Late that night—
Fleet Admiral Kong, roused from sleep by his adjutant, forcibly suppressed his irritation at being disturbed and boarded his flagship to rush toward the Holy Land of Mary Geoise. After switching to a World Government ship on the internal river of the Red Line and enduring a long carriage ride, he finally reached the inner city of Mary Geoise—Pangaea Castle—three hours later.
Despite nearing eighty years of age, Kong showed no signs of frailty or senility. His eyes remained sharp and deep-set, his silver hair styled in an upright mohawk like steel needles. Muscular and broad-chested, his exposed torso bore the chiseled definition of a warrior, and his tanned skin emphasized his imposing physicality. The marshal's cloak, decorated with golden epaulettes, fluttered in the wind, radiating authority.
Standing at the base of the immaculate Heavenly Steps that ascended into the realm of the gods, Kong straightened his back and strode forward. As shadowy CP figures silently observed from the darkness, he climbed with the unyielding force that earned him the moniker "Steel Bone."
After ascending the path, he passed through a tranquil garden and arrived at a modest white villa nestled among flowering trees. Ivy clung to the aging walls, and the sharp spire roof resembled a thrusting blade.
"Fleet Admiral Kong," said two black-suited attendants with white gloves, bowing slightly.
Kong gave a curt nod, inhaled deeply, and pushed open the door.
Inside the villa was a tastefully plain council chamber. A tea set rested on a carved table, steam rising from the freshly brewed pot.
Five old men stood or sat, their auras exuding dominance and unquestionable power—the highest authority in the World Government: the Gorosei (Five Elders).
"Fleet Admiral Kong reporting the Gorosei," Kong said firmly, neither submissive nor arrogant.
He glanced at the Gorosei on the far left—a bald man with a handlebar mustache, a deep scar on his face, dressed in a tailored black suit.
"Congratulations to Saint Topman Warcury on your election to the highest seat of power."
Saint Topman Warcury waved him off with a hoarse voice. "Spare us the pleasantries, Kong. You know exactly why we summoned you."
Kong's tone deepened. "Of course. But first, I must ask: why did you bypass me, the Fleet Admiral, to directly issue a withdrawal order to Admiral Sengoku? The operation to capture Byrnndi World was meticulously planned. Letting this chance slip will bring grave consequences."
"Are you questioning the Government's authority?" Topman Warcury frowned.
"According to protocol, any offense against a Celestial Dragon demands immediate intervention by an Admiral. Saint Shaldes died in the North Blue, and we haven't even held you accountable for the Marines' negligence. Or do you think a Celestial Dragon's life is less important than a pirate arrest?"
A wave of cold, suffocating pressure swept over Kong as the other Gorosei turned their icy gazes toward him. But the Fleet Admiral stood tall.
"The safety of the Celestial Dragons is indeed paramount. But Byrnndi World poses an urgent, escalating threat. His power and ambition rival those who once stood atop the seas. The death of Saint Shaldes, after all, was triggered by World's initial attack."
"World must be stopped for the peace of the seas. If it's a matter of investigation, I can dispatch another officer from Marine Headquarters—"
"And who will you send?" interrupted the blond-haired Gorosei coldly.
A mocking sneer tugged at his lips.
"Of the three official Admirals, Zephyr has retired, and Garp repeatedly refuses promotion. What, will you send Garp to investigate the death of a Celestial Dragon? Or go yourself?"
Kong opened his mouth but could find no reply. The truth was painfully clear.
Zephyr had stepped back long ago after tragedy struck. If not for Kong's insistence and their bond as teacher and student, he might have left the Marines entirely. Though still holding the Admiral rank, Zephyr was devoted solely to the Marine training program.
As for Garp... sending that wild man to investigate a Celestial Dragon's death? He'd likely eat donuts and laugh, shouting, "Serves him right!"
That left only Sengoku as a viable choice.
Kong clenched his fists in frustration.
Byrnndi World was more dangerous than either Whitebeard or Roger in the Marines' assessment. The latter two had strength and influence but didn't attack civilians or towns without cause. Roger, though unpredictable, had once cooperated with the Marines at God Valley. Whitebeard sought only to build his "family" in the New World.
But World? A madman.
His motto: "Destroy all who stand in my way."
He razed towns, attacked civilians and bases, wielding the destructive power of the More More Fruit to destabilize the world order.
They had been so close to stopping him.
Topman Warcury noticed Kong's dark expression and said calmly, "CP agents have infiltrated the World Pirates. Byrnndi World has nowhere left to run."
Kong blinked. Infiltrated?
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, the bald Gorosei dressed in monk's robes and calmly polishing a katana, added, "This meeting is over. We won't waste any more words. The death of a Celestial Dragon strikes at the dignity of the Government. The Marines must provide a full explanation."
"Also... seal all information. This incident must remain confidential."
"...Understood."
Kong knew there was no point arguing further.
Not all Celestial Dragons were sniveling fools. Raised in privilege and entitlement, many were, but some grew into intelligent and capable elites. They received the finest education, trained under the best tutors, and were groomed to take part in the inner workings of the World Government.
Otherwise, a regime ruled by nothing but maniacs would never have lasted eight hundred years.
The Gorosei represented the pinnacle of that elite. Their loyalty to the Celestial Dragons was absolute.
To them, the Celestial Dragons were divine. That was their bottom line. Inviolable and absolute.
And yet... something in that last sentence echoed oddly in Kong's mind.
Seal the information...
---
To be continued...