"Say what you will, Shanks."
Saint Saturn didn't care about the Red-Haired's denial of his identity.
On the contrary, Shanks' answer was exactly what he wanted.
If Shanks acknowledges his Celestial Dragons bloodline, it would confirm the nobility of the Celestial Dragons Celestial Dragons, which would further enhance the dissemination of the World Government's authority.
"Whether to fight or retreat is now up to you." Saint Nusjuro leaned on the First Generation Kitetsu and said coldly, "If you choose to stay, we don't mind taking you out before we take down Luo Wen."
"..."
Shanks looked down at the devastated battlefield.
The Whitebeard Pirates were completely wiped out; apart from a few division commanders who were captured alive, all 50,000 of their men were dead.
The bodies of Ace and Whitebeard are now almost cold.
It seems pointless for him to continue fighting, except to vent his anger.
"Shanks, don't worry about us, just fight if you want."
Benn Beckman calmly puffed on his pipe.
"That's right, boss! If you want to fight, then fight! We'll all come at you together!" Lucky Roux, Yasopp, and the others laughed arrogantly. "They're just some marines; they're no match for us!"
They are brothers with Shanks, bound by life and death. They'll fight anyone, no matter who they're facing, just because he says the word!
"This war is pointless; continuing it will only be a waste of lives."
Shanks shook his head and sighed.
His brothers, Yasopp and Benn Beckman, were absolutely obedient to his orders, even if it meant dying together in battle.
But he couldn't let Benn Beckman and his men fight a pointless war they were destined to lose, just because of a momentary impulse.
"Shanks, you made a wise choice."
Saint Saturn said approvingly.
If he could, he wouldn't want to lay a hand on any Celestial Dragons, as that would create unnecessary misunderstandings.
"Listen to me, Saturn." Shanks drew his sword, Griffin, with his right hand and said in a deep voice, "Hand over Whitebeard and Ace's corpses, or let's fight!"
He wasn't just here for a quick look around; even if he couldn't rescue the captain's son, he had to give Ace's body a proper burial.
"That's no problem. Consider it a coming-of-age gift we give to Saint Shanks," Saint Saturn said with a gentle smile.
"Even among the Celestial Dragons, the Celestial Dragons, your achievements are extraordinary."
Saint Mars further developed this concept, attributing Shanks' achievements to the Celestial Dragons' bloodline.
He certainly knew it was wrong; Shanks' success today is largely due to his own efforts.
But he can make people in the world believe that this is right, further solidifying the Celestial Dragons' sacredness.
"I've said it before, don't lump me in with those scum!"
Shanks suddenly swung Griffin at the Five Elders.
A crescent-shaped slash suddenly swept across.
The air, still thick with the stench of blood, was violently shattered.
They found themselves standing before the Five Elders.
"That was too impulsive, Shanks."
Saint Nusjuro pulled out the First Generation Kitetsu.
A chilling, black aura enveloped the blade.
He swung his sword to meet Shanks's slash, shattering the attack in front of him.
The other Five Elders were not angered by Shanks' actions. Instead, they ordered the Navy, "Send those two useless corpses to Shanks."
Sengoku and Aokiji were about to agree when Akainu beat them to it.
"I'll go!"
Akainu picked up the two corpses and walked towards Shanks.
Today is an important day. He is already dazzling enough, but he doesn't mind shining even brighter.
"Good."
The Five Elders nodded in satisfaction as they observed Akainu's performance.
They greatly admired Akainu's obedient and compliant style, finding it far superior to the Sengoku faction.
Akainu walked away with an air of arrogance and pride, as if it wasn't a compromise, but rather a show of defiance towards Shanks.
He killed both Whitebeard and Ace with his own hands; it wouldn't be wrong to call it a demonstration of power.
The Marines who had been stunned by Shanks gradually woke up while the Five Elders were speaking, and watched as Akainu defiantly approached Shanks.
This is their Marine Admiral, who has just killed one of the Four Emperors and is now striding confidently toward Four Emperors.
One of the Four Emperors died in battle at Marine Headquarters, and Four Emperors bowed his head at Marine Headquarters.
This was an unprecedented and glorious victory.
The Navy's pride is beyond words.
"Those who went to the Neo Marines, just watch! They won't have this glorious victory!"
That's what the naval officers were thinking.
They used to envy their former Neo Marines colleagues, thinking they had found a good employer.
Seeing this resounding victory, they no longer felt envious.
The Neo Marines defeated one of the Four Emperors, and they defeated one while also intimidating another.
The Navy has Three Admirals, and the World Government behind it has Five Elders.
With so many powerful figures on their side, they are the true righteous ones, the true winners.
"Go back, Shanks. Thank you for coming all this way to help us dispose of the bodies."
Akainu placed the corpses of Ace and Whitebeard in front of Shanks and sneered coldly.
He's seriously injured now, so he definitely can't beat Shanks.
But he has the entire navy and the Five Elders behind him, which is his source of confidence.
"It's no trouble at all. I'll collect your body someday."
Shanks stared coldly at Akainu.
Faced with this guy who showed him no respect and killed Ace on the spot, he really wanted to kill him right then and there.
However, Akainu is backed by Kizaru, Aokiji, and the Five Elders. Before he can even defeat Akainu, he will face an attack from a group of people.
"I'm waiting for that day."
Akainu, pulling Scarface along, grinned arrogantly.
With that, he turned and left, exposing his back to Shanks' attack range.
They walked step by step toward the Execution Platform.
"Admiral Akainu is mighty!"
Long live the World Government!
"The Navy will surely achieve all victories!"
The sailors, witnessing this, immediately cheered.
On the Execution Platform, the Five Elders, dressed in suits and ties, wore smug smiles.
These magnificent victories were broadcast live to the world.
All the rebels against the World Government felt a sense of powerlessness. Their power was utterly insignificant compared to the Navy and the World Government.
They silently watched the World Government's glorious moment, and a sense of insurmountable despair arose within them.
"Mission accomplished." The Five Elders looked at everything below the stage, and at Shanks silently preparing to leave, and laughed heartily, "It went even more smoothly than we planned."
"Roar!"
A roar of fury from the dragon came from the sky.
Then a majestic Azure Dragon, six hundred meters long, swooped down, its target the Execution Platform where the Five Elders were located.
The Five Elders looked up and saw a tall and upright figure standing firmly on the dragon's head.
Saint Saturn's pupils contracted, and his previously relaxed heart tightened abruptly. "He's here!"