Time rewound slightly.
Half an hour before Reno arrived at Zou Island.
Holy Land Mary Geoise.
Pangaea Castle, Room of Authority.
The magnificent council hall was enveloped in a heavy, murderous atmosphere.
The round table was full of people.
The Five Elders, the God's Knights led by Saint Mjosgard, commander-in-chief of the three military branches Fleet Admiral Kong, and Fleet Admiral Sengoku were all present.
Everyone's faces were extremely grim.
A few hours earlier, the Five Elders and the God's Knights, after sensing the Haki released by Imu, rushed to the castle immediately.
They learned from Imu that Shamrock and Gunko, who had gone to Elbaf to recruit Loki, had encountered Reno en route.
Shamrock was killed, and Gunko was out of contact.
Everyone was shocked to hear this news.
It should be known that the strength of the two was no less than that of an Admiral.
Especially Shamrock.
Coupled with their immortal bodies and the Five-Pointed Star Array that could summon allies.
Under these circumstances, to still be killed was simply outrageous.
Imu was also furious and immediately issued an order.
He ordered the Five Elders and the God's Knights to find Reno and eliminate him at all costs, in the shortest possible time.
Everyone dared not hesitate. The Five Elders immediately contacted Kong and Sengoku, asking them to come to Pangaea Castle for a discussion.
"It will be no easy task to find Reno in a short amount of time."
Sengoku's eyes drooped as he said in a deep voice.
In his opinion, like Golden Lion Shiki, unless Reno initiative exposed his whereabouts, he would be impossible to track.
Ten thousand meters in the sky was not a place just anyone could reach.
"Sengoku, you were called here not to listen to your nonsense."
As soon as Sengoku finished speaking, he was sharply rebuked by the Blonde Five Elder.
Sengoku's face darkened at the scolding, and he said no more.
In this situation, the more one speaks, the more mistakes one makes; it's better to just listen quietly.
"It's only been a while since we last heard from Reno, and I didn't expect his strength to have grown so much."
As the Long-Bearded Five Elder spoke, his gaze subtly drifted towards Saint Mjosgard.
It was well-known that Shamrock was not only his son but also his successor.
Everyone implicitly agreed that after Saint Mjosgard stepped down, Shamrock would surely become the new leader of the God's Knights.
However, before he could even display his talents, he was cut down and died at Reno's hands.
"No matter how strong Reno is now, this old man will definitely kill him."
Saint Mjosgard's eyes were filled with venomous resentment, a sinister glint flashing within them.
The successor he had painstakingly groomed had died so inexplicably.
He would not rest until Reno was dead.
"Actually, finding Reno is not impossible."
Just as everyone was at a loss, the Sword-Wielding Five Elder suddenly spoke.
"Hmm??"
In an instant, everyone present looked at him in unison.
As the only sword-wielder among the Five Elders, the Sword-Wielding Five Elder had the most composed personality.
He would never speak idly.
"Elaborate."
Kong adopted an attentive posture.
The others also quieted down.
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder said in a deep voice, "Reno's whereabouts are hard to trace, and I indeed have no way to find him, but we can lure him out."
Huh?
Everyone exchanged glances, their brows furrowing.
"How do we lure him out??"
The Blonde Five Elder pressed.
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder's lips curved into a mysterious smile, saying, "To lure him out, naturally, we must appeal to his preferences."
"Think about it carefully."
"Could it be women???"
After a long pause, Kong's eyes suddenly lit up.
If one were to mention Reno, what would be everyone's first impression?
Powerful and lustful.
These two labels were practically welded to him, equally prominent.
"Exactly, it's women."
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder smiled sinisterly and nodded, "He likes women, doesn't he? We'll use women to bait him out!"
"I agree!!"
No sooner had the Sword-Wielding Five Elder finished speaking than the Long-Bearded Five Elder immediately expressed his stance.
In his opinion, this was currently the best and only method.
"Seconded!"
"Seconded!"
"I have no objections!"
"..."
After a brief period of thought, the other Five Elders and members of the God's Knights all expressed their opinions.
After all, besides this method, they had no other leads.
Furthermore, Imu-sama had issued a death order.
They could only try anything, even if it was a long shot.
After the Sword-Wielding Five Elder's idea received unanimous approval, they faced the next challenge.
"Who do you plan to use as bait??"
Sengoku asked softly.
Saint Somaz glanced at him and said indifferently, "There are so many beautiful women; just find a few dozen, and that's it. What's there to be so conflicted about??"
His tone was filled with displeasure.
If the Marine had been able to eliminate Reno when he was rising, none of these subsequent messy affairs would have occurred.
Even Imu-sama was angered.
Regarding Saint Somaz's dismissive attitude, Sengoku snorted disdainfully and retorted,
"If Reno were truly interested in them, the Reno Pirates wouldn't have only a few dozen women by now."
He retorted without mercy.
Did he really think he had no temper?
He was, after all, the Fleet Admiral.
Moreover, when was it not the Marine that did all their dirty and arduous work?
"You—"
"Sengoku, you mean..."
Saint Mjosgard immediately waved his hand, stopping Saint Somaz.
Sengoku pondered for a moment, then slowly said,
"I once sent people to investigate the backgrounds of the women on the Reno Pirates."
"They mostly came from influential factions, or they themselves had some renown."
"Robin, the devil child."
"Tashigi, from the Marine."
"Hancock, a Shichibukai."
"..."
Sengoku listed more than a dozen examples as if reciting a family treasure.
As he spoke, the Five Elders's eyes grew brighter and brighter.
It was indeed true; Reno's women were involved with almost all factions in the One Piece World.
Doll, Little Sadie, Domino from the Marine.
Kalifa from the World Government.
The Yonko, the Seven Warlords of the Sea, kingdom princesses.
"This damn bastard, he really knows how to enjoy himself!!"
The Blonde Five Elder angrily punched the round table in front of him.
"Sengoku, who do you think should be the bait??"
The Mustache Five Elder continued to press.
Sengoku was startled, then shook his head.
He merely disagreed with Saint Somaz's suggestion, but he had no suitable candidate in mind.
"Bait, you say?"
Just then.
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder's face suddenly broke into a sinister smile.
"I know who's most suitable."
"Who??"
Saint Mjosgard asked impatiently.
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder stared at Sengoku and asked, "Sengoku, if I'm not mistaken, Sakazuki has a beautiful daughter, doesn't he? I believe her name is Hibari?"
Sengoku's heart hadn't even had time to sink.
"And also—"
"Doesn't Tsuru have a granddaughter named Kujaku??"
Sengoku's heart completely froze.
Damn it.
This was not his intention.
He should have known better than to remind these guys.
"Is that so???"
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder's tone gradually intensified.
"Y-yes..."
Sengoku nodded, his face ashen.
If he had known it would push Hibari and Kujaku into the fire, he would have died before saying those words.
It would be one thing if they could truly eliminate Reno.
But what if the operation failed, and they lost both their women and their men?
If Kujaku and Hibari fell into Reno's hands, how could he explain it to Sakazuki and Tsuru?
"Since that's the case, we'll use those two."
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder made the final decision, giving no one a chance to object.
"Oh, and—"
As if remembering something, the Long-Bearded Five Elder looked at Kong and added,
"Add Momousagi as well."
"The three of them, in terms of appearance, status, and background, are second to none."
"Doesn't that bastard Reno like to show off?"
"We'll give him a show!"
"Seconded!"
"Seconded!"
"I have no objections!!"
"..."
After the Long-Bearded Five Elder finished speaking, everyone expressed their opinions.
Although Sengoku and Kong were displeased, they could only reluctantly obey the orders.
In the face of Imu's death order, everyone, regardless of who they were, had to prioritize completing the mission.
Even the Marine staff officer's granddaughter, the Admiral's daughter, or even an Admiral candidate.
As long as it could eliminate Reno, they had to sacrifice themselves.
"Sengoku, release the news. Tell Reno that if he wants to get the three of them, he should go to Beehive Island."
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder pondered for a moment, then commanded.
Saint Somaz frowned and asked, "Will this work?"
Renol isn't a fool; he wouldn't walk into a trap knowing it's there.
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder glanced at him indifferently and calmly said,
"Others might not go, but Renol definitely will."
He spoke with certainty.
"Do you know why?"
Everyone shook their heads.
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder narrowed his eyes slightly and said, word by word,
"Because Renol has never taken the World Government seriously from start to finish!!"
"He's not afraid of us at all, understand??"
"So—"
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder made his final summary.
"Even if Renol knows it's a trap, he will come!"
"Since that's the case, let's do it!"
The Blonde Five Elder and the Long-Bearded Five Elder simultaneously made the decision!
"Next is the personnel arrangement—"
The Mustache Five Elder tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table and said in a deep voice, "Renol's strength is extraordinary, and the women under him should not be underestimated either."
"Just in case—"
He paused and looked at Sengoku.
"Sengoku, all three Admirals of the Marine are to be deployed!"
"Also, immediately issue a mandatory summons to all the Seven Warlords of the Sea!"
"Tell them they must participate in this operation, or they will bear the consequences."
It's worth mentioning that in addition to the two veteran Marine Admirals, Aokiji and Akainu,
the newly appointed Marine Admiral:
the Paramecia-type Devil Fruit Ability User, Fujitora Issho.
During the World Military Draft, Fujitora and Araki stood out among all participants.
After their final round of competition,
Fujitora ultimately had the edge, defeating Araki and becoming the last Marine Admiral.
However, due to Araki's outstanding strength, his brilliant performance received attention from above.
Although he did not become a Marine Admiral, he was entrusted with important responsibilities by the Five Elders.
"Understood." Sengoku nodded.
"First, summon the Seven Warlords of the Sea, then release the news."
"Go."
The Mustache Five Elder waved his hand.
Sengoku responded and quickly left Pangaea Castle.
"Kong, besides Momousagi, you and Tokikake will also participate in this operation."
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder spoke in an unquestionable tone.
"Don't worry, if Renol really dares to go, I will make sure he never returns."
Kong clashed his fists together, confidently.
He wouldn't just stand by and watch Momousagi fall into Renol's hands.
After giving a few more instructions, Kong, following Sengoku, left Pangaea Castle.
"For this operation, let's send out the four S-Snake ones."
After the two left, the Mustache Five Elder continued.
"You mean the seraphim?!"
The Long-Bearded Five Elder raised his eyebrows.
seraphim:
A new type of Pacifista developed by the scientist Vegapunk, possessing formidable strength.
It is said to have the power to approach and replace the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
Each seraphim integrates the bloodline of the Lunarian Tribe, possessing the physical characteristics and abilities of the Lunarian Tribe.
Similarly, through the 'green blood' in their bodies, they also possess the copied Devil Fruit Ability of corresponding Paramecia-type Devil Fruit Users.
"Exactly."
The Mustache Five Elder nodded.
"I think it's a good idea; it's time to let those commoners witness the power of the seraphim."
The Blonde Five Elder agreed.
"Good, then let the four of them go. This time, we must eliminate Renol!!!"
The Long-Bearded Five Elder said through gritted teeth.
The three Admirals of the Marine!
Fleet Admiral Kong!
All the Seven Warlords of the Sea!
Four seraphim!!
He refused to believe they couldn't get rid of Renol!!
"I will also go on this operation!"
Saint Mjosgard suddenly interjected.
The Five Elders were startled and refused, "Saint Mjosgard, don't forget the mission of the God's Knights."
"What if Renol takes advantage of our full deployment to attack the Holy Land—"
"I know."
Saint Mjosgard waved his hand, insisting, "I will go alone on this operation; the other God's Knights members will remain in the Holy Land."
"With the Five-Pointed Star Array, you don't need to worry so much."
With that, Saint Mjosgard suddenly stood up and led a group of God's Knights members out of the council hall.
The Five Elders felt helpless and could only let him go.
After all, Shamrock had just died, and Saint Mjosgard was eager for revenge, which was understandable.
Of course, the most important thing was that
with the Five-Pointed Star Array, they could advance or retreat.
At that time, no matter what happened on either side, Saint Mjosgard could use the Five-Pointed Star Array to mobilize the power of the God's Knights.
"Heh heh, even Rocks back then didn't receive such treatment."
"Renol can be considered to have died a worthy death."
The Blonde Five Elder sneered, full of confidence.
"Not enough—"
The cautious Sword-Wielding Five Elder shook his head.
"Don't forget the strange purple longbow in Hancock's hand."
"I've never even heard of such a thing."
"Who can guarantee that Renol doesn't have other similar treasures??"
These simple three sentences dispelled the joy in the hearts of the other Five Elders.
"What do you mean??"
"Everyone who can be sent has already been sent. Do you intend to go yourself?"
The Long-Bearded Five Elder asked, puzzled.
"Of course not." The Sword-Wielding Five Elder shook his head and explained, "The safety of the Holy Land is of utmost importance; we absolutely cannot neglect one for the other."
"Although we have no one else to use, we can borrow the strength of others."
"Don't forget the relationship between Shamrock and Shanks."
A playful curve suddenly appeared at the corner of his mouth.
The Mustache Five Elder's eyes lit up, and he nodded, "Although the two brothers don't get along, Shanks won't remain indifferent when his older brother is killed."
"If the Red Hair Pirates were to join in—"
A triumphant smile appeared on the faces of the Five Elders simultaneously.
Red-Haired Shanks and Benn Beckman are two top-tier powerhouses.
If Renol really dared to appear, he would have no chance of survival.
"I'll send someone to notify Shanks."
The Long-Bearded Five Elder laughed heartily and volunteered for the task.
"With this, it will be foolproof."
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder nodded slightly, very satisfied with his strategic planning.
"Oh, by the way, what about Vegapunk's matter??"
The Sword-Wielding Five Elder, thinking of something, suddenly changed the subject and asked.
During this time, besides Renol causing them headaches, there was another person: Vegapunk.
This old fellow wasn't obedient.
He insisted on exploring the 'Void Century,' a secret sealed away by the World Government.
Isn't that just asking for death??
Vegapunk's actions thoroughly angered the Five Elders.
Even if he was the world's greatest scientist, if he researched things that shouldn't be touched, he had to die.
"Don't worry."
The Blonde Five Elder indicated, "Araki has already departed. Once he arrives in Baltigo, he will eliminate Vegapunk."
"With his strength, eliminating Vegapunk will be effortless."
"That's best."
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