Meanwhile, back at the Holy Land of Mary Geoise—
The Five Elders had only just finished speaking with Kong through the Den Den Mushi when they immediately received a summons from Imu.
Without delay, the five of them hurried toward Imu's chamber.
Step step step…
Their pace was extremely hurried, practically covering two steps in a single stride.
And every single one of them wore unusually grim expressions.
"This situation has become serious…"
The sword-wielding Elder suddenly spoke.
"I truly never expected those Rocks Pirates to move this quickly and suddenly attack God Valley."
Indeed.
Only a few days had passed since they had regrouped their scattered crew members, yet already they had caused such an enormous disturbance.
And this time, it wasn't some covert raid either—
It was a direct frontal assault.
Of course, if the target had merely been one of the World Government's affiliated nations, the Government would've practically treated it like nothing more than a fart in the wind.
But now?
The target was a land inhabited by the World Nobles—the Celestial Dragons themselves.
"Damn it. Those lunatics have completely lost their minds."
The bald Elder cursed furiously.
"Everyone, calm yourselves first."
The long-haired white-haired Elder spoke calmly.
"Based on the timing, Marine Vice Admiral Garp should arrive at God Valley soon for reinforcement. And even if Garp doesn't make it in time, don't forget that Is and his people are there as well."
"That may be true, but that brat Is never follows normal logic. Who knows what kind of outrageous thing he'll do."
"That's true too. Damn it all… communications with God Valley have now been completely cut off. We have no idea what the current situation over there looks like."
While discussing the matter, they stepped through the massive doors.
They had already arrived at Imu's chamber.
"The Five Elders have come to meet Lord Imu."
The five lined up side by side and knelt on one knee while looking up toward Imu seated upon the Empty Throne.
"There's no need for me to explain why I summoned you here, correct?"
Seated upon the throne, Imu rested their head against one hand while looking down at the Five Elders below.
"Yes, Lord Imu."
The Five Elders responded in unison.
"So then… how do you intend to handle this?"
"The incident happened too suddenly. The Marines are already rushing toward God Valley with all possible speed. Regardless of whatever plans Rocks may have had in attacking God Valley, I believe they will fail."
"Oh?"
A playful smile appeared on Imu's face.
"You sound quite confident."
As those words fell, Imu slowly rose from the throne and began descending the stairs one step at a time.
With every step Imu took, the hearts of the Five Elders tightened further.
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
"Lord Imu need not worry excessively. Even if the Marines fail to arrive in time, Is and his group are still there."
"And every single one of Is' subordinates is monstrously powerful. Even without Marine support, I believe he can suppress the chaos."
Despite the Five Elders' explanation, Imu's expression remained unchanged.
"I don't want excuses."
"I only care about the result."
"This battle must erase Rocks from history itself. Understood?"
By now, Imu had already descended the stairs and stood directly before the Five Elders.
Meanwhile, all five of them kept their heads lowered respectfully.
"We understand, Lord Imu."
At this moment, Imu had effectively given them a direct order—
Rocks absolutely had to disappear in this battle.
Otherwise, the authority of the World Government would plummet completely, and no other nations would continue joining under its banner.
And after leaving Imu's chamber, the Five Elders personally set out themselves to ensure the operation's success.
…
God Valley, somewhere on the island—
"AAAAHHHH!!!"
Rocks roared furiously as he lashed out violently at the surroundings.
Nearby castles instantly crumbled into ruins.
Black smoke billowed everywhere.
Beside Rocks lay countless Marine corpses, mixed together with the bodies of several Celestial Dragons.
"No matter what happens, even if we have to flip God Valley upside down, we must find that Poneglyph!"
Rocks roared toward the sky.
"Damn it… I truly thought that hidden underground chamber contained the Poneglyph."
Streusen spoke bitterly.
That's right.
When he first discovered that secret underground entrance, he had genuinely believed they had found the Poneglyph.
He had even called Rocks and the others over to witness the sacred moment together.
And the result?
The damn place only contained piles of gold, silver, and treasure hoarded by the Celestial Dragons.
"Spread out again. Continue searching."
Rocks gave the order once more.
"Captain, what about all these treasures?" Golden Lion asked.
"Have some men transport the treasure back to the ship. Everyone else keeps searching. Even if we tear apart the entirety of God Valley, we will find the Poneglyph."
"Understood!"
However—
The moment those words fell, the expressions of Rocks and everyone around him suddenly changed.
Every pair of eyes instantly turned toward the direction of the smoke.
Step… step… step…
Heavy footsteps gradually echoed closer.
Slowly…
Very slowly…
Within the dust and smoke, eight figures began to emerge.
An overwhelming pressure surged toward Rocks and his crew like a tidal wave.
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