The highest seat of power in the World Government. The Five Elders gathered.
"Chiaki Setsuna's growth rate... is too astonishing. It even makes me feel a trace of threat," Mars said gravely.
Nusjuro frowned deeply. "The key question is, will he become uncontrollable? An 'uncontrollable' 'World's Strongest' is more dangerous than ten Kaidos."
Saturn pondered for a moment. "Perhaps... we should extend another invitation for him to join the God's Knights."
He paused, his tone turning cold. "If he refuses again, it will be necessary to reconsider his position."
After some debate, they dialed Setsuna's Den Den Mushi.
The call connected. Warcuryspoke first, his voice carrying just the right amount of praise. "Congratulations on defeating Kaido. In the seas now, no one shines brighter than you."
The Den Den Mushi simulated Setsuna's modest and cautious expression. "It's just a temporary brilliance. How could it compare to the eternal radiance of the World Government?"
Ju Peterwas pleased with Setsuna's attitude. Smiling, he said, "Your defeat of Kaido made a tremendous contribution to the world's stability. We sincerely invite you once again to join the God's Knights."
There was a brief silence from the Den Den Mushi. Setsuna asked, "What kind of covenant are you prepared to give me?"
The Five Elders looked at each other.
"You know about the covenant?" Mars said, surprised.
"Since I'm preparing to join you, I should understand in advance," Setsuna said with a light laugh.
"You are correct. One should have such awareness," Warcury said. "We will bestow upon you the Shallow Sea Covenant. And this is merely transitional. With your achievements, it won't be long before you are promoted to the Deep Sea Covenant."
Setsuna frowned slightly. "No. I dislike having someone above me. If you want me to join, you must give me the Deep-Deep Sea Covenant."
"Impossible," Mars refused without hesitation. "The Deep-Deep Sea can only be held by us Five Elders and the leader of the God's Knights. For all others, even the most outstanding Celestial Dragons can only obtain the Deep Sea Covenant."
"There's still a leader of the God's Knights, isn't there? Then let me be the leader of the God's Knights," Setsuna said casually.
"Chiaki Setsuna, do not overestimate yourself excessively. You merely defeated Kaido. But the leader of the God's Knights... he is the King of God Valley, the one who slew Rocks D. Xebec, who once commanded Kaido!" Nusjuro said sternly.
The Five Elders expected Setsuna to be shocked by this, but instead heard a soft amused snort from the other side.
"Chiaki Setsuna, what are you laughing at?" the Justice Elder demanded in a low voice.
"Nothing. I just recalled a joke called 'speed bump'," Setsuna chuckled. Those who didn't know the truth might really be intimidated by their claims.
But he clearly knew that Garling was nothing but roadkill in front of Rocks.
Though the Five Elders didn't understand the meaning of 'speed bump', they could sense the mockery in Setsuna's laughter. They were displeased. "You should recognize your position."
"Alright, I understand. Since you attach such importance to Rocks, I'll help you find Rocks' descendants," Setsuna said with a laugh.
"What? Rocks's descendants?"
"Rocks still has descendants?"
"The filthy bloodline of the D. Family must be eradicated!"
The Five Elders instantly became agitated. Defeating Kaido was a significant event to them, but in Imu's eyes, it meant nothing.
But a descendant of the D. bloodline… even Imu would pay attention.
Setsuna continued leisurely. "It seems you truly value the D. bloodline. Soon enough, I will deliver him to you. Also, Pluton… you can send CP0 to search Wano for it. I will not hinder you."
After Setsuna hung up, Mars asked, "What are your thoughts?"
Saturn picked up his teacup, taking a small sip. "His stance shouldn't be a problem. He's just too greedy, actually daring to think of sitting as our equals."
Warcury laughed. "We shouldn't fear his greed. We should fear his lack of it. If he were without desires or pursuits, that would be cause for suspicion about his intentions."
The Agriculture Elder nodded. "If he truly can deliver a descendant of the D. bloodline... perhaps Imu-sama might exceptionally grant him the Deep-Deep Sea Covenant."
…
In the Flower Capital's palace, Setsuna had just put down the Den Den Mushi, a smile still on his face.
The Five Elders' serious boasting about a 'speed bump' being the King of God Valley was genuinely hilarious.
At that moment, Ace hurried in, a strange expression on his face. "Captain, I have something to report."
"Go ahead. What is it?"
"A rumor has been spreading recently in Wano..." Ace looked curious. "It says your real name is 'Kozuki Setsuna', that you're a descendant of the Kozuki family. This... isn't true, is it?"
Setsuna felt disgusted. "Who's spreading it?"
"Not sure. But it's spreading quite vividly," Ace said awkwardly. "Saying you specifically came to Wano for revenge, that you'll support Kozuki Momonosuke as Shogun..."
Setsuna's voice turned icy. "Anyone caught spreading this rumor: first offense, imprisonment. Second offense, immediate execution!"
The order was issued. Setsuna's fleet immediately sprang into action.
On the streets of the Flower Capital, squads of soldiers searched house by house.
In a certain teahouse, a ronin was animatedly recounting 'Kozuki Setsuna-sama's Tale of Revenge' when soldiers suddenly burst in, pinning him to the floor.
"Wrongful arrest! I'm just telling a story..." The ronin wailed as he was pressed down.
"Take him away!" the captain ordered coldly. "By the Captain's command: first offense for rumor-mongering, imprisonment as a warning. Second offense, execution."
Within three days, Udon Prison was filled with over a hundred people.
Once the news spread, all rumors vanished instantly.
No one was willing to test the patience of the new ruler with their own head.
After dealing with the rumors, Setsuna called a meeting of all officers.
He had originally intended to let Wano fend for itself, but these rumors had genuinely angered him.
These weren't ordinary troublemakers. This required a heavy-handed approach.
"Wano's reforms must accelerate. First, abolish all noble privileges," Setsuna stated.
Zephyr frowned. "The daimyo won't surrender their power willingly."
"Then kill them. Those unwilling to enter the new era with us can be buried with the old one," Setsuna said coldly.
Ace's mouth twitched, 'It seemed Captain was truly provoked by Wano.'
Setsuna continued. "Also, the samurai class. The privilege allowing samurai to publicly execute commoners is abolished effective today. All samurai must register their swords. Possession of unregistered weapons will be treated as rebellion."
Everyone nodded slightly. At first, they had been intimidated by Wano's samurai reputation spread by the outside world.
But when they actually saw Wano... weren't these just noble thugs?
At least pirates went out to sea to bully outsiders. As for Samurai, they directly oppressed their own people.