Mary Geoise, Pangu City, Room of Authority.
The Den Den Mushi's receiver had already been placed back on its shell. The Den Den Mushi that had been full of energy and swagger as it mimicked a certain man just moments ago now lay listlessly on the table, its eyes shut and drooping.
The five old men of varying heights were somewhat silent.
Only after a long while did one of them speak.
"Is what Bright said true?" The blond Five Elder spoke cautiously, his brow furrowed and his voice low. He was clearly deeply hesitant.
"Who knows?"
The bearded Five Elder shook his head. Sitting on the sofa with his fingers interlocked beneath his chin, he too looked troubled. "Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. We can't read that brat's mind!"
"Although we cannot be certain, we can only proceed on the assumption that he—or rather, they—already know."
The long-bearded Five Elder stood before the enormous floor-to-ceiling window. Brilliant sunlight shone in from behind him, yet his face remained hidden in shadow. "We cannot afford to gamble."
"That is true, but the problem is Fish-Man Island, the Charlotte Family, and the Beasts Pirates. If those three forces have truly joined hands—"
The bald, bespectacled Five Elder leaning against the wall wore a loose white robe and, as always, held a sword in his arms. His tone was exceedingly grave. "It will be difficult even for the Government to deal with them. Leave Charlotte Linlin and Kaido aside—even Bright can now be confirmed to possess strength at least comparable to the Admirals!"
"..."
The bald Five Elder sighed. "With the three of them working together, a force even more terrifying than the Rocks Pirates of old will be born."
"Even," the blond Five Elder added, "Whitebeard has a very good relationship