In the void.
After leaving the Holy Land Mary Geoise, the Five Elders raced toward the Sabaody Archipelago at incredible speed, streaking across the sky like meteors.
However, the group, pushing forward at full throttle, suddenly wore grim expressions.
In the next moment, the bald monk roared in fury, "Damn it, what the hell is Kong doing?" Just moments ago, they had witnessed the World Government's fleet being obliterated in a single strike by Lin Xuan, leaving them nearly splitting at the seams with rage.
That was the military force they had cultivated for so many years, dispatched only to be wiped out in an instant.
How could they not be furious?!
At this point, the long-bearded one remained relatively calm, shaking his head as he said, "We can't blame Kong for this. Even I didn't expect that guy's current strength to be this overwhelming—I'm afraid even if we all teamed up, we wouldn't stand a chance against him!"
"What?!"
The other four felt a jolt in their hearts upon hearing this.
They could hardly believe it. It had only been a little over a month since the War at the Summit. Back then, even though the five of them together couldn't take down Lin Xuan, he hadn't been able to defeat them either!
This revelation was utterly unbelievable. How much time had passed? How could that guy's power have grown so quickly?
The long-bearded one let out a soft sigh and said in a low voice, "Yes, his strength is improving at an alarming rate. What worries me more is that if this continues, there might truly be no one left who can handle him!"
The blond-bearded one shook his head. "Impossible. That guy is no match for Lord Imu."
"Maybe so."
The long-bearded one didn't dwell on it, instead reminding them again, "No matter what, we have to succeed this time. We must shatter the Ninja Guild's momentum—only then can we have a shot at victory!"
Right now, the Ninja Guild was gaining more momentum with every battle, while the World Government suffered setback after setback. That was what truly concerned the long-bearded one.
The group said no more and continued speeding toward the Sabaody Archipelago.
Impel Down.
Kong and his forces had been blocked by Lin Xuan at the Gates of Justice, unable to reinforce Impel Down. At this moment, the jailers and jailer beasts were starting to crumble under the assault from the Ninja Guild's powerhouses.
It wouldn't be long before they were completely routed.
On Level 1 of Impel Down, a girl with a pair of pristine white wings on her back was locked in fierce combat with a jailer beast.
Conis had joined this operation because she always felt like she needed to contribute something; otherwise, she'd seem too useless in the Ninja Guild.
Of course, her main motivation was to do something for Lin Xuan.
Lin Xuan had seen through her intentions, so he hadn't stopped her this time, though he left a shadow clone with her just in case something unexpected happened.
"Wind Release: Wind Blade!"
Conis quickly formed hand seals, unleashing blades of wind that slashed toward the nearby jailer beast, carving deep gashes into its body until it finally collapsed.
"Not bad, you're improving fast!"
Lin Xuan's shadow clone approached from the side, smiling as he praised her.
Conis let out a breath of relief, her face breaking into a smile. Over this period, she had learned quite a few ninjutsu techniques, and her strength had grown considerably.
Though she still had a long way to go compared to the guild's veteran ninjas, she was already content—at least she could help Lin Xuan more now.
Just then, something occurred to Conis, and she hurriedly asked, "President, you've brought almost everyone out this time, leaving hardly anyone back at the guild. Is that really okay?"
Lin Xuan understood her concern but wasn't worried in the least. He smiled and said, "No problem." Seeing his response, Conis didn't press further. If Lin Xuan said it was fine, then it must be!
After that, she pressed on ahead, soon encountering another jailer beast and diving back into battle.
Meanwhile, in the waters near the Sabaody Archipelago.
A warship appeared, heading toward the archipelago. On the deck stood a man with short purple hair—none other than CP9's superior, Spandam!
The members of CP9 were all frowning at the moment.
Finally, Bruno couldn't hold back and spoke up, "Sir, is it really okay for us to head to the Sabaody Archipelago now?"
Spandam snorted coldly in response. "What do you know? The Ninja Guild's people are all at Impel Down right now—this is the perfect time to strike the Sabaody Archipelago!"
Upon learning that Lin Xuan had led an assault on Impel Down, Spandam had immediately gathered his subordinates and rushed toward the Sabaody Archipelago.
This time, he planned to exploit the opportunity while most of the Ninja Guild was away, launching a sneak attack on their headquarters.
Of course, he had no illusions about completely destroying the enemy's base—that wasn't realistic. But even causing a bit of damage would count as a major accomplishment.
And then, he might even get promoted!
The thought made his eyes gleam with excitement.
"Shouldn't we report this to higher-ups first?" Lucci asked.
"No need. I'll explain it to them later. For now, just follow my orders!" Spandam shot down the idea.
Idiots—if I notify them, how am I supposed to claim all the credit?
Spandam sneered inwardly, then suddenly remembered something else.
That's right!
Rumor had it that the Devil Child, Nico Robin, was also on the Sabaody Archipelago. If he could capture her, the rewards would be even greater!
The idea sent a surge of thrill through Spandam. He urged the ship to speed up toward the archipelago, then led his men straight onto the island.
At this point, he could hardly wait to achieve glory and reach the pinnacle of his life!
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T/N:
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