Meanwhile, in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, deep within Pangaea Castle's Power Hall.
A heavy silence hung over the lavish room, broken only by the faint crackle of flames dancing in the fireplace.
Five figures-the Five Elders, the World Government's highest authorities, who met regularly-had once again gathered around the table.
Spread across the tabletop before them was the same special edition of the World Economy News Paper.
The news that Gern had defeated Red-Hair had not only shaken the seas, but sent a bone-deep chill through those at the pinnacle of the world's power.
After a long silence, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, cradling the First Generation Kitetsu, spoke first in a low voice.
"Gern... his power is greater than we anticipated, and more dangerous.
Who would have thought that the sword of the man who died at God Valley all those years ago would truly find a second life now! King-class! He actually reached it."
"Hmph!" Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, with his blond hair and short beard, snorted and tapped a finger hard against Gern's photograph in the newspaper.
"Ever since that 'Holy Land incident,' he and Sengoku have acted as though they reached some filthy understanding!" Saint Shepherd Ju Peter's voice seethed with barely restrained anger.
"Over the years, the two of them have worked together to chip away at what little authority we still held over the Marines, carving it up until nothing remained!"
"There is no point mourning what we have already lost..." Saint Topman Warcury, who had a birthmark on his forehead, interjected.
"What matters now is the 'one organization, two administrations' proposal put forward at the Marines' highest council meeting back then...
Sengoku oversees the first half, while Gern controls the New World.
On the surface, their duties are clearly divided. In reality,