"What kind of excuse is that???"
Madara shot back from below. "Sounds like you were just itching to fight."
Acnologia stood up, a grin spreading across his face.
"Well… that's part of it," he admitted casually. "But more importantly, Is called. Said it's urgent—we need to head back immediately."
Of course—
the "urgent" part was something Acnologia made up.
Mainly to stop Madara from dragging things out for another round.
"Is…?"
Madara muttered.
If Is had called them back, then there was no point continuing.
Still—
today's battle had satisfied him.
Unlike Acnologia, who had spent the entire time watching from the sidelines.
"Acnologia… next time, it's your turn," Madara said, brushing dust off his clothes.
Acnologia waved it off.
"Next time? You can keep that for yourself."
He knew very well—
there might not even be a next time.
…
Inside the royal city, not far from Is—
Acnologia suddenly stopped.
"Madara… do you feel that?"
Madara glanced at him, confused.
"Feel what?"
"A familiar presence… besides Is, there are two new ones."
"Meaning—people we've never met before."
Madara instantly understood.
Is had gone out this time to summon new companions.
So this outcome—
was expected.
"Oh… makes sense," he replied calmly.
While the two exchanged words casually—
Garp, walking behind them, was completely lost.
But he didn't ask.
He wasn't particularly interested in such things anyway.
…
Soon—
they arrived at the hall.
Inside, Is and the others were already seated, enjoying snacks and warm drinks, chatting casually.
But the one most shocked—
was Garp.
The moment he stepped in—
he felt it.
The presence of Yoriichi and Unohana.
That same overwhelming, beast-like aura.
At that instant—
he finally understood what Acnologia meant earlier.
"So… new companions, huh?"
"Are they from this country?"
"…Just what kind of person is Is… to make monsters like these follow him?"
Garp thought silently, filled with curiosity.
At that moment—
Is spoke.
"Garp, go prepare the ship. We'll head back to Mary Geoise later."
"Understood."
Garp nodded and left.
…
"I was right, wasn't I?"
Acnologia stepped forward first.
"These two… are our new companions."
Is took a sip of his drink and nodded.
Unohana smiled gently.
"I am Unohana Retsu."
Yoriichi followed calmly.
"I am Yoriichi Tsugikuni."
After their introductions—
Madara and the others briefly introduced themselves as well.
"Seems like one person hasn't returned yet?" Unohana asked with a soft smile.
"She went shopping with the queen," Is replied. "Probably won't be back soon."
"I see."
…
From there—
the conversation shifted.
Stories from different worlds.
Battles, experiences, memories.
Within a short time—
they felt like old friends.
The atmosphere became natural, relaxed.
Exactly what Is wanted.
…
Time passed quickly.
After a grand dinner—
they returned to Mary Geoise.
But the moment Is stepped into the castle—
before he could even sit down—
a World Government agent approached.
"The Five Elders request a meeting."
Is didn't think much of it.
He followed.
…
Not long after—
another agent arrived.
"My apologies, the master has just left with your colleague," Minian explained.
The agent smiled politely.
"I'm not here for Saint Is."
"Then…?"
"The Five Elders would like to meet his… personal guards."
Minian didn't hesitate.
She turned and called out:
"Lord Madara, Lady Tatsumaki, Lady Unohana, Lord Acnologia, Lord Yoriichi—someone is here to see you!"
Soon—
they all gathered in the hall.
They looked at the agent calmly.
"Who wants to see us?"
The agent felt a heavy pressure just standing there.
"Th-the Five Elders… the highest authority of the World Government… wish to meet you."
"All of us?"
He nodded quickly.
The elders hadn't specified numbers—
just "Is's guards."
So he brought everyone.
"Alright then."
Madara turned slightly.
"Let's change into something more formal. No need to embarrass Is."
But before he could leave—
the agent hurriedly added:
"That won't be necessary. The Five Elders won't mind."
They exchanged glances—
then simply nodded.
"By the way…" Acnologia asked lazily,
"what do these 'Five Elders' want from us?"
"I… don't know, sir. I'm only here to deliver the message."
Madara smirked faintly.
"Then let's go and find out."
"Lead the way."
"Yes—please follow me!"
…
At the same time—
inside a grand chamber of Pangaea Castle—
the elders were completely unaware of one thing:
They weren't about to meet ordinary "guards."
They were about to face—
a lineup of absolute monsters.
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