After discussing matters in the conference room for a long time,
The Five Elders contacted CP0 and ordered them to accompany Is to the first half of the Grand Line.
At the same time, they warned them:
If Is was about to obtain Pluton's blueprint—
They were to seize it at all costs.
Once Is acquired Pluton's blueprint,
The Five Elders would have completely lost control over him.
Such a thing absolutely could not be allowed to happen.
…
Mary Geoise.
After soaking in the artificial hot spring for a while,
Is found that everyone had already changed into nice clothes and finished preparing.
"Where are Rem and Ram?"
Wearing fresh clothes, Is entered the reception hall and asked.
"The maids insisted on personally helping them dress."
"So they'll need a little more time."
Unohana Retsu replied gently.
"I see."
Is nodded.
"That outfit suits you pretty well, Is."
Tatsumaki crossed her arms and observed him seriously.
"My face suits every outfit."
Is spread his hands casually.
"Tch."
"Narcissist."
Tatsumaki turned her head away proudly.
"This time, when we go to the North Blue…"
"Are we heading there to compete for Pluton's blueprint, Is?"
Unohana asked.
Byrnndi World being in the first half of the Grand Line—
That was something almost everyone could infer.
Countless pirates returning there over the past few days only confirmed it.
"Pluton's blueprint?"
"Not really."
"We're just going to summon a new companion."
Is shook his head while adjusting his tie.
"So we're getting another new companion."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni smiled as he picked up an apple from the table.
"Are Rem and Ram still not ready?"
Hashirama picked up a banana and asked while eating.
The moment his words fell—
Rem and Ram finally emerged.
They were already adorable in maid outfits.
But after being dressed by numerous maids in carefully selected new clothing—
They looked even cuter.
"How adorable…"
Tatsumaki couldn't help praising them.
"They really are cute."
Unohana nodded in agreement.
The others also looked toward the twins.
It had to be said—
The two truly looked charming now.
"Thank you…"
Rem and Ram blushed lightly and thanked them.
"Alright."
"It's time to leave."
"The ship should already be prepared."
Is reminded them while looking toward the twins.
He had already informed the World Government.
With their efficiency,
The vessel was undoubtedly ready by now.
"Let's go."
Tatsumaki flew over and grabbed Rem's hand with a smile.
Everyone left the hall and arrived outside the castle.
There,
A group of CP0 agents had already been waiting.
"And you are…?"
Looking at the many CP0 members standing outside,
Is asked with some confusion.
This was his first time meeting CP0 face-to-face.
"Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is."
"We are from CP0."
"This voyage, we've been assigned to protect you."
The leading CP0 captain bowed slightly and spoke respectfully.
"No need."
"You can return."
Is glanced over them and calmly refused.
Among these CP0 elites—
He sensed a familiar presence.
One masked man within the crowd…
Was the same person who had been secretly monitoring him.
"No."
"This is the Five Elders' order."
"We must obey."
"Please allow us the opportunity to escort and protect you, Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is."
The CP0 captain bent forward with a hand over his chest.
"The Five Elders…"
Is frowned slightly and muttered.
The Five Elders knew his strength.
After all—
He was the one who had ended Rocks.
At his current level,
There was no need for anyone to protect him.
Yet the Five Elders insisted on sending CP0.
Were they worried he might rebel?
He only wanted to excavate…
"Fine."
After a moment of silence,
Is nodded.
Once they reached that kingdom in the North Blue,
He could simply shake off CP0 and excavate alone.
Rejecting them now—
Would probably make the Five Elders suspect rebellion.
At that point,
He might not even be allowed to leave Mary Geoise.
Although his current forces feared no one—
Imu was still someone he preferred not to face.
After all,
He knew nothing about Imu.
At present,
He had no desire to stand against the World Government.
His status was prestigious.
For now—
He had no intention of abandoning his identity as a Celestial Dragon.
"Thank you for granting us this opportunity, Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is."
"We'll remain by your side and ensure your safety."
The CP0 captain visibly relaxed.
"No need."
"You're too weak."
"Just follow behind me."
"There's no need for close protection."
Is replied indifferently.
"Please don't underestimate us, Saint Aurelius D. Virel Is."
"We will certainly protect you."
"Really?"
"You probably can't even defeat my bodyguards."
"Then…"
"Please grant us the opportunity to challenge one of them."
The CP0 captain bowed once more.
"Madara."
"Show him a little."
Is called out.
"Of course."
Standing behind Is,
Madara Uchiha stepped forward calmly.
He carried an enormous war scythe over his shoulder.
The CP0 captain looked at Madara silently for a moment before turning to one of his subordinates.
"You."
"Show him what you've got."
A muscular man wearing a mask walked out.
Even beneath his clothing,
His bulging muscles were visible.
"Starting now?"
Madara asked casually.
"Then let's begin."
The muscular man wasted no words.
He tore away his upper clothing,
Coated his fist with Haki,
And charged toward Madara.
Bang!
Madara swung his giant scythe.
Fist and blade collided.
A powerful shockwave erupted instantly,
Sweeping across the surroundings.
…
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
Garp had already relayed the location of Byrnndi World.
He hadn't waited for reinforcements from headquarters.
After submitting the intelligence—
He immediately led a group of Marines to pursue Byrnndi World himself.
"So…"
"Byrnndi World fled to the North Blue."
Fleet Admiral Kong muttered after hanging up from Garp's report.
"Damn that Garp…"
"He's gone off alone on another dangerous mission."
Sengoku couldn't help cursing.
He had listened to the entire conversation between Kong and Garp.
Ignoring Kong's warnings,
Garp had resolutely chosen to pursue Byrnndi World alone.
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