Carl had already returned to Marineford with Wanda and Carrot. However, not long after arriving, he received a call from Garling.
Over the call, Garling instructed Carl to return to Mary Geoise immediately.
Without hesitation, Carl used Kamui to teleport directly to the Figarland family estate within Mary Geoise.
The moment Kamui's effect dissipated, Carl frowned. He glanced up at the dark clouds looming over Mary Geoise. Though the pressure emanating from them had little effect on him, he could sense Imu's presence.
No wonder Uncle Garling had been so anxious to summon him back—something had changed in Mary Geoise.
After staring at the sky for a moment, Carl stepped forward, heading toward Garling's chambers. Along the way, the servants he passed all knelt in respect, remaining in that posture until his figure disappeared from sight.
Garling had been waiting for Carl in the grand hall. The moment he saw him, he spoke immediately.
"Did you see the state of the sky?"
Carl sat down on the sofa opposite Garling, nodding slightly.
"I saw it, Uncle Garling. I also sensed Imu's presence. It's rare to see such a reaction from her. What happened?"
"I don't know," Garling replied. "Nothing significant has occurred in Mary Geoise recently. I suspect something major must have happened outside. Have you heard any news?"
Carl pondered for a moment before speaking slowly. "If Imu is reacting this strongly, then it's likely related to Joy Boy."
"Joy Boy?" Garling frowned. "The last report you sent mentioned that his will had resurfaced within that Straw Hat boy, Luffy. But since your siege in the East Blue, there's been no further news of him."
"Yes. Joy Boy has countless ways to escape and possesses an ability that completely conceals his presence. Capturing him before his strength fully recovers is no easy task."
Garling crossed his arms, speaking in a grave tone.
"You've done your best. Joy Boy managed to hide his will within a Devil Fruit for eight hundred years. Now that his will has revived and found a host in Straw Hat Luffy, dealing with him will only become more difficult."
"And it will only get worse from here," Carl added. "This time, Joy Boy is truly returning to the world. According to the intel I gathered from those two Mink Tribe members, he has fully taken over Straw Hat Luffy's body and is currently hiding on Zou, gathering strength."
Hearing this, Garling's expression grew even more solemn.
"So the worst-case scenario has come to pass. Carl, have you sent anyone to locate Zou?"
"I went there myself but couldn't find any trace of it. A massive elephant, over ten thousand meters tall, simply vanished into thin air. My guess is that after Joy Boy fully took control of Luffy's body, his abilities evolved significantly, allowing him to completely obscure Zou's location from my search. But at this point, it doesn't matter anymore—our battle with Joy Boy is inevitable."
As Carl spoke, wisps of black smoke drifted from the corners of his eyes, and dark flames surged across his body.
He extended his palm, gazing at the swirling darkness that appeared within it.
"This time, I will erase Joy Boy from this world completely! This world belongs to the Celestial Dragons... No! It belongs to our Figarland family!"
Garling looked at Carl with satisfaction. "Good! Carl, your talent surpasses any in the history of our Figarland family. I believe you will surpass our ancestor, Saint Cassilius."
Carl smirked. "Don't worry. My Dark-Dark Fruit is no longer the same as our ancestor's. This time, I won't lose to Joy Boy and his Nika Fruit."
After speaking, Carl rose from the sofa and glanced toward the door.
"I imagine that our great Imu-sama is also awaiting that day. Perhaps she has sensed Joy Boy's presence."
After all, she has sat upon the Empty Throne for eight hundred years—it wouldn't be surprising if she had such an ability.
Garling tapped his fingers on the sofa's armrest, his voice low.
"Carl, what is your stance on Imu-sama?"
Carl turned to look at Garling, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"She's our leader, of course. At least, until Joy Boy is dealt with, my stance won't change."
The two shared a knowing glance and chuckled.
Carl continued, "Uncle Garling, I believe I should go see Imu-sama."
Garling thought for a moment before nodding.
"Yes. Joy Boy is the enemy of all Celestial Dragons. When it comes to dealing with him, we must be absolutely united."
"I understand. Don't worry—I know what to do."
"You're more than capable of handling this on your own now. Go ahead. But before you see Imu-sama, visit the Five Elders. They've been in the council chamber for days. When you meet them, have them take you to the Room of Flowers."
Carl nodded. "Understood. I'll be going, then."
"Take Carlos and his squad with you. You are the future head of the Figarland family—it's time to display your authority."
Carl shrugged. "Let's wait until Shanks returns before talking about that."
"Don't give me that nonsense! The future head of the Figarland family is you, and only you!"
Carl smirked but didn't argue. In the next instant, he vanished into thin air.
...
Inside the council chamber, the Five Elders sat in a row, their brows furrowed. Due to Imu's unusual behavior, they had gone several days without sleep, afraid they might miss her summons.
Yet, even now, there was no word from her.
This only made them more anxious. They still had no idea what had happened to cause such an intense reaction from Imu, who usually remained secluded in the Room of Flowers.
As they endured the agonizing wait, heavy and deliberate footsteps echoed from outside. Moments later, a voice announced at the door,
"Lords, Saint Carl has arrived."
The Five Elders were momentarily stunned. Saturn quickly responded, "Let him in at once!"
The moment the words left his lips, the grand doors of the chamber were pushed open by two armored guards. The messenger who had just reported was already kneeling on the ground, his head bowed, not daring to look up.
As the armored guards stepped aside, Carl entered, his gaze calm and unbothered.
Seeing such a display of dominance, the other Four Elders remained composed, but Warcury's expression subtly darkened. Before he could react, the long-awaited voice of Imu-sama finally rang out,
"Bring Saint Carl to me."
-----------
+185 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg