Holy Land Mary Geoise.
Located atop the Red Earth Continent, this was the World Government's core, the political, cultural, and economic center of the entire world. Mary Geoise occupied an extraordinarily advantageous position at the junction between the Grand Line's first half and the New World. It not only connected these two regions, but also radiated outward to all four seas: East, West, South, and North.
In short, it was impressively positioned.
On the top floor of the World Government Headquarters building sat the office of the Five Elders. These five men were the apparent supreme leaders of the vast World Government organization, the highest-ranking Celestial Dragons among those who claimed descent from gods. All major World Government decisions flowed through the Five Elders.
Whether Marine Headquarters, the CP agencies, or any other governmental organization, all answered to the Five Elders. They held the most supreme power in the entire world.
Of course, this was merely appearance. In truth, behind the Five Elders stood the mysterious Lord Imu. But generally speaking, Lord Imu didn't involve himself in daily affairs, and his identity had never been exposed. Only a very select few knew of his existence.
Therefore, in the world's eyes, the Five Elders were the World Government's true leaders.
At this moment in their office, these five elderly men discussed an opinion report Marine Headquarters had recently submitted: the "Action Plan to Save the Kingdom of Vilix" proposed by Finn.
Honestly, the Five Elders didn't particularly care about the Kingdom of Vilix's fate, even though the country would likely be completely destroyed by the Big Mom Pirates. This wasn't an isolated case. Every year, many member nations disappeared from the world. Some were destroyed by pirates, others by internal political turmoil, and some were even eliminated by World Government planning.
A larger portion lost their status because they couldn't pay the massive Heavenly Tribute to the World Government, leading to their destruction. This was nothing unusual. More countries wanted to become member nations every year than were lost.
Therefore, even if countries were destroyed, the World Government could always replenish member nation numbers. Moreover, they intentionally maintained the count between 170 and 200 members. For most periods, member nations under the World Government remained within this range.
Perhaps this was another balancing strategy.
Previously, the Five Elders had indeed received the Vilix royal family's asylum request and learned about the country's situation. In their eyes at that time, the country was beyond salvation. Or rather, they were simply unwilling to spend effort solving the problem, because it would likely evolve into violent conflict with the Big Mom Pirates, further complicating the already chaotic situation.
If the Marines had strong control over the New World, they might have ordered a rescue. But now? Unnecessary. They couldn't control the situation even if they wanted to.
Therefore, the Five Elders had planned to simply go through the motions, accepting asylum to save the Vilix royal family's lives. As for ordinary citizens? Let them die.
Then the Marines submitted this proposal, providing a new approach to solve the problem. The Five Elders took time to review it. If this matter could be effectively resolved, that would naturally be best. It could prove to New World member nations that the World Government remained their backer, helping strengthen the fragile relationship between the World Government and New World allied nations.
"Rodriguez Finn. This Marine Rear Admiral seems familiar," Saint Shepard Ju Peter said after reading the report.
"Indeed. Not long ago, the Marines submitted reports predicting Roger might become Pirate King, as well as the earlier report predicting the Roger Pirates' disbandment. Both were drafted by this Rear Admiral. Kong says he's a promising seedling with high potential to become a talent like Sengoku." Saint Topman Warcury nodded.
"Really?" Saint Shepard Ju Peter's eyes showed appreciation. "It's excellent to have such young talent in the Marines."
"Reportedly, he also has great potential in terms of strength, not just intelligence." The Saint Jaygarcia Saturn added.
These old men clearly admired Finn considerably. However, this appreciation differed from Instructor Zephyr's or Admiral Sengoku's. Zephyr and Sengoku regarded Finn as their junior. The Five Elders simply appreciated a capable subordinate. They could admire Finn today, but if he committed crimes tomorrow, they'd feel disgust just as readily.
"He accurately predicted the Roger Pirates would become Pirate King, and correctly inferred they would disband, giving the Marines ample preparation time. His contribution is significant. He's indeed formidable." Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro nodded.
"So, what about his ulterior motives?" Saint Shepard Ju Peter asked.
The Five Elders were ancient, experienced beings. They wouldn't simply trust that Finn had suddenly developed a kind heart and wanted to save the Kingdom of Vilix.
"Kong says this kid wants to use that Katakuri fellow as his whetstone." Saint Topman Warcury smiled.
"Is it that simple?" Saint Shepard Ju Peter sounded surprised.
"He's a young man. Do you expect some grand conspiracy? He's only about twenty-two years old, full of youthful vigor, wanting to step on others to build fame. Isn't that normal? Reportedly, Katakuri is very famous among the new generation of pirates, maintaining an undefeated record since debut. It's reasonable for him to want to make his name by defeating that man." Topman Warcury spoke with complete calm.
Fleet Admiral Kong knew Finn wanted to use Katakuri to test himself. But he couldn't report such a ridiculous reason to the Five Elders, so he'd embellished slightly, claiming Finn was young and hot-blooded, wanting to step on Katakuri to build fame and prove his strength.
The Five Elders had accepted this modified explanation quite naturally.
Saint Shepard Ju Peter nodded, then looked at the other elders. "What do you all think?"
"There's no harm in attempting it." Saint Marcus Mars spoke after consideration.
The others nodded agreement. After all, without trying, the Kingdom of Vilix was almost certainly doomed. If they tried now and actually captured Katakuri, there might be a turning point. If Big Mom refused to negotiate later, the prisoner would have been handed to the CP agencies anyway. The Marines wanted integrity, but CP didn't need such concerns. Any arrangement would be acceptable.
Moreover, the Five Elders felt considerable likelihood the Big Mom Pirates would accept such negotiation, so attempting it carried no real downside. If it failed, so be it. But if it succeeded, they'd definitely profit.
Why hesitate?
"Then approve it." After consideration, Saint Shepard Ju Peter also agreed.
Soon, Finn's proposal received World Government approval.
Marine Headquarters, Marineford.
In Admiral Sengoku's office, after hanging up the Den Den Mushi call with the Five Elders, he looked at Finn who'd just entered and said helplessly, "I told you to find intelligence on Roger, but you couldn't stay still. Now you're targeting Katakuri... I really don't know what to say to you."
"I can't find him. Roger's crew scattered into pieces and disappeared throughout the New World. Where can I possibly find them in such a vast ocean?" Finn smiled. "You know what the Intelligence Department is like. The Chief of Staff restructured it recently. Results will take several years, maybe longer. I think this matter should be handed to CP. They have sharp noses. They might find Roger eventually."
He now communicated with Sengoku quite relaxedly, without his initial formality. Conversely, in informal settings, Sengoku also preferred conversing with Finn in this comfortable state, feeling closer to him.
After a brief pause, Finn continued, "So at this stage, I don't have much to do. I can take time to temper myself."
Sengoku looked at Finn with satisfaction. Honestly, he hadn't expected Finn to discover his own weakness so quickly and immediately find solutions.
Despite his relief, he still spoke. "What about your work? Tsuru said you're responsible for the 'non-existent organization' plan to a certain degree. How are things progressing there?"
Finn's expression turned pained. "The Intelligence Department's budget for this year has been spent by the Chief of Staff. I can't create something from nothing, right? Wait until next year's budget arrives..."
"I can't wait that long." Sengoku simply waved his hand dismissively.
Finn blinked in surprise. "Then what should I do?"
"How should I know? This is the plan you proposed. Figure out how to solve it yourself. Organize the structure as soon as possible and show results sooner." Sengoku glared at him.
For a moment, Finn wondered why Sengoku was being so unreasonable.
Finn grinned, slightly pained. "General, if you say so, I'll take it seriously..."
Sengoku took a sip from his teacup, glanced at Finn, and said, "Don't be too extreme, otherwise it'll be difficult to explain."
"I understand." Finn nodded.
Put simply, as long as he didn't go too far, Finn could secretly raise funds and invest them in the Intelligence Department's plan. Speaking of which, though the Chief of Staff said this plan required his responsibility for certain work, in reality, there wasn't much he could do. At most, he could offer suggestions or similar contributions.
Now Sengoku had forced actual work on him, demanding he make money.
Well, ultimately, it was all driven by budgetary constraints. If Marine military expenditures were sufficient, why would they be so pressed?
As for where to make money? Finn was quite resourceful. Several plans immediately flashed through his mind.
One report mentioned a visit to the Flower Kingdom in West Blue and the Jewel Ice Sheet, where the pirates seized all of the Happo Marine's treasures.
Chinjao still couldn't crack the glacier open, but his failure didn't mean the Marines couldn't. Finn suspected his own power might do the job—and if not, Vice Admiral Garp certainly could. After all, that same fist had once flattened Chinjao's head.
Besides, he could use an excuse to take Marines to Skypiea and excavate the Golden City. That was all money, and maybe he could even harvest a Rumble-Rumble Fruit...
Seeing Finn's quick agreement, Sengoku spoke with slight guilt. "Be careful not to cause trouble. If anything goes wrong, we won't escape unscathed."
"Don't worry, Admiral. You can trust me to handle it." Finn smiled and nodded.
Sengoku studied him for a long moment, then sighed. "Why do I feel like I've just unleashed something terrible?"
"Your imagination is too active, Admiral." Finn's smile remained perfectly innocent.
"Get out of here before I change my mind." Sengoku waved him away, though his lips quirked slightly.
Finn saluted smartly and departed, his mind already churning through possibilities. The World Government had approved his Katakuri plan, and now Sengoku had essentially given him carte blanche to generate revenue for the Intelligence Department.
Two opportunities to prove himself, expand his influence, and strengthen his position within the Marines. All within the rules, of course.
As he walked through Marineford's corridors, Finn couldn't help but smile. Sometimes the greatest advantage wasn't knowing the future. It was understanding how to operate within the present system while everyone else thought you were just following orders.
Green Pepper's treasure. The Golden City of Shandora. And soon, a confrontation with Katakuri.
His path forward was becoming quite clear indeed.