The Elder in the kimono kept his head lowered, making it impossible to read his expression.
"Imu-sama's thoughts are naturally not something we can guess at. If Fleet Admiral Shikiryū wishes to know, why not go see Imu-sama yourself?"
"Heh… no need. I imagine he's far more eager to see me."
The kimono-clad Elder said no more. Kaito gave a faint smile, casually waved his hand to disperse the spatial restraints, and then vanished from sight.
Only after Kaito left did the blond Elder dare to get up from the floor. Seething with rage, he slammed his fist into the ground and shouted,
"That damned Uchiha, I'll definitely—"
Splurt!
The blond Elder stared in disbelief at his own headless body before his consciousness sank into utter darkness.
His severed head bounced twice on the floor, eyes still wide open, unwilling even in death.
It had happened so suddenly that only when the kimono Elder flicked the blood from his katana did Kong and the other three Elders finally react.
The flat-hat Elder instantly flickered backward to open distance from the kimono Elder, shouting in fury,
"What have you done!?"
The kimono Elder ignored his tone. He stared at the katana in his hand as the blond Elder's blood squirmed over the blade and gradually merged into the steel.
Sheathing the weapon at his waist, the kimono Elder walked unhurriedly to the severed head, bent down, and picked it up.
Even the battle-hardened Kong and the other Elders felt a chill crawl down their spines at the sight of such an eerie act.
The kimono Elder paid no mind to their reaction. Tossing the head lightly in his palm, he murmured,
"A fool like you… Imu-sama has no further use for."
He turned his gaze to the flat-hat Elder. The latter tensed instantly, black Armament Haki coating both his hands as he entered a battle stance.
The kimono Elder smirked with disdain and casually tossed the head to him. The flat-hat Elder caught it on reflex.
"Take this idiot's body back. That's Imu-sama's order."
With that, the kimono Elder turned and left, leaving the council chamber in stunned silence.
...
In the flower gardens,
Imu floated in midair before an open, pitch-black rift. Inside, a massive black monster roared endlessly.
Vein-like strands of black thread extended from the creature's body, connecting into Imu's own.
As time passed, dark vertical lines began etching themselves across Imu's face. These lines converged at his forehead, forming the pattern of a black eye.
No one knew how long it lasted before Imu finally opened his eyes. Twin beams of red light shot forth, scorching deep blackened grooves into the ground.
The black threads connecting him to the monster all snapped at once. Imu descended slowly to the ground, exhaling lightly.
The monster inside the space slumped to the floor, drained of strength.
Imu extended a hand, as if stroking the creature's form through the rift.
"You're still not strong enough… but don't worry, you'll have food soon."
At that moment, the kimono Elder stepped in, carrying the blond Elder's corpse.
Placing it respectfully before Imu, without sparing the monster a glance, he said in a deferential tone,
"Imu-sama, the food has arrived."
Imu waved a hand. The corpse floated upward and drifted to the monster's maw.
The beast let out an eager roar before snapping its jaws shut, swallowing the body whole. Wet chewing sounds followed.
Even after devouring the blond Elder, the monster wasn't satisfied. A huge crimson eye fixed greedily on the kimono Elder.
Head bowed, the kimono Elder ignored the fact that the creature now had him in its sights.
Red light flared from Imu's eyes, and the monster's space closed.
Looking somewhat weary, Imu turned toward his throne and spoke casually,
"Stay out of Navy affairs—let them be. Summon the heads of every family within the Holy Land. I want to see them."
Then his figure faded once more into darkness.
The kimono Elder bowed respectfully to the empty air before turning to leave.
...
Marine Headquarters,
Kaito returned to his private villa and released Shalria and her two maids from the spatial pocket.
Shalria's face still bore traces of shock. After all, she had witnessed the entire scene of Kaito dealing with the blond Elder.
The Elders could be called the pinnacle among Celestial Dragons. Normal Celestial Dragons wouldn't even dare to breathe too loudly in their presence.
Yet such a figure had been choked by Kaito without resistance, and another Elder didn't even dare to speak out—smiling obsequiously at him instead.
The experience had completely overturned Shalria's worldview. She didn't even notice where they were until Kaito playfully pinched her cheek.
Kaito grinned.
"What's wrong? Don't like the place? This is the best residence in all of Marine Headquarters—you should be grateful!"
Shalria shook her head, speaking with some concern,
"Kaito… you've offended the Elders. Won't they come after you?"
"Heh… they don't have the guts. Are you that afraid of them?"
"I'm afraid they'll try to have you assassinated…"
Her worried tone and careful expression made Kaito burst into laughter. He ruffled her hair.
"Don't you know your husband's strength by now? Those four old geezers assassinate me? Not a chance."
"But I really am scared… and… wait—what did you just call yourself? Hu-husband?!"
Shalria hadn't even noticed that Kaito had said "four" instead of "five." All she heard was his self-reference.
She blinked in disbelief and asked again to be sure,
"Kai… Kaito, did you just say 'your husband'?"
"Mm. If not your husband, what, your father?"
Shalria stared at him, her face flushing red at a speed visible to the naked eye. Head bowed, she mumbled,
"Why so sudden…? Our clan always marries within the family, but… if it's you, it wouldn't be impossible, it's just…"
Her heart was blooming with joy, so flustered she could barely string words together.
Kaito rolled his purple eyes, tapped a finger to her forehead, and said with mock irritation,
"We've already done everything there is to do—what, you planning to deny it now? I'm no scumbag!"
Just then, Kalifa stepped out of the villa.
She spotted Shalria standing beside Kaito, gave a polite nod, and then quietly went back inside…
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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