The dark clouds still hung heavily above Mary Geoise.
Not long after returning to Marineford with Wanda and Carrot, Saint Lloyd received a Den Den Mushi call from Garling.
Garling's instructions were simple. Return to Mary Geoise immediately.
Without wasting any time, Saint Lloyd activated Kamui and traveled directly to the territory of the Figarland Family within the Holy Land.
The moment he emerged from the swirling distortion of space, his brows slightly furrowed.
He raised his eyes toward the sky.
Dark clouds covered the entirety of Mary Geoise, and an immense pressure blanketed the Holy Land. The oppressive aura itself had little effect on Saint Lloyd, but within it, he clearly sensed the presence of Imu.
No wonder Uncle Garling had urgently summoned him back.
Something major had happened.
Saint Lloyd silently observed the sky for a moment before turning toward Garling's residence. Along the way, every servant he encountered immediately knelt and lowered their heads. None dared to look up until his figure had completely disappeared.
Garling had already been waiting inside the hall.
The moment he saw Saint Lloyd enter, he immediately spoke.
"Did you see what is happening outside?"
Saint Lloyd sat on the sofa opposite him and nodded slightly.
"I saw it, Uncle Garling. I could feel Imu's presence. It is rare for her to reveal herself in this manner. What happened?"
Garling folded his hands.
"I'm not sure. Nothing unusual has occurred within Mary Geoise recently. If Imu reacted like this, then something significant must have happened outside. Did you learn anything during your travels?"
Saint Lloyd remained silent for a moment before speaking.
"If Imu reacted so strongly, then it most likely involves Joy Boy."
"Joy Boy?"
Garling narrowed his eyes.
"The information you sent previously stated that his will had awakened within Straw Hat Luffy, but after the incident in the East Blue, I have heard nothing further."
Saint Lloyd nodded.
"Joy Boy possesses countless methods of escape. He also has an ability capable of completely concealing his presence. Before he fully regains his power, capturing him is already difficult."
Garling crossed his arms.
"You have done enough. Joy Boy managed to survive for over eight hundred years by hiding his will within a Devil Fruit. Now that his will has returned and he possesses the body of Straw Hat Luffy, he is naturally far more troublesome."
Saint Lloyd's eyes became colder.
"It will only become more difficult from here. This time, Joy Boy intends to return to the world completely."
He continued,
"According to the information I obtained from the two Mink Tribe members, he has entirely taken control of Straw Hat Luffy's body and is currently hiding on Zou while recovering his strength."
Garling's expression immediately became serious.
"So the worst outcome has truly happened."
He looked directly at Saint Lloyd.
"Have you located Zou?"
"I personally searched for it."
Saint Lloyd's voice remained indifferent.
"But I found nothing."
"A giant elephant thousands of meters tall vanished without leaving any trace. After completely taking over Luffy's body, Joy Boy's abilities must have grown significantly. Otherwise, it would be impossible for Zou to evade my observation."
He paused briefly.
"However, that no longer matters. A war between us and Joy Boy is now inevitable."
As he spoke, faint wisps of black smoke emerged from the corners of Saint Lloyd's eyes. Dark flames flickered across his body like living shadows.
He slowly raised his hand.
A black vortex appeared in his palm.
"This time, Joy Boy will disappear completely from this world."
His eyes became colder.
"The world belongs to the Celestial Dragons."
He slightly narrowed his eyes.
"No, it belongs to the Figarland Family."
Garling looked at him with visible satisfaction.
"Excellent."
He leaned back against the sofa.
"Saint Lloyd, your talent surpasses every member in the history of the Figarland Family. I believe you will one day exceed even our ancestor, Saint Cassius."
A faint smile appeared on Saint Lloyd's face.
"Do not worry, Uncle Garling."
"My Dark-Dark Fruit is different from our ancestor's power. This time, I will not lose to Joy Boy and his Nika Fruit."
After speaking, Saint Lloyd slowly rose from the sofa.
His gaze shifted toward the door.
"Imu is likely waiting for that day as well."
He looked toward the distant Flower Room.
"Perhaps she sensed Joy Boy's presence."
After all, she had occupied the Empty Throne for eight hundred years.
Such a thing was entirely possible.
Garling lowered his head and gently tapped the armrest with his fingers.
After a brief silence, he asked,
"Saint Lloyd, what is your opinion of Imu?"
Saint Lloyd turned toward him with a faint smile.
"She is our ruler."
His voice remained steady.
"At least until Joy Boy is eliminated, my attitude toward her will not change."
The uncle and nephew exchanged meaningful smiles.
Saint Lloyd then said,
"Uncle Garling, I believe it is time for me to meet Imu."
Garling thought for a moment before nodding.
"Indeed. Joy Boy is the enemy of every Celestial Dragon. In this matter, we must remain completely united."
"I understand."
Saint Lloyd nodded.
"You may rest assured. I know exactly what I am doing."
Garling's expression softened.
"You are now fully capable of handling matters on your own."
He continued,
"Before meeting Imu, visit the Five Elders. They have remained in the council chamber for several days. After meeting them, they will escort you to the Flower Room."
Saint Lloyd nodded once more.
"Understood. Then I will take my leave, Uncle Garling."
Garling suddenly added,
"Have Carlos lead an escort."
Saint Lloyd slightly raised an eyebrow.
"You are the future head of the Figarland Family. It is time to properly display that identity."
Saint Lloyd helplessly shrugged.
"Perhaps after Shanks returns."
Garling snorted.
"Do not joke about such matters. You are the future head of the Figarland Family, and no one else can replace you."
Saint Lloyd merely smiled.
The next moment, space twisted.
His body instantly disappeared.
Inside the council chamber, the Five Elders sat with grim expressions.
Because of Imu's unusual behavior, none of them had slept for several days. They feared missing her summons.
Yet no orders had arrived.
That silence only made them increasingly uneasy.
They still did not understand what could possibly force Imu, who rarely left the Flower Room, to display such overwhelming emotions.
As they waited in tense silence, heavy footsteps echoed outside.
A voice soon came from beyond the doors.
"Saint Lloyd has arrived."
The Five Elders immediately reacted.
Saint Saturn quickly stood.
"Bring him in immediately."
The doors of the council chamber opened.
Two Golden Armored Guards entered first.
The attendant who had delivered the message had already been pushed aside and now knelt on the floor, trembling and afraid to raise his head.
The two guards took positions beside the entrance.
Saint Lloyd calmly walked between them.
The overwhelming display of authority caused the room to become silent.
The other four Elders remained expressionless, but
displeasure briefly flashed across Saint Warcury's face.
At that very moment, the voice they had all been waiting for finally echoed throughout the chamber.
Imu's cold voice spread through the room.
"Bring Lloyd to me."