Gis's eyes flickered with hesitation. If he followed Spandine back, there might not be a problem initially but it would turn into one.
After all, CP-X and the Marines had a close relationship and had long treated the CP agency with indifference. Now, these two forces were working together to target the CP agency—there was no way this wasn't part of some greater scheme.
Still, Gis didn't consider the possibility of outright rebellion. He only saw this as a political power struggle.
"Our CP agency reports directly to the Celestial Dragons. We act under the orders of the Five Elders. Without their command, it would be difficult for us to comply," Gis finally said after a moment of silence.
His plan was simple—stall for time.
Once the Five Elders finished the summit, they would step in to ensure fairness. No matter what Spandine and the others were plotting, they wouldn't be able to act unchecked.
Gis also understood that while the Five Elders clearly favored Saint Claudius, even those in power had to maintain a balance. If a subordinate faction grew too powerful, it would become a problem. Balance and restraint were necessary to keep subordinates obedient.
As long as the CP agency was innocent, there was no reason they could be taken down so easily.
Spandine sneered at his words and said, "His Highness is a Celestial Dragon and has direct authority over the CP agency.
He just rarely concerns himself with you.
That doesn't mean he lacks the power to order you around. Gis, are you defying His Highness's orders? Do you intend to rebel?"
"If His Highness were to give the order himself, I naturally wouldn't object. But how do I know you're not just using his name? This matter can wait until the Five Elders return," Gis replied after a brief pause.
"Ridiculous. The Five Elders are hosting the World Summit, it usually takes seven to eight days to conclude.
And this time, there are a hundred kings in attendance. Who knows? The meeting could last ten, maybe even fifteen days.
You think we'd just sit back and let the evidence be destroyed in the meantime?
What kind of fool do you take me for?" Spandine scoffed.
Gis was about to argue further, but Spandine cut him off, waving his hand.
"This is my final warning, Gis. Call in your CP agency personnel in Mariejois and cooperate with our investigation immediately.
If you refuse… don't blame us for being ruthless."
As soon as Spandine finished speaking, Momonga placed his hand on the hilt of his saber. The surrounding Marines and CP-X agents loaded their rifles, aiming their guns forward.
Seeing this, Gis's aura surged, and the pressure of a top combatant filled the air.
"Spandine, do you realize where we are?" he said in a deep voice.
"Of course I do," Spandine replied coldly. "That's exactly why we can't let suspected traitors remain here. Gis, think carefully."
Gis glared at Spandine, his gaze icy.
After a long silence, he finally said, "I will remember this, Spandine. When my CP agency emerges from this, you'd better be ready to face my wrath!"
In the end, Gis had no choice but to give in.
Spandine had a pile of fabricated evidence, and Saint Claudius was a Celestial Dragon. In terms of hierarchy, he did have the authority to command the CP agency.
If Gis resisted and this escalated into a full-blown conflict, even he wasn't foolish enough to think he could win. He wasn't that ignorant.
At this moment, he still believed this was just a power struggle between the three major organizations. He assumed the CP agency was simply at a disadvantage for now but would have the chance to settle the score once the World Summit concluded.
Meanwhile, Spandine smirked inwardly.
As long as you come with us, whether you leave alive or not… depends entirely on His Highness's mood.
If Claudius was in a good mood, perhaps Gis would walk out unscathed.
But if he even dared to resist, Spandine would personally ensure he never walked out at all.
Outwardly, however, Spandine remained composed. "I'll be waiting," he said calmly.
---
At the Gates of the Celestial Dragon's Residence
At the entrance to the Domain of the Gods, Vice Admirals Onigumo, Doberman, and Hōshōsan led a force of Marines to blockade the residence of the Celestial Dragons.
On the other side of the gate, the Celestial Dragon guards stared in shock, completely baffled.
What were the Marines doing?
Blocking their gate?
Were they insane?
Still, the guards didn't act immediately. Onigumo and the others simply stood their ground, making no direct moves—so as long as no one from inside tried to leave, the situation remained at a standstill.
But soon enough, a Celestial Dragon, seated on the back of a slave, approached with an entourage, preparing to leave for Mariejois.
The moment they reached the blockade, one of his attendants stepped forward and barked,
"What the hell do you lowly scum think you're doing?! Can't you see that this is Saint Rozwald? Get out of the way immediately!"
"Apologies," Onigumo said coldly. "By order of the Fleet Admiral, all exits are to remain sealed. No one is permitted to leave. Saint Rosward, please return and rest."
"You filthy bastard! Do you even understand what you're saying? Even an Admiral is nothing but a slave before the Celestial Dragons—what do you think you are, a mere Vice Admiral?" the attendant sneered.
Before he could finish speaking, a flash of steel streaked through the air.
A second later, blood sprayed across the ground.
The attendant collapsed, lifeless.
Onigumo flicked the blood off his blade and exhaled a puff of smoke.
"Orders are orders. I'm not interested in listening to your nonsense," he said flatly.
"INSOLENCE!!!" Saint Rosward roared, furious.
He had spent years in Mariejois—aside from that damned Claudius, who else would dare treat him this way?
And now these Marines of all people?!
"You filthy Marines! This saint commands you to step aside immediately! Otherwise, I'll have all of you turned into slaves!"
But just as he finished speaking.
Another cold glint of steel.
In the next moment, Saint Rosward felt a sharp pain in his chest as he was thrown off his slave's back.
With a sickening thud, he slammed into the city wall, impaled by a sword.
"AAAHHHHHH!" Rosward howled in agony.
Onigumo turned back in mild surprise, his eyes falling on the one responsible.
Gion.
The swordswoman, dressed in her signature attire, strode forward gracefully, a scabbard hanging from her waist—her blade still embedded in Rosward's chest.
"No need to waste words on trash like this," Gion said coolly, raising her chin slightly. "Anyone who tries to leave, nail them to the wall."
Her words carried an unmistakable authority.
The Celestial Dragon attendants trembled in shock.
The Marines just nearly killed a Celestial Dragon?!
What the hell was happening?!
Onigumo gave a nod. "Understood."
At the same time, he waved his hand. "Kill all of them. Take over the gate. Seal off the Domain of the Gods!"
The Marines moved swiftly, disarming and subduing the Celestial Dragon guards.
Moments later, the gate was completely under Marine control.
---
In the Supreme Commander's Office
Inside his office, Supreme Commander Kong stood before a flustered Mariejois defense officer.
The officer, trembling with rage, bellowed,
"Commander Kong! The Marines have lost their minds! They've blockaded all six ports of Mariejois! The entire world is cut off!
The Grand Line—both the first half and the New World—are completely sealed!
Are you just going to stand by and do nothing?!"
Kong didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he gazed at a framed photo on his desk, a picture of himself alongside Sengoku and the others from their Marine days.
After a long silence, a smile slowly spread across his face.
"...Times have changed," he murmured.
"What? What do you mean—"
BOOM!
Kong suddenly swung a fist.
With a sickening crunch, the officer's skull was crushed like a watermelon, blood and brain matter splattering everywhere.
Kong let out a deep, satisfied laugh.
"I've always hated your pathetic ass," he sneered. "But before, you were clinging to the Celestial Dragons… and I just couldn't be bothered.
But now?
Hah… Now, I can."
***
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