In just a few days, news that River had defeated Dracule Mihawk spread throughout the world, and his face appeared before countless eyes.
Many wore grave expressions, their hearts heavy, while others looked bewildered, not knowing who this man who had suddenly appeared was.
At that moment, in a magnificent palace at the very pinnacle of the Grand Line, the atmosphere was somber.
This was the Holy Land Mary Geoise, where the lofty Celestial Dragons gathered.
An ornate crystal chandelier bathed the spacious palace in brilliant light.
Luxurious carpets covered the floor. At the center, five elderly men in varying postures sat together on an expensive sofa, their gazes fixed on the newspaper lying on the table.
Compared with the information available to the outside world, they had not only the newspaper, but also a thick stack of documents.
"Twenty years!"
"He has appeared before us again."
"What a startling sight for these old eyes!"
"The World's Greatest Swordsman. Heh, quite an impressive fellow."
"His current position is Marine Intern."
"Still a Marine? Interesting. Even after an incident like that, he hasn't left the Marines."
"Perhaps he simply wants to preserve a semblance of balance. He possesses not only immense strength, but considerable intelligence as well."
"Someone capable of playing chess against us would naturally be more than he appears."
The five elders spoke one after another. Their remarks were brief, but revealed a great deal.
"Why has he resurfaced now? Does he still delude himself that he can undermine the world as he did twenty years ago?"
"How laughable."
The aged voice carried a hint of mockery, but its gravity was unmistakable.
Clearly, even these five elders at the pinnacle of the world remained deeply wary of River.
"As long as he remains within the Marines, within the World