The news of Bundy World and Golden Lion Shiki engaging in a massive battle on an island in the North Blue quickly spread throughout the world.
Every major pirate currently in the North Blue immediately began heading toward the island where the two were fighting.
The Marines also received the news.
They rapidly mobilized their forces and began advancing into the North Blue, intending to wipe out as many great pirates as possible.
...
Mary Geoise, Is's Castle.
Is and the others had also seen the report regarding the battle between Bundy World and Shiki.
"It seems Shiki wants the Pluton battleship blueprints as well."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni glanced at the newspaper before taking a sip of coffee.
"Nobody isn't interested in the Pluton blueprints."
Lying comfortably on a soft sofa, Is spoke casually.
"That's true. By now, the other great pirates who received the news are probably arriving as well."
Hashirama looked at the newspaper in his hand as he spoke.
"Should we go and seize the Pluton blueprints, Is?"
Unohana Retsu placed the paper on the table and looked toward him.
"Not now."
Is slowly shook his head.
"The Five Elders are already wary of us. Going to the North Blue right now would only deepen their suspicions. They might even start looking for ways to eliminate us. It's better not to act recklessly."
At present, he had no intention of giving up his status as a Celestial Dragon.
He wasn't particularly interested in conquering the world.
Unless the world was practically handed to him—or he possessed overwhelming power that guaranteed absolute control—he wasn't willing to risk provoking the World Government and abandoning such a comfortable position.
"Is, we're already strong enough. Why continue serving under others?"
Acnologia rested his chin on one hand as he asked.
"If we separate from the World Government, we'd become pirates."
Is calmly explained.
"And then our enemies would include the World Government, the Marines, and the other pirates as well."
"There wouldn't be a single benefit to doing that."
"Fair point."
Acnologia nodded.
Pururururu...
Pururururu...
Pururururu...
The Den Den Mushi on the table suddenly began ringing.
Is picked it up and placed it beside his ear.
The snail's face gradually transformed into that of the bald elder.
The sight caused Is to pause briefly.
However, he remained silent and waited for the other side to speak first.
"Is, you've heard about what's happening in the North Blue, haven't you?"
The bald elder asked calmly.
"You mean Shiki and Bundy World?"
"Exactly."
"A large number of pirates have gathered in the North Blue."
The elder spoke slowly.
"We want you to head there and do everything within your power to eliminate them."
Is frowned slightly.
He couldn't understand what the Five Elders were planning.
Weren't they worried that he might seize the Pluton blueprints and eventually rebel against the World Government?
Yet now they were actively sending him to the North Blue.
It was the last thing he had expected.
"Are you planning to refuse the mission, Is?"
"No."
Is shook his head.
"I'll accept it."
Although he was filled with questions, he still agreed.
"Good."
The bald elder sounded pleased.
"Don't disappoint us, Is."
With that, the call ended.
"They're actually sending us to the North Blue?"
Even Hashirama looked puzzled.
Weren't they currently suspected of harboring thoughts of betrayal?
Why would the Five Elders still allow them to go?
"Who knows."
Is shrugged.
"But they definitely have their own plans."
...
Even Is couldn't understand what the Five Elders were thinking.
However, people who sat at the highest level of the World Government weren't fools.
Their decision to send him to the North Blue had undoubtedly been carefully considered.
They likely believed the entire situation remained within their control.
"So, are we going?"
Madara casually picked up an apple from the table and took a bite.
"Of course."
Is stood up while taking a sip of fruit juice.
"The mission's already been accepted."
...
Mary Geoise, Highest Authority Chamber.
The Five Elders sat together within the grand hall.
"Once Is arrives, a large number of pirates are bound to be eliminated."
The bald elder sat in his seat and spoke slowly.
"And his own forces will likely suffer casualties as well."
The Five Elders' objective was simple.
They wanted Is to weaken the pirate forces while simultaneously reducing the strength of his own faction.
Just as Imu had said, Is was a double-edged sword.
The important part was how they chose to wield him.
"But what if Is obtains the Pluton battleship blueprints?"
One elder voiced his concern.
Sending Is to the North Blue came with both advantages and risks.
It could weaken the pirates.
It could also weaken Is himself.
However, there was also the possibility that Is would benefit from the chaos and seize the Pluton blueprints.
"Don't worry."
The elder carrying a sword spoke calmly.
"I've already contacted the Marines."
"No matter what happens, Is must not obtain the Pluton blueprints."
He had already instructed the Marine forces involved in the North Blue operation.
Their primary objective was to focus on Bundy World.
At any cost, they were to secure the Pluton blueprints.
Even if they had to destroy them, they could not allow them to fall into Is's hands.
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on P@treon if you're interested:
patreon.com/c/GojoSP