Imu did not issue a kill order for this matter.
"Calm yourself, Saint Saturn."
The one who spoke was Saint Nusjuro, God of Finance. He rested the tip of his long blade against the polished floor, his tone steady and measured.
"A useful puppet was destroyed, nothing more. Killing two equally useful Marine Admirals would be wasteful. It is better to simply order the Marine to stop privately investigating the statues connected to Imu."
Saint Saturn, God of Defense, narrowed his eyes. His voice was cold, sharp with hostility.
"And if those two troublesome Admirals have already noticed something? What if they begin entertaining thoughts of betrayal?"
His gaze darkened.
"We cannot afford the Marine slipping beyond our control again. Have you forgotten the mutiny that occurred in the past? That was a warning. They are insects who died once at Marineford and crawled back to life, mistaking survival for awakening."
A sneer twisted his lips.
"A group of fools who tasted death once and believe they can now challenge the Celestial Dragons who have ruled for centuries."
Saint Warcury, God of Law, spoke next, his massive mustache shifting slightly as his expression remained indifferent.
"Admiral Silver Serpent and Admiral Issho cannot be eliminated yet. The first formal meeting with the Sky Island Alliance will take place in just over twenty days. The World Government still requires their strength to deter the world."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"After the meeting, CP0 will investigate them thoroughly. If betrayal is confirmed, then they will be eliminated. At worst, another world conscription can be carried out."
"They are nothing more than insects in Imu-sama's eyes," Saint Warcury added flatly.
"What truly matters is the stability of the Mother Flame."
Saint Mars, God of the Environment, stroked his beard as he spoke.
"As long as Uranus can be activated reliably and the future envisioned by Imu-sama is realized, it does not matter if the world revolts or if the Marine fractures completely."
His voice carried no emotion.
"At worst, a complete cleansing can be carried out. The insects will return to Imu-sama's control."
Saint Saturn let out a low chuckle.
"Vegapunk Greed has already reported progress. The Mother Flame is nearly stable. He will seize an opportunity to obtain one."
He sneered.
"This world was created by Imu-sama's creator. And yet these insects, entrusted to guard it, dared to develop their own will and seize the planet for themselves."
Saint Peter, God of Agriculture, spoke slowly.
"Since the Mother Flame is ready for deployment, then we proceed as Imu arranged. It will be used at the meeting in twenty days."
A chilling silence followed.
Then, as one, murderous intent surged through the chamber.
"These ungrateful insects dare contend with us for dominion over the world. They deserve extinction."
Saint Nusjuro narrowed his eyes.
"However, even Imu-sama cannot confirm whether a single strike from Uranus will truly eliminate that anomalous insect."
Saint Warcury's mustache trembled.
"Even if he survives, we can eradicate the Sky Island Alliance's upper echelon in Mary Geoise. Their defeat alone will buy us the time Imu-sama requires."
Saint Peter nodded calmly.
"That man's resurrection ability requires preparation. There is no need to worry."
Saint Mars spoke again.
"The meeting location itself lowers their guard. Inviting enemies into Mary Geoise projects confidence. They will not expect us to strike."
"Everything unfolds within Imu's expectations."
Saint Nusjuro sheathed his blade slightly.
"Then issue the order. The Marine are to ignore the statues. Any insects exposed early may die at Marine hands, it is irrelevant."
Saint Warcury nodded.
"This fragile balance allows us to identify the hidden enemies within the World Government."
Saint Saturn's eyes burned with intensity.
"Continue monitoring Shirogai's whereabouts. Determine whether he remains on the Initial Sky Island or elsewhere. His companions have been missing for nearly a year."
His voice dropped.
"What is that unpredictable man planning?"
Initial Sky Island
"The Sky Island Alliance continues expanding at an alarming rate," said Galdino, Air Force Marshal, as he stood before the world map.
"The downside is troop dispersion. Still, as long as the World Government does not confirm Null's location, they will not act recklessly."
He frowned slightly.
"Unfortunately, even we do not know where that lord has gone."
His signature curled hair drooped faintly as he muttered,
"If not for your support, Lord Shirogai, even I would feel uneasy facing Fleet Admiral Sakazuki."
Especially considering the existence of Uranus.
Just recalling the information surrounding it caused a chill to settle in Galdino's spine.
"If it had not come from Null himself, I would never have believed it…"
He walked to the window and gazed at the sea of clouds.
"To think Uranus was actually…"
Six Months Earlier
Under a starlit sky, Galdino followed behind Shirogai, listening intently.
"Uranus has always been in the World Government's possession," Shirogai said calmly. "That is why their rule endured. The other two ancient weapons were created in response to it."
"Is it truly that powerful?" Galdino asked.
"In both power and strategic value, Uranus stands above the rest."
"What exactly is Uranus?" Galdino asked.
Shirogai smiled faintly.
"It has always been in the sky."
Galdino looked up instinctively, seeing only stars and the full moon.
"It's not there."
"That is precisely why it was overlooked."
Shirogai pointed upward.
"Uranus has always been there."
"The moon?" Galdino froze. "Uranus is the moon?"
Near the Waters of Wano
Storm clouds swallowed the sky.
Silver-white lightning tore through the heavens.
A winged dragon cloaked in flames struggled desperately through the storm.
"The speed of these strikes… it's overwhelming!"
Lightning struck him directly.
Then again.
And again.
His body convulsed violently as the current ravaged him. His grip on his sword faltered as pain overwhelmed his senses.
The flames began to fade.
His wings failed.
A massive pillar of lightning descended, engulfing him completely.
"No…!"
The lightning expanded outward, obliterating nearby Beast Pirates ships.
"King has been defeated!"
"Run!"
As the storm faded, the dragon reverted to his original form, falling lifelessly toward the sea.
"Save King!"
Before anyone could reach him, lightning flashed once more.
A white-haired Marine emerged from the storm and seized King by the throat.
===
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