As Shamrock moved to carry out his orders, Imu reached into his robes and retrieved a Den Den Mushi unlike any other.
Its shell was pure gold, with intricate carvings that seemed to shift and change when viewed from different angles. Tiny crown like protrusions adorned its head, and its eyes were deep purple, almost black.
Gunko watched in Curiosity as Imu activated the special transponder snail. This was no ordinary communication device, it was a direct line to the highest authority in the World Government, bypassing all normal channels.
The Den Den Mushi's eyes drooped, then suddenly popped open. "BLU BLU BLU! BLU BLU BLU!" The ringtone echoed through the devastated throne room, a bizarrely cheerful sound in the midst of such destruction.
After several moments, the snail's features transformed, its face stretching and reshaping into that of Elder Jaygarcia Saturn.
"Imu-sama," Saturn's voice came through the Den Den Mushi, respectful but not obsequious. "To what do we owe this communication?"
Imu's expression remained impassive. "I'm calling from what remains of Germa Kingdom, Saturn."
The five elders exchanged glances, their stoic masks barely concealing their surprise.
"The Germa Kingdom has been destroyed," Imu continued, his tone matter of fact. "The Vinsmoke family is dead, and their military forces have been eliminated."
Saturn's eyes widened slightly. "Destroyed? How? The Vinsmokes were formidable, even if they were troublesome."
Imu's lips curved into a slight smile. "The Revolutionary Army struck while we were investigating their activities. They launched a full scale assault, catching the Vinsmokes off guard. By the time we arrived, it was too late to save them."
Gunko felt a chill run down her spine. She kept her face composed, but her mind raced. He's blaming the Revolutionary Army? But we were the ones who... No, of course. This is Imu-sama's way. He creates chaos and then shapes the narrative to serve his purposes. The Revolutionary Army will be blamed, giving the World Government justification for further crackdowns on dissent.
Shamrock, who had just finished collecting the raid suits, caught Gunko's eye and gave an almost imperceptible nod. Brilliant, he thought. The Revolutionary Army has been a thorn in our side for years. This gives us the perfect pretext to eliminate them more aggressively. Imu sama doesn't just react to world events 'he orchestrates them'
In Mary Geoise, the Five Elders processed this information with cold, calculated clarity. Elder Marcus Mars, his long white hair cascading over his shoulders, didn't question the claim. Instead, his eyes gleamed with sharp comprehension. "The Revolutionary Army... A perfect scapegoat, Imu-sama. Dragon's reputation for defiance makes this narrative compelling."
Imu's gaze remained impassive. "I witnessed their flagship departing as we arrived. Their flags were unmistakable. It seems Dragon has grown... reckless."
Saturn held up a hand, not to silence, but to emphasize their shared understanding. "Imu-sama has delivered us not just a victory, but a strategic masterstroke. The Revolutionary Army bears the blame, the world unites against them, and we emerge stronger." He turned his full attention to the Den Den Mushi. "What are your precise orders, Imu-sama?"
'They see it instantly' Gunko realized, hearing the elders through the snail's transmission. No doubt, no hesitation. They recognize Imu-sama's handiwork and the brilliance of framing Dragon. They're not just instruments; they're willing accomplices, savoring the deception.
Shamrock felt a surge of fierce pride. They know Imu sama eliminated Germa and are already calculating how to exploit the lie. The Vinsmokes' fall is just the opening move in a much larger war Imu sama has orchestrated.
Imu's expression remained unchanged as he addressed Saturn. "You will announce to the world that the Revolutionary Army has destroyed Germa Kingdom. Emphasize the existential threat they pose to all nations. Use this to justify unprecedented military expansion and absolute control over the seas."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "And Saturn? Ensure the evidence is irrefutable. Plant Revolutionary Army flags, forge intercepted communications, create 'survivor' testimonies. I leave the execution to you."
The Five Elders exchanged a single, weighted glance. No words were needed.
Mars's eyes narrowed with approval, Nusjuro's fingers steepled in thought, Warcury grinned like a predator scenting blood, and Ju Peter gave a curt, decisive nod. They understood implicitly
Imu sama hadn't reported an attack; he'd engineered a lie. Framing Dragon wasn't just convenient it was a devastatingly effective strategy. It discredited their greatest enemy, justified global militarization, and allowed them to seize Germa's technology under the guise of securing it from revolutionary hands.
Saturn, especially, saw the cold genius: the chaos would be a smokescreen for their own power grab, turning the world against Dragon while they consolidated control.
Saturn's face remained a mask of composure, but his eyes burned with fierce approval. Brilliant. Utterly brilliant. To destroy Germa ourselves and turn their annihilation into a weapon against Dragon... The evidence will be flawless, the story unassailable.
The world will hunt Dragon while we claim his spoils. Imu sama doesn't just control the board he rewrites the rules of the game itself.
After a mere heartbeat of silent accord, Saturn lowered his head in absolute, unwavering submission. "Yes"
The single word echoed through the throne room of Germa Kingdom and the chamber of the Five Elders in Mary Geoise.
Imu nodded, satisfied. "Good. I expect results soon." With that, he ended the call, the Den Den Mushi's face returning to its normal, sleeping state.
He turned to Gunko and Shamrock, the fanboy persona completely gone, replaced by the cold, calculating sovereign who ruled the world from the shadows.
"The game is set in motion," he said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Now, let's finish here and move on to the next piece on the board."