"Crackle… crackle…"
Black lightning flickered continuously around Is and Acnologia, while the surrounding airflow grew increasingly violent.
The two remained locked in a stalemate for over a minute. Then, in the next instant, Acnologia took several steps back.
"Not bad, Is!" Acnologia said with a slight grin.
As expected of the man who had annihilated all dragons in his original world—even though he couldn't unleash his full strength here, Is could clearly feel just how terrifyingly powerful he was.
Is didn't respond. Instead, he launched another attack.
"Boom—!"
"Boom—!"
…
"Madara… why did you stop?"
Tatsumaki, who had been training her Observation Haki, noticed Madara had suddenly paused. She pulled off her blindfold and looked at him in confusion.
"Is… that guy… his growth rate is astonishing," Madara said calmly, though a trace of disbelief appeared on his face.
"Growth rate?"
Tatsumaki blinked, then turned her gaze toward Is, who was still fighting.
"Really? Why didn't I notice anything? Wasn't he already like this before?"
Madara glanced at her and replied, "Of course not. If that were the case, would I even mention it? But it's normal that you didn't notice—you've never sparred with him."
"When I first fought him, he was still a complete beginner to me. But now… it hasn't even been that long, and yet he's improved this much."
Even Madara couldn't hide his shock at such rapid progress.
"Interesting… truly interesting."
Seeing the strange smile on his face, Tatsumaki rolled her eyes.
"It's not even you. What are you so excited about?"
"You wouldn't understand things between men. Now continue your training."
…
Mary Geoise, Pangaea Castle.
"Step… step… step…"
The sound of steady footsteps echoed through the corridor.
"Creak…"
As the doors opened, a grand and magnificent hall came into view.
At the very top stood the Empty Throne, towering above everything. In front of it were countless swords and blades planted into the ground.
Seated upon the throne—
was the ruler of the Celestial Dragons, the true sovereign behind the World Government, the master of the Empty Throne—
Imu.
At this moment, Imu sat with eyes closed in quiet repose. Upon hearing the doors open, those sharp, hawk-like eyes slowly opened.
The five elders stood in a line and knelt on one knee.
"The Five Elders pay their respects, Lord Imu!"
Their voices echoed throughout the hall.
Imu rose slowly and descended the steps with measured grace.
"What brings you here?"
Though the voice was soft, every word was heard clearly by the Five Elders.
"Besides reporting recent developments, we also wish to report an internal matter," the bald elder said.
"You're referring to… Aurelius D. Virel Is?" Imu asked.
The Five Elders were not surprised that Imu already knew. After all, Aurelius D. Virel Is's name had recently appeared in the newspapers.
"It seems Lord Imu is already aware."
"You should not have involved a Celestial Dragon. You've caused him unnecessary trouble," Imu said coldly.
"We apologize, Lord Imu. We acted rashly. At the time, we only intended to show those pirates that the World Government does not rely solely on the Marines. Our Celestial Dragons are just as capable in combat," the sword-bearing elder explained.
"Yes, our intentions were for the sake of the Celestial Dragons," the bald elder added.
A trace of indifference flashed through Imu's eyes.
"Say what you came to say."
"Yes, Lord Imu. The events reported in the newspapers are not false—they are true. Among the Celestial Dragons, a remarkable individual has emerged."
"Whether it was facing the Roger Pirates with bounties exceeding two billion, or this recent incident involving the Rocks Pirates' assault on Mary Geoise… Aurelius D. Virel Is has created miracles."
"Therefore, we believe that with proper cultivation, he can shoulder the banner of the Celestial Dragons and join the ruling class to serve under you, Lord Imu," the long white-haired elder said steadily.
"Isn't that… somewhat premature?" Imu asked.
"Lord Imu, while he may not yet be outstanding in every regard, he is still one of us—a Celestial Dragon. The outside world may have many more capable individuals, but…"
"Those who are not of our kind cannot be trusted."
"Yes. We have always upheld this principle. We have been searching for a capable Celestial Dragon—and now, one has appeared. We should nurture him carefully."
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