Chapter 178 - CHAPTER 178:Ayr Negotiates With The Five Elders

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Not far off, the Five Elders stood with hands folded behind their backs, their expressions unreadable yet faintly amused as they observed the aftermath of the latest clash.

"Yes… the strength you few have achieved is indeed impressive," one of them murmured, his voice bearing the calm authority of someone who had witnessed centuries pass in silence.

"So then, when can we leave this place? I'm itching to get back out to sea and smash those damn pirate scumbags again!" Garp rolled his wrist, a crooked grin tugging at his lips, but the weight behind his words was anything but playful.

Since the catastrophic battle at the Valley of the Gods, Garp, Sengoku, Zephyr, and Tsuru had remained in the Holy Land Mariejois, undergoing relentless, top-tier training under the personal supervision of the Five Elders—enigmatic figures rumored to possess knowledge from the Void Century itself and longevity possibly granted by the elusive Imu, whose authority eclipsed even that of the Admirals. They hadn't left the elevated reaches of the Red Line once during that time, but today, Garp could feel it—his body had changed. His Armament Haki had grown denser and more refined, Observation more instinctive and wide-ranging, and his physical strength alone could rival the endurance and ferocity of mythical Zoans. The fire in his chest wasn't bravado—it was certainty. He knew he could now defeat most Yonko-class opponents.

"That damn Ayr… next time I see him, I'll knock him out with my own fists," Zephyr muttered, clenching his hands tight, his voice low but vibrating with ironclad resolve. His obsession with surpassing Ayr had intensified since the war in the Valley. Day after day, he trained relentlessly in the bowels of Mariejois, delving into the deepest secrets of Haki, unearthing forgotten Marine combat styles lost in the sands of time. This wasn't pride—it was necessity. He would defeat Ayr. For justice, for honor, and to reclaim the soul of the Navy.

"I let Whitebeard escape last time... next time, there will be no hesitation," Sengoku added solemnly, the image of the youthful but thunderous Newgate still etched into his mind like a scar.

The Elder in the center turned toward them, voice like slow-turning stone. "The three of you have immense potential… but now is not yet the time to leave."

The Five Elders couldn't deny it—the progress made by Garp, Zephyr, Sengoku, and even the strategic mind of Tsuru was terrifying. They had shared with them ancient martial disciplines, obscure Haki enhancements, and tactics born from pre-Pirate Era warfare. Their potential was becoming reality. But potential was not power. Not yet.

"How much longer must we wait?" Sengoku asked, narrowing his sharp eyes.

"That… depends on Lord Imu," the Elder replied with reverent gravity.

Even among the Five Elders, Imu remained a presence cloaked in shadows. Her will superseded their own, her word absolute. She had watched the Marines' development in silence, and it was by her will alone that this training continued. Until she spoke, no one would be released into the world.

"Imu…" Garp muttered, exchanging looks with the others. They had heard the name countless times—hushed tones in upper chambers, whispers laced with awe or fear—but not once had they seen her with their own eyes.

"Don't worry," said another Elder, his gaze calculating. "If your rate of improvement continues, the day of release may come sooner than you think."

"Then we'll push even further," Garp declared, teeth clenched as his fists tightened again.

"You four stay. Focus. We have matters that require our attention," one of the Elders concluded, turning on his heel. The others followed, their exit silent, fluid, practiced as a blade's draw.

Garp, Zephyr, and Sengoku returned to their relentless training—faces strained with frustration but hearts burning with a desire that refused to dim.

Far beneath the Red Line, in the heart of the void beneath Mariejois, Ayr and Whitebeard arrived at their destination, escorted by a quiet but ever-watchful contingent of CPO operatives.

"This place again… our second time here, Ayr," Whitebeard said as his eyes climbed the crimson wall that towered above them.

Unlike their previous intrusion under cover of night, when they'd come alongside Shiki, Kaido, and Linlin, this time they approached openly—two giants walking into the lion's den without fear.

"No sneaking around. Today, we enter through the front gate," Ayr replied, voice cool, confidence radiating in his gaze.

"Gurararara! I haven't seen that lunatic Shiki in years," Whitebeard laughed, his voice a low rumble that echoed off the stone walls. Though Shiki had carved out his airborne empire in the New World with his Fuwa Fuwa no Mi and relentless ambition, the vastness of the seas meant even the former Rocks pirates rarely crossed paths.

"I'm sure he's still dreaming of conquest," Ayr said flatly.

"Conquer the world? That mad lion's as deluded as ever. If even Rocks couldn't do it with all his Devil Fruits and ancient power, Shiki has no chance," Whitebeard snorted. Rocks D. Xebec had wielded forbidden techniques and monstrous might, yet even he had fallen. What hope did Shiki have?

The platform elevator rumbled beneath them, rising swiftly. Soon, they stood once more at the gates of the Holy Land Mariejois.

Though their last incursion had left Mariejois in shambles, it had been restored with unnerving speed. The streets gleamed once again, untouched by scars of battle. The World Government's wealth and influence were truly bottomless.

As the pair stepped off the elevator, a group of elite government officials clad in intricate suits approached without fear.

"Mr. Ayr. You've arrived precisely as scheduled."

Not even a flicker of hesitation crossed their faces upon seeing Whitebeard beside him. The intelligence agents had done their work—every detail relayed to the Five Elders in advance.

Without delay, the delegation led Ayr and Whitebeard through the innermost districts of the sacred city, toward the seat of global dominion—Pangaea Castle. The roads were eerily silent, not a single Celestial Dragon in sight.

Ayr noticed. He didn't comment, but the corner of his mouth twitched. The World Government had clearly cleared the area, terrified that one of the Dragons might insult him again and provoke another bloodbath. The last time Ayr had visited, several Celestial Dragons had paid dearly for their arrogance.

Any unnecessary provocation now could shatter the fragile accord being brokered.

Soon, they arrived at the vast gates of the ancient citadel.

One of the senior officers turned with a deep bow. "Mr. Ayr, the Five Elders await you in the central chamber. We do not have clearance to enter."

"Understood," Ayr replied with a curt nod.

With slow, ceremonial effort, the enormous obsidian doors groaned open.

Beyond lay a grand hall lined with marble and velvet banners—imperial, vast, echoing with silence and ancient gravity.

Ayr stepped in without hesitation.

Whitebeard gave the officers a final glance, then followed.

As the doors rumbled shut behind them, Whitebeard's brow furrowed slightly.

"Ayr… you know how dangerous they are. If this turns into a battle, we need to be cautious."

Whitebeard feared few men, but this place… the stillness, the atmosphere—it made even him uneasy.

"I know," Ayr answered quietly. "But if it does come to that, don't expect me to shield you. If things go wrong, I won't have the leeway to protect you. You still have a chance to walk away."

Whitebeard didn't respond—only grunted.

It wasn't cruelty on Ayr's part. It was truth.

This negotiation had the potential to birth an empire—one fortified by the backing of the world's shadow rulers, fueled by Devil Fruits, underworld networks, and the relics of lost ages. If the Five Elders agreed, Ayr would walk away with power no Yonko could rival.

But if they betrayed him?

He had contingencies—emergency seals, Rinnegan distortions, Haki-null zones. Ayr had prepared for every possibility.

He could ensure his own escape.

Whitebeard, however… would have to survive on his own.

And in this chamber, even Yonko-level strength might not be enough.

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