Admiral Kong first glanced at Saint Saturn.
Saturn gave a slight signal with his eyes, and Kong immediately stood up to answer the Den Den Mushi.
"Tsuru? What is it?"
On the other end was Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral Tsuru. Her tone was somewhat grave as she said, "Admiral, apologies for disturbing you, but there is an extremely urgent matter that must be reported immediately."
"Go ahead," Kong replied, his brow furrowing slightly.
"It's about the Celestial Dragons' study tour and competition at God Valley. Recently, news of this has been spreading across the seas. Normally, this wouldn't be urgent—similar events have occurred in previous years. However, for some unknown reason, information has leaked that Shakky, the former captain of the Kuja Pirates who disappeared a year ago, is being used as the grand prize of this competition. This information is being widely circulated in newspapers everywhere. The great pirates who are obsessed with her beauty have become agitated. According to confirmed intelligence, the Rocks Pirates—who had been based on Hachinosu in the New World—have already set out at high speed toward God Valley under their captain, Rocks D. Xebec. At the same time, the Roger Pirates, who were already roaming the West Blue, have also been confirmed heading toward God Valley. I'm afraid this situation is highly unusual… I suggest you advise Saint Saturn to postpone or cancel this event."
After hearing the report, Admiral Kong's expression turned serious. He took a deep breath and said, "Understood. Issue orders—Headquarters is to immediately mobilize forces and assemble a joint fleet to depart at once for God Valley and rendezvous with us."
Regardless of whether Saturn would suspend the event, Kong had to take a stance immediately. This order itself was his position.
After adding that he would respond further later, he hung up the Den Den Mushi.
As Kong turned back, a flicker of anticipation flashed in Valthior's eyes.
It's starting…
The waves of a great event are finally rolling in.
"Saint Saturn, Headquarters has reported—" Kong began.
The three people in the room had clearly heard everything, so there was no need for him to repeat it.
Saturn narrowed his eyes slightly, his expression stern. "If a few pirates make a move and we are frightened into postponing or even canceling this operation, then where would the dignity of the World Government and the descendants of the gods be? Do your Marines only know how to avoid danger when they hear such news? Then what use are you to us!?"
His words made perfect sense—even Valthior found himself nodding in agreement.
As Saturn said, the news had already leaked. The entire world knew that the Celestial Dragons were heading to God Valley for their so-called "outing," escorted by a large Marine force.
Under such circumstances, if the mere movement of pirates like Rocks and Roger caused the World Government to back down or cancel the operation, what impression would that leave?
It would undoubtedly make everyone believe that the World Government feared those pirates.
That the Celestial Dragons feared those lawless monsters.
At that point, the absolute authority of the Celestial Dragons and the prestige the World Government had built over eight hundred years would suffer a massive blow.
Even the Marines would lose face entirely.
So it was obvious—they couldn't back down. Even if it meant biting the bullet, they had to go through with it.
Kong understood this just as well. Without attempting to persuade further, he immediately stated, "Understood. We will carry out your orders."
After a brief pause, he added somewhat hesitantly, "Saint Saturn, Saint Valthior, the situation is urgent. I need to make new arrangements immediately…"
"Go ahead," Saturn said with a casual wave.
Kong really wanted to say—this is my command room!!!
But he ultimately couldn't defy anything. He picked up the Den Den Mushi, bowed respectfully, and headed for the door.
The reason he wanted to step outside was to seek off-site assistance—to contact Garp, who was currently on leave, and have him rush to God Valley to help stabilize the situation.
However, everyone knew that Garp, despite being a Marine Vice Admiral, was notoriously unruly and outspoken—a true loose cannon.
If he contacted Garp in front of Saturn, what if that bastard casually blurted out something like "those Celestial Dragon bastards"?
Saying it privately was one thing—Kong and the others wouldn't spread it, and even if the Celestial Dragons heard rumors, they'd usually pretend not to know.
But if it were said directly in front of Saturn and Valthior, there would be no room for mediation. Garp would definitely suffer for it—and that was something Kong didn't want to see.
Just as Kong opened the door, Saturn suddenly spoke again.
"Valthior, I'm feeling a bit tired. I'll rest here for a while. You shouldn't stay cooped up here all the time—go get some fresh air."
The "rest" was just an excuse, of course, but Valthior wasn't clueless. He immediately stood up and said, "Perfect timing. I've always been interested in Marine affairs—I'll go take a look with the Admiral."
Kong's face twitched slightly, but he couldn't refuse.
He could only grit his teeth, wait for Valthior to step out, and then close the door behind him.
At the same time, inside the room, Saturn took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. After adjusting his mindset, he closed his eyes, linked his consciousness to the Covenant mark on his body, and called out respectfully: "Imu-sama..."
Many people knew that eighteen years ago, during the Reverie, Rocks had rampaged through Mary Geoise, casually killing a "civilian admiral," fought the Giant King Harald, and then left the Holy Land unscathed.
But only a very small number of people knew that Rocks had done more than that.
Back then, he had actually broken into Imu's palace, entered the Room of Flowers, and faced Imu directly—leaving behind the bold declaration: "I'll be back."
That incident had nearly driven Imu into a rage-induced breakdown. Yet Rocks was simply too powerful. Despite Imu ordering the Five Elders to eliminate him as soon as possible, the matter had dragged on until now.
Saturn knew very well—over these eighteen years, Imu had harbored deep hatred for Rocks.
Now that Rocks was heading to God Valley to stir trouble, it was certainly dangerous—but wasn't it also an opportunity?
If Rocks could be eliminated this time, then as the only Five Elder personally overseeing God Valley, wouldn't Saturn earn tremendous merit?
This was a chance to elevate his standing in Imu's eyes above the other four Elders!
Even among the Five Elders, there was a desire to rise higher.
Originally, Saturn had chosen to personally go to God Valley with a purpose.
Figarland Garling had previously informed him that the Davy Clan was hiding there.
The Davy Clan were said to be descendants of the legendary pirate cursed beneath the deep sea—Davy D. Jones.
And in the Room of Flowers, Rocks had once mentioned Davy D. Jones to Imu, which had displeased Imu.
Saturn had originally planned to exterminate the Davy Clan at God Valley to gain favor with Imu.
But now, it seemed there was an unexpected "bonus."
Soon, he received a mysterious response.
"Saturn… why have you called upon me?"