The award ceremony had concluded, and New Marineford's large-scale expansion on the site of the former G-2 base in the New World had become an irreversible certainty.
With his masterful political maneuvering and formidable strength, Gern had staged a brilliant comeback before the entire world, backing the World Government into a corner.
But the World Government's eight-hundred-year foundation of rule could not be shaken by a single setback.
If they truly surrendered power so easily and peacefully accepted the new order led by Gern,
then they would not be the "World Government."
And so, the Five Elders immediately returned to their favorite old maneuver: [internal checks and balances and support for the opposition].
One week after the award ceremony ended.
Sakazuki was secretly summoned to the Power Hall in the Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
"What did you call me here for?"
Draped in his Justice Coat, Sakazuki entered the hall that symbolized the highest authority in the world, alone.
As he spoke, the stern coldness in his expression did not diminish in the slightest. Looking at the Five Elders seated on their luxurious sofas, he frowned out of habit.
There were no unnecessary pleasantries or gestures of respect, entirely in keeping with his usual style.
At Akainu's arrival, the Five Elders exchanged glances, and Saint Shepherd Ju Peter once again spoke first.
"Sakazuki, we summoned you to tell you something."
"We want you to understand that, in the World Government's eyes, the 'absolute justice' you uphold
is the course the Navy should truly follow in the future! It is the strongest force for preserving the world's stability!"
Akainu said nothing.
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter went ahead and offered Akainu high praise, then changed tack, turning to the true purpose of this summons.
"Gern's actions may seem forceful and may