Want to read ahead? Join my Patreon for only $7 to get early access to upcoming chapters!
> > Patreon.com/inkshield <<
----------------------------------------------------------
Chapter 15
"Jaygarcia Saturn Saint."
Imu's unfathomable gaze coldly settled on the Five Elder with white curly hair, a fluffy white beard, a flat hat, and a scar across his left face.
"Imu-sama, this subordinate is here!"
Jaygarcia Saturn Saint, this particular Five Elder, prostrated himself on the ground, head buried, crawling forward a few steps in utter humility, and immediately responded with extreme caution.
"You will go."
"Remember—" "Do not easily expose your identity!"
"Yes! Imu-sama!"
Immediately after, Imu shifted her unfathomable gaze onto the other four Five Elders.
"You will issue orders to completely blockade Sabaody Archipelago!" "No one is allowed to enter or leave!" "Additionally, keep strict watch over the Four Emperors' forces. Prevent any of them from leaving the New World during this period!"
The four Five Elders prostrated on the ground felt an unprecedented level of pressure.
They immediately responded with utmost respect and submission:
"Yes! Imu-sama."
Then, as if suddenly recalling something, Imu continued indifferently:
"First, arrange for people to go to Fish-Man Island." "Invite Princess Shirahoshi to come and reside in Holy Land Mary Geoise."
"Yes, Imu-sama."
The four Five Elders responded once more.
They instantly understood the implication.
Fish-Man Island lies directly beneath Sabaody Archipelago. Imu-sama was clearly worried that the Giant Empire might make contact with Fish-Man Island first.
After all, the Giant Empire's ambition was terrifying— openly inviting countless races, countless nations, countless factions to join it.
How could Imu-sama possibly allow such a thing to happen?!
However, one point puzzled them: Princess Shirahoshi of Fish-Man Island… seemed to hold special value in Imu-sama's eyes.
Not only would controlling her certainly prevent any contact between Fish-Man Island and the Giant Empire… Imu-sama had deliberately chosen the word "invite".
The Five Elders always pondered deeply over every single word Imu-sama spoke— to avoid misunderstanding and committing low-level mistakes.
Afterward… The Five Elders respectfully bowed their heads and withdrew from the Empty Throne hall.
Only once outside did they finally feel as though a heavy burden had been lifted.
But for them, the time ahead would be even more urgent.
Jaygarcia Saturn Saint immediately set out for Sabaody Archipelago, searching for an opportunity to assassinate Tian Chen the Great Emperor.
The other four Five Elders began dividing tasks: Arranging several CP0 agents to head to Fish-Man Island and "invite" Princess Shirahoshi to reside in Holy Land Mary Geoise.
They issued orders to Commander-in-Chief Kong, commanding Marine Headquarters to enforce a full blockade of Sabaody Archipelago, and to trap the Four Emperors' forces entirely within the New World— preventing any movement into or out of the Grand Line.
They also mobilized the strongest intelligence agencies to monitor every move of the world's major powers, guarding against any secret dealings between the Giant Empire and other factions.
Imu returned deep into the Room of Flowers.
She elegantly sat before a towering mirror.
With a graceful hand, she removed the veil covering her face, revealing an exquisitely peerless countenance.
If anyone else saw it, they would surely lose their soul in an instant.
Even without the Empress's Sweet-Sweet Fruit ability, her breathtaking, world-overturning beauty alone could topple kingdoms and shatter hearts!
"Hmph!"
Imu's red lips parted slightly as she murmured to herself:
"In this world… there actually exists someone I do not understand." "What an impressive Tian Chen the Great Emperor!" "But sooner or later… you will never escape… from the palm of my hand…"
Imu rose.
Her garments slowly slid to the floor.
Stepping with a pair of snow-white, beautiful feet, she softly walked toward a steaming, mist-shrouded hot spring pool.
...
At Marine Headquarters…
Fleet Admiral Sengoku received the major directive from Kong.
He immediately assigned Admiral Kizaru to carry out a full blockade of Sabaody Archipelago.
Kizaru, who had been casually clipping his nails while slacking off on duty, suddenly shuddered violently.
He bolted upright, mouth twitching, face filled with horror as he protested:
"Fleet Admiral… I suddenly remembered there's a very important matter I need to attend to in the New World… what do you think?"
Kizaru absolutely did not want to take on the Sabaody mission.
Not only would there be zero chance to slack off— Sabaody itself was currently a scorching hot potato.
The Tian Chen the Great Emperor inside was unfathomably deep. If he truly angered the man… Kizaru would almost certainly be the first one to get beaten!
Sengoku placed a heavy hand on Kizaru's shoulder and spoke solemnly:
"No need to worry." "This Fleet Admiral understands." "That's why I'm assigning you several capable helpers!" "Vice Admiral Momousagi, Vice Admiral Chaton, and Sentomaru are all under your command!" "You can also freely mobilize the Pacifistas."
Kizaru listened. The lineup wasn't bad— two experienced Vice Admiral candidates.
But after thinking it over carefully, he still didn't want the responsibility. Pretending to be lazy, he drawled:
"Fleet Admiral… assigning such a major mission to me feels a little inappropriate. How about letting someone else take it?" "Akainu and Aokiji are both sitting around bored right now!" "Fleet Admiral, aren't you going to take care of them at all?"
Sengoku, of course, knew Kizaru's true nature.
He patted Kizaru's shoulder again, but his gaze darkened slightly.
"That's enough. The blockade of Sabaody Archipelago must be handled by you." "Akainu and Aokiji both have other major missions to carry out." "It's decided!"
Sengoku naturally had his reasons for this decision.
He believed that only someone like Kizaru—who loved to slack off and avoid responsibility— was suitable for handling the current "hot potato" that was Sabaody.
If Akainu or Aokiji were assigned instead… He wouldn't feel at ease.
Akainu was too self-assured, too hardline— the type to cause unnecessary trouble.
Aokiji was responsible, yes, but he lacked the "slacking" mindset, was too straightforward, and completely lacked Kizaru's cunning and flexibility.
After all… Sabaody Archipelago was now an extremely hot potato. Even the World Government couldn't do anything about Tian Chen the Great Emperor inside.
How could Marine Headquarters possibly force their way through?
For the sake of Marine Headquarters' own interests… They really needed someone like Kizaru—who preferred "one less thing to worry about"—to handle it.
Kizaru: "..."
He couldn't help but complain inwardly:
This is terrifying… Forcing such a scorching mission onto me.
Fine, fine. Don't blame me then— This time I'm really going to slack off hard for you all!
...
Want to read ahead? Join my Patreon for only $7 to get early access to upcoming chapters!
> > Patreon.com/inkshield <<
----------------------------------------------------------