Chapter 165: Advancing Steps! World Government Mobilization
Hearing the words of the other Five Elders.
The long-bearded elder couldn't help but furrow his brow at this moment.
He glanced at the rest of the Five Elders.
Without hesitation, he spoke in a deep voice.
"Are you trying to make Lord Imu think we're this incompetent?"
"Although the strength Lotte has shown this time is indeed terrifying, the World Government absolutely isn't without countermeasures."
These words fell.
The other Five Elders exchanged glances for a moment.
After all, for them, the shadow Lotte left behind was simply too overwhelming.
Even Lord Imu back then couldn't kill him—this was an unprecedented anomaly in the World Government's history.
The sword-wielding elder also narrowed his eyes and spoke gravely.
"The strength Lotte is displaying now has already stepped into Great Swordsman-level swordsmanship. If you add Wood Release on top of that, there's no one in the entire World Government who can guarantee victory."
"This bastard with terrifying talent—if we don't let Lord Imu take action."
"The consequences will be beyond doubt!"
In truth, the Five Elders weren't without thoughts of handling Lotte themselves.
But if that masked man really was Lotte.
The terrifying strength he had displayed in such a short time was enough to make anyone shudder, no matter the angle.
If they handled it themselves.
And something went wrong, leading to Lord Imu's blame.
That would be the most unbearable possibility!
The long-bearded elder shook his head slightly.
"You must remember what Lord Imu said."
"Right now, Lotte is undoubtedly still under the effect of time suspension. The reason he can still display such strength is probably due to some external force."
"There is absolutely no need to fear him to this extent."
A cold glint flashed in his eyes.
In his view, although Lotte's displayed strength was indeed terrifying, if they didn't even dare confirm and directly seek Lord Imu's help.
Then what use were they, the Five Elders?
At the very least, they needed to probe how much strength Lotte still had left!
Even if Lotte's power exceeded expectations, Lord Imu could still handle it—and by providing intelligence, they would make it easier for Lord Imu to deal with him.
If Lotte's strength was just a bluff.
Then for the World Government, this would be an opportunity to regain lost dignity!
Hearing the long-bearded elder's words, the other Five Elders finally came to their senses.
That's right!
Logically speaking, the time suspension effect on Lotte hadn't ended yet!
How could he possibly possess such overwhelming power?
At most, he probably only had Great Swordsman-level swordsmanship. Add in his plant-manipulating bloodline ability, and he'd reach top Admiral level at best!
This was still within the range the World Government could handle!
Thinking of this.
The Five Elders couldn't help but take a deep breath.
Then they looked toward the long-bearded elder at the head and nodded heavily.
"In that case, first we need to locate Lotte. As for the Marines and CP0, they can start preparing as well."
"Since we're going to surround and kill that bastard Lotte, we must be extremely vigilant no matter what!"
Seeing the others' emotions rising.
A smile appeared on the face of the long-bearded elder at the head.
"Since that's settled, let's begin the operation!"
"This time, the World Government must reclaim the dignity we lost ten years ago! We will no longer allow that Lotte to act unchecked!"
The faces of the Five Elders were filled with determination and confidence.
It was as if they could already see Lotte powerless under the current massive forces!
.....
"Ah-choo—!"
Lotte suddenly sneezed loudly, startling everyone around.
Even the lion blocking their path stared at the scene with extreme wariness.
His beastly intuition told him.
This masked man was undoubtedly the most terrifying existence in this group!
Probably even the Duke himself wouldn't be his match!
Lotte looked puzzled.
Could his constitution still catch colds?
What kind of cold virus had evolved to be this strong?
This made Lotte rub his chin and mutter to himself in a low voice.
"Could someone be talking about me?"
Nearby, Toki puffed her cheeks and glared at the scene, reaching out to poke Lotte's shoulder.
"Don't tell me the captain has some old flame out there?"
"Still thinking about you right now."
As her words fell.
The masked Olvia immediately turned her head, staring fixedly at Lotte, clearly wanting to know the answer to this question.
The others around them showed gossiping expressions.
Even the clueless Kozuki Oden was pulled back by Izou.
Lotte's face darkened immediately as he cleared his throat.
"Ahem! How is that possible!"
"I don't have any old flames out there. Let's hurry to the Mokomo Dukedom!"
"Little lion, blocking our path like this is quite brave. You'll probably grow into an outstanding warrior in the future, but right now we need to keep moving."
He had never had any old flames.
If forced to say, Olvia barely counted as one. There was no one else.
Though Lotte didn't consider himself some saint, he also wasn't the type to chase every woman he saw—there was a big difference between the two.
As he shifted his gaze.
Everyone else turned their attention to Sicilian, who was blocking the way.
The young little lion, having never faced such pressure before, had sweat dripping down his cheeks in an instant.
Nekomamushi and Inuarashi saw this and quickly tried to persuade him.
"Sicilian, there's no need for this. Wait until we meet the Duke later—he'll confirm everything."
Sicilian gritted his teeth.
"No way! You dangerous people can't be allowed into the Dukedom no matter what!"
"Unless you stop here right now, while I go report to the Duke!"
These people posed far too great a threat.
But Lotte calmly stepped forward, paying no attention to Sicilian blocking the path. He showed a playful smile as he advanced.
Sicilian immediately wanted to charge forward.
Nekomamushi and Inuarashi widened their eyes, trying to stop Sicilian's movement.
But in the next second.
"Little lion, it's about time you stepped aside."
With the calm voice falling.
An invisible, terrifying wave of Conqueror's Haki suddenly enveloped everything, instantly forcing Sicilian to collapse to the ground.
He couldn't even touch a corner of Lotte's clothing!