The attack on Fish-Man Island, led by Ryokugyu of the Regional Justice Faction, failed to make waves in the outside world.
After all, it had primarily taken place within the walls of Ryugu Palace, and the general public hadn't noticed anything particularly unusual.
Thus, the attempted kidnapping of Princess Shirahoshi ended in silent failure.
This was the last outcome the World Government wanted.
In their view, the ideal scenario was for the operation to succeed, but even if it failed, causing a massive uproar would have sufficed.
But just as the Five Elders were still deliberating on how to sabotage the relationship between the N.E.W Marine and the Revolutionary Army, the World Economic News Co. preemptively published a report about Ryugu Kingdom of Fish-Man Island being attacked by madmen.
In the report, Ryokugyu and his men were portrayed as rogue ex-Marine members who had been purged from the ranks, staging the whole spectacle to extort money.
By the time the Five Elders read this, their faces had turned a shade of green.
The first step was to define the identities of the Regional Justice Faction members as such, and then have it revealed afterward that they were former Marines—only for the Marine to clarify the situation later.
These two approaches produce entirely different outcomes!
The former not only avoids backlash but even enhances their reputation, as it demonstrates foresight in expelling those scoundrels beforehand.
The latter, however, comes off as a desperate excuse to pin the blame on temporary hires after the fact…
Even if they're telling the truth, it will be dismissed as mere excuses.
"Damn that Michael! Why must you be everywhere!?" Saturn snarled, slamming the newspaper onto the ground.
"And how did our information get leaked!?"
"Most likely, the Regional Justice Faction, after being purged from the Marine, failed to retain the white Den Den Mushi that prevent eavesdropping… And judging by the N.E.W Marine's lack of significant reaction throughout, the ones who intercepted the information were probably the Revolutionary Army," Topman Warcury mused, stroking his balding head as he stepped forward.
"If anything, this might be a blessing in disguise. From this operation, it's clear the Revolutionary Army didn't inform the Marine to deal with the Regional Justice Faction. Instead, they went so far as to deploy Michael… likely aiming to meddle in Fish-Man Island's affairs… This suggests that, for the time being, the N.E.W Marine and the Revolutionary Army won't be forming an alliance—in fact, they might even clash over conflicting interests."
As the Elder in charge of legal affairs, Topman Warcury delivered his analysis with confidence.
The other Elders nodded in agreement.
This… was just as Michael had once said.
The long life granted to them by Imu had not bestowed the wisdom of time's refinement. Instead, it had only allowed arrogance, corruption, and self-righteousness to fester within them.
But this was also due to their own power and the "nuclear deterrence" provided by the "Uranus" in Imu's hands.
With the unparalleled Ancient Weapon as their backing, these old men had grown increasingly complacent, relying less and less on their wits.
"Still, we must report this matter to Imu-sama."
"But… who will go? After all, this was still a failure."
"Let's all enter together and explain the circumstances to Imu-sama."
At this very moment, the Five Elders stood outside the palace doors where the Empty Throne stood.
As they whispered among themselves, a woman's voice—so calm it was almost devoid of any fluctuation—came through the doors.
"What do you have to explain to me?"
At the sound of this voice, the Five Elders immediately fell silent, exchanging glances before lowering their heads, pushing the doors open, and stepping inside.
Towards Imu, the Five Elders had always held a mix of reverence and fear.
After all, she was the one who could grant them near-immortality, yet also revoke this divine blessing at any moment...
"Imu-sama, this time, the Regional Justice Faction, led by Ryokugyu, failed to bring back the Mermaid Princess—the Ancient Weapon 'Poseidon'... And the one who thwarted this once again was..."
"Was who?"
"Michael."
"...Is that so? Why am I not surprised at all?"
There was no trace of dissatisfaction or reproach in Imu's voice.
Instead, there was a hint of... Amusement.
Like the anticipation one feels when the curtain rises on their favorite play.
The Five Elders couldn't help but exchange glances again...
This wasn't quite what they had expected...
"Tell me more about Michael... I'm very interested."
The Five Elders broke into a cold sweat.
Over the years, Imu had been largely indifferent to the affairs of the world below.
A god on high had no interest in constantly watching the bowed heads of her worshippers.
But... ever since the incident in Wano Country, Imu had begun to change.
She started asking many questions about Wano, primarily concerning...
Kozuki Toki and Michael.
Even the Five Elders were beginning to sense something unusual...
'Imu-sama was taking an interest in that damned Michael!'
At this realization, the Five Elders' hearts trembled!
Then, they were overcome with delight.
Whether it was Imu's own power or the Uranus she wielded, they were both beyond anything Michael could hope to match!
Once Imu set her sights on someone... death was the only escape.
As Imu's most loyal hounds, they knew all too well just how... twisted their master could be.
Suppressing their excitement, they began recounting Michael's origins to Imu.
After all these years, as the World Government's greatest enemy, they had done their utmost to gather every scrap of intelligence on Michael.
Aside from the fact that Michael was the mastermind behind the Cross Guild, nearly every detail of his life had been uncovered by the World Government.
And now, every last piece of this information flowed from the mouths of the Five Elders into Imu's ears.
After what felt like an eternity, Imu waved her hand, dismissing the Five Elders who had laid bare every aspect of Michael's life.
Without lingering, the Five Elders bowed obediently and left the palace.
"An angel, but with only four complete wings... Though he calls himself Michael, is it really you?"
"Kozuki Toki arrived in this era, yet it seems she's had no contact with this Michael..."
At this thought, Imu opened her eyes.
Then, in a low voice, she called out to Nusjuro, who was about to close the doors.
"Nusjuro..."
"Yes, Imu-sama..."
"I recall that the Ethanbaron family once originated from Wano Country, correct?"
"Yes... However, the current Ethanbaron has no connection to that lowly, ignorant nation anymore."
"Is that so... But I want you to make a trip to Wano Country."
Imu's voice remained devoid of any discernible emotion.
"Invite Wano Country to become a member nation of the World Government, and extend an invitation to the Shogun of Wano, Kozuki Oden, and his wife, Kozuki Toki... primarily Kozuki Toki... to have them..."
"Come see me."