After hearing the bald elder's words, the other four elders fell silent for a few seconds.
"Is that brat Is is back??? When did that happen? Why haven't I heard any report from those people?" the long white-haired elder asked in confusion.
"It's normal that you haven't heard anything," the bald elder replied. "Both the Marines and the World Government have been swamped dealing with the Rocks Pirates today. Reports were bound to be delayed."
At that, the white-haired elder suddenly understood.
The bald elder had stepped out earlier—
He must've received the news about Is's return during that time.
"Alright, I understand," he nodded.
"But that brat picked a terrible time to come back," the sword-bearing elder said calmly as he continued polishing his blade. "Just in time to run into the Rocks Pirates causing trouble. Still, the safe zone is secure enough."
"Hahaha, I agree—his timing is awful. The safe zone is indeed sa—"
The bald elder froze mid-sentence.
Then, stammering, he said:
"I… Is that kid didn't go to the safe zone. He went straight back to his castle."
"..."
"..."
"He didn't go to the safe zone? Didn't we already order all Celestial Dragons to evacuate there and wait out the chaos? That little brat ran straight into the fire himself!" the bespectacled elder snapped.
"Even if Rocks himself isn't here," the sword-bearing elder added, "the ones who came aren't simple either. Leading them are two of Rocks' top officers—Charlotte Linlin and Shiki."
He paused briefly.
"We know Is has some strength, but facing those two… he's still far too inexperienced."
"That kid really doesn't listen."
"You should've told us earlier. He just barely escaped with his life from Roger's crew, and now he's run into the Rocks Pirates."
"I was discussing more important matters just now, so I delayed mentioning it," the bald elder replied.
Just as he finished speaking—
The Den Den Mushi rang.
"Buru Buru… Buru Buru…"
Without hesitation, the bald elder picked it up.
Before he could even speak, a hurried voice came from the other side.
"This is bad! Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is is currently fighting pirates—and one of them is Charlotte Linlin from the Rocks Pirates!"
"What?!"
The bald elder was stunned.
Speak of the devil—and here it was.
"What's the situation?" he asked quickly.
"The situation… looks very—"
Before the sentence could finish—
"Shh—!"
The signal began to break up, replaced by chaotic noise—
Then cut off completely.
"…Looks very… unfavorable?" the sword-bearing elder guessed.
"That brat really has a rough fate…" the bald elder sighed. "Stubborn and reckless."
"Wait—wasn't it reported earlier that Kong has already arrived at Mary Geoise?"
"Yes."
"Then what are we waiting for? Tell Kong to go rescue Is immediately! If we're late, we'll be collecting his corpse!"
"I'll contact Kong right away."
Meanwhile—
On Is's side—
Things were going surprisingly smoothly.
Madara completely suppressed Charlotte Linlin, leaving her no chance to observe Kaido's situation.
As for Kaido—
He wasn't doing any better.
It could even be said—
He was being completely suppressed by Is.
Of course, Kaido at this stage wasn't at his peak strength yet.
But even so—
His monstrous physique had already begun to show.
As for Tatsumaki and Acnologia—
They were bored.
The two simply sat on what remained of the now roofless sofa—
Watching Is fight.
On the other side—
Kong had originally been heading toward the main incident site.
But midway—
He received an order from the Five Elders.
He immediately changed direction—
Heading straight toward Is's castle.
"The Fleet Admiral said Aurelius D. Virel Is isn't a Celestial Dragon personally cultivated by the Five Elders," Sengoku said while running. "Then why are they so concerned about him? They even issued a direct order for immediate support."
"Indeed," Kong replied calmly. "With this level of attention, no one would believe he isn't."
"Not only did they order immediate support, but they also want us to report the situation as soon as we arrive. That's beyond the treatment of an ordinary Celestial Dragon."
"Maybe… there's something they don't want outsiders like us to know," Sengoku speculated.
Kong nodded.
"Whatever the case, we just do our job. Whether he's one of theirs or not doesn't concern us."
"It won't affect us either way."
"Mm… Let's just hope Aurelius D. Virel Is can hold out until we arrive," Sengoku said. "If anything happens to him, it'll be hard to answer to the Five Elders."
That made Kong frown slightly.
He hadn't planned to say anything—
But after a moment, he spoke anyway.
"To be honest… his chances of survival are low."
"After all… his opponent is a Rocks Pirate officer—with a bounty exceeding two billion."
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