Chapter 2 Personally Helm the World Government!
Loneliness makes the night deeper; loneliness sublimates in the night.
The ancient Full Moon lonely released its cold, clear light.
Even the densely twinkling Stars surrounding it could not bring it the slightest warmth.
It quietly gazed down at the ancient castle below.
Suppressing the Four Seas, ruling the world, the center of the Planet's highest Power, the supreme Holy Land recognized by all.
All these names referred to the city standing atop the Red Line.
Mary Geoise!
Even in the darkness of night, it shone as brilliantly as the most dazzling Golden Crown.
And the ancient castle named Pangaea Castle was the very core of the Holy Land.
Here resided the legendary Five Elders, controlling the Situation and Direction of the entire world.
But within this core existed an even more central entity.
Void Throne!
To the world, this golden-red throne, symbolizing Peace and Equality,
would forever remain a mere symbol placed upon the Three-tiered Platform, never to be sat upon by anyone.
Moonlight streamed down from above, becoming the sole light source in this Void Palace.
It made the entire interior space appear vast and cold.
The towering spire throne, high above, was bathed in the majority of the light.
It was in this quiet moment, deep in the night,
that a profound figure, back to the World Government Symbol on the throne's backrest, sat upright in the moonlit throne.
Those golden, rippling Eyes overlooked the five figures kneeling below.
Five Elders!
"Lord Imu, Gol D. Roger has been successfully arrested by the Navy and is currently being escorted to Impel Down by Sengoku and garp," Saint Izanbaron V. Nasujuro spoke first.
Then Saint Topman Warcury, kneeling to his right, continued, "After discussion amongst ourselves, we are considering holding a public execution in Roger's hometown, Loguetown in the East Blue, to deter nations worldwide and suppress the increasingly rampant Arrogance of the Pirates. What are your thoughts?"
"Forbidden!"
This response from the one high above startled the five kneeling on the cold floor.
They were momentarily stunned.
They truly hadn't anticipated Lord Imu rejecting this proposal.
From any perspective, a public execution seemed highly beneficial.
Moreover, based on past experience,
Lord Imu typically wouldn't interfere excessively with such 'minor matters'.
However, they were unaware that the great being seated above them,
while maintaining his usual aloof expression,
was currently in a state of immense internal conflict.
As a transmigrator, he was well aware that, conventionally, a public execution would positively impact the World Government.
Yet, precisely because he was a transmigrator, he was even more acutely aware of the ensuing developments.
Roger might very well be anticipating his public execution!
He doubted that the declaration that ushered in the Great Age of Pirates was merely a spur-of-the-moment thought prompted by a casual question.
In any case, he believed that even without prompting, Roger would have loudly proclaimed similar words.
Otherwise, wouldn't his surrender and death be in vain?
"Relocate the public execution to Marineford to prevent any unforeseen incidents. Furthermore, during the live broadcast, only Sengoku's voice will be transmitted, followed by complete silence to prevent Roger from uttering anything inappropriate before his death."
Imu, seated upon the Void Throne, devised a compromise.
Unforeseen incidents… things that should not be said…
The Five Elders meticulously pondered these keywords.
Soon, Saint Marcus Mars, kneeling on the far left, seemed to grasp something.
He habitually stroked his long white beard, which completely concealed his mouth, and a delighted smile spread across his face.
"Lord Imu is wise!"
The four on the right glanced over in confusion, questioning his understanding.
"The reason Roger became the world-recognized Pirate King is because he gathered all four Road Signs and reached Laugh Tale."
"In other words, he must possess knowledge of past History. Therefore, we must be wary of any words he might speak during the public execution."
"Ah, I see!"
The other four Elders finally understood, nodding in agreement.
"Hmm."
Imu hesitated for a second before acquiescing.
While it differed slightly from his own concerns, the other's explanation was indeed reasonable.
"Roger's matter is settled then. Next, let's discuss matters concerning the Future, which is the primary reason I summoned you here."
However, his subsequent words utterly shocked the still-kneeling Five Elders.
"I have seen the Future!"
"Twenty-four years from now, an unprecedented rebellion of the Four Seas will erupt, leading to a massive war that will directly threaten the rule and lives of all Celestial Dragons!"
Despite uttering such terrifying words,
Imu's Tone remained as indifferent as ever.
It was as if nothing in this world could perturb him,
and this, coupled with the cold moonlight enveloping him, conveyed an immense loneliness.
But the five below were visibly shaken.
Their Eyes widened, their faces filled with disbelief as they gazed upwards, speechless for a long time.
What could they say?
To call it impossible?
Such thoughtless words were unspeakable, bordering on blasphemy.
Having held nominal supreme Power for decades, they possessed at least a modicum of composure and intelligence.
Furthermore, deep down, they harbored no doubt about the possibility of Future prediction.
Though it sounded fantastical, such Abilities genuinely existed in this world.
They were merely rare and uncommon.
And for their great master, Lord Imu, to possess such an Ability was perfectly plausible!
Therefore, the Five Elders' shock stemmed solely from the predicted Future Situation!
Rebellion of the Four Seas?
Great war?
Imu, however, showed no consideration for their emotions, continuing to speak calmly.
"The root cause of this rebellion and war lies with the Slave and Celestial Dragons."
"Given this Situation, I will personally steer the Direction of the world from now on. The five of you will cooperate fully. Everything is for the sake of the Celestial Dragons' rule."
Upon hearing this, the Five Elders gradually calmed down, understanding Lord Imu's intention.
Previously, unless 'Light' that needed to be erased from History emerged,
Lord Imu primarily remained secluded in the Moon Chamber, enjoying a tranquil existence.
But now, he intended to personally command the course of the World Government's colossal vessel.
As for the five of them,
while they nominally retained their grip on the helm,
the future course was no longer their decision to make.
Even so, the Five Elders harbored no resistance.
As the saying goes, ignorance is bliss, but they were in the opposite situation – knowing too much, they dared not entertain any inappropriate thoughts.
"We humbly obey your will!"
The unanimous voices of the five old men echoed through the vast, dim hall, their kneeling heads bowing even lower.
"Then, let us begin with this year's World Conference."
Imu's Gaze, which had always surveyed everything, flickered with unwavering starlight.
Now that he had become the master of the World Government,
he would absolutely not allow the cataclysm twenty-four years hence to occur.
Revolutionary Army, Pirate, Elbaf… he would resolve them one by one!
Imu looked up at the firmament, at the galactic Stars accompanying the massive Full Moon.
"First, I will completely control this world, and then, using this Planet as a ship, I shall venture into that Sea of Stars."
(End of Chapter)