"That kid Raiver Sky, his power has surged again?!"
In a certain training ground, Golden Lion Shiki held a newspaper, his face filled with astonishment.
He had just finished a day of training. When his subordinate brought the newspaper, he hadn't paid it much mind, but after reading the report, his expression became utterly shocked.
Shiki had fought against that old monster Qiongqi before.
Three years ago, in a certain sea area of the New World, he led his fleet and encountered the marine fleet commanded by Qiongqi.
That battle lasted an entire day and ended in a draw.
His fleet suffered heavy losses, but the marines failed to capture him.
However, Shiki knew that Qiongqi hadn't gone all out in that fight.
Because Qiongqi's primary mission was to escort a certain Celestial Dragon on an inspection tour, not to eradicate pirates.
If Qiongqi had fought with his full strength, the outcome might have been different.
And now, Raiver Sky had severely injured that old monster in a direct confrontation.
What did this mean?
It meant Raiver Sky's strength had already surpassed what Shiki possessed three years ago.
"Gurararara... Has that kid Raiver Sky's power improved again?"
Whitebeard's laughter came from nearby.
He sat on a large rock, also holding a newspaper, reading it with great interest.
"Every time he makes a move, it's astonishing. Fortunately, I've gotten used to it by now."
Whitebeard put down the newspaper, picked up the enormous wine bowl beside him, and took a large gulp.
"After all, that kid... was a complete monster to begin with."
This young man who had joined the pirate crew less than a few months ago was growing at an unbelievable rate, now standing at the same height as him.
He had a faint feeling that Raiver Sky's current strength might already be on par with his own.
If the two were to fight seriously, the outcome might be evenly matched.
Such a terrifying rate of improvement was simply astounding.
Although Admiral Qiongqi wasn't at his peak, even if Whitebeard were to fight him personally, achieving a complete victory would be far from easy.
...
Holy Land, Pangaea Castle.
This pure white architectural complex sat atop the Red Line, overlooking the sea and all living beings below.
This was the center of world power, the core that had ruled the world for eight hundred years.
Top-floor conference room.
The Five Elders sat around a circular table, their expressions grave.
Various reports were scattered across the table.
The contents of the reports were largely similar: Celestial Dragons attacked, one dead, two captured, Admiral Qiongqi severely injured and forced to retreat.
Since learning of the attack on the Celestial Dragons, all Celestial Dragons had fallen into a furious rage.
These World Nobles cared nothing about the life or death of a Marine Admiral.
In their eyes, an Admiral was merely a higher-level bodyguard, a tool that could be replaced at any time.
But for a Celestial Dragon to be brutally killed and humiliated as a mount by lowly pirates—this was an absolutely unforgivable blasphemy!
It must be cleansed with the blood and complete annihilation of that madman!
The family of Saint Luo faced discrimination from other Celestial Dragons.
Kneeling before commoners and being reduced to a mount—in their view, this meant he had lost the qualification to be a Celestial Dragon!
"Despicable! Filthy! Unforgivable!"
"We must immediately dispatch the God's Knights to tear that pirate to pieces!"
"What is the World Government doing? Can't even handle a few pirates?!"
"If you can't do it, we'll take matters into our own hands!"
At this moment, numerous Celestial Dragons flooded into the Five Elders' conference room, sternly demanding that Raiver Sky must be executed.
Under pressure from various families, the Five Elders had no choice but to employ forceful measures.
First, seal off all information.
All intelligence regarding the deaths and humiliation of Celestial Dragons was classified as top secret. Anyone leaking this information would face execution.
The World Economic Journal was warned that if they dared report any related news, the entire newspaper agency would be wiped from existence.
Second, control public opinion.
Shift all focus to the "defeat of the Marine Admiral" incident, downplaying the Celestial Dragons' involvement.
Make the Marines the target of public criticism, diverting people's attention.
Third, reach an agreement.
After ten hours of negotiations with representatives from various clans, they presented a temporarily satisfactory response plan:
First, immediately form a special operations unit led personally by the chief of Cipher Pol Aigis Zero to pursue and eliminate Raiver Sky in the New World.
Second, Marine Headquarters must produce results within one month, otherwise Fleet Admiral Kong will resign to take responsibility.
Third, the World Government will enhance security for Celestial Dragons. All Celestial Dragons on inspection tours must be accompanied by an Admiral.
Fourth, comprehensively increase the bounties for the Rocks Pirates. Raiver Sky's bounty will be directly doubled to 5 billion Belly!
These conditions barely suppressed the Celestial Dragons' fury.
But they also knew this was merely a stopgap measure.
If Raiver Sky remains alive, if the Celestial Dragons cannot be rescued, this matter will inevitably erupt sooner or later.
"That Raiver Sky... must die."
The Five Elder with long straight white hair spoke slowly.
His voice was icy, devoid of any emotion.
"But his strength has reached Admiral level. To kill him, we need to deploy at least two Admirals, or..."
He paused, a trace of apprehension flashing in his eyes.
"Or, request 'that person' to take action."
The other four Five Elders fell silent simultaneously.
They knew who "that person" referred to.
That was the World Government's ultimate trump card, an existence even they five must revere.
But "that person" hasn't been active for a long time.
Unless the Holy Land's survival is at stake, "that person" won't easily intervene.
"Let Cipher Pol Aigis Zero go first."
The golden-haired, short-bearded Five Elder said.
"If they fail, we'll consider other options."
"Agreed."
"Agreed."
...
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
At this moment, the atmosphere in the Fleet Admiral's office was heavy.
Kong urgently convened an Admiral-level meeting.
But there were only two attendees: Admiral "Qiongqi" Kleist, covered in bandages, and Admiral "Zhu Yan" Li Wusi, his expression grave.
The final Admiral, serving as the Naval Academy's head instructor, was conducting closed training at the new recruit camp and hadn't been urgently recalled by the Five Elders.
Just moments ago, the Five Elders personally called, berating Kong harshly.
"Worthless!"
"Incompetent!"
"If you can't even capture one pirate, what purpose does the Marines serve?!"
"If you can't resolve the Raiver Sky situation within one month, don't bother remaining as Fleet Admiral!"
Kong suppressed his nearly explosive rage, listening to the roar coming through the Den Den Mushi, his fingers cracking from how tightly he clenched them.
Since assuming the role of Marine Headquarters Fleet Admiral, he had given his all.
But the actions of the Five Elders and the Celestial Dragons this time filled him with immense frustration.
Shifting all blame onto Marine Headquarters—even if it meant the Marines lost all credibility—must never compromise the fragile dignity of the Celestial Dragons.
How utterly... absurd.
Yet he could not refute them.
Because he was the Fleet Admiral, the military leader subordinate to the World Government.
He could only obey.
After hanging up the call, Kong remained silent for a full ten minutes.
Then, he convened this meeting.
--Enjoying the story? Want more chapters? Check out my Patreon and support me for 40+ advance chapters.
Just search for "LegendaryTL" on Patreon!"
Thanks!