"What other strategies can there be! We've already suffered a crushing defeat, what other strategies are possible?! Should we just summon all the Navy forces and engage in a desperate struggle with the Endgame?"
Saint Warcury was furious, "Don't forget, Nusjuro, this operation was initiated by you! At that time, I suggested reporting to the master first, but you confidently assured us that as long as the 'Divine Binding' could be released, the success rate would be one hundred percent!"
"Didn't you also think the same way back then?"
Saint Nusjuro sneered coldly, retorting bluntly, "Now when things go wrong, you're pushing all the blame onto me? Warcury, have you not changed your temperament in two hundred years?"
"Enough!"
A cold reprimand suddenly sounded at this moment, interrupting their dispute.
But the voice was not from the final Five Elders in the room, Saint Peter, but from outside the suddenly opened large door.
"Hmm?"
Saint Nusjuro and Saint Warcury frowned simultaneously, turning their heads with displeasure.
They saw an elderly man with a cape and hair and beard resembling a crescent scythe, stride into the room without expression.
Step, step, step.
Without so much as a glance at the others, he sat down on the sofa and crossed his legs.
As if he were the true master of this power-holding room.
"What are you doing here?"
Saint Nusjuro glared coldly, "Having the audacity to barge in without reporting first, how bold of you, get out!"
"We are the Five Elders!"
Saint Warcury also spoke coldly, "Even if you are now the commander of the Divine Knight, you should be mindful of your posture, Garling!"
The visitor was none other than Saint Figarland·Garling!
— The current leader of the Divine Knight Order, and biological father of Red-haired Shanks and Shamrock!
Saint Garling glanced at them indifferently, spoke calmly:
"The master has learned everything."
That simple sentence caused Saint Nusjuro and Saint Warcury's bodies to stiffen abruptly, their faces turning deathly pale.
Even the always silent Saint Peter raised his head sharply, a hint of panic flashed in his eyes.
"What?! The master already knows, but we haven't even gone to the Flowers Room yet..."
"The master is very displeased with your conduct."
Saint Garling interrupted him coldly, "As the Five Elders, personally venturing to the Lower Realm, not only did you fail to complete the mission, but you also lost two persons and fled back in disgrace, a humiliation not seen in these eight hundred years."
"Therefore, the master has decided."
Saint Garling slowly stood up, looking down at the three elders he had revered for so many years, with a mocking face:
"From today onwards, I will fill the vacancies of Mars and Saturn, taking the position of the new Scientific Defense Martial God, and serve as one of the Five Elders, with enhanced priority in power."
"Regarding how to deal with Shano, how to address the Endgame, the master has begun to pay attention, started to care, but it's regrettable that you three old guys have proven yourselves unfit for this duty."
"From now on, it will be my full responsibility, in other words..."
At this point, he snorted coldly, emphasizing his tone:
"From now on, I am the core of the Five Elders, the leader of the Five Elders!"
"Join by my sides, striving together for a better future for the world, do you understand, my fellow Elders?"
"..."
The three Five Elders exchanged glances, though each had an unpleasant expression, ultimately said nothing, acknowledging this change.
The master's will could not be defied in the slightest.
Very well.
He finally tasted the flavor of supreme power...
Saint Garling nodded with satisfaction, his deep gaze through the window, looking toward the distance.
"Shano..."
It inexplicably reminded him of that man from over thirty years ago.
Would be an interesting opponent?
Back then he was young, arrogantly believing he could stop Rocks, yet he was utterly disregarded, crushed like hitting a speed bump.
One strike, just one strike, nearly sliced him to death.
But now, everything is different!
Decades have passed, his strength is incomparable to back then, now he wields the supreme power of the World Government...
The result will be different!
------------
Navy Headquarters, Marinfanto.
At the top level of the Heavenly Guard Tower.
An unprecedented Navy high-level meeting, both in scale and level, is in progress.
A Major General is a rarity here, only worthy enough to sit in the outer corners, whereas those slightly closer must at least be a Headquarter Vice Admiral.
Looking at the front row.
Akainu, Aokiji, Kizaru, the present Three Great Admirals, were gathered at the headquarters for the first time in ages, all present!
"..."
Aokiji had just hurried back from the G-1 Branch, now he folded his arms, leaned against the chair back, with his eye mask pushed up to his forehead, casting a complex glance at Akainu on the right.
Under the meeting room lights.
Akainu, missing an arm, his face once resolutely fierce, now utterly disfigured.
His left eye was simply a ghastly blood hole, half of the cheek flesh was torn and peeled back, revealing gleaming white bones.
Despite simple bandaging treatment, it was still a shocking sight.
"Why didn't you refuse?"
Aokiji sighed softly, "If you hadn't agreed to the Celestial Dragon's order, none of this would've happened..."
"Just mind yourself, Kuzan."
Akainu didn't even look at him, coldly said, "Every decision I've made, I've never regretted! The failure of this operation was due to the Endgame's strength exceeding predictions, but the next meeting with Shano, I'll make him pay the price!"