Figarland Garling, as the Supreme Commander of the God's Knights, held a status among the Celestial Dragons that was practically on par with the Five Elders.
Although, after being set up twice by Michael, the Five Elders had been forced to exile him to the seas of the New World…
That didn't mean the Five Elders were weaklings crushed in Michael's grasp.
Forced by circumstance to exile Figarland Garling to the New World, they also gave him a chance to play a ruse—a calculated withdrawal from the public eye.
Then, relying on the power of the God's Knights, he began to grow freely on the seas, developing his forces while secretly investigating everything about Michael.
Because the Five Elders had already begun to suspect Michael's identity.
No matter how one looked at it, Michael's methods and the way he handled matters didn't resemble that of a Marine…
Or rather, didn't resemble that of a pure Marine at all.
Not to mention, their intelligence network had detected that Michael not only ventured into the Revolutionary Army's territory but even brazenly entered the territories of the Whitebeard Pirates and the BIG MOM Pirates.
In theory, Marines should be sworn enemies of pirates and the Revolutionary Army. But Michael clearly didn't see it that way. Under his push, he even established a joint front at Fishman Island—the New World's gateway—uniting forces against other pirates.
And as for the Revolutionary Army, he worked with Sengoku to withdraw the Marine main forces from the Four Seas one after another, leaving behind only nominal branches and a few old veterans stationed at the bases.
This… they couldn't comprehend.
So they could only assume one thing—that Michael was actually a plant from another force, inserted into the Marines to drive a wedge between them and the World Government.
After all, Michael's attitude toward the World Government was… complicated.
He was an outstanding talent. So why couldn't he simply be loyal to the World Government?
This was something the Five Elders could not fathom.
And so… though they appeared to yield step by step, with each move Michael made, they placed spies to probe his motives and uncover his true identity.
This entire operation was eventually organized and directed by Figarland Garling.
From the Four Seas to Paradise, from Shimotsuki Village in the East Blue to Alabasta, from Fishman Island to Marine Headquarters, spies from the World Government were everywhere.
Under such a sweeping investigation, they finally made some progress.
They discovered that ever since Michael became Chief Inspector, he often entered the territories of other powers openly.
That wasn't suspicious in itself—Michael's reputation for persuading enemies to surrender and bringing them under his banner was well known throughout the sea.
But before he became Chief Inspector, someone with strange wings, whose face was always obscured, had frequently appeared in those same territories.
When they connected the dots… it was clearly Michael.
Especially the spies hidden within the Revolutionary Army in the Four Seas—those who survived betrayal and infiltration—brought back key information confirming Michael's true allegiance.
Even though eight or nine out of ten of their spies defected and genuinely stayed with the Revolutionary Army, among the raised by the World Government, a few stubbornly loyal fanatics still remained.
They brought back the Revolutionary Army's military training principles…
When compared with the Marines' curriculum, it wasn't just similar—it was identical.
This proved that Michael not only had deep ties with the Revolutionary Army but also held a high position within it.
Figarland Garling's intelligence was a bit delayed in reaching them.
Nusjuro furrowed his brow and said,
"Figarland Garling, Michael's Revolutionary Army identity is already a near-confirmed fact. It's not exactly a top-secret matter."
"Then… do you know what role he plays in the Revolutionary Army?"
Figarland Garling, who had once been sharp-edged, was now calm and smooth after enduring Michael's humiliation and the blow of exile.
Once, he had been like a king. But after being dragged from his throne, his once narrow vision was forced open.
The world wasn't short of those who rise after disgrace—but for such a person to appear among the Celestial Dragons, that was truly surprising.
The Five Elders grew solemn upon hearing his words.
Their most loyal fanatics couldn't reach the core of the Revolutionary Army.
They hadn't expected that after taking over the intelligence network, Figarland Garling would actually uncover this.
Could he truly be some kind of natural-born intelligence prodigy?
"We're all ears," Marcus Mars said with a nod, his long beard hiding the faint smile on his lips.
They still had to show Figarland Garling a basic level of respect…
After all, one couldn't take a ruse too lightly.
"Michael… is one of the founders of the Revolutionary Army. He's their Chief of Staff."
As soon as Figarland Garling said this, the Five Elders froze for a moment…
But strangely, they weren't that surprised.
Unexpected, yes—but also perfectly reasonable.
With Michael's abilities, how could he have been just some ordinary Revolutionary Army officer?
And to spread such a revolutionary military doctrine within the Revolutionary Army, he clearly needed a very high rank.
"It seems… you were already prepared for this," Figarland Garling said with a thoughtful nod, looking at the Five Elders.
"A Chief Inspector of Marine Headquarters… who also serves as the Revolutionary Army's Chief of Staff. He's been dancing under your noses for so long, and only now do you finally uncover his identity. Truly, you're useless."
"Figarland Garling! Watch your tongue!" Saint Jaygarcia Saturn roared and stood up, glaring at him.
"Don't forget—you're no longer a lofty judge! You're an exile!"
"Suit yourselves."
Figarland Garling let out a cold laugh, turned around, and headed for the door.
"This exile is returning to the sea."
His indifferent attitude left the Five Elders stunned.
"This incident has changed Figarland Garling so much…"
"Oh, and one more thing," Figarland Garling turned back just as he was about to step out, "Charlos of the Rosward family… I suggest you investigate his behavior. It's quite entertaining."
With that, Figarland Garling pushed open the door and left the Five Elders' chamber.
The Five Elders exchanged glances, their expressions growing darker.
"Charlos of the Rosward family…"
"Wasn't he… the last survivor of the Celestial Dragons after the Cross Guild massacre?"
"And the one who saved that survivor back then was…"
"Michael!"
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