Kong, the former Fleet Admiral and current Commander-in-Chief of the World Government, along with Sengoku, the current Fleet Admiral, understood the temperament of the Five Elders better than most.
Before a clear victor emerged, the bald monk would never let Lin Xuan leave.
Especially Kong—he knew full well that the monk had come this time for one purpose: to eliminate Lin Xuan, who had already become a threat to the World Government.
Now that Lin Xuan had returned, there could only be one explanation—that man had lost!
At this realization, both Kong and Sengoku's expressions twisted in shock.
Even that man couldn't stop Lin Xuan… Just how strong is this young man?!
The ninjas from the other world, having already witnessed the battle's outcome through the earlier broadcast, were still reeling from the sheer power Lin Xuan had displayed.
Once they snapped out of it, only one thought remained in their minds:
As expected of someone who could summon us through Edo Tensei into another world. His strength is truly monstrous.
As for the Marines, most were still confused.
Only a handful had begun piecing things together. The earlier battle had been earth-shaking, but the distance made it impossible to see clearly.
Now, with Lin Xuan standing before them and the mysterious ally nowhere in sight, they could guess the outcome.
However, since they didn't know the identity of the man who had fought Lin Xuan, their shock was limited.
Finally, Kong couldn't hold back any longer. He roared, "Lin Xuan! Where is that man?!"
At his words, the battlefield fell silent.
Every gaze turned to Lin Xuan, waiting for his answer.
Several Marine Vice Admirals perked up, realizing that if even Kong addressed the old man with such reverence, his identity must be extraordinary.
Lin Xuan glanced at Kong, his tone casual, as if discussing the weather.
"I killed him."
Killed him.
The words sent a shockwave through the battlefield.
Kong and Sengoku's faces paled, their eyes widening in disbelief.
Since the bald monk had concealed his identity, the others didn't know who he was—but those two did.
Their first reaction?
Impossible.
"You're lying!" Kong bellowed. "There's no way you could've killed that man! He was—!"
He cut himself off abruptly.
"He was what?" Lin Xuan smirked.
Kong's expression darkened. He remembered that the monk had wanted his identity kept secret. Revealing it now would only shatter the already crumbling morale of the Marines.
Gritting his teeth, he spat, "That man's strength was beyond measure!"
"Really? Seemed pretty average to me," Lin Xuan shrugged. "My Chibaku Tensei only reached two kilometers in diameter before he couldn't handle it anymore."
He shook his head in mock disappointment.
"Though, I'll admit, he did give me a decent warm-up. Not bad, I suppose."
Stretching his neck, he looked like someone who'd just finished a light workout.
Kong nearly exploded with rage at the sheer audacity.
Arrogant bastard!
Was this kid insane?
Who in their right mind would call a Five Elder's strength average? Not even a Yonko would dare say something like that!
Sengoku, however, was lost in thought.
After dealing with Lin Xuan for so long, he could tell the young man was deliberately provoking Kong.
But something in Lin Xuan's demeanor made him wonder—was there truth to his words?
A chill ran down Sengoku's spine.
Could he really have… killed a Five Elder?
The idea alone was terrifying.
If true, the world would be shaken to its core.
"No… impossible!" Kong suddenly roared. "That man couldn't have been killed so easily! You're just trying to demoralize us!"
The Marines, seeing their normally unshakable Commander-in-Chief so agitated, were stunned.
Kong had always been seen as an immovable pillar of justice—calm, steadfast, and unwavering.
Many of the older Vice Admirals, who had served under him in the past, knew this better than anyone.
His reaction now told them one thing—that bald old man's identity was no small matter.
Lin Xuan, however, seemed bored by Kong's outburst.
"Believe what you want."
With that, he vanished, reappearing on his wooden ship.
As he settled back into his seat, Conis asked nervously, "Lin Xuan… are you alright?"
He smiled. "I'm fine. Don't worry."
Then, his gaze shifted to Boa Hancock across from him.
"Well, Empress? Convinced now?"
Hancock's eyes shimmered, never leaving his face.
"You truly killed that man?" she asked.
Lin Xuan nodded. "Of course. I don't lie."
The Pirate Empress's heart pounded.
Though she had suspected it, hearing him confirm it so casually was staggering.
At first, she thought he was just taunting Kong. But now… it seemed he meant every word.
And that realization shook her to the core.
As a Warlord, she knew more than the average pirate—including fragments of the World Government's hierarchy.
From Kong's reaction, she had already guessed the bald man's identity.
Which was why her shock ran even deeper.
This man… even dares to kill a Five Elder?!
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T/N:
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