Only days ago it had been rubble.
Now reconstruction had already begun. Workers hurried everywhere, gradually restoring the Holy Land to its former luxurious glory.
As for the Celestial Dragons—
None were in sight.
Naturally, they had no intention of sharing space with construction workers.
Karl followed Sengoku to a towering building.
Sengoku stopped outside.
"This is the place."
"Go in."
Karl smiled calmly and stepped forward.
Knock knock.
"Enter."
Inside the Chamber
The first thing Karl saw was a massive circular table.
Five elderly men sat along one side, watching him silently.
The Five Elders.
Five Elders
From left to right:
A large man in a black suit, white curly hair, thick beard, flat cap, and a scar across his left cheek.
A tall elder in a dark blue suit with long straight white hair and narrow eyes.
A relatively younger-looking man in a crimson suit, blond beard, and a scar across his chest.
A balding elder in a dark green suit with large mustache-like whiskers and a birthmark on his forehead.
And finally—
A bald man in a white robe, glasses perched on his nose, holding a katana.
Karl recognized it immediately.
If he guessed correctly—
It was the original model of Raven.
Shodai Kitetsu.
"Sengoku, you may leave," said the elder in black.
"We need to discuss the Hero Medal with Karl."
Sengoku gave Karl an encouraging glance and left the room.
The Interrogation
"You are Karl?" asked the man in black.
"Yes."
"You performed well in this incident."
"You restored the dignity of the World Government and saved several World Nobles."
Karl replied calmly.
"It was merely a convenient action."
The bald elder adjusted his glasses.
"You should know why we summoned you."
"Fleet Admiral Sengoku mentioned something about the Hero Medal."
"Yes."
"Throughout the centuries, the Marines have produced only one Marine Hero."
"Do you believe you deserve that title?"
The blond elder spoke.
Karl turned toward him.
"If there is to be another Marine Hero…"
"Why shouldn't it be me?"
He continued evenly.
"For three years I defended G-10."
"I have clashed with all four Emperors."
"I could not send them to Impel Down—but none gained advantage against me."
"And Enel."
"Even Borsalino failed to catch him."
"Yet I captured and eliminated him."
"If the next Marine Hero is not me…"
"Then who?"
The balding elder snorted.
"Arrogant."
"No," Karl replied calmly.
"Just the truth."
The elders exchanged glances.
Finally the white-haired man spoke again.
"Confidence is good."
"In our view, the next Marine Hero could be you…"
"…or someone else."
"But we are inclined toward you."
He leaned forward slightly.
"However—"
"You must prove your loyalty to the Marines and the World Government."
"So you must complete a task."
"Only then can we grant you the Hero Medal."
"You may refuse."
"We will not blame you."
Karl smiled faintly.
"What is the mission?"
The Mission
"After the Mary Geoise attack," the elder said,
"the kingdom of Olt in the West Blue withdrew from the World Government."
"We find that… unfortunate."
"But CP has discovered the reason."
Karl raised a brow.
"The Revolutionary Army?"
The elder paused.
Quick answer.
"Yes."
"We suspect the entire kingdom has become a Revolutionary base."
"Your mission is simple."
"Travel to West Blue."
"Destroy the Kingdom of Olt."
"Eradicate all potential Revolutionary elements."
Karl's expression did not change.
"No problem."
The elders exchanged surprised looks.
They had expected resistance.
Another Kuzan.
Another Garp.
Instead—
Karl resembled Sakazuki.
Efficient.
Obedient.
A useful tool.
"Excellent."
"You have fifteen days."
"Destroy the Kingdom of Olt."
"Then we will hold a grand ceremony."
"The world will witness the birth of the next Marine Hero."
Karl nodded.
"Thank you."
"I'll depart immediately."
Outside
Sengoku rushed over as soon as Karl exited.
"How did it go?"
"They want me to destroy the Kingdom of Olt in West Blue."
Sengoku's face changed instantly.
"Olt Kingdom?!"
King Olt VIII was famous as a benevolent ruler.
His kingdom had struggled economically for years.
The Heavenly Tribute had drained them dry.
This year the king had even sold palace treasures to pay it.
So when the Mary Geoise attack occurred—
Olt VIII announced withdrawal from the World Government.
Claiming that a government unable to protect itself could not protect its allies.
Sengoku clenched his fist.
"They're making an example."
"Revolutionary Army involvement is nonsense."
"They want to intimidate the other member nations."
He grabbed Karl's arm.
"You can't do this."
"If you destroy Olt Kingdom…"
"Your reputation will collapse."
"Even if you become Marine Hero, it will be hollow."
Karl replied calmly.
"Fleet Admiral."
"Don't worry."
"I have a solution."
"A solution that satisfies both sides."
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