"You're absolutely right. Now that we've captured Roger, any schemes he might have won't do us much harm."
"The Richest Group's reputation and influence can no longer be ignored."
"We need to put them in their place."
"At least the Golden Emperor knows better than to show his face. He's keeping out of sight."
"This is the perfect opportunity to make an example of him and intimidate this so-called Cultivation Era."
"Kong, return to Marineford. We can't afford any unexpected incidents."
The Five Elder in the white Daoist robe looked at Kong with a grave expression.
"Understood."
Kong nodded, then left the office.
"We should report this matter."
The Five Elder with the bushy white beard looked at the other four.
"Let's go to the Flower Room."
The Five Elders rose and walked through the office corridor, slowly making their way deeper into the castle. The corridor stretched beyond sight in utter silence, broken only by the sound of their footsteps.
As they drew closer to their destination, the Five Elders, who had been composed until then, began to grow nervous. Beads of sweat even appeared on some of their foreheads.
A closer look revealed a trace of fear in their eyes.
They passed through the corridor, and warm, gentle sunlight spilled over them. A small courtyard filled with flowers and birdsong appeared before the Five Elders, butterflies dancing everywhere.
It was like a paradise.
Amid the flowers and grass, an indistinct figure stood with their back to the doorway, holding out a hazy, delicate hand. A butterfly rested upon it, making the scene look like a peaceful, serene painting.
"Lord Im."
The Five Elders, the highest authorities in the world, knelt before the figure's back. Like servants, they looked uneasy and tense.
Three days later, the world, still roiling