Flower Room.
The Five Elders stood below, with that photograph placed before them.
In the photograph were white hair, white ribbons, and a face thrown back in wild laughter.
Imu sat upon the Empty Throne, silent for a long while.
No one present dared urge Imu on, much less raise their heads to look directly at Imu.
After who knew how long, a voice finally drifted slowly from the deep shadows.
"Nika."
At those two words alone, all Five Elders lowered their heads.
Imu's gaze remained fixed firmly upon the photograph.
"Where is he now?"
Saint Saturn immediately answered.
"In the New World. His precise coordinates have been confirmed."
"He is currently locked in a fierce battle with three officers of the Blackbeard Pirates."
The Flower Room fell into dead silence once more.
Imu raised a hand and set the photograph down.
"All other operations are to be suspended."
The expressions of the Five Elders changed at once.
More than anyone, they understood the weight behind those words.
The affairs of the Eight Kingdoms, the Revolutionary Army, Blackbeard, and every purge, surveillance, and pursuit operation currently being carried out by the World Government would all have to give way.
Imu's voice rang out again, devoid of emotion.
"Pass down the order."
"Top-priority target—Monkey D. Luffy."
"No matter how many personnel must be mobilized, regardless of the cost."
"Find him and eliminate him on the spot!"
The Five Elders all bowed deeply.
"Yes, sir!"
In an instant, deep beneath Mary Geoise.
One specially made classified Den Den Mushi after another opened its eyes, crimson alarm signals rapidly spreading through the World Government's internal communications network toward the Four Seas.
``` [Highest-level combat order issued.]
[All affiliated agencies are to immediately rearrange mission priorities.]
[Primary target: Monkey D. Luffy.]
[Regardless of the