Inside the Gorosei's meeting room.
"News has arrived from our hidden operative in Elbaf."
The five figures who stood at the very peak of the world's authority exchanged solemn looks.
"We didn't expect Shirogai to teleport the Straw Hat Pirates directly to Elbaf…"
Saint Warcury, the God of Law, folded his hands and spoke in a deep tone.
"This could disrupt Imu's plan. There is a God level Devil Fruit in Elbaf that can influence the balance of the world."
"A few years ago, we tried to secretly assist Imu in retrieving that fruit."
Saint Mars, the Environment Military God, narrowed his eyes coldly.
"Unfortunately, the plan failed at the final moment. Even Elbaf, which we intended to bring under the World Government, slipped out of our control."
Saint Saturn, the God of Defense, spoke with clear irritation.
"The one responsible is Elbaf's prince, Loki. A sinner who misled us with his tricks. If not for his interference, that fruit and the Giants would already be under our control."
Saint Nusjuro, the Financial Military God, gently wiped his blade, the Shodai Kitetsu, as he spoke calmly.
"The issue now is whether we should act."
"If we remain passive, then with that man's ability and intelligence, even someone as unruly as Loki will likely fall under his control."
"And if Loki is subdued, then the entire Giant Kingdom will inevitably align with Shirogai's faction."
"Our enemies will only grow stronger."
Silence filled the room.
Their greatest mistake had already been made.
They failed to eliminate Shirogai at the very beginning.
Now, his title as the God King had already shaken the entire world.
They had attempted to deal with him multiple times, yet none of them could defeat him.
Worse still, his strength only continued to grow.
Even Imu, in a normal state, might not be able to defeat him.
After a long pause, Saint Peter, the God of Agriculture, finally spoke.
"Send the God's Knights to act alongside our operatives in Elbaf."
Saint Saturn frowned.
"They are no match for him."
Saint Peter remained calm.
"Their target is Loki."
"We will abandon the fruit for now. Loki must die before Shirogai and Straw Hat Luffy make contact with him."
"That should not be difficult. He is still bound by Seastone chains."
Saint Nusjuro nodded slightly.
"Then it's decided."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
"Approved."
The Gorosei reached a unanimous decision.
Saint Mars added,
"Send Gunko from the God's Knights. Her Devil Fruit ability naturally suppresses Giants."
…
Elbaf.
Deep beneath the Treasure Tree Adam, within the Underworld.
"Heh… a human?"
"State your name."
Shirogai leaned casually against a snow-covered pine tree, facing the massive horned Giant bound by Seastone chains. A faint smile rested on his lips.
"Before asking for someone else's name, shouldn't you introduce yourself first?"
Loki tilted his head slightly, his bandaged eyes facing Shirogai's direction. A wild grin spread across his face as he stuck out his tongue in disdain.
"Little human, do you even know where you are?"
"This is my territory. The Underworld."
Though restrained by Seastone, unable to move, Loki's presence remained overwhelming.
Arrogant. Untamed. Unyielding.
Just as his reputation suggested.
Shirogai looked at him with interest.
"You've been chained here for nearly five years, yet nothing about you has changed."
"Still the same, Loki."
Loki paused, then focused with Observation Haki. His expression shifted slightly.
"Strange… I've never met you, yet you know my name."
He lifted his chin proudly.
"That's right. I am the Sun God who will bring an end to this world. Loki."
Around them, giant beasts slowly gathered, their eyes filled with hostility as they locked onto Shirogai.
"So tell me your name before you die. It's been a long time since I spoke to a human."
Killing intent radiated from Loki as he grinned.
"Shirogai."
The response was calm.
For a moment, Loki froze.
Then his expression changed.
"Shirogai? The one the World Government calls the God King… with a bounty of 10 billion Berries?"
His grin returned, now mixed with intrigue.
"The strongest in the world. The one Red Hair mentioned?"
Shirogai smirked slightly.
"From the way you're talking, you sound like a fan."
"It seems you're more informed than I expected."
"You've heard quite a bit from Shanks."
Loki clicked his tongue.
"I don't like that man. But he travels the seas, so he knows things."
"Unlike the fools in this country who are too ignorant to understand the world."
Shirogai chuckled softly.
"Is that so?"
"But the Giants know more than you think."
"Certainly more than someone calling himself a god while chained in the Underworld."
"Prisoner?" Loki echoed, his tone turning sharp.
"Shirogai… are you looking down on me?"
A savage grin spread across his face.
"If you're truly strong, go to that castle, find the key, and release me."
"Then we'll fight one on one."
"I'll beat you until you question your existence."
Crack.
The sound of metal unlocking echoed instantly.
The Seastone chains binding Loki loosened and fell heavily to the ground.
Loki froze.
"What…?"
His bandaged face turned toward Shirogai in disbelief.
"I told you to unlock it… but you actually did it?"
In Shirogai's hand, a wax key slowly melted away.
He waved casually.
"Enough talk."
"Come on."
"Try beating me until I question my existence."