Oak met Gunko's eyes, which now belonged unmistakably to Imu, and chuckled.
"Simply possessing someone isn't going to be enough!"
Imu did not answer him. Instead, Imu sent an order directly into the minds of the Five Elders and the father and son, Garling and Shamrock.
"I'll hold him off. You move Vegapunk and the Mother Flame project!"
Imu had not come to wage war against Oak. The sole aim was to use the power of possession to hold Oak back and buy the others time to move Vegapunk and the Mother Flame.
Although that borrowed power was no match for Oak, it was still stronger than the Five Elders, Garling, and Shamrock combined. Holding Oak off for a while was entirely possible.
Upon receiving the order, the Five Elders, Garling, and Shamrock did not dare hesitate. They immediately withdrew from the battlefield.
Oak narrowed his eyes at the sight. Although he could not hear their mental communication with Imu, he quickly guessed what had been said.
"Leaving? Did you ask my permission?"
Naturally, he could not let them succeed. Vegapunk belonged to him.
With a low shout, he teleported toward the retreating Five Elders, sword in hand. But Imu, possessing Gunko, moved at the same moment.
Boom!
Imu unleashed demonic aura to intercept him.
In an instant, the two exchanged over a dozen blows, ending with Imu being driven back dozens of meters. But that had bought the Five Elders enough time to leave the battlefield. Oak watched the figures about to disappear from view. He could still catch them if he pursued them now, but...
Looking at Imu opposite him, he knew he would not be allowed through so easily. He simply abandoned the idea of giving chase.
"Katakuri, notify your mother, Newgate, and the others. Tell them