Hearing Imu's voice, the Five Elders trembled, shock evident on their faces.
They had gone several days and nights without sleep, waiting in vain for even a single word from Saint Imu. Yet now, the moment Carl arrived, Imu immediately spoke—and even instructed them to send Carl to meet him!
Not bring him—send him.
These Five Elders, who had followed Saint Imu for centuries, suddenly found themselves less important than this "youngster" Carl.
Indeed, from the perspective of the Five Elders, each of whom was over a century old, Carl was nothing more than a junior.
They exchanged glances, then turned to Carl with complex expressions.
Carl, though unable to hear Imu's voice, could guess from their reactions that Imu had conveyed some message regarding him. This didn't surprise him. When it came to dealing with Joy Boy, he was an indispensable force. On Earth, he was akin to a nuclear weapon—an undeniable fact, not mere arrogance.
From the era of Roger to the era of the Four Emperors, Carl had already proven his strength.
With a faint smile, he greeted them, "It's been a while, gentlemen."
Saturn steadied his emotions before responding, "Saint Carl, you've arrived at the perfect time. We… no, Saint Imu wishes to see you."
Carl feigned surprise. "Oh? What a coincidence. I came here specifically to report something to Saint Imu. I was hoping you could introduce me."
These words gave the Five Elders a small sense of comfort.
At least Carl still had to go through them to meet Imu...
Warcury hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "Saint Carl, what exactly do you wish to report to Imu? Could you share it with us first?"
Carl glanced at Warcury but hadn't spoken yet when Nusjuro, gripping his long sword, frowned and turned to Warcury with a stern rebuke.
"Saint Warcury, you are overstepping."
Warcury's expression changed, and he immediately lowered his head—a rare sight.
"Apologies. I was too impatient."
After saying this, Warcury stepped back to the last position and remained silent.
Nusjuro withdrew his gaze, then, along with the other Four Elders, stepped aside, gesturing politely to Carl.
"Saint Carl, we should not delay. We will send you to Saint Imu now. Please, proceed."
Carl nodded in acknowledgment and, surrounded by the Five Elders, left the conference hall, heading toward the depths of Mary Geoise—toward the Hall of Flowers.
...
As they stepped outside, several Celestial Dragons saw Carl being escorted by the Five Elders with utmost reverence. They were utterly stunned. Those who reacted quickly immediately prostrated themselves in submission. If this scene were witnessed outside Mary Geoise, it would surely leave countless people in disbelief.
Who could have imagined that these high and mighty Celestial Dragons would display such subservience?
Upon reaching the depths of Pangaea Castle, right outside the Hall of Flowers, the Five Elders halted. Once again, it was Nusjuro who spoke.
"Saint Carl, please wait here while we—"
Before he could finish, Imu's voice echoed from within the hall.
"Let Saint Carl enter. The five of you will wait outside."
Nusjuro's expression stiffened, a trace of embarrassment flashing across his face. Without hesitation, he and the other Four Elders immediately knelt on the ground, parting to create a path for Carl.
Carl glanced down at the kneeling Five Elders before stepping forward toward the massive doors.
As he approached, the grand doors opened on their own. After he stepped inside, they closed just as smoothly. Throughout the process, the Five Elders remained motionless, still kneeling.
...
This was not Carl's first time in this place, so he carried himself with ease. He walked straight to the foot of the Empty Throne, gazing up at the slender figure seated upon it.
At the same time, Imu was also looking at Carl. For a moment, the air in the great hall seemed to freeze.
Carl's Fleet Admiral cloak swayed slightly as he placed a hand on his chest and spoke softly.
"Saint Imu."
The oppressive atmosphere in the hall suddenly eased.
Imu slowly withdrew his hands from the armrests and placed them before his abdomen before speaking in a measured tone.
"Saint Carl, it has been more than twenty years since you last stood here."
Carl nodded slightly. "It has been twenty-four years."
Imu was silent for a moment before suddenly asking, "Would you like to experience what it feels like to sit in this seat?"
Carl was momentarily taken aback, but Imu quickly changed the subject. "No, it is not yet time."
There was an unmistakable note of resignation in Imu's voice, which left Carl momentarily bewildered.
What's going on? he wondered. From the way Imu is speaking, it almost sounds like… he wants to pass the throne to me?
The thought was fleeting, and Carl quickly dismissed it, finding it somewhat amusing.
His gaze drifted to the Empty Throne. "Saint Imu, I came here to discuss Joy Boy."
Imu nodded. "That is precisely why I summoned you. Not long ago, I sensed Joy Boy's presence. Unlike before, this time his aura was overwhelmingly strong. It is possible that his will has completely awakened within Monkey D. Luffy."
Carl's eyes flickered. So it really is the case.
Maintaining a calm expression, he said, "Yes. According to the information I've received, after the failed ambush in the East Blue, Joy Boy escaped to Zou. There, he completely took over Monkey D. Luffy's body."
A gleam flashed through Imu's eyes—an unusual reaction.
"Oh? Rather than choosing a successor, he outright seized another's body? That is unexpected. Where did you learn of this?"
Carl replied, "Two Mink warriors, disillusioned by Joy Boy's attempts to incite their people into war, fled from Zou and revealed this information to me. Joy Boy himself declared his possession of Luffy's body while on Zou."
Upon hearing this, Imu let out a soft chuckle—quiet, yet audible enough for Carl to catch.
Carl's expression turned slightly peculiar. The sound had an unmistakable onee-san vibe to it.
-----------
+185 chapters on p@treon/tambeerg