Conspiracy in the Void Hall

He unfurled an ancient parchment scroll covered in dense writing and symbols. "We will mobilize every resource available to the World Government, including replicas of the Ancient Weapons from our secret arsenal."

"Reorganize Cipher Pol Aigis Zero," another of the Five Elders continued. "The agent codenamed 'Star' will be its new chief. He distinguished himself during the Purification Operation thirty years ago and is the best choice to carry out this mission."

"Issue top-secret orders to the Marines," added the elder in the tall hat. "Grant them unprecedented authority, including the power to carry out 'Fiery Justice' on suspicious islands."

Imu fell silent again. Only those eyes looked ever stranger in the firelight. At last, Imu raised a hand and gave a slight nod of assent.

"We will not let history repeat itself," the long-bearded elder said firmly. "The lesson we learned eight hundred years ago taught us the cost of letting our guard down."

The five bowed deeply to Imu once more, then left the Void Hall. When the heavy stone doors closed, Imu sat alone in the stone chair, gazing into the distance as though seeing some far-off memory.

Cipher Pol Aigis Zero headquarters, a fortress on a hidden island in the New World.

A sweeping reorganization was underway. The surviving agents stood in formation, their expressions grave. On the raised platform before them stood a stern-faced middle-aged man in a pure white uniform. A striking scar ran from his forehead, across his right eye, and down to his jaw.

He was the new chief of Cipher Pol Aigis Zero, codenamed Star.

"Everyone," he said without a trace of emotion, "our last operation failed, and we lost a third of our elite forces. But that is no excuse. Cipher Pol Aigis Zero does not accept failure. Only