The Holy Land of Mary Geoise, located atop the Red Line between the first and second halves of the Grand Line, was a place shrouded in mist all year round.
The sprawling architecture hidden amidst the clouds gave it an air of divinity and mystery.
This was not only the seat of the World Government, but also the residence of the Celestial Dragons, the so-called "World Nobles."
Other than the Celestial Dragons, the World Government's member nations, and its officials, anyone wishing to set foot in Mary Geoise required a specially issued pass.
Thus, to be able to freely enter and leave Mary Geoise was itself a mark of supreme status and glory—or at least, that was what Spandine believed.
But today, Spandine suddenly realized just how many steps Mary Geoise had. His body was still injured, and every step upward sent waves of pain through him.
By the time he reached the entrance of the World Government's main building, his forehead was beaded with sweat.
At that moment, Dasu approached, glanced at the panting Spandine, and frowned slightly.
"Spandine, the Five Elders are in the garden. You have five minutes. You'd better hurry."
"Y-Yes, right away! I'll go immediately!"
Startled, Spandine ignored the throbbing pain in his body and broke into a limping run toward the garden.
"You're hurt, Spandine," said the elder with the goat-like beard, sipping his tea leisurely.
"Yes, I was injured by pirates—but thanks to Rear Admiral Brian and Vice Admiral Kizaru, I was rescued in time," Spandine explained hastily.
"Really?" murmured the bald elder with a birthmark on his forehead, eyeing him with suspicion.
"Yes! It's all thanks to Rear Admiral Brian. He's… he's truly a good man!"
Ever since returning, Spandine had been on edge, terrified that Brian might send someone to silence him. He wouldn't dare say anything careless before the Five Elders—if he did, even if Brian were dismissed, Spandine himself would be a dead man.
The blond elder smirked.
"Oh? Sounds like Rear Admiral Brian deserves a commendation."
"Yes, yes, indeed! Rear Admiral Brian is a man of great ability—keeping him stationed in the West Blue is far too wasteful!" Spandine nodded repeatedly, bobbing like a pecking chicken, his words filled with flattery.
The bespectacled, bald elder rested both hands on his nodachi, his hawk-like gaze fixed on Spandine.
"Enough. Let's talk business. Do you believe Ohara is engaged in actions that threaten to overthrow the World Government?"
"They are!" Spandine nodded vigorously.
"Then deal with it."
As soon as Spandine left, the five old men burst into chuckles.
"That Brian really is something—he's scared Spandine half to death."
"Of course. He even dared to take out his own superior."
"Good thing Spandine knows his limits and understands who not to cross. Otherwise, we'd have another mess on our hands."
"Judging by Kizaru's injuries, Brian's combat power is already on par with that of an admiral."
"He still lacks the necessary military achievements, though. Compared to Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino, his record is far too thin."
"Then let's send him to Ohara. It'll be both a mission and a test. Let's hope they don't disappoint us."
"Indeed. The Navy represents the face of the World Government—its top fighters cannot afford to be soft-hearted."
"No objections here."
"Agreed."
"Then it's decided."
The small private meeting of the Five Elders ended.
Very soon, the order to send Rear Admiral Brian to participate in the Ohara Operation was dispatched from the World Government to Marine Headquarters, and from there, directly to Brian himself.
At Marine Headquarters, inside the Fleet Admiral's Office, Kong sat behind his desk, giving Sengoku a weary smile.
"Looks like those old men have really taken a liking to Brian."
Sengoku sighed. "Yeah, I thought the candidates for this mission would just be Sakazuki and Kuzan."
"Same here." Kong took a cigar from the box on his desk, lit it, and exhaled a puff of smoke.
"But Brian is ambitious. He craves power—and he knows exactly where the Elders' bottom line lies. So it's not unreasonable for them to cultivate him. As for Kizaru… a pity."
"That guy's too slick, too much of a politician. The Elders hate that kind of man—and honestly, so do I."
Sengoku didn't disagree.
"Even so, his strength is on par with the others. He could easily serve as an admiral."
"Let's leave them aside." Kong pushed the documents away, his tone turning grave.
"This mission is also your test. Remember—don't go soft. If those old men get displeased, it'll affect the very future of the Marines. You understand?"
"I understand."
Sengoku was a strategist at heart. He knew full well that the Ohara operation would determine the future power structure of the Navy. If he slipped up here, he could forget about ever becoming Fleet Admiral.
Kong nodded, satisfied.
"Good. And one more thing—remind Kuzan not to hesitate at a critical moment. I don't want him turning into another Zephyr."
"…Understood." Sengoku nodded firmly, though his heart was heavy.
Easier said than done.
People's nature was hard to change. Kuzan, trained by Zephyr and idolizing Garp, might not be the type to follow orders blindly when the time came.
At the temporary camp of Gonavar Fortress, Snow was reporting on the construction progress.
After finishing his report, however, he hesitated, as though weighing his words.
Without even turning around, Brian said calmly,
"If there's something you want to say, just say it. You're my confidant—there's nothing you can't tell me."
Right. I'm Lord Brian's trusted aide!
Feeling reassured, Snow finally spoke.
"Lord Brian, was it true that you killed Governor Karl?"
"Strictly speaking, I had Nordmann hire assassins to do it."
"Nordmann—the merchant? Forgive my bluntness, sir, but merchants can't be trusted! If those assassins are caught—or if Nordmann betrays you—then Marine Headquarters will—"
"Don't worry." Brian's lips curled into a faint smile.
"The more stains I have on my record, the more quickly they'll promote me—and the higher I'll rise."
He wasn't foolish. If he truly wanted Karl dead, he could've done it easily on the battlefield, using Astonar as cover.
But he didn't. Instead, he deliberately used Nordmann and hired killers.
Both the merchant and the assassins were potential liabilities—but that was precisely the point.
Karl's death would create ripples, forcing the Five Elders to reevaluate Brian's ruthlessness and competence.
And by now, he was certain he'd succeeded.
The fact that Headquarters hadn't sent anyone to investigate proved it.
If you Enjoyed Reading
Visit my patreon for more chapters
Advance 30+ Chapters Available
patreon.com/c/silentRonin
◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 3 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.