Meanwhile, when the Five Elders, residing in Pangaea Mary Geoise Pangaea Castle, on the Red Line, heard the news that three of the underground forces had been wiped out, their faces darkened.
"Damn the Abyss Chamber of Commerce, they actually dared to wipe out an underground force! This is our clandestine power!"
"Hmph, those few good-for-nothings from Giberson, we finally managed to build them up, and they were just wiped out so easily."
The ones speaking were the Warrior God of Finance Saint Nusjuro and the Warrior God of Justice Saint Warcury. The other three, the Five Elders, did not speak, but their faces were also full of gloom.
"This time, it wasn't just the three major powers that were wiped out; even Hachinosu was leveled. It's possible that Lin Yuan personally intervened."
" Saint Saturn is right, and I suspect that Lin Yuan may have also made a deal with Whitebeard Newgate and Kaido of the Beasts. Otherwise, it wouldn't be such a coincidence that the Four Emperors are keeping each other in check."
"I second that. However, Lin Yuan's absence is a problem. Moreover, Hachinosu was once Rocks' stronghold, yet it was wiped out without a trace. Even the Buster Call couldn't do that."
For a moment, the huge room fell silent. Even the Five Elders, who were known as the world's top intelligence World Government and controlled the lifeline of the entire world, were somewhat confused.
"Ahem, let's talk about what to do next. I think the navy is acting strangely this time, or rather, they're not doing anything."
"The various Marine Base completely ignored their ridiculous sense of justice, all withdrawing their forces and daring not to intervene in this heinous act."
"Furthermore, the Marine Headquarters Admiral sent was merely a formality; by the time he arrived, it was too late. This is Sengoku's dereliction of duty, and he must be held accountable!"
"I second that. Furthermore, I suggest that the Navy must be specifically responsible for the Abyss Chamber of Commerce's affairs, and a designated Admiral must be in charge of keeping a close eye on Lin Yuan."
"However, we must also be wary of the other Four Emperors and prevent them from completely uniting. If necessary, I believe we can arrest and assassinate the higher-ups of the Abyss Chamber of Commerce."
"Another measure is to raise their bounties and deploy the Shichibukai to specifically plunder their goods. Since we've given them the right, we must also fulfill our obligations."
The speaker was Saint Nusjuro. As the God of Finance, he knew the importance of wealth, so he wanted to stop the " Abyss " Merchant Guild from making its discovery.
As for the other Five Elders, after thinking for a while, they did not object and all nodded in agreement.
"Seconded!" X4.
Now that the agreement was made, the Five Elders summoned Fleet Admiral Sengoku and then held a 5v1 debate, leaving the dignified Fleet Admiral speechless with anger.
Although the Sengoku tried its best to refute, even a hero can't fight against four hands, let alone five people. Even the Sengoku dared not truly turn against them.
"Hmph, Sengoku, this incident must be handled properly, or you'll lose your position as Fleet Admiral."
With such a big incident, the Five Elders had to find someone to take the blame, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku was their best choice. Although he wouldn't be dismissed, he would still have to do the dirty work afterwards.
It took Fleet Admiral Sengoku a whole afternoon to return to the Marine Headquarters from Pangaea Castle with a dark expression, whereupon he smashed his desk to pieces with a single punch.
"Damn those Five Elders, they've gone too far! And that damned Lin Yuan, can't he just shut up for once?"
"Send word to Garp, Sakazuki, and Kuzan back. Since the Four Emperors of the New World want to fight, let them fight."
"Once they return, convene a meeting of all officers at the Vice Admiral and above, and simultaneously strengthen surveillance of the Abyss Chamber of Commerce along the Grand Line."
This time, Fleet Admiral Sengoku did not consult Vice Admiral Tsuru, who had come to offer his advice. As for Borsalino, well, let's just forget about him.
Looking at Sengoku's expression, Vice Admiral Tsuru immediately guessed what was going on and couldn't help but ask.
" Sengoku, the Five Elders aren't going to make you take the blame for this, are they?!"
"Hmph, that's exactly what they mean. A mere underground force that traffics people, sells weapons, controls shipping lanes, and raises pirates. I really don't know whose handiwork this is."
"They must have heard rumors from somewhere that Lin Yuan is dead or something, and they dared to plunder their goods. How could a strong person like him die so easily?"
"Now that something's happened, they want the navy to take responsibility? Do they really think I, Fleet Admiral, have no power?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru did not try to dissuade him, but instead said with a smile.
"What's there to be angry about? It's just a matter of resolving this issue and minimizing its impact, isn't it simple?"
The previously furious Sengoku spirit jolted, and as if grasping at a lifeline, he looked at Vice Admiral Tsuru with delight.
" Tsuru, do you have any suggestions?"
A glint of light flashed in Vice Admiral Tsuru's eyes, and then he smiled.
"What you need to do is not bring them back, but send Sakazuki and Kuzan to comfort the islands that have suffered from the war."
Upon hearing this, Sengoku immediately picked up the intelligence report from the ground, glanced at it, and then said...
"But this time, the Abyss Chamber of Commerce not only destroyed those underground forces, but also provided substantial compensation to the civilians affected. Those people are extremely grateful!"
Vice Admiral Tsuru smiled and continued.
"So what? After all, they have to pay compensation. If they didn't, things would be easier for us; we could just send troops. But we can't do that now!"
"Go on!"
The Fleet Admiral Sengoku remained silent, listening quietly, and his heart calmed down considerably.
"Not only should Sakazuki and his men do this, but other Marine Base and Marine Branch should also go and provide support; helping with the construction would be beneficial."
"At the same time, we publicly stated that this was a crackdown on organized crime by the navy of World Government Member States, and that the Abyss Chamber of Commerce was cooperating with our operation."
The Fleet Admiral Sengoku frowned and quickly asked.
"But those countries are all within Lin Yuan's sphere of influence. Is it really okay to say that? They even refused the Heavenly Tribute!"
Vice Admiral Tsuru smiled and continued.
"So what if they don't believe it? How much do outsiders know anyway? We can just spread the word on the affected islands. As for the military, aren't those countries' militaries?"
"Moreover, this incident may not necessarily be a bad thing. It has wiped out many underground forces, but who knows the real reason?"
"Besides, Lin Yuan and the others already had bounties on their heads, so we could reprimand them, and the World Government would increase their bounties."
"This way, we can give an explanation to the World Government, we won't completely fall out with Lin Yuan, and the reputation of the World Government and the Navy will be preserved. It's just that the Five Elders will lose some of their underground forces."
"And by doing this, the Five Elders won't say anything more. After all, you're just following their instructions to minimize the situation, aren't you?"
Fleet Admiral Sengoku carefully considered Vice Admiral Tsuru's suggestion, and a smile involuntarily appeared on his face.
Borsalino, who had been sitting silently to the side since arriving, had a glint in his eyes. "As expected of Staff Officer Tsuru!"
"Alright, do it this way. Make those Marine Base commanders personally go out, or you can get the hell out of the navy now."
Fleet Admiral Sengoku was now in high spirits, and his mood, which had just been reprimanded by the Five Elders, immediately improved.
The three then discussed the specific implementation plan, though Borsalino, who was just there to make up the numbers, was only there as a bystander.
As night fell, orders were issued from the Marine Headquarters. Fleet Admiral Sengoku had a new desk brought in, then sipped tea and ate senbei, thoroughly enjoying himself.
"Reporting to Fleet Admiral Sengoku, Vice Admiral Garp has sent word that his grandson has been kidnapped and has headed to the East Blue, making it impossible for him to reach the Grand Line."
"What! Garp, that bastard!!!"
Upon receiving the news, Sengoku's previously pleasant mood instantly turned into one of extreme rage.