Mary Geoise. The Chamber of Power. The Five Elders were not having as comfortable a time as Rhett.
They sat around a round table. The atmosphere was so heavy it felt like water could be wrung out of it.
Rhett: "Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're always 'wrung out.' You're so full of water that you..." The author quickly covered Rhett's mouth. "Bro, please, my dear bro. Don't say it. If you say it, we're both going to end up in a dark room."
The surveillance footage from the Den Den Mushi played on a loop. The image of the spinning Celestial Dragon was still going around and around.
All Five Elders were present. The crystal ball was showing the scene of Rhett whipping the Celestial Dragon. When the blood mist tore the Celestial Dragon's skin open, the Finance God of Knowledge's fists clenched so hard his knuckles cracked.
"Unbelievable!" The man's mustache bristled with rage. "How dare he humiliate my nephew like this!"
The Science and Defense God of Knowledge pushed up his glasses. "Every single lash avoided vital areas. This isn't punishment. It's... a performance."
"A performance for whom?" the Environment God of Knowledge sneered. "For us?"
The Legal God of Knowledge flipped through documents. "Isn't it obvious? He tried to intimidate us. If he played nice, he wouldn't be Rhett..."
"Enough!" The Agriculture God of Knowledge slammed the table. "What use is arguing about this now? The real question is how do we deal with him tomorrow?"
The Finance God of Knowledge's face darkened. "I propose we deploy the God's Knights!"
"Calm down. Don't let your emotions get the better of you." The Science and Defense God of Knowledge looked up sharply. "Start a war inside Mary Geoise? Do you know how far his blood mist can spread? His mist reached from Sabaody to the outskirts of the Holy Land. The fact that he hasn't let it spread inside is already him being considerate. If he wanted, it could cover the entire Holy Land in an instant."
The chamber fell silent. The crystal ball had frozen on the frame of Rhett arrogantly declaring, "We'll go tomorrow."
"Have you informed Lord Imu?" the Legal God of Knowledge asked quietly.
The Environment God of Knowledge shook his head. "He said... wait."
"Wait for what? For him to whip every single Celestial Dragon in Mary Geoise?" the Finance God of Knowledge roared.
The Science and Defense God of Knowledge suddenly smiled. "Actually... this might not be a bad thing."
The other four all looked at him.
"Think about it," the Science and Defense God of Knowledge said, his glasses glinting. "That idiot is useless. All he does is cause trouble. Now that Rhett has taught him a lesson, it saves us a lot of trouble. Increase your family's Heavenly Tribute share by half."
"Agreed." x4
"So what do we do next?" The Finance God of Knowledge's expression suddenly became calm. As if the person having a breakdown moments ago wasn't him.
"More importantly," the Science and Defense God of Knowledge continued, "the more recklessly Rhett behaves, the more it shows that he has something to fall back on. What we should really be worried about is... what exactly is his support?"
The Agriculture God of Knowledge looked thoughtful. "Are you talking about... the remnants of the Roger Pirates?"
"Or worse," the Legal God of Knowledge said, his face dark, "Whitebeard, Big Mom, Kaido... or even the Revolutionary Army."
Another moment of silence. Finally, the Environment God of Knowledge sighed. "Then... we'll deal with it tomorrow. Increase the Holy Land's security tonight."
The Environment God of Knowledge continued, "We need to change our attitude toward Shanks."
The Finance God of Knowledge raised an eyebrow. "Because of Rhett?"
The Environment God of Knowledge nodded. "Yes. Because of Rhett. With Shanks as a connection, our relationship with Rhett might improve."
"As for your nephew," the Science and Defense God of Knowledge glanced at his colleague, "send him to the medical bay. Give him the best medicine. And remember —" His voice was meaningful. "Keep his mouth shut."
The Finance God of Knowledge nodded. He looked completely indifferent.
---
The next day. Rhett was, predictably, late.
The doors opened slowly. Rhett walked in first, his blood-red cloak billowing behind him. He looked around the room. His gaze landed on the Five Elders. He suddenly grinned. "Yo! You old guys look great! My dear friends, did you miss me? Yo, old Saturn! That beard of yours is very stylish. Is it a new model?"
Saturn: What the hell is a "new model beard."
The Five Elders did not respond. Rhett didn't care.
He walked straight toward the sofa area in the center and patted the Science and Defense God of Knowledge on the shoulder. "Move over a bit, buddy. Make some room for me. You're the one I feel closest to." A cold glint flickered in Saturn's eyes, but he quietly moved aside.
The sofa was U-shaped. Saturn's seat was near the center seat. By moving, Rhett ended up sitting in the host seat, facing Shanks.
Rhett sprawled in the middle of the Five Elders and crossed his legs. "Don't mind me. I'm just here with my little brother." He snapped his fingers. "Get my little brother a seat. No sense of hospitality at all. Your working conditions here are terrible."
The Legal God of Knowledge's mouth twitched, but he signaled for servants to bring out an exquisite fruit platter. Rhett grabbed a berry and tossed it into his mouth. "Mm. Sweeter than yesterday's."
Shanks suppressed a laugh and casually sat in the chair across from them. "Hello there, you old gentlemen~"
The Environment God of Knowledge forced a smile. "Did you two rest well last night? Was the environment comfortable?"
"So-so," Rhett said, crossing his legs. "Next time, make sure there's a bathrobe and a scrubbing towel. Oh, and some fruit." He snapped his fingers again. "Hello? Fruit?"
The servants scrambled to bring out the fruit. The Finance God of Knowledge's face was dark as a burned pot.
The Science and Defense God of Knowledge pushed up his glasses and decided to get straight to the point. "Shanks, the reason we invited you here is because of your lineage..."
"Huh?" Shanks picked his ear. "What lineage?"
The Legal God of Knowledge coughed lightly. "You are a descendant of the Figarland family. During the God Valley incident, you were... ahem... taken away by this man, Rhett."
He then glared fiercely at Rhett.
"Old Man Peter, is there something wrong with your eyes? Why are you glaring at me? Can't afford your own fruit platter?"
Shanks blinked. "Oh. So?"
The Five Elders all froze. The Agriculture God of Knowledge slammed the table. "You are a Celestial Dragon! A descendant of the creators of the world!"
"Wow~" Shanks's mouth dropped open in an exaggerated expression of surprise. He turned to Rhett. "Big Brother, am I really that impressive?"
Rhett was tossing grapes into his mouth. He rolled his eyes. "Impressive, my ass. You're just a bunch of good-for-nothings who happened to be born into the right family."
"Rhett!" The Finance God of Knowledge finally lost his temper. "Watch your mouth!"
"What?" Rhett's eyes flashed red. "You want to fight?"
The atmosphere in the chamber instantly became tense. Then, suddenly, Shanks burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Don't get so worked up, you old gentlemen." He stood up, spinning his straw hat on his fingertip. "So what if I am a Celestial Dragon? What does that change?"
The Legal God of Knowledge said, "You can return to the Holy Land! With your strength and your reputation, combined with the privileges of a Celestial Dragon, you could join the God's Knights. You would be the most honored person in the world. Ruling the seas would be effortless!"