Marine Headquarters, in the waters off Marineford.
Aboard one of the Flying Warships, the Demon Merry lay contentedly on Houka's shoulder like a stuffed little squawking bird.
Houka had even made a special trip to bring Lily Carnation back.
"It's gone! It's finally gone!!"
The Marines who had escaped Marineford watched in delighted surprise as the demonic shadows dissipated.
This fortress of justice could finally bask in sunlight again.
Houka and his companions ignored the Marines and set off for the Holy Land of Mary Geoise with everyone aboard.
Imu couldn't take it already?
He had wanted the Demon Merry to devour more power and grow stronger.
"Houka, don't tell me Imu's gone into hiding for good!"
Rocks was a little anxious. If Imu wanted to hide, even Houka wouldn't be able to find him easily, would he?
After all, who knew how many abyssal teleportation arrays Imu had left all over the world?
"He can't hide!"
Houka spoke quietly. The World Will and fate would not let Imu hide safely.
At first, Houka had thought the World Will and fate were unconscious "lesser heavenly daos."
But more and more evidence and facts pointed toward one truth.
The World Will and fate might have developed consciousnesses of their own.
That was why Houka wanted to draw out all the ancient gods.
Without drawing those old bastards out, how could he learn about his enemies? How could he discover the truth?
If he really couldn't beat them, he could always lie low in another timeline.
He could even go to other worlds to build up his strength.
Right now, he couldn't even identify his enemies. That was the greatest hidden threat and danger.
Among enemies and friends, there was no knowing who the traitor was until the final moment.
Imu, his