Great Uproar in the Land of the Gods!

[Clang----]

With a crisp metallic clang, the two blades separated in an instant, and Mihawk sheathed the exquisitely crafted but not exactly a fine Meito.

"That's enough for today. Your Swordsmanship has improved very quickly."

"Hehe--"

Shanks, panting and supporting himself on his bent knees, chuckled, "It's all thanks to a worthy opponent like you. I'm so lucky to have you; otherwise, I wouldn't be able to survive in this place."

"This is just payment for your story about the Roger Pirates. Your story has certainly broadened my horizons."

As he spoke, Mihawk placed the unremarkable longsword back on its rack; he had been living a very regular life lately.

In the morning, he had a warm-up sparring session with Gion in the Social Plaza of Pangaea Castle. At noon, he went to the 'Land of the Gods' to have a teaching sparring session with Shanks. In the evening, he received Swordsmanship training from Imu Moon Chamber.

It could be said that he was the freest person in this Holy Land, truly able to go wherever he wanted.

But Mihawk also knew that he received such treatment entirely because of Lord Imu's special care, for which he was truly grateful.

"Waaaaaah!"

"No! I don't want to go with you! Let me go!"

"Waaaaah, Father! Mother! Help me!!"

Just then, a cacophony of children crying and screaming came from outside the manor, followed by Wrath, yet arrogant, questions from adults.

"What are you lowly Holy Guard doing?!"

"Let go of my child!"

"Rebellion! Rebellion! Are you bastards trying to start a rebellion?!"

"CIPHER POL! Kill them for me, now!"

Upon hearing the shrill female voice, Shanks knew it was from the woman from the Figarland. According to the genealogy, she was supposedly his aunt, but she disliked him, this wild child, and had only met him once before ignoring him completely.

What happened?

Mihawk began to narrate calmly and softly.

"It's nothing, it's just that the Five Elders have given an order that all Celestial Dragons between the ages of six and fifteen must go to the newly established Celestial Holy Palace to study theoretical knowledge and physical training."

"When they turn fifteen, they will face an assessment. Those who pass the assessment can continue to receive three more years of advanced training."

"At eighteen, you will face your first graduation exam. If you pass, you will be awarded the title of 'elite,' which will grant you the right to freely enter and leave Mary Geoise."

"Those who fail will have two more chances to graduate, one at the age of nineteen and the other at the age of twenty. But if they fail the third time, they will be taken back to the 'Land of the Gods,' which is where they will spend the rest of their lives."

Shanks was completely stunned, his mouth agape, unsure what to say. After a moment, he hesitated and said, "Um... I think I'm fifteen too, could it be..."

"You will not be taken to the Celestial Holy Palace."

Mihawk looked at Shanks with pity, "He probably thinks you're no longer worth training, so you'll never be able to leave this place."

"What?!"

Shanks felt very conflicted upon hearing this; he didn't know whether he should be happy, disappointed, or Wrath.

But he wasn't stupid; he understood what "no value for cultivation" meant—it meant that there was absolutely no possibility of changing his mindset.

"Perhaps, once you fully accept your Celestial Dragons bloodline, you'll have the opportunity to be highly valued by the master. After all, your Swordsmanship talent is truly exceptional."

Mihawk shook his head, then turned and left the lush, green open space of the estate.

At the same time.

In the 'Land of the Gods,' a residential area exclusively for the Celestial Dragons, chaos reigned, with cries and curses echoing everywhere.

Even so, no one could stop the Holy Land Garrison from taking away one boy and one girl after another.

These Celestial Dragons from various clans never dreamed that their soldiers, who always obeyed them, would dare to do something so outrageous.

The CIPHER POL members around them, however, remained completely oblivious, standing there motionless.

Simply because these Holy Land Garrison carried the orders of the Five Elders!

"No, we have to talk to the Five Elders!"

An older Celestial Dragons shouted angrily, "They've already imprisoned us here, and now they're trying to snatch our children! This is outrageous!"

"Right!"

"We must stop them from continuing to act so recklessly! Replace them! Replace the Five Elders!"

The Celestial Dragons, whose surnames ended with "Saint" or "Palace," were filled with rage as they began to march in groups toward the entrance gate of the "Land of the Gods."

However, this place was already guarded by a large contingent of the Holy Land Garrison, who directly stopped these high-ranking World Noble.

"Get out of my way!"

"We're going to Pangaea Castle to see the Five Elders!"

"That's right, get out of the way!"

The Holy Land Garrison soldiers simply stood there quietly, their expressions completely hidden by their full suits of armor.

"Get out of the way."

Suddenly, a majestic voice rang out, and as soon as the words were spoken, all the Holy Land Garrison blocking the way quickly dispersed to both sides.

Soon, the excited Celestial Dragons saw a tall man wearing golden armor and a white cloak approaching.

This man is none other than the current commander of the Holy Land Garrison!

"Emori!"

Have you forgotten who you are?!

Emori calmly looked at the current head of the Rosward Family, the old Saint Rosward, and said in a deep voice, "I only obey the orders of the Five Elders."

"To all the esteemed World Noble, the Five Elders previously issued an order that any Celestial Dragons who leaves the 'Land of the Gods' without authorization will be stripped of their Celestial Dragons status, qualifications, and all privileges. I believe you gentlemen have not forgotten this, have you?"

"This"

The Celestial Dragons exchanged hesitant glances, their faces showing confusion. Emori continued, "So I had them guard the gate to give you all a chance to calm down."

After speaking, he raised his hand and gave orders to all the Holy Land Garrison present.

"Open the door!"

The next moment, operated by several warriors, the massive iron gate slowly rose, opening the wide passageway to all the Celestial Dragons.

"Whoever is willing to risk losing their Celestial Dragons status can leave, but whether they can come back is unknown."

The Celestial Dragons fell silent, their faces deathly pale as they stared at the paving stones outside the gate. They couldn't understand why a place they used to freely enter and exit had suddenly become so terrifying.

"Snort!"

At this moment, the old Saint Rosward slammed his luxurious cane heavily on the ground and roared, "I'd like to see if the Five Elders dare to strip me of my qualifications!"

Having said that, he immediately strode out of the gates of the 'Land of the Gods' under everyone's watchful eyes.

The next moment.

Three whooshing sounds rang out, and three men in black instantly appeared beside the head of the Rosward Family. The man in black facing directly in front of him coldly announced...

"Rosward Cryllanf, according to the highest order of the Five Elders, you are no longer a World Noble. The position of head of the Rosward Family will be succeeded by Saint Rosward Corriad."

"Next, we will take you to the Holy Land Prison. Are you going to come with us on your own, or do you want us to give you a ride?"

On the Empty Throne, Imu sat high above under the moonlight, his cold, Ripple Eyes looking down upon the little readers.

At this moment, an extremely arrogant voice rippled through the hall like waves.

"The 28th, 29th, and 30th are double monthly pass days. It's time for you all to hand over your Heavenly Tribute!"