Deep within the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, in the Five Elders' emergency meeting chamber, the atmosphere was more tense than ever. The normally solemn chamber now brimmed with almost tangible fury.
"Complete failure!" The leader of the Five Elders slammed a report onto the table, his purple eyes gleaming dangerously. "Not only did they take the Anchor Stone, Alfred was injured as well. This is an utter disgrace!"
Alfred sat to one side, the wound on his chest sealed by purple energy, though the crack remained clearly visible. He said in a low voice, "That Straw Hat... no, those two. Straw Hat Luffy and that Void Shadow demonstrated Rune abilities beyond our expectations."
The leader of the Five Elders stopped pacing and turned to his colleagues. "Explain in detail."
"Purple Patterns appeared on Luffy's body and resonated with the Anchor Stone." Alfred explained slowly, a rare trace of wariness flashing through his eyes. "And that Void Shadow—Lin Ye—seemed able to briefly take physical form. He even taught Luffy how to use Rune Energy."
The meeting chamber fell silent. Every one of the Five Elders understood what this meant—another potential Pattern Bearer had appeared, and he had already shown signs of control. This was undoubtedly a tremendous threat to their plan.
The younger Five Elder—the one who had frequently voiced objections lately—broke the silence again. "Perhaps this is a warning, a sign that we should reconsider the plan." He looked around, his expression grave. "Two Pattern Bearers appearing within such a short time, with the Anchor Stone falling into their hands... this is not a coincidence. It is fate's guidance."
"Fate?" The leader of the Five Elders sneered, his purple eyes fixed on the dissenter. "There is no fate, only power and will. Are you afraid? Are you shrinking back