Naval Headquarters — Summit War
The situation at Marineford was shifting rapidly.
With the arrival of reinforcements sent by the World Government's highest authorities, the tides of battle began to turn in favor of the Marines.
The moment the new Seraphim models—exhibiting overwhelming power—made their debut, morale among the Marine elites surged.
With the Seraphim on their side, and the yet-unmoved might of the World Government still waiting in reserve, many believed that even against the combined forces of the Whitebeard Pirates and Fairy Tail's Twin Kings, the Marines could still prevail.
Victory, they thought, was finally within reach.
But then—
Everything changed once again with the sudden appearance of a girl who introduced herself as Vegapunk.
With just a few words from Punk-02 Lilith, seven of the Seraphim instantly turned their backs on the World Government and switched sides—
becoming part of Fairy Tail's fighting force.
"This… this kind of thing…"
"How are we supposed to accept that?!"
"The World Government's strongest weapons…"
"...have become Fairy Tail's allies?!"
"How is that even possible?!"
The entire Marine side erupted in disbelief and outrage. None of them could comprehend the turn of events.
"This is… unavoidable."
Captain Sentomaru, leader of the Marine Science Unit, sighed heavily.
"I'm afraid Commander Kong and the others relied solely on the authority chips to command the Seraphim. But Vegapunk and her satellites possess a higher level of authority that overrides the chips. The superior's orders will always take precedence over the subordinate's. As long as Punk-02 Lilith remains on this battlefield, the World Government can't regain control of the Seraphim."
Hearing this explanation, the Marines' hearts sank further.
"Then… is there any way to take back control?"
Vice Admiral Ghost Spider demanded, his expression dark.
"It's not entirely impossible," Sentomaru replied.
At once, every Marine's attention turned toward him.
"First," Sentomaru explained, "we'd have to neutralize Punk-02 Lilith—the one holding higher authority. If she's incapacitated, she'll automatically lose command over the Seraphim."
As soon as the words left his mouth, the faint hope that had flickered among the Marines was extinguished once more.
If they'd known this earlier, perhaps they could have launched a surprise attack before Lilith asserted control.
But now…
That chance was gone.
Lilith was already aboard the Fairy Tail Mothership, surrounded not only by the seven Seraphim but also by Fairy Tail's most formidable members.
"In addition to that," Sentomaru continued gravely, "there is one other possibility."
"What is it?"
Vice Admiral Flying Squirrel and several others pressed eagerly.
"Someone with higher authority than Vegapunk must appear… and issue direct orders to the Seraphim."
"Higher authority than Vegapunk?"
Vice Admiral Dalmatian frowned in disbelief.
"Vegapunk created the Seraphim himself! How could anyone outrank her in authority?"
"Yes," Sentomaru said, nodding solemnly. "When the Seraphim were first designed, there were five individuals whose authority was set above Vegapunk's."
"Five… people?"
Vice Admiral Onigumo's eyes widened as realization struck.
"Don't tell me you mean—the Five Elders?"
Sentomaru nodded. "Exactly."
"But that's impossible!"
Vice Admiral Doberman exclaimed. "The Five Elders—the supreme rulers of the world—would never lower themselves to appear here in person!"
Yet before he could even finish speaking—
A deep, commanding voice echoed across the battlefield.
"What a troublesome man… But don't think that finding Vegapunk will guarantee your control over the Seraphim."
The voice boomed from within the World Government's ship, drawing every gaze toward it.
Under the harsh glare of the floodlights, a tall man with golden hair and a regal beard slowly stepped into view.
The entire battlefield froze.
"That's… that's one of the Five Elders!!!"
Gasps of disbelief swept through the ranks of Marines, pirates, and reporters alike—
for the world had just witnessed a power that was supposed to remain unseen.
...
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