Marshal Sengoku had always been composed, but today his shoulders looked heavier than ever.
"Times have changed. The Marines need a new leader. It is no longer us old men who should remain in power."
With those words, Sengoku finished speaking and slowly sat down, loneliness evident on his face.
...…
Holy Land, Mariejois
Inside a lavish palace, the Five Elders stood and sat in different positions, each carrying an air of authority that pressed down on the surroundings.
"You have all read Sengoku's letter of resignation," said Saint Saturn. "He recommends Aokiji as the next Fleet Admiral."
"Aokiji? Absolutely not," Saint Nusjuro shook his head. "He is too calm. In this era, with Kaito and others rising, the Marines need a more radical leader. Not someone who hesitates and plans endlessly like Sengoku."
"Sengoku will not agree with that," Saint Peter said with a frown.
"Hmph. Since when do we need Sengoku's permission?" Saint Saturn snorted coldly.
"Regardless, Sengoku has led the Marines for over twenty years," Saint Nusjuro said thoughtfully. "His prestige within the Marines is extremely high. Even though the Marines suffered a devastating defeat this time, his past achievements cannot simply be erased."
"Then let Aokiji and Akainu fight," Saint Saturn said decisively. "Whoever wins becomes the next Fleet Admiral of the Marines."
"Agreed."
"No objections."
"That works."
The other four elders nodded without hesitation.
This was the way of the sea. Strength was respected above all else. When disputes arose, they were settled through power.
After resolving that issue, Saint Saturn spoke again, his expression growing grave.
"Then there is the matter of Kaito. Dealing with him will not be easy."
"You all saw his strength during the live broadcast three days ago," another elder added. "Kong, Sengoku, and the others fought him together. We know their level very well."
"Even if we personally intervene, victory would not come easily," Saint Mars analyzed. "Kaito's strength has already surpassed ours."
"Even with all five of us acting together, we may not be his match," he continued slowly. "Perhaps only our lord could handle him."
"You want to involve the lord?" Saint Saturn asked, awe flickering in his eyes.
"Kaito has made far too much noise," Saint Mars replied. "It is time to inform our lord. I have a premonition. The next time we encounter Kaito, it may be the moment we truly clash with him."
"He already controls territory in the New World," Saint Saturn frowned. "What more could he want?"
"How could he ever be satisfied?" came the reply. "A man's ambition only expands. His goals are far greater than that. His true aim may be to overturn the World Government itself."
"Is that really possible?" Saint Nusjuro asked.
"It is."
"If that is the case," Saint Peter said after a moment of silence, "then we will go and meet our lord."
With the decision made, the Five Elders left the magnificent palace and advanced deeper into Mariejois.
Wherever they passed, all bowed in reverence, even the Celestial Dragons. After all, these five stood at the very pinnacle of power on the sea. They were the shield that allowed others to act without restraint.
As they moved forward, the wide corridors gradually narrowed. At regular intervals stood men dressed in black, their expressions cold and lifeless, like machines built solely for killing.
The Five Elders ignored them completely and continued onward.
Soon, a narrow black staircase appeared before them. The steps were exceptionally solid, all forged from seastone.
They ascended with practiced ease and reached the top, where another grand palace stood.
The structure was enormous, built with blue stone and white jade, resembling an ancient royal hall.
At the entrance, two massive seastone pillars rose skyward, carved with dragons and phoenixes so vivid they seemed alive.
Pushing open the white jade doors, the Five Elders exchanged glances and walked inside.
A long red carpet stretched from the entrance deep into the palace. Though vast, the hall felt eerily empty, and the sound of their footsteps echoed clearly.
At the center stood a towering red staircase. At its peak sat a shadowy figure, their features obscured. Beside the throne were two jade carvings, a green dragon on one side and a red phoenix on the other, each exquisitely lifelike.
The throne itself was crafted from the rarest warm jade in the world, cool in summer and warm in winter, said to slow the aging of those who sat upon it.
Legend claimed that a piece no larger than a thumb could sell for ten Berries. Such jade had once been tribute for the Celestial Dragons, yet here it was fashioned into a seat. This alone spoke of the being's status.
Every other ornament in the palace was equally priceless, each worth at least ten Berries. Compared to this place, other royal palaces were nothing more than pale imitations.
"My lord," the Five Elders said in unison as they dropped to their knees. "We greet Lord Im."
"What is it?" a calm yet imposing voice echoed from above. It was unmistakably feminine.
"Reporting to Lord Im," Saint Mars said respectfully. "A man named Kaito has recently risen on the seas…"
He recounted everything, from Kaito's first appearance to his conquest of the New World and the annihilation of Kong, Sengoku, and the others.
"Kaito…" Im murmured. "Seizing the New World and slaughtering Marine legends. Interesting. Very interesting."
The Five Elders lowered their heads even further, nearly touching the floor.
"We have failed in our duties," they said together.
"Enough," Im replied, sounding bored. "Handle it yourselves. If you truly cannot manage it, then inform me."
"Yes, my lord."
The Five Elders slowly backed away, not turning around until they reached the doors, then departed together.
Once they were gone, silence returned to the vast hall.
"Kaito," Im said softly, amusement lacing her voice. "I hope you can bring me some entertainment."
...…
Back in their own palace, the Five Elders sat in silence for a long time before Saint Saturn finally spoke.
"Since Lord Im has entrusted this matter to us, we proceed as before."
"Agreed," Saint Peter said.
"First, settle the Marines. Inform Sengoku. Aokiji and Akainu will fight, and the victor becomes the next Fleet Admiral."
"And once the Marines are dealt with," Saint Saturn continued, "we turn our attention to Kaito."
"Good."
"Seconded."
The others nodded in agreement.
...…
Marine Headquarters, Conference Room
Kong concluded a lengthy speech summarizing the Marines' disastrous defeat. The assembled officers listened in silence.
Suddenly, the ringing of a Den Den Mushi cut through the room.
Sengoku pulled out the transponder snail, his earlier embarrassment vanishing as his expression turned solemn.
"Commander in Chief Kong," he said quietly, "it is the Five Elders."