Saint Nerona Imu

Flower Room.

The white remained pure to the point of seeming false, and the silence seemed to swallow every sound.

Thud—!

Five figures dropped to their knees at once, their foreheads slamming heavily against the floor.

"Lord Imu!!!"

Their voices carried obvious panic, even... loss of composure.

They were the Five Elders.

They were the nominal highest authority in this world, yet at this moment, they looked like prisoners condemned to death.

"Rock's actions have seriously crossed the line!"

Saint Peter was the first to speak, unable to suppress the anger and unease in his tone.

"He publicly abolished slavery in the Sabaody Archipelago!"

"He interfered with Celestial Dragon transactions in public!"

"This isn't merely overstepping his authority—"

His voice sank. "This is a challenge to the World Government's rule!"

"He's shaking the very foundation!"

The others spoke up as well.

"There are already signs of imitation in various places!"

"The Underworld is in turmoil, and its industrial chains are collapsing!"

"Resistance forces are taking the opportunity to expand!"

"Even... some nations are beginning to waver internally!"

"He must be suppressed!!!"

The last sentence nearly fell in unison.

Suppressed, urgent, and carrying a trace of fear they themselves were unwilling to admit.

Upon the throne, that figure remained quiet.

Imu merely sat there, listening in silence.

As though everything they said was nothing more than insignificant noise.

Only once the voices gradually faded and the Five Elders returned to silence—

Did the entire Flower Room once more sink into that blank-like stillness.

At that moment, Imu slightly raised a finger.

An exceedingly subtle movement, yet it silenced the Five Elders at once.

"Most importantly."

"Isn't it that none of you can do anything against him?"

Those words cut through every excuse like a blade.

Every excuse, every bit of anger,