It can be almost certainly determined to be in Elbaf, as only that mightiest nation has the capability to remain hidden.
Just in the latter half, and connected to Red Hair, it wouldn't tempt Sage too much.
Having obtained the last piece, he still needs to find someone to translate it; his cousin by blood may not help him with this task. Instead of pinning hopes on her, he'd rather wait for the Three-Eyed Race's Awakening.
Furthermore, he is indeed not that eager for Laugh Tale, having learned from past experiences.
Roger gave up back in the day, either due to some restriction or perhaps Roger himself had something wrong with him.
It's obviously the former; he doesn't want to go through great efforts to find Laugh Tale only to discover some strange requirement, like... a name like D, or something.
It's better to proceed cautiously, to substantiate what he holds in his own hands instead.
Laugh Tale is not of greater importance than what Sage wants to do now.
...
Mary Geoise, Pangu Palace, within the halls of power.
The five old men also looked at the disconnected Radio Snail, Figarland·Garling sighed, "I didn't expect our first cooperation with all of you would be forced by pirates. I originally thought you would remain firm."
"Our aim is for long-term dominance and balance, not to trigger a world war, especially since the opposition already possesses Ancient Weapons."
Warcury glanced at him, "Since your successor is Saturn, you should also learn some scientific knowledge."
"It's all right, I have plenty of time, and York is my direct subordinate."
Figarland·Garling sat cross-legged on the couch, smiling as he heard this: "Whatever it is, I won't fall short."
Whether he understands technology or not is irrelevant; his subordinates understand it and that's enough.
In terms of keeping promises, they, of course, can fulfill them. York completed her task, so they can naturally make her a Heavenly Celestial Dragon.
The other four exchanged glances, and finally Peter spoke, "So, what happened with Saturn?"
"Ignoring orders."
Garling didn't hide the matter, "Two hundred years ago, the giant robot attacked Mary Geoise... of course, I have no memory of it, but surely you do."
Two hundred years ago... Forget himself, even his grandfather wasn't born then.
But these few existed from the time of his remembrance until his old age, the 'monsters' who remained unchanged were surely aware of it.
"Oh... was it that Haki?"
The four quickly understood, they all were sent back because of the Haki shown by that robot.
Or rather...
That adult was frightened, suppressed by the Haki.
"Exactly, the robot should have been ordered to be destroyed by that adult long ago, but Saturn hid this matter and kept researching. Whether it's you or me, none of us lived through that era, we only know about it. If it involves Joyboy though..."
Figarland·Garling paused, then said: "I think it's better to be more diligent."
"No need for you to say that; even within the Knight Order, you are our junior."
Peter shook his head, "Saturn's fault in this matter was not handling it promptly. Forget it, it's his issue, having failed, there's nothing more to say."
That adult's command...
Although the Five Elders are 'puppets' with their lives held in another's hands, this puppet transcends their original lifespan; frankly, living one more day is a gain.
Moreover, that adult frequently falls into slumber; throughout the long years, they have been in charge, two hundred years ago the adult awoke once just to give orders to Saturn, then didn't stir for two hundred years.
Until now, he's awake again.
If Saturn managed things well at Egghead, even if the robot still existed, it wouldn't matter, he wouldn't disappear.
Egghead proved to be their grand failure!
All blame on that damned catastrophe!
"We can only cooperate for now..."
Peter sighed, "At this stage, we must admit we have no means against him."
In terms of might, he is now referred to as the first of the sea.
In terms of forces, the apparent armed forces number over seventy thousand, all navigating the New World, not the usual sailors capable of dealing with pirates.
And with his control over territories, he can pull out a slew of soldiers at any time, along with an abundant supply of weapons and resources.
Conventional warfare tactics can't deal with him either.
As to ultimate measures...
They haven't had the 'Mother Fire Seed' for long at all, and shortly after, the Egghead incident occurred, having to admit Sage's response is far quicker than theirs.
Now the ultimate measures have developed into mutual destruction.
Uncertain whether the opposite side possesses rationality or is a lunatic, conjuring ideas even like this.
It's not like before.
While they used to value Sage, after all, a pirate, there was always an attitude of him not escaping their control.
Now it's completely changed; possessing Ancient Weapons and formidable strength, he's become an equal to them.
Except for longevity...
But this equality is intolerable.
Now, truly, apart from longevity, they have no recourse.
Just wait for him to die.
"Do as he says, redress... at least it can return, the Red Earth Continent is ultimately under the Government's control, and occupying the initiative at that time is a small fortune amidst misfortune." Warcury stated.
"Who will cooperate with him?" Peter asked.
Nusjuro nodded, saying, "Akainu, his ability is useful as well. The catastrophe is set on redressing, he'll definitely exhaust all means to achieve it, the more it's blocked at this time, the more problems will arise, swift resolution is needed."
"Agreed." the other three nodded, then looked at Figarland·Garling.
"Agreed."
Figarland·Garling nodded, "Fellow colleagues, perhaps you are uncomfortable, but now our times ahead are vast, with ample opportunity for slow understanding."
"No problem, it isn't the first time."
Peter was rather sentimental, "It's just happening suddenly, indeed taking people by surprise."
Back in his day, he came up the same way.
Just as he finished speaking, suddenly the five were taken aback, revealing expressions of disbelief.
For a long time, Warcury calmly spoke, "Then, pick a time for the catastrophe to visit Mary Geoise."
It's necessary to come.
Though it's the Holy Land, they are already clearly aware this place can't stop the catastrophe; whenever he wants to come, he can come any moment.
"Well, it might as well bring some supplies along, the people below are about to run out of food. The damn Revolutionary Army, hiding really deep." Nusjuro stated.
The Western Army's leader among them, a rare gender-bender from the Giant Race, her ability allows this task; this solid and vast Red Earth Continent has become their hideout.
Mars nodded, "Perhaps it could also serve as a point of contention... Should the Revolutionary Army attack Sage, this matter will certainly provoke retaliation. If not, supplies will be sent up, no matter what the situation, we don't lose."
Figarland·Garling agreed, "Then let's do it."
This is but one reason.
And by this reasoning, it's insufficient to make them relent, this is the Holy Land; having let that catastrophe pass last time already brought massive humiliation, and now he wants to come again, of course, they don't wish to comply.
Yet more important than this reason was a directive they all heard just moments ago.
A directive from Between the Flowers, issued by the one deeply hidden in history whom they revered.
"Im wants to see him."
Just one command and it's sufficient.
Originally, they wanted to advise the adult not to act hastily, as this was essentially a hidden matter, and Cobra had to die for discovering the truth.
Allowing a pirate to see the adult, if exposed, would be a huge blow to the Government.
However, considering Saturn had just vanished, the information obtained indicates he turned directly into bones.
If the adult says this, surely there's a reason...
Let's do it then.