"Not yet."
Is shook his head.
Ever since returning to Mary Geoise, he had gone straight to the backyard to resume his training, so he hadn't paid any attention to the newspapers.
"Master, please take a look at today's paper."
Rozmyne handed the newspaper in her hands to Is.
"Did something interesting happen?"
As he spoke, Is accepted the paper.
"The headline reads..."
"Aurelius D. Virel Is Betrays the World Government!"
The moment he unfolded the newspaper, Is unconsciously read the title aloud.
To be honest, he was a little stunned.
Still, he continued reading.
The article's meaning was very clear.
It claimed that Is harbored intentions of betraying the World Government.
And the source of the story was none other than Bundy World.
"So this is the gift you were talking about, Bundy World."
Looking at the newspaper, Is muttered to himself.
When they had met in the Kingdom of Gadobriel, he had casually teased Bundy World during their conversation.
He never expected the man to interpret those words as genuine ambition and then release such explosive news to the world.
That much had surprised him.
To be honest, Is had little interest in conquering the world.
However, if he ever had absolute confidence that he could rule it successfully, he might indeed consider it.
After all, what would he have to lose?
For now, though, he had no intention of rebelling.
Being a Celestial Dragon was still an extremely comfortable position.
The problem was that the Five Elders had already begun to view him with caution.
His faction had become too powerful.
The experts gathered around him were already stronger than the combined top-tier combat forces of Marine Headquarters.
Ignoring the article, Is simply continued his training.
The real issue wasn't the newspaper itself.
What mattered was how the Five Elders chose to respond.
...
Mary Geoise, Highest Authority Chamber.
The Five Elders stared solemnly at the newspaper in their hands.
"What are your thoughts on this latest article regarding Is?"
The bald elder asked with a grave expression.
"This article was released by Bundy World. There's a strong possibility that he's trying to sow discord."
The elder carrying a sword voiced his opinion.
"However, Is only visited the Kingdom of Gadobriel in the North Blue a few days ago. While he was in the palace, he ordered his subordinates to stop CP0. During that period, where exactly did he go? And why would Bundy World release such a report now?"
One of the elders voiced his doubts after careful consideration.
"Could it be..."
Another elder's face suddenly changed.
"While Is's subordinates were holding back CP0, Is secretly went to meet Bundy World?"
The possibility startled him.
After all, only if the two had actually met in the North Blue would Bundy World have a reason to publish such a story.
"Are you suggesting they're working together? Has Is already obtained the Pluton battleship blueprints?"
"But if they're allies, why would Bundy World release a report that would only increase our suspicion of Is?"
"What exactly is the relationship between those two?"
No matter how they analyzed the situation, something felt off.
The matter was simply too important for them to draw conclusions lightly.
"Is is gradually slipping beyond our control..."
One of the elders sighed helplessly.
They had always intended to elevate Is.
The position had long been reserved for him.
Yet his recent actions had increasingly fueled their suspicions.
They didn't know why he had gone to the North Blue.
They didn't know where he had gone after sending CP0 away.
And they didn't know what had happened during that period.
"This matter is too significant."
One elder finally proposed,
"We should seek Lord Imu's judgment. We won't reach a satisfactory conclusion on our own."
"I agree."
The other four elders nodded in agreement.
...
A corridor outside Pangaea Castle.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
The footsteps of the Five Elders echoed crisply through the silent corridor.
Arriving before a towering set of doors, they hesitated briefly.
Then they pushed them open.
Creak—
The massive doors slowly swung apart.
The Five Elders stepped inside.
Hearing the sound, Imu slowly opened eyes as sharp as an eagle's.
"The Five Elders have come to pay their respects to Lord Imu."
Arriving at the center of the grand hall, all five elders knelt on one knee.
Their voices echoed throughout the chamber.
"You've come to discuss Is, haven't you?"
Resting a hand against his face, Imu questioned them calmly.
The Five Elders exchanged glances.
They were somewhat surprised that Imu had immediately identified the reason for their visit.
After a brief silence, the bald elder spoke.
"Lord Imu, what is your opinion of Is?"
"Is is a useful talent."
Imu's tone remained indifferent.
"But only if he remains useful to the World Government."
In truth, Imu held a certain degree of appreciation for Is.
In the future, he might even allow him to become the Sixth Elder.
However, all of that depended on whether Is was willing to remain on their side.
"Bundy World has published a report claiming that Is intends to betray the World Government."
The bald elder continued.
"How does Lord Imu view this matter?"
"Is is someone you personally cultivated."
Imu let out a cold laugh.
"And you're asking me how to judge him?"
The moment those words fell, the Five Elders felt a chill run down their spines.
"Lord Imu..."
One of the elders forced himself to continue.
"Is is gradually slipping beyond our control."
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