A pile of nearly lifeless Ohara scholars were strewn across the ground.
Admiral Kizaru methodically counted the bodies one by one.
His eyes shifted as he finally saw Lloyd approaching. The Admiral stepped forward and spoke, voice calm but curious, "Alright, Lloyd, everyone has been brought here. What is our next course of action? Should we inform Kong san first?"
Lloyd's pale expression stayed unreadable. He gently set Olvia down before taking an ancient den den mushi from his coat. The device looked worn, its shell cracked with age.
Before Kizaru could ask who Lloyd intended to contact, Lloyd had already activated it. The den den mushi trembled twice, then an elderly voice echoed through, dry and commanding.
"Saint Lloyd, what do you require?"
Everyone present, except for Kuma, went wide‑eyed in shock.
Kizaru's heart thudded violently in his chest.
He recognized that voice.
Saint Saturn — one of the Five Elders.
Both he and Kuma had spent time alongside Dr. Vegapunk. Though they had taken long side journeys and appeared distracted, they had crossed paths with Saturn more than once. Even a single encounter with someone of that rank was unforgettable.
These were the Five Elders — the highest authority in the World Government!
And Lloyd had called him directly.
And Saturn had referred to Lloyd with saintly respect.
Saint.
The word hit Kizaru like thunder splitting the sky.
He knew Lloyd had a background — but never had he imagined it would be this immense.
Perhaps, Kizaru realized with sudden clarity, the reason he and Kuma had been allowed so much freedom was because of Lloyd's presence.
Could it be... I was the one protected by someone of unimaginable power?
Olvia stared at Lloyd with disbelief, voice trembling, "Lloyd-sama? Are you... are you a Celestial Dragon?"
Lloyd ignored her.
Into the den den mushi he spoke.
"Saint Saturn, the scholars of Ohara were captured by Borsalino and Kuma. I've had them brought here, to Marineford."
Lloyd briefly looked at Kizaru with a slight, almost imperceptible smile first claiming credit.
Kizaru understood instantly — this wasn't forgotten.
He was merely waiting for the right moment.
He opened his mouth, about to say something, but Lloyd raised a hand to silence him.
After a pause Saturn's voice answered, calm but amused.
"Those two? Well."
"I hadn't expected them to be so effective once they committed. Especially Borsalino."
There was a quiet moment of stunned silence.
Alright, it was confirmed.
Their freedom had never been overlooked — it had been guaranteed by Lloyd's formidable background.
Lloyd allowed a subtle grin as he replied, "You cannot underestimate him. Borsalino is reliable."
"Hmm, understood."
The conversation continued, but its meaning was clear: Kizaru and Kuma were to depart soon.
Lloyd cut right to the core.
"Saint Saturn, with regards to the Ohara matter, how does the World Government wish to proceed?"
Saturn was direct.
"These people cannot be forgiven lightly. Their actions challenge our authority. Not just them — all scholars from Ohara Island must be judged."
Lloyd had not yet replied, but Olvia suddenly cried out, rushing forward.
"No! Everyone on Ohara Island is innocent! You cannot harm them!"
Lloyd simply turned his gaze toward her then he frowned. With a motion as if expecting it, Kuma teleported silently behind Olvia and tapped her so gently she slumped unconscious.
Saturn's voice, curious, asked, "Did someone from Ohara just cry out?"
"Yes," Lloyd answered evenly. "Her name is Olvia."
"So that is her," Saturn continued gravely. "She is the ringleader. No further trial is necessary. Saint Lloyd, execute her there."
Lloyd's expression remained still.
"She once aided me. I intend to spare her life. She will remain under my custody."
"Oh? She is fortunate then. Very well. But the Ohara situation must be handled with utmost seriousness. My opinion, and that of Saint Warcury and the others, is unanimous. We must order a Buster Call on Ohara."
The moment the words Buster Call were uttered, even Kuma's pupils constricted, and Kizaru stared at Lloyd with a grave face.
Lloyd's cold eyes glanced down at the unconscious Olvia.
"I understand."
He ended the den den mushi call and withdrew a shining golden den den mushi from his pocket.
This was no ordinary device — this was the official instrument used to initiate a Buster Call.
Only Fleet Admirals and Admirals could possess it.
Seeing it gleam in his hand, Kizaru could not help but blurt, "Lloyd... Saint Lloyd... are you planning to launch the Buster Call now?"
Lloyd lifted a brow, expression unreadable.
"Borsalino. Do you really think I intend for you to refer to me as Saint Lloyd? Kuma has known who I am for a long time and has never once called me Saint Big Brother."
"Uh... well your reputation is a little intimidating..." Kizaru stammered.
"We need not discuss titles here. What matters is that no one in the World Government has the authority to punish me for Olvia. They are not qualified."
"That is true. So regarding the Buster Call... Lloyd, perhaps you should not activate it personally. Let Fleet Admiral Kong oversee it."
Lloyd paused, curious.
"Why do you suggest that?"
Kizaru leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if offering strategic counsel.
"Wiping out an entire island is... excessive. It could affect your reputation, however unaffected you appear. Besides, Fleet Admiral Kong is the current commander of the Navy. Wouldn't it be prudent political calculus to let him take command? His rank can absorb the consequences."
Kuma, surprisingly, nodded silently in agreement.
Lloyd slotted the golden den den mushi back into his coat, then fixed Kizaru with a level gaze.
"Borsalino... I believe you have the potential to be Fleet Admiral."
Kizaru's eyes widened.
Logically such praise should have thrilled him, but instead he flailed his hands with embarrassment.
"No! I do not want to be Fleet Admiral! Too many responsibilities!"
Though Kizaru rejected the notion, his interest in the salary that came with the position was nonetheless obvious in the flicker of his eyes.
Seeing him resist so hard, Lloyd didn't push further.
After a thoughtful pause he said, "I must report this to Fleet Admiral Kong now. Borsalino, inform Sakazuki that he is to return to Marineford immediately."
Kizaru blinked, shocked.
"Eh? Summoning him now? To have him assist with the Buster Call execution?"
Lloyd's voice was composed, measured.
"Yes. It is a major contribution."