"How do you intend to handle the matter of Campbell in the East Blue?"
The voice was cold and devoid of emotion. Yet, it was this very voice that filled the Five Elders with instinctive terror.
For this voice belonged to the King of the Celestial Dragons—Imu.
"To preserve the face of the World Government while suppressing the incident, we plan to eliminate Spandine and his associates. Simultaneously, we will not officially acknowledge the event to the public," the curly-haired Elder reported, relaying the conclusion they had reached during their discussion in the Room of Authority. "As for the only son of the Campbell family, we will provide him with a portion of the assets seized from Spandine and the others as a gesture of appeasement, while requiring his silence on the matter."
In the next instant, a terrifying pressure descended. The ground beneath them began to groan, unable to withstand the sheer weight of the aura.
Imu was angry.
As the Five Elders, they understood this all too well. Had they not been exceptionally powerful in their own right, they would have been crushed flat against the floor.
'Was there something wrong with our proposal that provoked Lord Imu's wrath?'
Terror etched itself onto their faces, and their bodies trembled uncontrollably.
"How many assets does the Campbell family possess?"
"According to the investigation by Number Three, it should be between 18 and 20 billion Belly!"
"And how much in assets can be recovered from Spandine and the others?"
"That... is not yet certain, but it should not be less than 20 billion!"
"How impressive. Even in this situation, you still intend to skim a portion for yourselves rather than returning the full amount to the Campbell heir. I suppose it's no wonder you employ subordinates like Spandine, hm?"
The crushing pressure intensified instantly. This time, even the Five Elders struggled to hold their ground. Their heads were forced down, nearly touching the floor.
"Assume the Campbell family's assets are 20 billion Belly. Return the full amount, and then provide an additional fifty percent as compensation—totaling 30 billion Belly."
"Furthermore, disclose the entire truth to the public and notify all affiliated nations of this resolution."
"The five of you—do you understand?"
The voice remained icy and emotionless. However, the command left the Five Elders completely stunned.
Even if Imu was dissatisfied with their handling of the situation, the most one would expect is a demand for full restitution. Why give an extra ten billion? More importantly, that ten billion would likely have to come out of the World Government's own coffers.
Something felt wrong. And a full public disclosure?
"Lord Imu, if we do this, the World Government's reputation will—"
"Do you think reputation is what rules the world? I suspect you've sat in those seats for so long that you've actually become fools."
"T-this... Yes, Lord Imu!"
"Leave. But remember, if you botch this again, I will not hesitate to replace the five of you."
The threat hit them like a physical blow. No one knew better than they did what those five positions represented.
Power? No, it was far more than just power. In those seats lay something far more precious than mere authority.
After the five retreated, Imu let out a soft sigh.
"Number One, I do not wish for such a thing to happen a second time."
"Yes, I understand."
A man in a white suit wearing a mask stepped out from the shadows, kneeling respectfully on one knee. He was the Shield of the Celestial Dragons and the most unique operative within CP0. Even the Five Elders lacked the authority to command him.
"Good. Additionally, you are to conduct a detailed re-investigation of the entire affair. Do not let a single person escape."
"And if a Celestial Dragon is involved?"
"I said... do not let a single person escape!!"
The cold voice now carried a potent, murderous intent. This was the first time Number One had detected actual emotion in Imu's voice, and it sent a jolt of shock through him.
"Yes, I understand!"
Number One stepped back and vanished into the shadows once more.
'''
The Five Elders were unaware of what had transpired in the grand hall after their departure. Terrified and stripped of any ulterior motives, they executed Imu's orders with meticulous precision.
Once the vast and precise machinery of the World Government began to move in unison, the results were staggering.
In a single day, using the names mentioned in Morgans' report as a starting point, they completely unearthed the details of the incident from four years ago. They even dug up many individuals whom Morgans had not mentioned; after all, the information Kuro had been able to gather over the years was limited.
A massive purge swept through the internal ranks of the World Government. Over three hundred people were arrested, including several high-ranking officials. The highest-ranking among them, naturally, was Spandine.
Of course, because Spandine's actions had nearly cost the Five Elders their positions, the five angry old men vented their fury on many others. The primary target of this displaced rage was the new CP9 Chief, Spandam.
Although he had not been involved in the events of four years ago, he happened to be Spandine's son.
Normally, the matter would have ended there, with the 30 billion Belly compensation paid to Sean Campbell. However, another incident occurred within the Holy Land—one that left even the Five Elders shaken.
"Why was Saint Hedvigto attacked and kidnapped in the Holy Land? What were the CP0 teams stationed in the Celestial Dragons' sector doing?"
"This must be resolved immediately, otherwise we cannot withstand Lord Imu's wrath!"
"Agreed. Recall Number Two and Number Three immediately. This must take priority. The final processing of Spandine and the others can be delayed by a few days; I believe Lord Imu will understand."
"Agreed!"
Just then, the doors to the Room of Authority were pushed open.
"You fool! Who gave you permission to enter without—"
The words died in the Elder's throat as he saw the man entering and the patterns on his mask.
"Number One? Why are you here?"
"I am here to deliver Lord Imu's command. Saint Hedvigto has been secretly handled due to his involvement in the Campbell matter. You only need to know that much."
The Elders gasped.
They had already known that Hedvigto was connected to the case. However, they had done nothing because the prohibition against killing Celestial Dragons was an iron rule established by Imu.
Even if Imu had ordered that everyone involved be dealt with, they assumed that order would not override the absolute law of the Holy Land.
This was how the Five Elders understood the situation.
However, they never imagined that Lord Imu would actually execute a Celestial Dragon over this matter!
At this moment, horror was etched into the eyes of all five men.
"Understood. Does Lord Imu have any further instructions?"
"Lord Imu has stated that since the Chief of CP9 has fallen and been captured by you, the agents under his command are no longer trustworthy."
"Understood. We will dispose of those agents as well," one of the Elders replied.
The curly-haired member of the Five Elders shook his head and spoke.
"No. Lord Imu believes that while they can no longer be trusted implicitly, they are still capable talents. It would be a waste to simply execute them. Instead, send them to the Marine to deal with pirates."
"As for their specific destination, Lord Imu has already decided: they are all to be sent to the Marine's 16th Branch!"
"Uh..."
Upon hearing this, the five of them were stunned.
'What is going on? This makes no sense at all!'
Though they were riddled with questions, they did not—and would not dare—ask them.
"Yes, we will arrange it immediately!"