Chapter 100: Warrior Gods

"Honored Five Elders—"

"The father of Saint Hanic, Saint Hars, along with the families of Saint Fenix and others, are requesting an audience with you outside!"

At the summit of the Red Line, in the Sacred Land of Mary Geoise, within the grand Pangaea Castle—the power center of the World Government—a flustered attendant entered cautiously to deliver his report.

"Outrageous—"

"Send them back!"

The Five Elders, holders of the highest authority within the World Government and revered as the [Warrior Gods], showed visible irritation.

"Tell them we have already instructed the Navy and CP to conduct a full investigation into the whereabouts of the criminals, and we are devising methods to rescue the three kidnapped Celestial Dragons!"

The tall, slender, white-haired Elder dressed impeccably in a black suit raised an eyebrow in frustration. "Reassure them that the World Government will not tolerate those who dare defile the divine bloodlines of the Creator's descendants! Once we capture any member of the Fallen Angel Pirates, they will be publicly executed, their deaths broadcast worldwide—a thousand cuts, a slow and agonizing end, as a warning to all!"

The [Warrior God of Environment], Saint Marcus Mars, then glared coldly. "With the blood of these wretched scum, we will show the world the fate of those who challenge the divine!"

"Understood—"

The attendant respectfully exited.

With a "bang," a nearby ornate tea table shattered, its priceless teacups splintering across the floor.

One of the Elders, wearing a black suit and tie, with a bald head marked by a birthmark, was seething. This Elder, the [Warrior God of Justice], Saint Topman Valkyrie, ground his teeth in fury. "Unbelievable—the audacity of that 'Fallen Angel' El! He dares to attack the Celestial Dragons in retaliation for the World Government's extermination of the Lunarians!"

"It was a grave miscalculation," added the tall, blond-haired Elder in a crimson suit, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter. "Who would have thought the last surviving Lunarian could grow so powerful in secret? And now, the Navy has suffered devastating losses."

"Not only did we lose Iron Claw Admiral Hark, but five or six capable Vice Admirals as well."

The [Warrior God of Agriculture], Saint Shepherd Ju Peter spoke gravely. "According to Fleet Admiral Hammons William's report, both the G-1 and G-5 Fortresses were completely destroyed, reduced to rubble. Only a few patrol ships on duty and some Marines on leave survived. At least twenty thousand elite forces from the headquarters and New World contingents have been lost—an unprecedented blow!"

"Those losses can be addressed with a large-scale recruitment campaign," remarked the [Warrior God of Finance], Saint Ethan Baron V. Nasujuro. Wearing a loose white robe and leaning on a katana resembling the fabled Supreme Grade Sword, Shodai Kitetsu, he continued, "But what demands serious attention is El, this Lunarian prodigy. William's report suggests that after his battle with Admiral Hark, he bore not a single visible wound."

"Whether due to his innate Lunarian resilience or extraordinary durability, El poses a genuine threat," added the [Warrior God of Defense Science], Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, who sat beside Saint Topman Valkyrie. Tapping his cane, he observed bluntly, "At the very least, El now has the power to kill a Navy Admiral. Sending just one Admiral after him is futile. Capturing him will require two Admirals or equivalent forces."

They exchanged grim looks. Even the Holy Knights, despite deploying a Mythical Zoan Thunderbird user, had failed to capture El. The Lunarian possessed not only a pair of black wings for flight but also a unique racial ability: a choice between two powerful states. When the flames on his head blazed, he could enter a nearly "invincible" defensive state, impervious to attacks. When he extinguished those flames, his speed, strength, and reaction time increased in an "attack state."

"So, that Lunarian brat El believes himself unstoppable simply because of his abilities…" Saint Marcus Mars frowned as he paced. "Capturing him will require flawless preparation."

"Foolish and fearless," muttered Saint Ethanbaron V. Nasujuro, his grip on the hilt of Shodai Kitetsu tightening. "El has paved his own path to death!"

"So, should we meet his demands?" Saint Shepherd Ju Peter asked, his brows furrowed. "Twenty Devil Fruits, including two rare Logias, two Mythical Zoans, and three Ancient Zoans… he's asking for a fortune."

"An outrageously ambitious demand," added Saint Topman Valkyrie angrily, clenching his fists. "We cannot negotiate with him, but we must retrieve the kidnapped Celestial Dragons first… None of us want this lunatic broadcasting something disgraceful worldwide."

One of the hostages was a member of the Topman family. While Saint Topman Valkyrie cared little for this distant relative's wellbeing, he could not allow his family's honor to be so publicly tarnished. Better they perish than suffer such degradation.

"Agreed," Saint Marcus Mars added coldly, "We cannot allow the sanctity of the gods to be defiled!"

"Deploy the Holy Knights and instruct the Navy to prepare thoroughly. Once those three Celestial Dragons are secure, eliminate El and his crew without hesitation!" added Saturn.

At that moment, the doorbell rang.

"Enter!" the Elders ordered, halting their conversation.

An attendant rushed in and knelt. "Sirs, this is not about the Celestial Dragons. It's from the Navy—they report that after learning she was to be transferred to the Red Line for punishment by Saint Fenix, Rear Admiral Tsuru took her own life."

"Fleet Admiral William requests that her death not be publicized widely to maintain morale within the Navy."

"Taking her own life? How convenient." Saint Ethanbaron V. Nasujuro pushed up his glasses with a scoff.

"We haven't even questioned William on his responsibility for this debacle, yet he dares to advise us," Saint Jaygarcia Saturn sneered at the kneeling attendant. "Tell him the World Government doesn't take orders from him."

"Enough. The timing is poor for internal friction," Saint Marcus Mars interjected with a wave of his hand. "William had a point; Tsuru was close to those potential Admiral candidates. Saint Fenix's punishment will have to suffice."

"It's settled, then. Her role was minor; there's no need for excessive publicity. Deliver her remains to Saint Fenix."

"Understood, sirs."