Chapter 200: Decoy and World Government Covert Action

"Boom!!!"

A thunderous explosion shook the heavens.

The sea churned violently, waves surging and crashing in all directions. Fierce gusts of wind swept through the area, their pressure rippling outward in a massive storm.

Two figures stood in the aftermath, leaning on their weapons, breathing heavily. Yet, it was clear that Irene, the Blood Demon, held the upper hand. She appeared far more composed than her opponent.

"That's enough for today…"

"Mamahahaha, as expected of the man once called the Beast. Your mastery of Mighty Nation is becoming more refined!"

Descending from the sky atop Thundercloud Hera, El and Linlin appeared before them, clearly pleased with Cyril Oka's performance.

The Elbaf Spear techniques, originally crafted for the Giant Tribe, proved equally effective for the towering Buccaneers warrior, whose physique resembled that of a small giant. With natural talent and sharp instincts, Cyril had fully mastered the Elbaf Spear techniques in less than a month. Of course, his success stemmed largely from his formidable strength and extensive experience, which provided a solid foundation.

Unlike others, such as Gerd or Hajrudin, Cyril had long since reached a level where power and skill intersected seamlessly.

"There's news from the World Government today," El said, crossing his arms as his eyes narrowed. "Both the Fleet Admiral and Kong were summoned by the Five Elders."

"Oh?"

"It's finally starting?"

Both Cyril and Irene's expressions grew serious, their eyes gleaming with anticipation.

"Yes," El confirmed. "Over the past few days, Tsuru has overseen the covert evacuation of personnel from Cake Island. It's nearly complete."

Unbeknownst to the outside world, the "residents" of Cake Island were now largely wax replicas.

Thanks to the recent acquisition of the Color-Color Fruit, recovered from prisoners in Impel Down, El had orchestrated an elaborate deception.

First, the Color-Color Fruit user, chosen from the Dream House members, gave lifelike coloring to wax replicas created by Sark.

Second, Gerd infused the wax dummies with just enough soul energy to animate them for one to two months.

These rudimentary Homies, though lacking intelligence or combat ability, could mimic basic human behaviors such as walking and talking. They were perfect decoys to confuse the World Government's reconnaissance efforts.

Meanwhile, the actual civilians of Cake Island had been secretly relocated to Atlantis, a floating Sky Island, for their safety.

Though the accommodations were rudimentary—temporary wooden shelters crafted by El's powers—and certain areas were restricted, the displaced residents marveled at the rare opportunity to live on a Sky Island.

"If only Barry weren't so preoccupied," El remarked, referring to the Mirror-Mirror Fruit user.

The original plan had been to relocate everyone into the Mirror World instead.

"Mamahahaha, let's head back to Cake Island!"

Thundercloud Hera expanded once more, carrying the group skyward. Their silhouettes disappeared into the horizon as they sped toward Cake Island, bracing for the storm ahead.

El pulled out a Den Den Mushi, dialed a number, and gave a direct order:

"Jien, send the signal to those guys. It's time for them to move."

"Understood, Boss El!"

Turning to Linlin, El asked, "Have Gace and Jace returned yet?"

"Not yet!" Linlin grinned wickedly. "But they should be back soon. When they do, let's give them a big surprise. Mamamama…"

Her grin faded slightly, replaced by a look of regret. "It's a shame about Iron Arm. He could have been a valuable addition if not for his scheming."

"Iron Arm" Tok was a Paramecia-type Steel-Steel Fruit user, with a bounty exceeding 1 billion berries. A monstrous powerhouse once imprisoned in Impel Down's Level 6: Eternal Hell.

His Steel-Steel Fruit ability had reached Awakening, allowing him to transform anything he touched into steel and manipulate it at will.

Unlike the aging and weakened Blood Demon Irene, Tok was still in his prime, less than 50 years old, and retained peak combat capabilities despite his captivity.

Initially, El had no illusions about easily subduing such a formidable figure. The plan had been to cooperate temporarily, utilizing Tok's strength to withstand the impending pressure from the World Government.

However, Tok's scheming and hidden agenda were exposed instantly by El's unique Observation Haki, which detected his ill intentions.

Without hesitation, El had Linlin turn him into a Blood Slave.

"If he couldn't play nice, then so be it."

El shrugged, a cold smile on his face. "At the very least, he's still a powerful addition, comparable to a 'Queen-level' Homie, even as a Blood Slave."

While Blood Slaves were reduced to soulless puppets devoid of personality or free will, they retained their Devil Fruit abilities, Haki, and even their Awakened skills.

Though they couldn't fully utilize their former peak strength due to the loss of self-awareness, they remained formidable in battle and valuable assets.

"Mmhahaha~! El-sama, perhaps Linlin should have taken some of his lifespan first, using it to coerce him…"

The Blood Demon Irene licked her lips and cackled wickedly.

"Then, once he's served his purpose, you could dispose of him. Wouldn't that be more efficient?"

"Someone like him wouldn't be so foolish as to submit to such threats," El replied, casting her a sharp glance.

"If he retaliates at a critical moment, injures one of our key forces, or takes someone important hostage to demand Linlin restore his lifespan, then what? If there's even a chance of that happening, we eliminate all risks."

It was the same reason he had tread cautiously with Rocks D. Xebec. Their earlier standoff with the Rocks Pirates had been a calculated show for the World Government.

However, had Xebec shown any intent to exploit the situation, El wouldn't have hesitated to ensure he didn't leave Totto Land's waters alive.

"Mamamama, you're absolutely right!" Linlin nodded seriously, fully agreeing with El's decision.

Leaving such a threat unchecked was simply too dangerous.

"Tsk tsk, how decisive you are, El-sama!" Even Irene, the ruthless Blood Demon, couldn't help but feel relieved she had chosen wisely.

She had no doubt that any ulterior motives on her part would have resulted in the same fate as Tok—stripped of free will, reduced to a mindless Blood Slave obeying Linlin's every command.

~~~

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