"Damn it…"
Watching Marco escape with Hancock, Saint Gre, and Saint Bass, the Gorosei felt deeply frustrated. It was as if they had been completely toyed with.
Marco's flying speed was simply too fast. Even after using the power of the Four Soul Divine Blood, they could not catch up to him at all.
"That damn insect ran quickly…" Saint Garling said with clear irritation.
Saint V. Nusjuro frowned. "We should not have rushed into using the Four Soul Divine Blood."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro spoke in a heavy tone, "Marco's strength is far beyond normal standards. Without using that power, we are no match for him. And this is the Holy Land. As the Gorosei, protecting it is our responsibility."
Saint Saturn's expression remained serious. "What should we do if he returns to the Holy Land again?"
Silence followed.
The expressions of the others turned grim.
The Four Soul Divine Blood was not without drawbacks. Any external power came with a cost, especially something this overwhelming. The side effects were severe, and only they, the Gorosei, could suppress the damage to a manageable level.
If an ordinary person used it even once, they would be crippled, even if they survived.
Even an admiral-level fighter would lose years of lifespan after using it.
For members of the God's Knights, even with the immortality granted by Imu for recovery, the after-effects would still be devastating.
Only the Gorosei, as Imu's most special servants with eternal life, could endure it properly. Even then, they would still suffer a temporary period of weakness and would be unable to use that power again for some time.
If Marco ever discovered this weakness, the consequences would be severe.
Saint Garling scoffed coldly. "What is there to fear? That insect fled in disgrace. I doubt he dares to return."
He continued with confidence, "Even if he does come back, it changes nothing. We are descendants of gods. With the Four Soul Divine Blood, I will personally kill him."
His tone was filled with certainty.
He had known about this power for years. In his youth, he had used it once, but the side effects had been so intense that he fell unconscious for three days. Now, as a member of the Gorosei with eternal life, he could ignore most of those drawbacks.
The other four remained silent, clearly less optimistic.
Compared to them, Saint Garling was still too inexperienced. Though already in his seventies, he was still young compared to the others who had lived for centuries. His mindset still resembled that of a typical Celestial Dragon, believing the World Government could never be defeated.
The others knew better.
They had followed Imu long enough to understand a deeper truth. Imu had once obtained power from another world, a power known as magic.
This secret had never been spoken aloud.
Imu never discussed it, and no one outside the Gorosei knew. They kept it buried, understanding its importance.
Because of that knowledge, they did not underestimate Marco.
If he truly possessed power from another world, combined with Haki and a Devil Fruit ability, then one day he could become a serious threat to Im.
There was also another limitation.
Imu could not leave the Holy Land.
Saint Peter finally spoke, his tone firm. "We should return and report everything to Imu-sama."
The others nodded.
No matter how they felt, they had failed. Even after using the Four Soul Divine Blood, they could not capture Marco. Facing Im would not be easy.
Holy Land, Mary Geoise. The Void Throne.
The Gorosei knelt before the throne.
From the darkness, Imu emerged and took her seat.
"We greet you, Imu-sama," they said, lowering their heads.
Imu's gaze fell upon them, cold and distant. "I already know what happened."
Saint V. Nusjuro's forehead was covered in sweat. "Please forgive us, Imu-sama. We were incompetent and allowed Marco to escape."
Imu's eyes remained emotionless. The pressure in the room intensified.
"His growth is abnormal," she said calmly. "He is not Joy Boy, yet he advances at such a rate. That can only mean he possesses power that does not belong to this world. Your failure is understandable."
Instead of relief, the Gorosei felt even more ashamed.
Imu continued, "Since you have already used the Soul Divine Blood, then make full use of it."
Saint Garling hesitated before asking, "Imu-sama, what do you mean?"
Her voice turned colder. "If you cannot eliminate Marco, then turn your attention to the other two Yonko."
"Yes, Imu-sama," they responded immediately.
Still, Saint Garling spoke again, unable to hold back. "But the Marines and the God's Knights have already been deployed. Dealing with the Beasts Pirates and the Big Mom Pirates should not be difficult. Is it really necessary for us to act?"
The moment he finished speaking, the atmosphere changed.
The other four Gorosei stiffened.
Imu's eyes widened slightly.
In the next instant, Saint Garling's left arm was severed.
A ghostly green flame appeared and consumed it completely.
Pain surged through his body, but he forced himself to remain silent. He had already realized his mistake the moment he saw the expressions of the others.
He did not dare resist.
Imu looked down at him with indifference. "This is your first offense. I will spare your life."
Saint Garling immediately lowered himself to the ground. "Thank you, Imu-sama, for your mercy."
Cold sweat covered his body.
His arm did not regenerate.
For the first time, he truly understood what it meant to stand before Imu.
"Go," Imu said simply before disappearing back into the darkness.
Only after she left did the pressure ease.
The remaining Gorosei exhaled quietly.
They looked at Saint Garling with displeasure.
"Watch your words in the future," one of them said coldly. "We are servants of Imu-sama. Never forget that."
Saint Garling clenched his teeth, his voice restrained. "Understood."