Everyone turned to look.
At that moment, Madara Uchiha, Tornado, and Acnologia were casually playing cards, while Monkey D. Garp stood nearby watching.
As for Retsu Unohana and Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the two of them leaned against the railing, chatting idly.
"…Mm."
The Fleet Admiral nodded.
"It's hard to believe… that just these few people managed to crush the Rocks Pirates in such a short time," one of the Admirals said slowly.
"Is Aurelius D. Virel ·Is really just someone the Five Elders are cultivating? To assign him such a lineup of guards… I feel like there's something more going on," Kong voiced his thoughts.
"The affairs of the Celestial Dragons are best left untouched. Whether he's a key figure or something else—it has little to do with the Marines," the Fleet Admiral warned.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral!"
Mary Geoise.
News of the overwhelming victory quickly spread back.
"This… was far too fast. So fast it almost feels unreal," the bald elder said, sipping his tea on the sofa.
"Indeed. I thought even against the Roger Pirates or the Rocks Pirates, it would take several days. But it ended in just half a day," another elder added.
"The most critical point is this—according to the Fleet Admiral, only one warship was present at the time. The rest hadn't even arrived. By the time they did, the battle was already over," the sword-bearing elder said solemnly.
"That boy Is has created another miracle… but I'm becoming more and more curious. Where exactly did he find those people around him?"
"Didn't you already send people to investigate?"
"I did. But without exception, the result was the same… nothing. Whether it's Madara Uchiha, Tornado, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, Acnologia, or Retsu Unohana—their records are completely blank. Even their names were only registered when Is granted them noble status."
At these words, the other four elders fell silent.
"This is truly strange… that boy Is is becoming harder and harder to understand."
"I think… this matter should be reported to Lord Im."
"Get a grip. Going to him over something like this won't end well for us. Don't forget his warning last time."
"…You're right. Let's observe a bit longer."
Meanwhile, on Is' side—
Is had underestimated Shiki.
He hadn't expected him to be so good at running.
Along the way, Is launched multiple attacks—
But each one was skillfully dodged.
In the end, after reaching another island, Shiki used the terrain to successfully shake him off.
Hovering midair, Is looked down at the chaotic streets below, frowning slightly.
After a few seconds of thought—
He opened his status panel.
Today was the day his excavation count reset.
Host: Aurelius D. Virel ·Is
Excavation Level: 1 (130/200)
Excavation Attempts: 1 (0/7) — increases with level
Physique: Advanced Martial Arts (100%) — no side effects at max
Characters:
Madara Uchiha (50%)Tornado (30%)Acnologia (35%)Retsu Unohana (25%)Yoriichi Tsugikuni (25%)
Abilities:
Paper-Paper Fruit (Awakened, Burning Attribute) (1668/5000)Flame-Flame Fruit (980/2000)Conqueror's Haki (850/1000)Armament Haki (930/1000)Observation Haki (907/1000)
Excavation Location: [Available for targeting]
Storage: None
"Activate targeting mode."
Ding. Activated.
As the system responded, a virtual interface appeared before him, overlaying his vision.
It marked a location—
Not too far away.
By ship, it would take over two hours.
But flying—
Less than one.
"Since I'm already here… might as well dig first," Is muttered.
Without overthinking it, he took off.
As for Shiki—
Though it was a pity—
Not everything could go perfectly.
Besides, Is didn't yet know the full outcome of the battlefield.
He assumed Madara and the others were still fighting.
And by now, the Fleet Admiral should have already arrived—
Meaning his presence there wasn't necessary.
That's why he chose to proceed with excavation instead.
About five minutes after Is left—
A window in the distance slowly shut.
Shiki slumped onto the ground, exhausted.
"Damn it… where did that kind of Celestial Dragon even come from? If I hadn't been fast enough, I might've died back there."
He sucked in a breath, thinking back to his failed ambush.
Regret crept in.
"I just wanted to take it easy… and ended up running into a lunatic…"
Not far away, several women crouched in a corner, trembling.
"Um… c-can we leave now?"
Shiki looked at them—
A strange grin spreading across his face.
"Are you laughing at me?"
"N-no…"
"Then get lost before I change my mind."
The moment he said it, they scrambled to their feet, rushing out in panic.
"Jihahahaha—!"
"To think I ended up like this because of a Celestial Dragon… what a joke!!!"
He laughed loudly, mocking himself.
About an hour later—
Is arrived at his destination.
This time, the glow that appeared before him—
Was blue.
Just like the very first excavations.
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