Redfield: "Uranus may be some kind of super ancient creature. Of course, I've never seen it with my own eyes—everything I'm saying now is based on old rumors."
World shook his head. "Even if it's just a rumor, it's shocking enough. But if that's true—an ancient weapon on par with Pluton and Poseidon—then a living, ancient creature of such power… that's terrifying."
Shiryu crossed his arms. "The World Government's background is far more terrifying than we imagined."
Elior nodded slightly. "It's no wonder the Celestial Dragons have ruled this world for eight hundred years. With how brutal their rule has been, it's impossible there weren't countless attempts to resist them. There must have been people in the past even stronger than the greatest pirates of our era… yet their rule has never been shaken."
Everyone fell silent, stunned by the realization.
Crocodile thought for a moment and asked,
"So, does this so-called Valley of the Gods still exist today?"
Redfield: "The World Government erased all records of it—maps, log poses, everything. It's as if the island never existed. Only a special Eternal Pose, one held exclusively by the Government, can locate it. The Celestial Dragons supposedly return there every ten years to perform their sacred rites. It's said that some even believe the island was destroyed to bury its secrets, but a place of that significance can't be destroyed—it can only be hidden."
"Interesting."
Elior nodded. "I already have an undercover agent inside CP0. When the time comes, I'll have her investigate whether a permanent pointer to the Valley of the Gods still exists. If we can find it—then obtaining King Uranus will be within reach."
"An undercover? In CP0?"
Redfield and the others exchanged surprised looks.
Bullet and the rest, however, weren't shocked for long. After all, everyone knew Vice Admiral Gion — was one of Elior's women. The man had influence even within the Marine and the World Government itself.
"The captain really does think ahead," Urouge chuckled. "Even the World Government has moles working for us!"
Elior grinned faintly. "It's quite fun, playing dirty with the Celestial Dragons."
Redfield's expression hardened again. "As for the World Government itself… it's said that beyond Uranus, they keep another super-weapon hidden inside Mariejois."
"A super-weapon?"
Everyone's attention turned back to him immediately.
"Yes," said the Redfield. "It's rumored to be the same weapon used by the one who sits on the Empty Throne—the being who 'cleanses history.'"
"Cleanses… history?"
"What does that mean?"
"That doesn't sound simple."
Redfield's tone grew heavier. "It's said that if the world ever falls into chaos—if a force arises that even the Marine and the Government's elites can't suppress—then the ruler of the Empty Throne will unleash that weapon. It's a 'cleansing of history,' or as some call it… 'the extinction of light.'"
"In short, if a being stronger than Rocks, Roger, or even Whitebeard were ever to emerge—someone truly capable of toppling the Celestial Dragons—that's when this weapon would be used."
Everyone was frozen in shock. Even Elior's calm expression darkened.
"The World Government really isn't simple," he said coldly. "To stand unchallenged for eight hundred years in this ruthless world… they must possess power beyond imagination."
Redfield nodded. "The Celestial Dragons aren't all trash. Among them are those of higher standing—like the Gorosei. The ones we often see parading through Mariejois are the lowest of their kind. But the true rulers—the upper echelons—are another breed entirely."
Elior leaned back in his chair. "Then, to overthrow the Celestial Dragons, we'll need to gather overwhelming strength."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Elior continued, "At least I can say this—I've already secured Poseidon, the Sea King. The mermaid princess of Fish-Man Island is this generation's Poseidon, and her power is awakening. When the time comes, we'll use that to strike at the World Government. Their ancient weapons won't intimidate us… because we'll have one of our own."
"Poseidon?!"
"The captain did it again!"
"Wait—what do you mean, Captain?"
"Don't tell me you even charmed the mermaid princess, hah!"
The crew burst into laughter, though there was genuine awe beneath it. Elior's reputation with women was infamous, and none of them doubted he could pull it off.
Redfield, however, stayed serious. "If Poseidon, the Sea King, joins us in an assault on Mariejois, our chances of victory increase dramatically. But ideally, we'd have Pluton as well."
Elior shook his head. "The blueprints for Pluton were destroyed by a pirate crew known as the Straw Hat Pirates. And even if we had the design, building such a massive battleship would be impossible under the World Government's watchful eyes. The resources, manpower, and time required would make it unrealistic. It would take at least three to five years to complete—too long to be practical."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
World sighed. "Even without Pluton, having Poseidon alone is terrifying enough. That's already a weapon to reshape the world."
Redfield added, "The true Pluton—the one that already existed—is said to have been sunk long ago by a former mermaid princess, Poseidon herself. It lies twenty thousand meters deep, in a trench so vast that only the largest Sea Kings could ever pull it to the surface. So no, Pluton isn't destroyed—it's only sleeping in the abyss."
"That's… incredible," Elior muttered.
World laughed. "Red, old man, just how many secrets do you know?"
Redfield smirked faintly. "More than enough to remind you to respect your elders."