104 Chapter 104

All heads swiveled to the source of sound.

The speaker was Blenheim, the 9th Division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates.

"Such a level of combat is beyond you all, this battlefield's intensity exceeds your involvement."

"In attempting to help... you shall merely shackle Pops; you all will just drag Pops down."

"Captain Blenheim, yet... if we abstain from action and idly stand by, Pops, Pops shall falter, he can't endure much longer."

"Indeed, if Pops makes even a slightest mistake, then we will suffer fate worse than death."

"Am I clear?"

Blenheim's voice resonated deeply, followed by his purposeful advance toward Whitebeard's location.

"Allow me to shoulder all of this burden."

With those words, Blenheim surged forward with remarkable speed.

The remaining crewmembers paused, suspended in perplexity.

"Comrades, our foremost adversary is Carnes and his crew. Reserve your strength to face them and vent your fury upon them, don't waste all of your energy facing Marines."

"Indeed! Let their blood serve as tribute to our fallen brothers."

"Charge!!!"

"Slay them!!!"

In the sacred Holy Land of Mariejois,

Within the grand halls of Pangu City,

Amidst an opulent chamber,

"All right, everything is in order. You may proceed first."

Silence followed.

The man donning the black suit turned on his heel and departed.

Within the confines of the hall,

Only five elderly figures were present.

"Carnes?" A slight grimness crept into the gaze of one elder, his face darkened.

"Wasn't he the vice-captain of Rocks Pirate, and wasn't he same as Rocks in power and ambition?

The one who fell at the God Valley?" chimed another elder seated upon a sofa.

"It's apparent that he survived and, moreover, as per the reports indicate, he not only endured, but managed to regain his youthful appearance through a Devil Fruit's influence, bolstering his might substantially."

"His strength is such that even with combined efforts Whitebeard, Sengoku, and Garp find themselves without means to stand against him."

"What kind of Devil Fruit bestows such abilities?" inquired the third elder.

"I cannot say, based on the intelligence gathered, no existing Devil Fruit aligns with his capabilities."

"Curiously, none among our knowledge matches his abilities."

"Peculiar indeed... Could it be that we've overlooked something, some vital detail?"

"It's a complex matter. We can't claim to comprehend the absolute truths of this world."

"The situation is dire. How shall we address this?"

"Indeed, it poses a conundrum. No one seems capable of putting an end to him."

"Could using that power be enough to kill him?" proposed one of the elder.

"No... it's not viable. The Marine's core combat strength would be compromised, and we would suffer dire consequences; should we persist, our foundation will falter."

"Remaining passive is not an option. Without intervention, this matter may spiral beyond our control."

"Ah! For years, all has been tranquil, yet now such a disturbance rears its head once more."

"Why after years of peace, this unforeseen disruption surfaces?"

"Consult Lord Imu and defer to her judgment!!!"

"It seems that, at present, this appears to be our sole course of action."

As the words faded,

A sudden occurrence took place.

The once-sealed door creaked open, inch by inch.

Following suit,

A cohort of enigmatic figures, draped in crimson cloaks, entered.

The Five Elders collectively fixed their gazes upon them.

"No consultation with Lady Imu is necessary; she is already informed."

"So... you have come to relay Lord Im's orders?" The Five Elders inquired almost in unison.

"No... we are here merely to apprise you. Execute the necessary actions. If circumstances devolve, we shall intervene to restore order."

"Carnes is no longer the same Carnes of yesterday years," the Five Elders cautioned.

Upon hearing the name Carnes, a subtle ripple traversed on the lead enigmatic figure's eyes.

"Carnes? Today's surprise indeed rests within that name. However, remember back then, he was nothing but a vanquished foe whom we defeated badly.

Given the passage of countless years, I'm intrigued to witness the extent of his newfound might."

"You still need to remain cautious. After all... even Sengoku and Garp joining forces... isn't proving to be advantageous for us against him."

"I understand. I'm all to blame for this so the responsibility rests squarely on my shoulders.

When that devastating blow struck him, I was convinced he wouldn't make it. Yet, against all odds, he clung to life with his final gasp."

"I'm departing."

The declaration hung in the air.

The enigmatic figure pivoted and exited the hall at a measured pace.

Amongst themselves, the Five Elders exchanged fleeting glances.

"Even Lord Imu was already aware and has initiated measures, hence our worries are needless."

"Agreed, all that remains for us is to observe the outcome with patience!!!"

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