Holy Land Mariejois, Pangaea Castle.
This castle stood at the center of the Holy Land, guarding the entrance to Celestial Dragon City in the Realm of the Gods. It was the venue of the Reverie, the center of world power, and where the Five Elders worked on ordinary days.
At this moment, in the heart of Pangaea Castle, upon the Empty Throne that symbolized supreme authority, a mysterious figure sat high above.
He wore a white robe and a tall crown. Only a pair of sharp eyes was visible on his entire body, making it impossible to see his true appearance.
Yet even outsiders could tell from his silhouette, which resembled Plankton, that he was tall and slender rather than bloated. His still, ancient-well-like gaze conveyed calmness and detachment. Compared to muscle monsters like Kaido and Big Mom, he was practically a breath of fresh air among villains.
"Lord Imu."
The Five Elders, who could casually curse even the Fleet Admiral, were now prostrating themselves respectfully at this mysterious man's feet, their attitude as humble as that of the lowest slaves.
Imu sat high upon the throne, looking down at the Five Elders kneeling on the ground.
"Akainu has defected as well?"
His voice was calm and cold, without the slightest trace of emotion or fluctuation. It sounded like an icy machine, yet also carried the weathered air of someone who had seen through everything.
But when that simple, calm question reached the Five Elders' ears, it was like a thunderclap exploding in their minds.
"Forgive our incompetence!"
The five most noble Celestial Dragons trembled as they pleaded for forgiveness before Imu, lowering their heads even closer to the ground.
"We trusted Akainu too much and failed to see through his wolfish ambitions in advance."
"However."
One of the Five