Admiral Zephyr had secured the Shikon Jewel shard, while the great pirate Shiki and his Flying Pirates had been defeated and forced to retreat by a mysterious powerhouse…
The news quickly spread across the New World. The Shikon Jewel shards had already stirred up huge interest in these seas, and now Shiki's move only made people crave them even more.
Just to get a single shard, Shiki had dared to provoke the World Government directly. And to protect a single shard, the Government not only sent an Admiral, but also had someone as strong as Shiki secretly escorting it.
People knew the shards were valuable, but the fact that even one could draw out three such major figures still surprised them.
The Marines also moved quickly to answer Shiki's challenge. Vice Admiral Garp, together with Admiral Zephyr who had returned to HQ, set out with a large fleet of Marine warships, heading into the New World in pursuit of Shiki.
In the first half of the Grand Line, Sengoku had already met with Makima and delivered the World Government's message.
Now they had arrived at the Holy Land, Mary Geoise, walking toward Pangaea Castle where the Five Elders resided.
The blue-masked Raijin had also returned to Makima's side and was among the group.
"The Five Elders have been waiting."
Sengoku had deliberately chosen a route rarely used by the Celestial Dragons, to avoid stirring up trouble. The person they were meeting was not simple, and since the Five Elders themselves had asked for her, it was best to avoid any incidents.
After speaking, Sengoku looked toward Raijin. Makima understood what he meant and said, "Raijin will wait for me outside the door. And you, Sengoku?"
"After escorting Miss Makima inside, I'll also wait outside. Perhaps Raijin can join me in the next room for some tea." The Chamber of Authority was the highest seat of power in the World Government. Aside from the Five Elders, only the Fleet Admiral could enter. As an admiral, Sengoku needed to avoid suspicion.
Makima nodded and followed Sengoku inside.
.........
Inside the chamber, the Five Elders were studying the second shard of the Shikon Jewel.
"Two shards together… the power is even greater."
They placed the second shard beside the first, and immediately, under a strange force, the two pieces joined together on their own.
"As for the intel from Zephyr about those demons, should we launch a special investigation?"
"Our forces are already stretched thin. The Marines are busy dealing with pirates who have grown bolder after Rocks, while also working with CP to search for Shikon Jewel shards. If we add demon investigations on top of that, we'd need a whole new branch." The blond Elder spoke.
"No need to rush. Isn't someone coming to us willingly?" The one with the sword gave a faint smile. "Maybe they'll bring us some surprises."
"Heh, she's here." The Elder with the fluffy white beard chuckled. At that moment, Sengoku's voice came from outside the door.
"Five Elders, Miss Makima has arrived."
All five smiled, turned to the door, and said softly, "Come in."
As their words fell, Sengoku pushed the door open. Walking in was a woman with mid-length orange-pink hair, dressed in a white shirt, black tie, and suit trousers. She looked exactly like a government official.
"I'll take my leave." After bringing her inside, Sengoku excused himself. The Five Elders nodded, and he quietly stepped back out, leaving only them and Makima in the room.
"A pleasure to meet the highest authority of the world."
For most, the pressure of standing before these five would be suffocating. Their status alone carried immense weight. It wasn't like Conqueror's Haki, but it was still a crushing presence felt deep in the soul.
Yet Makima spoke naturally: "Since you five decided to meet me, it means you've accepted my sincerity."
Her "sincerity" was, of course, the shard of the Shikon Jewel placed on the table.
"A fine gift." The Elder sitting directly in front of her said. "But if you wish to work with us, this gift alone isn't nearly enough."
"Of course." Makima clasped her hands behind her back. "I wonder… are the Five Elders interested in demons?"
"Creatures that feed on the world's negativity—how could they compare to us, who rule everything?" The sword-bearing Elder scoffed. "You're trying to borrow the World Government's power to fight demons, aren't you?"
"Demons are not the only ones freed from the Shikon Jewel. There are also their enemies—the shrine maidens, or rather, demon hunters. As you guessed, I am one of those who stand against demons."
Makima spoke calmly. "Since you know demons feed on the world's darkness, you must also realize what they'll eventually do to the World Government—or Mary Geoise itself."
"You mean the Nine-Tailed Fox?"
The Five Elders remembered the giant beast that had attacked Sabaody, then later struck directly at Mary Geoise. Behind it was the mysterious figure known as 'Zero.'
Now that all demons were freed, would they become the same threat as the Nine-Tails and Zero?
That was indeed their biggest fear. Zephyr had said many great demons and even the strongest demon lords were still sealed in hell, but any seal could be broken. That was what truly worried them.
Still, facing Makima, none of them showed their unease.
"Exactly." Makima said. "Demons will instinctively attack the source of the darkness they feed on. And nothing creates more darkness than those who rule the world. One or two monsters or demons are nothing for the World Government to handle.
"But now, with so many demons spilling out of the Shikon Jewel, even the World Government will find it troublesome for a while."
After a moment of silence, the Elder with the white beard spoke. "So, what is it you want?"
"A contract." Makima replied immediately. "Form a contract with us, the demon hunters. Give us enough benefits, and we will take responsibility for destroying the demons that were never fully wiped out back then…"
"We care nothing for darkness or light. We will only work with the highest power in this world!"
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