"Celestial Dragon, huh..."
Aus narrowed his eyes, then rubbed his chin.
"Can I just be nominal? I'm used to freedom, after all."
Seeing Shamrock's unfriendly gaze, Aus spread his hands. Helpless expression.
"After all, I don't like taking orders from people weaker than me."
Hearing that—whether Five Elders or Figarland father-son—eyes widened instantly, staring at Aus.
How dare he?! Negotiating before Lord Imu!
Imu on the throne narrowed their eyes slightly. But Aus still met their gaze directly.
Becoming Saint Aus was a whim. But working for someone else? Different matter. Aus felt no psychological burden. Quite bold.
Powerful individual strength? Relying on Warp-Warp Fruit?
If he had to say—
Actually, advance preview.
Couldn't see the future, or future showed danger? Aus would instantly teleport hundreds of thousands of meters away.
Motto: value your life.
Who knew what abilities or treasures this old schemer collected over centuries?
Fortunately—
Imu showed no great hostility. After all, Aus didn't carry the D.
Seeing Lord Imu apparently had no major reaction, those below responded variously. Five Elders found it expected.
Shamrock's brow furrowed. Gripped his sword hilt harder.
What did he mean by "weaker than me"?
When Aus said that, his gaze wasn't directed at current Holy Knights commander Saint Garling.
But at Shamrock.
The new era's leader was Shamrock. He claimed he'd subdue Aus.
And Imu naturally noticed.
They wanted to see—this brat spouting big words, wanting external Celestial Dragon status—how capable was he?
Could he become force to defeat the D's?
"Very well..."
Imu's voice was gender-neutral. Just carried lofty tone.
"If you can defeat the strongest among young Celestial Dragons, the Celestial Dragons can accept a genius like you. After all, the strong deserve privileges."
Both understood what the other wanted. How many chips they could offer.
Aus wanted Celestial Dragon status to play with. Not sincerely joining World Nobles.
So didn't demand too much—would help Knights based on mood.
Imu could see that. Just felt Aus's talent and ability were eye-catching. Wanted extra force in coming war.
But didn't pin hopes on it. Only willing to give dispensable status. Impossible to offer commander position.
Finally—
Aus, Shamrock, and Saint Garling left. Heading toward Holy Knights' combat grounds.
Five Elders' expressions were complex. Couldn't help glancing at Lord Imu on throne, deep in thought. Didn't dare disturb.
Actually in their view, Aus joining Holy Knights was beneficial without harm.
Though he couldn't be restrained, at least relationship advanced. Nominally allies. Would make handling sea affairs more convenient.
Holy Land already supported so many useless people—one more stipend didn't matter.
"Bring me his files."
Just as Five Elders exchanged glances, Imu spoke.
They looked up. Imu's eyes on them. Cold sweat formed instantly.
"Yes, Lord Imu."
Didn't dare delay. Quickly had someone fetch Aus's detailed files. Respectfully presented them.
Imu's orders were absolute. Didn't dare be careless.
Imu flipped through indifferently. Honestly, these achievements were impressive—top tier on the seas.
If he had to say, at this age with this talent, only seen one person who could definitely beat Aus.
A man who once single-handedly challenged twenty kingdoms. Made even Imu fearful.
Joyboy.
The Sun God.
As for the rest—even former Five Elders, Garling, these "geniuses" among Celestial Dragons he'd noticed—at same age, perhaps couldn't compare.
King of next generation?
Perhaps. But Imu had witnessed too many eras.
"Powerful Observation Haki. Powerful strength. Wicked personality. He reminds me of a former companion. Very alike..."
Imu murmured.
But these words made five highest powers widen eyes. Bloodshot veins filled sockets instantly.
Someone Imu called companion—besides those dozen kings, couldn't think of anyone.
They remembered Aus had no parents. Adopted by pirates...
"Only a pity—not his bloodline. This sea never lacks geniuses..."
Finishing—
Imu set down intelligence. Lofty figure slowly stood. Walked through nineteen swords of kings, descending from throne.
Five Elders made way. Respectfully following behind.
Holy Knights' combat grounds were on Red Line. Rarely inhabited area far from Holy Land.
Garling brought them here. Immediately drew many Knights members' attention.
"That's... Lord Garling and Shamrock. Who's behind them?"
"Is there such person among Celestial Dragons?"
"Heard Shamrock has brother who ended up outside."
"Impossible. His hair isn't even red."
Saint Garling ignored them. Just led them toward largest clearing. Aus glanced around.
Not many people.
Men and women. Strong among Celestial Dragons generally didn't look outrageous—at least not grotesquely ugly.
At least Celestial Dragon girls Aus saw, except few, looked quite good.
Just terrible personalities.
Garling wouldn't fight. Just following Imu's orders. If truly facing this Knights commander who could contend with Roger and Whitebeard—Aus wasn't confident either.
Basically peak Shanks!
Absurdly strong Conqueror's and swordsmanship. True all-rounder. Same level as healthy Roger and peak Whitebeard.
And Shamrock—benchmarked against Shanks and Garling—naturally wouldn't be weak.
"Dortorl Aus, come!
If you lose, join the Knights and become my right hand!"
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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