Holy Land's Open Scheme, Application to Battle the Four Emperors

Treating someone to a meal—or rather, inviting them to a meeting—had always been a very effective ambush tactic.

In ancient times, there was the Feast at Hong Gate. Nowadays, there was...

In any case, in the Five Elders' eyes, someone like Osborne—who had already slipped beyond their actual control and was showing signs of becoming an even greater threat—had to be eliminated by any means necessary.

Osborne himself, thousands of miles away, was not particularly aware of this.

Looking at the Den Den Mushi before him, at the old face on it that remained utterly calm, Osborne narrowed his eyes.

"A Marine officer conference being held in the Holy Land, Mary Geoise?"

"Why does a mere Vice Admiral like me specifically have to attend?"

As far as Osborne remembered, such a thing had never existed before.

After all, to the World Government, the Marines might look imposing, but in truth, their status was little different from that of hired thugs and underlings.

Even if there was something for those underlings to do, all they had to do was summon the Fleet Admiral—the "head underling"—give him a scolding, and issue their orders.

When had there ever been a meeting that required the attendance of a "mere Vice Admiral"?

Perhaps because of what had happened in Wano Country—namely Kong Ao's appearance and revelations—the previously harmonious relationship between Osborne and the World Government had developed a few cracks.

The five old men in the Holy Land all had somewhat grim expressions in their eyes.

A mere Marine Vice Admiral actually dared to question, even counter, their orders.

If that Vice Admiral had not been named Osborne, they would likely have already convicted and dismissed him.

But Osborne was clearly not afraid.

What a load of bullshit. If the Vice Admiral in question were