Elsewhere.
Young Spandam listened to his father's instructions over the Den Den Mushi, his face brimming with delighted surprise.
"Really, Father?!"
"Hahahaha, this is great!!!"
"I'll get right on it!"
He hung up impatiently, eager to set out.
A promotion was within reach. How could he not be excited?
But then something seemed to occur to him.
"No."
"I still need to seek the Five Elders' approval."
After all, Cipher Pol 5 answered directly to the World Government and fell under the Five Elders' jurisdiction.
If he acted on his own and displeased his superiors, he would be finished.
Besides, this was a chance to make an impression on the Five Elders. With his father's maneuvering on top of that...
Spandam could no longer contain his grin.
His laughter grew wilder and wilder...
Elsewhere.
Inside an office for the World Government's senior officials.
Spandine stared at the Den Den Mushi after the call had been hastily cut off.
Struggling to keep a vein from bulging, he rubbed his temples. He had a nagging feeling that something would go wrong...
"That idiot... He'd better not botch this."
His teeth ached with frustration. How had someone as brilliant and capable as him fathered such a stupid son...?
Half a day later.
The Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
As the chief of Cipher Pol 5, Spandam had the right to request a direct audience with the Five Elders.
Outside a palace used for leisure in the Holy Land.
The Five Elders sat resting beside a swimming pool.
Spandam walked in with a righteous expression, bowed respectfully, and stood at attention.
The sword-bearing Elder spoke.
"What matter required an audience in person?"
Spandam replied respectfully.
"Here's the situation, honored Five Elders."
"Our investigation into Tom the fishman's possession of the Pluton Blueprints..."
"Has