Inside the gleaming palace of the Chains of Command, the atmosphere was suffocating. The Five Elders (Gorosei) sat in their positions of supreme authority, their collective pressure bearing down on Fleet Admiral Akainu. For weeks, the World Government had issued direct orders for the Marines to launch an offensive against the Beasts Pirates, but Sakazuki had met every demand with calculated resistance.
"How do you expect us to start a war now?" Sakazuki growled, his voice vibrating with barely restrained fury. "The Marines currently only have Borsalino as an active Admiral. Charging into the New World under these conditions isn't a military strategy; it's suicide".
One of the Elders leaned forward, his eyes cold and unforgiving. "Do not misunderstand us, Sakazuki. This is an order from the World Government. We are not negotiating with you; we are informing you of your duties".
"And if the Marines are wiped out, the World Government loses its shield, doesn't it?" Sakazuki countered. "Even at our full strength, defeating two of the Four Emperors (Yonko) simultaneously is a near-impossible task".
"We have provided the Seraphim," another Elder pointed out. "Furthermore, the Seven Warlords of the Sea (Shichibukai) have been summoned to bolster your ranks".
Sakazuki snorted in derision. "That is precisely the problem. I have tested the Seraphim, and while their combat power is undeniable, the Warlords are a group of self-serving scoundrels. I don't trust them. The war at Marineford proved they cannot be relied upon. Doflamingo is practically in league with Kaido, Buggy the Clown has his own suspicious collaborations, and the Empress is compromised by her feelings for Straw Hat Luffy. Kuma is a shell of himself, and Whitebeard Jr. is a mindless fool. Only Hawkeye holds real value, but even he is unpredictable. Why continue to indulge these stains on our reputation when you have the Seraphim?".
The Elders remained silent for a moment, seeing through Sakazuki's blatant attempt to push for the abolition of the Warlord system. "The Shichibukai are a decision of the World Government," an Elder stated firmly. "Their fate will be decided by us, not a Fleet Admiral who thinks he can lecture his superiors".
Sakazuki's expression didn't change, but he sensed a slight shift in their tone. "That is fine. But if you want me to force those two monsters into line, I need a definitive timeline."
"That is your burden, Sakazuki," the Elder replied. "You are the Fleet Admiral. If you cannot manage your subordinates, perhaps you should resign. On that note, what is the status of Kuzan? Having a former Admiral of his caliber wandering the seas without oversight is a risk we cannot tolerate".
"I will take responsibility for Kuzan," Sakazuki said coldly. "If he ever truly threatens Marine interests, I will deal with him personally. Is that all? Or are you expecting the Marines to sit idle while the Yonko celebrate their alliance in three days?"
The Elders were momentarily taken aback by his sudden shift in attitude. "So, you do plan to act?"
"The Marines will not do nothing," Sakazuki said, his voice dropping to a dangerous level. "At the very least, the Beasts Pirates owe us an explanation. Our deep-cover operative, X Drake, has gone silent".
The mention of the name sparked a memory among the old men. "Dies Barrels' son," one mused. It was rare for them to recall a specific officer, but the history of the Op-Op Fruit was not easily forgotten. Drake had been a rare success—a man who sought to atone for his father's betrayal by infiltrating the most dangerous crew in the New World.
"We lost contact with Drake and every other spy in Wano Country almost overnight," Sakazuki explained. "The CP agents have likely met the same fate."
"We will have CP0 cooperate with you," an Elder noted. "Though since Orochi's death, their infiltration has become difficult. They rely almost entirely on Doflamingo for intelligence now".
Sakazuki's jaw tightened. "And the World Government is content with that? Doflamingo's partnership with Kaido has crossed every line we ever drew for the Warlords".
"Know your place, Sakazuki," the Elder snapped. "Some matters are beyond the concern of the Marines. You have your orders."
"Hmph." Without another word or a formal salute, Sakazuki turned and marched out of the hall.
The Elders watched him leave, their faces grim. "This alliance between Kaido and Charlotte Linlin is a threat, but it is also an opportunity," one remarked. "With their main forces gathered for a ceremony, Wano's defenses will be at their weakest".
"I will notify the God's Knights," another suggested.
"There is no need," a new voice interrupted. Figarland Garling Saint, the supreme commander of the God's Knights, stepped into the light. "I am already aware. I will dispatch Shamrock to take action. However, Imu's decree is absolute: it is not yet time".
"Not time?" the Elders repeated in unison.
"The balance of the world is not ready for a total reshuffle," Garling explained. "The Mother Flame production is at a critical juncture. Lord Imu will not allow global turmoil to jeopardize Vegapunk's progress. No matter how much Kaido or the ghosts of the past like Rocks and Roger roar, they are insignificant compared to the divine power of the World Government Elite".
"We understand," the Elders bowed their heads.
"Good," Garling said, a cruel smile touching his lips. "Focus on Vegapunk and the search for Pluton. If the situation escalates, my knights will erase Onigashima from the maps ourselves".
Meanwhile, in the stormy waters surrounding Wano, the All-Stars and Tobi Roppo stood atop an ancient cliffside. They looked down at their palms, where the glowing emblems bestowed by Kaido hummed with a strange, primeval energy. The power of an Ancient Weapon flowed through them, and as they tested their new abilities, the air itself seemed to crackle with the coming of a new, terrifying age.
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