Holy Land Mariejois.
After receiving Akainu's urgent call, the Five Elders gathered at once, with Kong standing before them.
"Kong," Saint Saturn said sternly, "immediately mobilize all available forces within the Holy Land and move to Marine Headquarters to support the Marines."
Kong frowned slightly. "Five Elders, what exactly happened at Marine Headquarters to warrant such urgency?"
"Kaito has already launched an assault on Marine Headquarters with his full forces," Saint Saturn replied gravely. "Akainu personally called for immediate reinforcement."
Kong's expression changed instantly. "Understood. I will move at once."
He turned to leave, but stopped at the doorway, hesitation flickering across his face.
"Five Elders… you know as well as I do that while there are many powerful individuals in the Holy Land…"
Before he could finish, a golden token shot through the air.
Kong caught it instinctively.
Saint Peter spoke in a measured tone. "With this token, all personnel must obey your command."
"I understand." Kong nodded firmly and strode out.
Once he left, Saint Saturn spoke again. "What now?"
"This situation is already beyond our control," Saint Nusjuro said after a brief pause. "Kaito chose his timing perfectly. The Celestial Dragons are asleep, and even if they comply with Kong's authority, assembling the troops will take at least thirty minutes."
"By the time they reach Marineford," Saint Mars added, "another hour will have passed. Marine Headquarters will already have fallen."
"Are we supposed to stand by and do nothing?" Saint Saturn asked unwillingly.
"Even with Kong's army and our abilities," Saint Nusjuro replied calmly, "it would still take forty minutes to arrive."
"Forty minutes is too long."
Saint Nusjuro continued, "Unless only the five of us, along with Kong, move immediately. Six individuals, no additional forces."
"You should understand," he went on, "Kaito commands four fighters at the level of the Four Emperors. He also has seven combatants comparable to Admirals."
"And the Marines?" Saint Mars said quietly. "Akainu, Kizaru, Garp, Sengoku. Even if we intervene, the outcome would be uncertain."
"And there is Kaito himself," Saint Nusjuro added. "Unless…"
Silence followed.
"…Unless we request His Majesty's involvement."
"Then go," Saint Saturn said decisively. "This is no longer about the Marines alone. The World Government cannot allow Marine Headquarters to be seized."
The Five Elders moved swiftly.
Alarms echoed throughout Mariejois as chaos spread across the Holy Land.
At the rear mountain, the guards had already withdrawn. Without hesitation, the Five Elders pushed open the gates of the grand palace.
"The Five Elders request an audience with His Majesty Im. We apologize for disturbing you so early, but this is urgent."
"Speak."
Im's voice was calm, yet overwhelming. The pressure bore down like mountains, making it difficult for them even to breathe.
Saint Nusjuro spoke quickly. "Kaito has launched a full-scale assault on Marine Headquarters. Marshal Akainu has requested aid."
"The disparity in strength is overwhelming. We must act immediately, but Kaito himself requires your intervention."
"Kaito…" Im murmured. "Again?"
There was faint amusement in Im's tone.
The pressure vanished.
Relief washed over the Five Elders.
"Your Majesty," Saint Nusjuro asked cautiously, "what are your orders?"
"Bring only high level combatants," Im said. "Assemble in the central square within five minutes. As many as possible."
"Yes."
Five minutes later, over forty figures gathered in the square.
Nearly thirty Pacifista stood in formation.
The World Government's foundation revealed itself, terrifying in scale.
A shadow descended from above.
Every head bowed.
"Greetings, Your Majesty Im."
"Move," Im said simply.
Marineford.
Kaito observed the battlefield calmly.
Vice Admiral level engagements had already concluded.
Any cadre unable to end a two on one or three on one battle within minutes would be unworthy of standing beside him.
Whitebeard dominated Akainu completely. The Marine Marshal was battered, bloodied, and barely resembled the symbol of Marine authority he once was.
Garp's battle was little more than a performance. A master of pure physical combat could never be pushed by someone so inexperienced.
Kizaru watched Kuzan warily. If he committed fully, he would be pressed by two Admirals at once.
Only one battlefield was truly violent.
Kaido versus Sengoku.
Their clash eclipsed all others.
Suddenly, Kaito's brow twitched.
A faint pressure tightened around his heart.
At his level, such sensations should not exist.
His gaze sharpened.
"The World Government is coming," he muttered.
Power surged from Kaito and slammed into the ground.
The earth trembled violently.
Cracks spread.
Massive roots erupted from beneath the battlefield, twisting like colossal serpents as they surged toward Sengoku.
Sengoku reacted instantly, forcing Kaido back and unleashing a golden shockwave.
The roots shattered, then regenerated almost immediately, wrapping forward again.
Sengoku's expression changed.
As he prepared another strike, Kaido's attack forced him to redirect.
The collision shook the battlefield.
Cracks split the land.
From those fractures, thicker roots emerged and wrapped around Sengoku's ankles.
"Damn it."
Before he could break free, more roots bound his arms, leaving only his head exposed.
They tightened relentlessly, draining his strength.
Within seconds, Sengoku's face turned pale.
____
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