A piece of news broke — more shocking than ever — laying bare the filth of the World Government.
It revealed that after the Marineford War, the Gorosei themselves had tried to erase the Fourth Admiral, the Reckless Maniac Good. Alone, he had fought against the Gorosei and Commander Kong, and only with Momousagi and Tokikake's help had he escaped Marineford alive.
This had all happened after the Gorosei ordered the broadcast cut — so the world had never known.
Now, with the truth revealed, the world exploded in rage.
If the last report was like tossing grenades into mud, this was a nuclear strike into a lake.
"Why!? Why would the World Government do this!?"
"Good's merits shone like the sun — are you blind!?"
"You dare treat a Marine hero this way!?"
"Damn the Celestial Dragons! Damn the World Government!"
"Serves you right two Gorosei are dead — you brought it on yourselves!"
The world roared with fury.
Good's dazzling record in just one month as Admiral had won countless hearts. That was why the Gorosei dared not admit the truth. His influence was too great.
Even Garp, with the name of D, had been left alone for that very reason. But Good — he was too great a threat to ignore.
For the first time in eight hundred years, people across nations rose in massive protests. The foundations of the Government trembled.
Holy Land Mariejois
In Pangaea Castle's flower chamber, among blossoms and colored glass, a tall, androgynous figure stood cold and sharp.
Before Imu was a sword thrust into the floor, its tip piercing a photograph.
The photo showed Good, smiling like a carefree fool. But that smile, pure and infectious, now made Imu's heart twist with hatred.
"Good…" Imu hissed through clenched teeth, as if the name itself poisoned the air.
Beside it lay the torn photos of Momousagi and Tokikake.
"Not of the D, yet you bring such disaster… very well, then I'll see this storm through to the end."
Imu's gaze grew calm, the icy mask returning.
"How is the situation outside?"
A maid in a black nun-like dress bowed.
"Mariejois is on full lockdown. The Celestial Dragons are forbidden from leaving their halls. However…"
She hesitated. Imu's eyes narrowed.
"Speak."
"After the truth of Good's betrayal spread, many gathered outside demanding answers. They clamor at the gates of the Holy Land."
"Then bury them here," Imu said coldly.
The maid faltered — those outside were nobles and respected citizens, not common rabble. Killing them outright might backfire.
But Imu's tone cut her short:
"Do as I say."
The maid bowed and left. Imu's eyes grew darker.
"This world is already broken. Let it rot further. After I deal with Good, I'll cleanse it anew… As I did eight hundred years ago."
Covering history was always the Government's greatest weapon.
Another maid entered, bowing.
"Imu-sama, the Gorosei request an audience."
Imu did not answer, only turned and walked out.
Pangaea Castle's Grand Hall
Three Gorosei remained. They walked the crimson carpet to the Empty Throne, upon which twenty ancient weapons were embedded, rusting with age.
Imu entered, silent, and ascended to the throne.
The three highest rulers of the world fell to their knees before him.
In the beginning, those twenty blades had been a vow: no single king would rule the world. Authority would be shared.
But centuries had passed, and Imu had broken the pact. The true ruler of the world was him alone.
"Speak," Imu ordered coolly.
The Elders exchanged glances before the Second Elder stepped forward and recounted the entire battle.
Imu's pupils shrank, waves crashing in his heart. He had thought the reports exaggerated, but no — every word was true.
Good had really stood alone against ten Emperor-level powers and over a hundred thousand troops.
Such strength defied the limits of the world.
How could a man in his early twenties reach this level? If he were not stopped, what kind of monster would he become in the future?
Imu forced himself calm.
The Elders pleaded in unison:
"Imu-sama, Good must be eliminated."
"He threatens the Government itself."
"Please… you must personally strike him down."
Imu's lips curved into a cold smile.
"Follow me," he said.
And he led the Gorosei into the hidden depths of Pangaea Castle…
(End of Chapter)
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