In the waters near Egghead Island, the storm of explosions finally began to die down. With the help of their fish friends, Jinbe and Namur hauled survivors from the sea, rescuing the members of the Phoenix Pirates, Big Mom Pirates, and Beasts Pirates one by one and bringing them aboard the lone surviving warship.
As Ace ordered the ship to pull back while continuing to search for any remaining comrades, Thundercloud Zeus swept in through the thinning smoke, carrying Big Mom, Katakuri, Smoothie, and Fossa back to the warship.
When Ace saw Big Mom—her hair now stark white, her face shriveled and covered in age spots, looking like an eighty- or ninety-year-old crone—he stared in shock.
"You're Big Mom?" he blurted out.
Katakuri immediately stepped in to explain. "Mama consumed fifteen years of her lifespan to recover from her injuries. That's why she looks like this now."
Big Mom let out a ragged cough. "Cough, cough… Where are Kaido and Marco?"
Ace's expression hardened. "They're both badly wounded," he answered seriously. "They're being treated inside."
Hearing that, Big Mom's thin lips curled into a faint smile. "Mamamama… so even for those two, this war wasn't easy!"
"Mama, you should rest first," Katakuri urged. "Once we reach the next island, we'll help you restore your lifespan."
Big Mom gave a slight nod, accepting his advice.
This war had devastated not only the Big Mom Pirates but also the Beasts Pirates and the Phoenix Pirates. Out of twenty-nine warships, only this one remained. The others had gone under in the raging blast, their crews swallowed by the sea, their fates unknown…
—
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, four of the Gorosei had already escaped back to the Holy Land, Mary Geoise, just before Uranus exploded. They had been transported away through Imu's magic circle.
They hadn't dared remain at the blast site. Even with their so-called immortality, facing that kind of destructive power, they would have been blown to pieces.
As the four discussed how to deal with the aftermath, an urgent message from Imu reached them.
Hearts heavy with unease, they made their way to the chamber of the Empty Throne—only to find someone already there, standing before it.
It was the captain of the God's Knights, Figarland Garling.
"Garling, why are you here?" Saturn asked, frowning in confusion.
Garling answered calmly, "Imu-sama ordered me to come."
The other four Gorosei immediately understood. A moment later, Imu emerged from the darkness. The instant she appeared, all five dropped to their knees and pressed their foreheads to the floor.
"Greetings, Imu-sama."
Imu walked to the Empty Throne and sat down, looking down at the four Gorosei below. A thin, chilling edge of killing intent flashed in his eyes. It was because of these four useless failures that Uranus had been destroyed. Right now, he wanted nothing more than to slaughter these good-for-nothings on the spot.
Feeling the oppressive pressure rolling off Imu, the four Gorosei broke out in a cold sweat and bowed even lower. Warcury was the first to speak, his voice tight with fear.
"Imu-sama, the destruction of Uranus is our fault. We ask for Imu-sama's punishment."
The other three hurriedly echoed him.
"We ask for Imu-sama's punishment."
Hearing their pleas, Imu slightly drew back his killing intent. Even if he were to dispose of them, it would have to wait until the Three Emperors Alliance was crushed—especially Marco. His rate of growth was far too fast, far beyond normal.
Imu was almost certain Marco was hiding a tremendous secret. He just didn't yet know what it was.
His gaze turned icy.
"We'll put this matter aside for now. Garling, step forward."
"Yes, Imu-sama." Saint Garling immediately rose, took two steps forward, and dropped to one knee in deference.
Imu regarded him calmly from the throne and spoke in a cold tone.
"Now, there is a vacancy among the Gorosei, and the power of Itzumanade needs an inheritor. Are you willing to sign a Devil Contract with mu and become mu's servant?"
Inwardly, Garling was elated. Outwardly, he bowed his head respectfully.
"Yes. To be able to become Imu-sama's servant and serve you is my honor."
Imu gave a slight nod. The next instant, a purplish-black magic circle bloomed on the floor beneath Garling's feet. Dark energy surged up from the sigil and flooded into his body.
"Ugh—ah, ah ah ah ah ah!" Garling let out a shrill scream as his body began to twist. His face contorted into something inhuman under the assault of pain and fear. In the next moment, his entire form warped and transformed into a massive monster with a bird's head, wings, and talons and the coiling body of a snake.
It was precisely the power of Itzumanade.
After assuming that monstrous form, he quickly shrank back down into Garling's original body.
Garling could feel the surge of strength roaring inside him. Eyes shining, he said excitedly, "So this is the power of Itzumanade… Thank you, Imu-sama."
Imu gave a slight nod. "From this moment on, you are the new Gorosei: Warrior God of Environment, Figarland Garling."
"Yes," Garling answered respectfully.
He had long yearned for a seat among the Gorosei. Even though he already possessed immortality, that did not mean true eternal life—when his natural lifespan reached its limit, he would still die. That was the difference between the God's Knights and the Gorosei.
But now, he had finally become one of the Gorosei. He had obtained the power of Itzumanade and an endless lifespan, placing him truly second only to one person and above all others.
Imu's gaze swept over the Gorosei below. "Though we suffered heavy losses in this battle, the Three Emperors Alliance has also paid a steep price. The war ahead must be approached with greater caution. Mu requires more war slaves."
At his words, Nusjuro immediately stepped forward. "Understood. I will order the Marines to increase their deployments and once again mobilize forces from the Four Seas. We will not give the Three Emperors Alliance any chance to breathe. We will annihilate them as quickly as possible."
"Go to Elbaf," Imu ordered directly.
The Gorosei froze for a moment, taken aback, but Imu continued, "Mu will turn every Giant of Elbaf into Mu's war slave and crush every force that dares to resist."
"Yes. As long as this is the Creator's will, we will see it done."
"This world belongs to Mu by right. No matter how many corpses pile up, those insects should still be grateful for Mu's mercy."
"We will move at once."
The Gorosei answered in unison, their voices full of reverence. Imu rose from the throne and, in the next instant, vanished into the surrounding darkness.
Once Imu departed, the Gorosei all stood. Saint Garling, newly ascended to their ranks and still elated, bowed slightly and said, "Let's get to work, fellow Gorosei."
At his words, the others exchanged nods. They would be working side by side for the next few centuries, after all—basic courtesy was only natural.
--------------------------------
AN: Check out my P@treon For +70 extra chapters.
Thank You For your Support!!
[email protected]/noviceauthor777