Ron: Look at This Blame-So Big and Round

They had dared to exploit a crisis to extort the Five Elders. Death alone wasn't enough to settle that score.

Ron could stand up to the Five Elders because circumstances favored him, and he had the First Class Honor Medal he'd earned by killing BIG MOM and through repeated military service.

Anyone else, even Akainu? Let him try defying the Five Elders.

So Umit and Fielder's fates were sealed. The only question was how far things would go.

"Squeeze out every last drop" was an interesting way to put it.

Ron watched Zero leave with the prisoners, then made himself comfortable on the sofa and lit a cigar.

Phew...

"So... why did you call me here today?"

Even a major criminal like Umit wasn't worth Ron making a personal trip to the Holy Land.

He was here because the Five Elders had summoned him.

Though "summoned" wasn't quite right. "Contacted" was closer.

Just look at how he made himself at home.

The others reacted briefly, then let it pass. His status had changed, so naturally his treatment had too.

Ron was Imu's chosen successor as one of the Five Elders. Only their official titles still separated him from them.

The Longbeard Five Elder looked at him calmly. "Vegapunk's experiment has reached a critical stage. He's made some discoveries and wants to ask you about them."

"Oh?"

Reclining on the sofa, Ron turned curiously toward the folding screen. "What required me to come in person, Mr. Vegapunk?"

"My apologies for the trouble."

Vegapunk stepped out from behind the broad screen, removed his hat, and knelt on one knee before them.

Ron lounged on the sofa with one leg crossed over the other, while the four original Five Elders sat behind him in their usual places, looking entirely at ease. Vegapunk's shock