Shichibukai, Admirals, Four Emperors--
None of these existences could stand against Maud.
It could be said that the reputation and status Maud possessed now had been forged by stepping over the corpses of countless powerful figures, one step at a time.
Its value went without saying.
Thus, while the Five Elders regarded Maud as their most troublesome enemy, they were also indirectly acknowledging the threat he posed.
But no matter what, they would never have imagined that Imu, whom they revered as a god, would actually be at a disadvantage after facing Maud.
Incredible. Unbelievable.
Nothing could describe their feelings at this moment.
In front of ruins piled as high as a hill.
The Five Elders' hearts were filled with dread.
Having weathered countless storms, they now seemed somewhat at a loss.
The army that had come with them was even more bewildered.
The higher-ranking officers in particular were seeing the Five Elders at a loss for the first time.
One had to know that, as the World Government's highest public authorities, the Five Elders' imposing image, which brooked no violation, had already taken root in everyone's hearts.
Yet their reaction now left the soldiers puzzled.
There was an even more baffling question besides that.
Namely--
What exactly was the origin and identity of the monster-level existence buried beneath the ruins?
How could it so easily affect the Five Elders' emotions?
Many high-ranking officers present were harboring doubts.
But those doubts would receive no answers.
At least before this war ended, the Five Elders would never take the initiative to enlighten them, and the officers themselves would never dare offend them.
No one spoke. The silence was so complete that a pin could have been heard dropping.
Clatter, crack crack--
Atop the ruins, where various building remnants lay piled together,