While Bright was touring Vegapunk's laboratory, the Five Elders in Mary Geoise were frowning deeply.
"Though we did recruit quite a few soldiers, they were limited to rank-and-file Marines."
The blond Five Elder sighed helplessly. "As expected, it's already very difficult to recruit powerful Marines through conscription."
The Five Elders all shook their heads. They understood that there simply were not that many powerful lone wolves on the seas waiting for them to recruit.
They had merely wanted to give it another try.
After all, in the current situation, if they did nothing, how else could they ease the anxiety in their hearts?
"The NEO Marines' recruitment drive is going full steam ahead."
The bald Five Elder gritted his teeth. "After those two traitorous bastards, Sakazuki and Kuzan, joined the NEO Marines, that damned Zephyr's momentum has soared!"
"A whole bunch of countries and regions have joined his banner! His previous losses were almost instantly made up for!"
The Five Elders were all helpless.
There had been almost no progress on their side, yet their enemies were advancing triumphantly.
Was there anything in this world more frustrating than that?
"Knock, knock, knock."
A sudden knock sounded at the door.
The bearded Five Elder called out loudly, "Come in!"
The door was pushed open, and a CP0 agent entered carrying a Den Den Mushi. He first respectfully bowed to the Five Elders before speaking. "Honorable Five Elders, this is a video call from Dr. Caesar."
"Caesar?"
The blond Five Elder's face lit up. "Will we finally get some good news? Has that fellow finally made progress?"
The other Five Elders were delighted as well.
Right now, Caesar truly was their only hope.
The CP0 agent delivered the Den Den Mushi, then respectfully withdrew.
The Five Elders answered the call. The Den