Seeing Stussy's back as she walked out of the assembly hall and the heavy red lacquered doors slowly closed, the Five Elders remained silent.
The boiling tea continuously emitted white mist, and the magnificent hall suddenly became quiet.
"Do you believe what she said?"
At one point, Saturn, wearing a black flat hat, suddenly spoke in a hoarse voice.
A faint sneer appeared at the corner of his mouth.
The other Five Elders also had a hint of mockery in their eyes.
"Lone Wolf is dead, and there is no evidence... but knowing his personality, he would never dare to leak that list."
"That's right. On the contrary, the most suspicious person is that woman, Stussy."
"But that doesn't matter."
"She already has the new list... If the hunt for the Shichibukai candidates really has something to do with her, she will definitely leak it again after she gets the new list."
"We'll know the truth then."
"Topman Warcury, your method is indeed ingenious... You truly live up to the reputation of the Celestial Dragons as the sword of wisdom and judgment."
Topman Warcury smiled confidently and indifferently:
"If Stussy is innocent, then we can continue to employ her."
"But if she has a traitorous heart and tries to continue hunting down the candidates..."
A cold glint of murder flashed across his dark pupils.
"...she will receive a big surprise."
...
Led by the Holy Land guards, Stussy walked out of Pangaea Castle with trepidation.
She got into a carriage and rode until they left Mary Geoise. Only then did she breathe a long sigh of relief, her tense muscles relaxing as she leaned back against the carriage and gasped for air.
The pressure of the World Government's supreme power was not easy to bear.
Especially since Stussy herself had a guilty conscience, she was terrified that if she slipped up even a little, the five old men — with their overwhelming presence — would notice. Every second, she was on edge.
But now...
"I finally got through."
Stussy exhaled, and a smile appeared on the corner of her mouth.
She clutched the brand-new list in her hand tightly, her beautiful eyes sparkling.
With this list in her hands, she would definitely be able to gain insight into the situation and win the bet!
"Just wait, Daren."
Stussy gritted her teeth and said,
"I will definitely win."
With that in mind, she opened the list again and started reading.
…
The warship sailed at a leisurely speed, leaving a white trail across the sea.
Inside the cabin, oil lamps flickered stubbornly, casting dancing lights.
Daren sat there, half his body hidden in the darkness, looking extremely mysterious.
The military Den Den Mushi in his hand emitted Momonga's low voice:
"So, the government has started an investigation?"
Daren lit a cigar and smiled casually.
"Yeah, but I'm the one in charge of the investigation now."
Momonga: "..."
The corner of his mouth twitched, and after a long silence, he muttered,
"A reasonable choice."
"Who says it isn't?"
Daren smiled.
Momonga pondered for a moment and asked,
"Now that the investigation has begun, should we continue our operations?"
Daren exhaled a puff of smoke and frowned.
"No rush. If I'm not mistaken, the government has probably replaced the list."
"We made too much noise last time, so the government will definitely be on guard."
Momonga was slightly startled, but quickly realized something and whispered,
"You think there's something strange about the new list?"
Daren said,
"Maybe, maybe not. Except for those five old fools, I don't think anyone knows."
"But to be on the safe side, let's keep a low profile for a while. I don't want you to run into the 'Celestial Dragons' strongest shield' while hunting down the targets on the list."
At this point, his eyes narrowed dangerously.
He never underestimated his enemies, especially when his opponent was the World Government, which had ruled the world for 800 years. Daren was naturally more cautious than usual.
Hearing this, Momonga's pupils contracted on the other end of the Den Den Mushi.
Indeed, their previous actions had been too conspicuous.
The World Government would not sit idly by.
They hadn't left any clues or loopholes in their actions, so the only way the government could deal with them was to set a trap and lure their prey into it.
If they weren't careful, their next target might be the CP0 that the World Government had inserted into the new list.
"I understand. Then let's pause our operations for now."
Momonga said in a deep voice.
"Mm," Daren nodded and continued,
"You can return to the North Blue first and take care of the military affairs of the fleet. I'll handle things here."
Momonga was taken aback, and his eyes suddenly lit up.
"You're going to make your move?"
Daren smiled slightly.
"Mm, it's time to go talk to those little brats."
After hanging up the Den Den Mushi, Daren slowly walked out of the cabin and came to the bow of the warship.
There, Borsalino was lying on a beach chair as usual, leisurely sunbathing.
This investigation was of great importance, so to show Sengoku's seriousness, he had even sent his own adjutant, Borsalino, to accompany him.
However, looking at Borsalino, who looked like a salted fish, Daren couldn't help but think that Sengoku simply didn't want to see this guy around.
"Do you think we'll get anything this time, Daren?"
Seeing Daren come out of the cabin, Borsalino adjusted his sunglasses, smiled, and asked casually.
Daren shrugged and said,
"Who knows? I'm just following orders. I can only do my best... Right, Vice Admiral Borsalino?"
Borsalino smiled and said,
"Of course, but I don't think the killers on the list will show up again anytime soon."
"If they dare to take the risk and strike again, the government will probably have a big surprise waiting for them..."
Hearing these words, Daren immediately narrowed his eyes and smiled wryly.
"I think so too, so I'm not getting my hopes up."
"Yes..."
Borsalino yawned and covered his face with his hat, adjusting his sleeping position.
"Let's just take it easy and go for a walk. I'm not going to run around."
He picked up his hat, covered his face, adjusted his sleeping position, and the corners of his mouth curved upward, peeking out from under the brim.
"So if Vice Admiral Daren has something to take care of, you can leave with peace of mind... I'll stay here and keep an eye on the warship."
Daren took a long look at him and smiled broadly.
"Then I'll leave it to you, Vice Admiral Borsalino."