origins and track down anyone tied to him," another ordered.
"But what if he allies with Whitebeard, Kaido, or Big Mom?" Mars Saint asked coldly.
"Unlikely," Nasujuro scoffed. "The Four Emperors are too proud. They won't bow to another pirate. If anything, a meeting may spark conflict between them. Let it play out."
A flash of cold light shone in one Elder's eyes.
"Then why not send Red-Hair?"
"No," another replied. "Red-Hair has ties to Straw Hat. He will not move."
"Then let nature take its course. Throughout history, many figures have risen and shaken the world… yet in the end, they all fell to their own ambitions."
"Agreed. We wait, watch, and plan. His fall will come."
The chamber fell silent, shadows deepening across the room as the decision was sealed.