In the Power Hall of Pangaea Castle, within the Holy Land Mariejois.
Five candlesticks burned quietly at the center of the round table, their flickering flames casting the shadows of five elderly men onto the walls embedded with a world map. The hall was filled with the mixed scent of sandalwood and parchment, with heavy curtains blocking out all external noise.
Jaygarcia Saturn, the Science Defense God, lifted a gilded teacup, the clinking of porcelain sounding particularly crisp in the silent hall. "Hmph, mere pirates with a bit of strength actually dare to negotiate with the World Government!" His slender fingers tapped rhythmically on the redwood table, the gemstone rings on his knuckles glinting coldly in the candlelight.
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, the Finance God, was intently polishing the First Generation Ghost Severer in his hand, a silk handkerchief gliding back and forth along the blade. The sword reflected his deep-set eyes, with a cold gleam flowing between his wrinkles. "Enough, it's just a pirate. Even if they have some strength, there's no need to pay too much attention," he said without looking up, his voice like a blade slicing through silk. "If you really can't stand it, just have the Marines eliminate them directly. It would also serve to suppress the Marines. There have been some unfavorable voices from the Marines recently."
Topman Warcury, the Legal Affairs God, flashed a cold light in his eyes upon hearing this. Adjusting his gold-embroidered bow tie, he sneered, "Hmph, the Marines indeed need to be taught a lesson. How dare they hold opinions against the World Government over someone like Zephyr."
Jaygarcia Saturn set down his teacup, the porcelain making a clear sound as it touched the table. He opened the gold-stamped report before him, the parchment rustling softly. "Suppressing the Marines is acceptable, but we should not move against Kaidou for now," he said, pushing up his gold-rimmed glasses. "After all, the World Government still needs the Sea Stone produced by Wano Country." He paused, his fingertip tracing the data charts in the report. "Recently, Vegapunk's research has made a breakthrough: ships loaded with Sea Stone can safely pass through the Calm Belt. If we obtain enough Sea Stone, the benefits for the World Government will greatly increase." At this point, he frowned slightly, his glasses reflecting a cold gleam. "I wonder how that brat Kaidou managed to resolve things in Wano Country. I remember that country being particularly xenophobic, didn't I?"
Marcus Mars, the Environment God, stroked his graying beard, the golden rings tied at its ends swaying gently. He said thoughtfully, "Trading is acceptable, but exchanging three Devil Fruits each year—won't that allow the Beasts Pirates' power to expand too much?"
Agricultural Affairs God Shepherd Ju Peter suddenly revealed a meaningful smile, twisting the jade ring on his thumb where the World Government emblem was faintly engraved. "They're just ordinary types. Even more of them would be nothing but ants to the World Government," he said in a low voice. "Moreover, the territory in the New World is limited. For ambitious pirates like Kaidou, once he stabilizes Wano Country, he'll definitely expand his influence outward." He opened another document. "I recall Golden Lion Shiki has also been expanding his territory recently."
"Correct," Topman Warcury took over, lightly tapping the table with his fingers. "We can arrange for our agents to infiltrate within the Flying Pirates to secretly guide Golden Lion toward expanding his influence in the direction of Wano Country.""
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro sheathed the First Generation Ghost Severer, the gem on the blade making a crisp metallic sound as it met the scabbard. He pondered for a moment: "If I remember correctly, both Golden Lion Shiki and Hundred Beasts Kaidou were formerly part of that same pirate crew. Could this give them an opportunity to unite?"
"Overthinking it," Marcus Mars stated directly, taking a sip of red wine from his crystal glass. "Whether it's Golden Lion Shiki or Hundred Beasts Kaidou, neither of these pirates would be willing to submit to others now." He set down the glass, leaving a damp ring on the table. "If these two were to meet, they would inevitably clash like fire and water. Even if various concerns might prevent an all-out battle, they would absolutely never unite."
"Exactly." Shepherd Ju Peter glanced around at the other four, his gaze appearing particularly profound in the candlelight. "However, the cooperation with Kaidou has given me an idea for a plan that could severely suppress the Navy's arrogance."
Hearing this, the other four Five Elders focused their attention on Shepherd Ju Peter. The candle flames danced in his eyes, as if burning with some dangerous notion.
"Tell me," Shepherd Ju Peter slowly began, his voice as rich and dangerous as aged wine from a cellar, "what if we pardon a portion of capable pirates and grant them the right to legally plunder?" He paused, observing his colleagues' reactions. "Of course, this legal plundering right would only apply to those non-World Government Affiliated Countries." He unfolded a map, his finger tracing between several islands. "This would serve two purposes: first, to warn the Navy, making it clear to them that the Navy is merely the World Government's cleaning rag. Second, it would intimidate those World Government Affiliated Countries and non-affiliated countries that might have rebellious intentions."
Marcus Mars immediately shook his head in opposition, his white hair shimmering like silver threads in the candlelight. "No, this is too radical. It might provoke backlash from the Navy."
Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro placed his scabbard on his knee, fingers gently stroking the patterns on the hilt. "Indeed, currently the Navy only has some complaints because of the Zephyr incident."He looked up toward the ceiling relief bearing the Navy emblem." "I still believe in the Navy's loyalty to the World Government. This proposal can be shelved for now. We can decide whether to formally present it later based on the Navy's actions."
"I second the motion!" Topman Warcury and Jaygarcia Saturn spoke almost simultaneously, their voices creating faint echoes beneath the grand hall's dome.
Shepherd Ju Peter shrugged, seemingly unsurprised by this outcome. He closed the map, the parchment making a dull sound.
Marcus Mars cleared his throat and changed the subject: "Very well, let's conclude this topic here." He opened another folder with a gold-stamped cover. "Next item: Cipher Pol has recently detected signs of that Devil Fruit's appearance in the West Blue. I propose directly dispatching West Blue's Cipher Pol agents to investigate."
Izambard V. Nusjuro frowned in contemplation, the candlelight carving deep shadows into his wrinkles: "Aren't the Cipher Pol agents in West Blue too weak? Should we send Cipher Pol Zero instead?"
Shepherd Ju Peter shook his head, the golden chain of his pocket watch swaying gently with the movement: "Unnecessary. I believe dispatching Cipher Pol 9 will suffice."
The meeting continued, the voices of the Five Elders reverberating through the spacious hall. Attendants silently replaced the candlesticks, the newly lit candles stretching the elders' shadows even longer. Outside the window, Mary Geoise's night remained tranquil, yet within this center of power, every decision could alter the world's pattern.
When the final agenda item concluded, the golden clock on the wall chimed twelve times. The Five Elders rose one after another, attendants immediately stepping forward to pull back their carved chairs. They each organized the documents before them, parchment rustling softly, their expressions returning to their usual authority and composure.
Jaygarcia Saturn cast one last glance at the scattered documents on the round table, the candlelight casting a final reflection on his glasses. The doors of the Power Hall slowly closed, locking all secrets within this ancient chamber. Beyond the doors, Mary Geoise's starry sky remained brilliant, silently witnessing every decision made in this world's center of power.