Hearing this, everyone's expressions froze, and they exchanged glances.
In each other's pupils, they could see sheer astonishment.
Clearly, the World Government still harbored powerhouses unknown even to them—individuals possibly stronger than the Five Elders themselves.
"Enough. Make the arrangements immediately. According to CP0's intel, we don't have much time left!"
Ethanbaron V Nusjuro's tone brooked no argument, his voice laced with authority.
"Yes!"
Kong, the Commander-in-Chief, nodded blankly, his thoughts still lingering on the Five Elders' earlier words.
He kept speculating about who this person could be—someone even mightier than the Five Elders.
As the supreme commander, Kong had always believed the Five Elders were the World Government's ultimate pillars of strength.
Now, he realized there might exist someone surpassing them in both power and authority.
This individual was likely the true mastermind behind the World Government—the very person the Five Elders had mentioned would deal with Bob.
However, Kong quickly composed himself.
"Before that, we'll need clearance for Marie Geoise!"
"And authorization to deploy troops!" Kong spoke firmly.
In the end, he couldn't figure out who this mysterious figure might be, but he chose not to dwell on it further.
If the Five Elders claimed this person could handle Bob, then his only task was to execute the remaining plans.
But to mobilize the World Government's forces in Marie Geoise, official permission was mandatory.
Otherwise, even as the commander in chief, he'd find it impossible to act within the sacred land of the Celestial Dragons.
"That won't be necessary now!"
"I've already briefed Marie Geoise's garrison on the specifics!"
"Moreover, the Celestial Dragons have all been forcibly assembled in a highly secure location!"
"You'll face no obstacles here!" Ethanbaron V Nusjuro declared.
Before convening this meeting, he had ensured everything was in place.
His goal was to save time and eliminate unnecessary formalities.
Under his uncompromising orders, those arrogant Celestial Dragons had been relocated to safety—albeit amidst complaints.
Hearing this, Kong's goatee twitched as he responded resolutely.
"Understood!"
The others also wore solemn expressions.
They knew this battle would reshape the world's balance.
In fact, whether the World Government would even survive this conflict had become a legitimate question.
After all, Bob's Revolutionary Army wasn't some weak force.
They possessed the real power to overthrow the World Government.
Thus, every person present understood the gravity of the situation—the coming hours demanded their absolute commitment.
"Proceed with the arrangements swiftly!"
Ethanbaron V Nusjuro, one of the Five Elders, frowned slightly and gestured for them to leave.
Soon, the Marines and other faction leaders departed Mary Geoise's council chamber.
They returned at top speed to prepare for the impending operation.
Meanwhile, the Five Elders rose from their seats after the others had left.
"Let's go."
"It's time to report to Im-sama."
*****
At the same moment, atop Pangaea Castle's throne room...
A figure clad in a floor-length robe, crowned with a tall spiked tiara, sat upon the throne, shrouded in the shadows of the high ceiling.
Fingers tapped rhythmically against the chair's back as those crimson-ringed eyes swept over the five elders kneeling below, revealing no trace of emotion.
"Hmm."
"Understood."
The deep voice reverberated through the vast chamber, causing the Five Elders to tremble involuntarily.
They had just finished reporting recent events—including the movements of Bob's Revolutionary Army—to this supreme authority.
"Imu-sama!"
"We humbly beg you to extinguish this lamp personally!"
Ethanbaron V Nusjuro's tone was utterly submissive, a stark contrast to his demeanor when facing Marine leadership.
"This matter... I shall handle it myself."
"You focus on your duties."
"Dismissed." Imu's circular pupils dilated slowly.
At this command, the Five Elders rose from their kneeling positions and bowed deeply with reverence.
Yet when they lifted their heads, their faces betrayed unrestrained delight.
Imu-sama first statement confirmed he would intervene personally.
For the first time, their hearts settled slightly.
With Imu confronting Bob, victory no longer seemed an impossible hope.
They withdrew in silence.
Unconcerned with the departing figures, Imu's tapping fingers abruptly stilled.
Those crimson-ringed pupils constricted sharply.
"Bob."
"Must I eradicate you with my own hands?"
*****
Meanwhile, in uncharted waters of the New World...
A pirate ship cut smoothly through calm seas, its mast flying the Jolly Roger—a white skull with three red scars over the left eye, crossed sabers behind it.
The Red Force, the flagship of Red Hair Shanks!
On the forecastle deck, a red-haired man in black robes sat gripping a newspaper, his eyes glinting dangerously.
Flanking him stood his crew.
Beckman, Yasopp, Lucky Roux, Building Snake, Bonk Punch, Monster, Limejuice, Hongo, Gab...
"The world's about to change," Shanks murmured.
Behind him, Beckman's sharp gaze scanned the headlines detailing the Revolutionary Army's global movements—crowned by bold text:
"REVOLUTIONARY MUSTER: WILL BOB OVERTHROW THE WORLD GOVERNMENT?"
"The balance is crumbling," Shanks said, lowering the paper.
Wind whipped his empty sleeve—a lonely sight.
"War spreads like wildfire."
Among the Four Emperors, Shanks was called the freest man on the seas.
Unlike his peers who sought power or territory, he sailed by a different creed.
But after becoming one of the Four Emperors, what he did most was travel across various seas, protecting weak pirates, never engaging in plunder or slaughter.
Of course, he also never wanted war to break out in this world.
Yet now, under Bob's influence, there seemed to be an impending conflict even greater than the Summit War.
This was the last thing he wished to see.