Chapter 124: Falling Out with the Transaction?

"Five Elders, the Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights, Howard-sama, along with Admiral Kong, arrived at the target location early this morning.

The Holy Knights and CPO agents are stationed in the surrounding seas. Although they can't be positioned too close, Saint Denis and the others, with their flight capabilities, can reach the site within three hours at the latest if support is needed."

Three days later, atop the Red Line, within the Chambers of Authority of the Holy Land, Mary Geoise, a servant respectfully reported to the Five Elders.

"Very well. Report any updates immediately," Saint Mars responded indifferently, waving the servant away.

The enemy seemed to possess some kind of powerful surveillance ability. CP's investigations indicated that there might even be a Soul-Soul Fruit user in their ranks who could create various Homies to act as their eyes and ears. This time, the World Government took no chances by positioning agents on the surrounding islands; instead, they kept supporting forces at a safer distance.

"Yes, sir."

"What a cunning little pest!" Saint Mars murmured, hands in pockets, his gaze intense. "We've underestimated him."

"I didn't expect him to be aware of even our...abilities," Saint Valkyrie added, rubbing his brow, still unsettled. "The moment he learned of your presence, Mars, he grew cautious."

"Indeed." Saint Nasujuro, leaning on his Kitetsu, spoke coldly, "It appears he knows quite a few secrets. The only question is, how many?"

"Could Mars and the others have let something slip?" speculated the blond Elder, Saint Ju Peter.

(Note: Mars, the other Captive Celestial Dragon.)

Saint Mars shook his head dismissively. "Those drunken fools? They probably don't even know."

"We can't be certain yet," Saint Valkyrie said thoughtfully. "The Holy Knights should investigate further. Imu-sama once fought the ancestors of the Lunarians. It's possible that some of these abilities were passed down through their lineage..."

At the mention of "Imu-sama," Saint Mars's expression turned reverent. "Much like how some still cling to the belief that 'Joy Boy' will one day return."

"Regardless, initiate an immediate investigation within the Holy Land. We cannot risk having a traitor in our midst," Saint Saturn's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening with intense malice. "That Lunarian boy has seen too much; he cannot be allowed to live."

Their abilities were among the most classified secrets of the World Government. For someone to even know that they could use a magic circle to summon one another was deeply troubling to the Five Elders. This power was not from any Devil Fruit they possessed but from the Ancient Dragon of Calamity, the Fire King himself—Imu-sama.

The fact that this boy was a remnant of the Lunarians raised their concerns further.

"With Howard's personal involvement, and with him and Kong working together, they should be able to handle the boy," Saint Mars stroked his beard. Even if they couldn't capture him outright, he was confident that the Devil Fruits in play wouldn't fall so easily into enemy hands.

"He's only a Lunarian," Ebito Saint sneered. "He's managed to exploit a few gaps in our attention, but he's foolish if he thinks he can toy with a government that has ruled the seas for centuries."

…

At this moment—

On the midpoint of H2 Route, on Franca Island:

"It's already nine o'clock!" Saint Howard, dressed in an ornate security uniform with a gem-encrusted sword at his side, looked impatient. "Those people haven't shown up yet?"

The Fallen Angel Pirates had repeatedly breached their agreements in the past, and he was beginning to suspect that Fallen Angel El was once again toying with them as before.

"My apologies, but please remain patient a little longer, Saint Howard," the senior CPO agent beside him said respectfully.

"This time, if the deal falls through again, the World Government will no longer allow itself to be toyed with!" Saint Howard said coldly. "If the worst-case scenario unfolds, the World Government will officially strip Rhodys-sama of his world noble status. At that point, you're permitted to eliminate him without consequence."

"Even if it means he dies here, we can't let him leave with them again. Of course, that's the last resort."

The CPO agent and nearby medical personnel couldn't help but feel a chill at these words. But Kong appeared unaffected; he thought it wiser to make the hard choice of killing Rhodys-sama rather than allowing him to be taken, understanding that the nobles of Mary Geoise would prioritize their reputation.

"Huff...huff..."

In the distance, the massive thundercloud Hera rose into the sky, carrying El and Linlin. No one else accompanied them, as the upcoming battle promised to be perilous. Though their crew had mastered the ability to merge together for battle, the enemy was too strong, and a single misstep could lead to serious injury or even death, making it unnecessary to bring everyone.

If their assistance was needed, El would summon them. They had hidden marked mirrors across the island to allow the others to enter through the Mirror World from a nearby sea location.

Tied up beside them on Hera was a nobleman in a spacesuit with his hands and feet bound and mouth gagged, emitting muffled cries and giving off an unpleasant odor from long confinement.

"Have they arrived?" Kong narrowed his eyes, gazing at the towering figure of Fallen Angel El, along with the equally tall Linlin, who stood over seven meters.

Shortly thereafter—

The enormous thundercloud descended, and El and Linlin leapt down, bringing the captured noble with them.

"Useless fool," Saint Howard glanced at the disheveled Saint Rhodys with a look of disdain, then turned his indifferent gaze toward El. "We need to confirm his identity to ensure you haven't swapped him with someone else."

"Naturally," El responded, "we'll also need to examine the goods."

Noticing that the two medical personnel approaching looked the same as before, El's eyebrows rose with intrigue, though his expression soon returned to one of calm amusement. He nodded to Linlin. "Go ahead."

"Mamamama..." Linlin chuckled and stepped forward. At Saint Howard's nod, the senior CPO agent opened a case to reveal the Devil Fruits within, allowing Linlin to inspect them closely.

…

Naturally, both El and Kong maintained a sharp gaze, their nerves taut and alert, ready to act. Even the haughty Saint Howard kept a wary eye on Fallen Angel El, unwilling to let his guard down for even a second. Any sudden move from El—any attempt to seize the Devil Fruits—would prompt an immediate response.

"Oniichan, the fruits are genuine!" Linlin reported after thoroughly inspecting the Devil Fruits.

At the same time, the two medical personnel examined their equipment, quickly confirming, "Howard-sama, Rhodys-sama's identity is verified..."

But before they could finish, El struck like lightning. His right hand twisted sharply, and under the shocked gaze of Saint Howard, Kong, and the CPO agent, he unleashed a lethal wind blade.

'Slice!'

A bloody head flew through the air, while another panicked figure, eyes wide in horror, darted back into the shadows.

"Tra—"

The wind blade tore through a massive boulder nearby, slicing it cleanly in half, sending chills down everyone's spines.

"Fallen Angel El!" Saint Howard shouted, enraged, as Kong and the CPO agent exuded lethal intent, ready to attack.

"Mamamama..." Linlin cackled, brandishing her greatsword and blocking their path. "I'd advise you not to make any rash moves."

"A switcheroo with the fruit? What an amusing power..." El's aura flared as his immense Haki surged, enveloping the blood-stained figure of the captured noble completely, making any rescue attempt impossible.

El looked down at the shocked and furious Saint Howard, Kong, and the other personnel, sneering at the panicked medic. "Try swapping him out from my grip now. Let's see if that trick works."

~~~

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