Mary Geoise, Hall of Power
"Hah, Dragon actually managed to defeat that Slave King. None of us thought it was likely, did we?" Shepherd Ju Peter Saint chuckled self-deprecatingly as he shook the intelligence report in his hand.
The report stated that King Taklama had been officially arrested by the Marines and was being transported to Enies Lobby for trial.
As for the soldiers of the Slave Guard Legion, although they were controlled by the abilities of the Pet-Pet Fruit, they had still caused casualties among the Marines and thus could not be released without punishment. They were also being detained.
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro Saint, holding his First Generation Kitetsu, glanced over expressionlessly and said, "Don't include me in that. I said back then that since this was Lord Imu's decision, there would be no issues."
"Indeed, in the end, we mere mortals cannot fully comprehend the foresight of Lord Imu. It's best to keep our little doubts to ourselves from now on," Marcus Mars Saint said with a cheerful laugh.
On the other side, Jaygarcia Saturn Saint shook his head and said, "It's not exactly 'little doubts.' On the surface, Dragon's strength was significantly weaker compared to King Taklama. It was only natural for us to have concerns."
"Foreseeing the future is something we know isn't uncommon among high-level fighters, but that's usually limited to a few seconds. Lord Imu's ability to seemingly observe the entire river of time is truly unheard of—it's nothing short of a divine miracle!"
Sitting in the center, Topman Warcury Saint, who oversaw the entire Government Affairs Office, gazed upward with fervor. Though there was only the ornate Crystal Chandeliers and the ceiling above, his reverent gaze seemed to pierce through everything, looking up toward the Chamber of the Moon at the very top.
Shepherd Ju Peter Saint nodded and said, "From this perspective, Lord Imu intends to put Garp's son to good use. But with the three Admiral candidates already decided, how should he be arranged?"
"Hmph, if Lord Imu wishes it, he can simply replace one of them. It's a trivial matter," Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro Saint said dismissively, treating it as a minor issue.
The other four exchanged subtle glances, shaking their heads inwardly. This man was, as always, either ignorant of politics or simply uninterested in it.
"As for Dragon, I'm sure Lord Imu has his own considerations. Let's not waste our energy speculating," Topman Warcury Saint said, looking at the intelligence report in his hand before continuing.
"The Kingdom of Tuthmose has been officially stripped of its status as a member nation. The Administrative Department is organizing fleets from various South Blue countries to disperse and resettle the hundreds of thousands of slaves on the island. Afterward, the Marines will be responsible for returning them to their homelands."
"Interestingly, these rescued slaves, when questioned by reporters from major newspapers, have expressed strong goodwill toward the World Government and the Marines."
Marcus Mars Saint, after listening, added, "The news of the Slave King's arrest is undoubtedly drawing attention from all sides. Without a doubt, the next issue of the newspapers will feature this as the headline. However, this also means the World Government's intentions are now laid bare. The royal families and nobles of various countries are unlikely to remain quiet."
It's important to note that the bulk of the slave trade isn't driven by the Celestial Dragons, but rather by the noble classes of various kingdoms, big and small. Getting them to willingly release their slaves is akin to seizing their property, and the difficulty of this task is certainly not insignificant.
"Hmph, what can they do even if they're restless? The agenda for this Levely was personally set by Lord Imu, which means it will undoubtedly pass smoothly. Once the agenda is approved, they'll have no choice but to comply!"
"Disobey? Resist? The bridge in the East Blue isn't finished yet!"
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro Saint once again made an extremely forceful statement, his cold gaze sending chills down one's spine.
"That's true. Even if it causes quite a stir, we can always replace the royal families of those countries," Topman Warcury Saint nodded in agreement.
The conversation among the Five Elders ultimately revolved around this Levely.
As for the demotion and transfer of Captain Harros from the South Blue's 194th Branch, as well as the commanders of the 242nd and 289th Marine Branches being arrested and sent to Enies Lobby along with King Taklama on charges of collusion, bribery, and secretly informing the king—these matters were too trivial to even mention.
"By the way, how's the plan to fabricate Roger's treasure coming along?" Topman Warcury Saint asked Shepherd Ju Peter Saint, who smiled and replied, "Although the process was a bit troublesome, CP6 did a decent job this time. It's been handled without any major issues. Now we just need to 'find' it and bring it back."
The former nodded, understanding Shepherd Ju Peter Saint's meaning. The situation in the New World is far too complex, and pulling off a deception there while maintaining complete secrecy is no easy feat.
"How much treasure was planted?" Jaygarcia Saturn Saint asked curiously from the side.
Since the Holy Land Treasury and vaults are under the jurisdiction of the Government Affairs Office, it's clear just how vast the authority of the Government Affairs Office is.
Topman Warcury Saint smiled faintly.
"Not much, just enough to fill two large cargo ships. To ensure it's impactful, there's no cash—it's all gold and jewels!"
Hearing this, the other four Elders twitched their lips.
According to the plan, they needed to gather this 'found' One Piece together and broadcast it live to the world via Image Snails.
What kind of spectacle would such a massive amount of treasure create? "The whole world is going to be amazed. I wonder what the expressions of Roger's crew will be like when they see it," Shepherd Ju Peter Saint laughed heartily.
At that moment, Marcus Mars Saint noticed a maid tiptoeing over. Seeing her, the other four stopped their laughter and turned their attention to her.
"His Lordship has instructed me to inform you that he will be taking a walk around the area. If there's anything urgent, please contact him directly via Den Den Mushi."
Hearing this, the Five Elders looked somewhat surprised. After the maid respectfully turned and left, Topman Warcury Saint stroked his chin and said, "It seems Lord Imu is truly feeling restless after being so still."
"That's only natural. In fact, it's more surprising that he's remained in seclusion for hundreds of years," Marcus Mars Saint remarked.
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro Saint pondered for a moment before voicing his speculation, "I believe it might be related to the prophecy Lord Imu mentioned—the great war and rebellion that could threaten our rule twenty-four years from now. It's certainly significant enough to alarm him."
"What about the flying vehicle Lord Imu mentioned earlier?" Jaygarcia Saturn Saint inquired.
"We've already devised a solution and are working on it. Rest assured, we won't disappoint him!" Marcus Mars Saint replied with a confident smile.
"That's good to hear!"
Topman Warcury Saint seemed satisfied with the response and then turned to Shepherd Ju Peter Saint, asking, "Have you selected the CP personnel to accompany us?"
"Yes. Since Lord Imu requested only one CP member, I was quite troubled for a few days. Fortunately, I managed to choose an exceptionally qualified candidate the day before yesterday," Shepherd Ju Peter Saint replied, visibly relieved.
"Male or female?"
"Female, and quite beautiful. Of course, the most important thing is that her background is clear, and her abilities are solid."
At this point, Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro Saint interjected, "I've heard the Navy's accompanying personnel is also a woman. I've reviewed her profile, and her swordsmanship is quite impressive."
"So, with the two maids responsible for daily tasks..."
Jaygarcia Saturn Saint stroked the texture of his cane and asked with concern, "Isn't the combat strength a bit too weak?"
In response, Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro Saint chuckled and said, "What kind of 'combat strength' in this world could possibly threaten Lord Imu?"