That evening.
Holy Land, Mary Geoise, in the Chamber of Power.
Four elders, either standing or sitting by the sofa, were passing around a newspaper. Their faces looked somewhat grim.
"Are you saying that now, not only in the Lower Realm, but even in the Holy Land, many people are discussing this?"
"Yes, sir, even within the World Nobility, there are quite a few of the younger generation passing it around in private, pointing fingers at how Saint Garling was originally the father of a Great Pirate..."
"Useless! Bastard!"
Saint Warcury interrupted angrily:
"You can't even manage this small matter! Garling has just taken office, and he's facing such a reputational crisis. How do you expect him to save face!"
"Calm down, sir."
Several CP-0 agents below broke out in a cold sweat, and advised cautiously:
"We've done our utmost, but the World Economic News Agency, their entire headquarters is now hiding in the Endgame's territory, we truly can't manage that..."
"When it concerns the reputation of the Figarland family, nothing is impossible!"
Saint Nusjuro also said sternly, "If necessary, deploy the entire army. At any cost, catch that bird!"
"Understood, sir..."
The CP-0 agents trembled intensely.
Saint Garling coldly observed this scene, suddenly letting out a cold laugh.
"Enough."
Slowly, he stood up, looking down from above at the two CP0 members, "This matter doesn't require your involvement anymore, step back first."
Eh?
The CP-0 agents exchanged glances, their shock quickly turning into inner joy.
"Yes, Saint Garling!"
They bowed repeatedly as if pardoned, not even bothering to wipe the cold sweat from their foreheads, hurriedly exiting the Chamber of Power.
Only when the heavy doors closed behind them did the agents finally let out a long breath, seeing in each other's eyes the relief of having survived.
"So glad."
One agent, wearing a lion mask, swallowed and said, "At least we don't have to go to that damned place now..."
Another agent instinctively touched his missing left ear.
That was five days ago, during the mission to capture Morgans, blocked by the guy named Shiryu, who sliced it off with one strike.
If not for his squad sacrificing themselves to save him, he'd probably have become a corpse long ago.
Even so, all seven members of his team were lost there, leaving him deeply saddened.
The Endgame's territory...
To the CP agents, it's simply too dangerous!
Not only are there formidable figures everywhere, but inside, they've also established an incredibly strong intelligence network.
The moment they infiltrated the territory, they were immediately discovered before they could even scout the area.
This level of vigilance isn't even in the same league as the other Sea Emperors!
Initially, given the resolute and strict attitude of the two Five Elders, they were already prepared to face death.
Unexpectedly, Saint Garling himself halted the mission.
"Compared to those two gentlemen, Saint Garling is truly merciful..." The lion-mask agent whispered with emotion.
"Hush, speak carefully."
Another agent nervously looked around, then shook his head and sighed, "Indeed, it's true, just unclear how Saint Garling plans to handle it. It's quite daunting for him..."
...
Inside the Chamber of Power.
Once it was just the Five Elders left in the room, Saint Garling's gaze swept back and forth between Saint Warcury and Saint Nusjuro, a mocking smirk appearing on his lips:
"Two 'elders,' performing so vigorously, aren't you tired?"
"What do you mean?"
Saint Warcury was puzzled.
"Since the day I took office, you've been against me at every turn."
Saint Garling leisurely picked up a teacup, "And now, using the Shanks incident to make a big deal, putting me up on a pedestal..."
He suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing: "Do you really think I can't see you're using this as an excuse to make things difficult for me?"
For a moment, the temperature in the room seemed to drop suddenly.
Saint Nusjuro let out a cold laugh, making no effort to continue pretending, holding Kitetsu, closed his eyes without saying a word.
Saint Peter coughed softly to smooth things over: "Garling, you're overthinking, we are all just trying to maintain the World Government's reputation..."
"Shut up too!"
Saint Garling interrupted loudly: "Stop pretending here! In truth, you old geezers are just envious that the Master now favors me more!"
He suddenly slammed the table, the solid wooden surface cracking into countless pieces with a loud bang:
"Let me tell you, this family scandal, I will handle it myself! No need for you to act so hypocritically! If you dare to make moves behind my back again, even if we are all Five Elders..."
Saint Garling's entire being burst forth with a terrifying killing intent, saying one word at a time:
"Do not blame me for being merciless!"
Saying this, he snorted coldly, turned and strode away, leaving the three, their expressions fluctuating as they exchanged glances.
On another front.
After leaving the Chamber of Power, Saint Garling went straight to the Divine Knight Order's station.
As the former commander, and the father of the current commander, this remains his home ground.
With a gloomy expression, he passed through the corridors, the Divine Knights on both sides bowed their heads in saluting, no one dared to meet his currently icy gaze.
"Shamrock."
Saint Garling stood in the courtyard center, calling coldly.
In an instant, a figure flashed before him, red hair fluttering in the breeze, with a face strikingly similar to Shanks, appearing respectful as he slightly bowed:
"Father."
"Out of line, in public, you should use your title!"
"Yes, Five Elder, sir."
Saint Garling stared at his son, looking at this identical face, a nameless anger rising within him, he slowly took out the newspaper from his coat and tossed it to Shamrock: