Holy Land - Mary Geoise.
The absolute center of the world for eight hundred years.
The air was saturated with a sweetness so cloying it felt sickly.
It was as if thousands of rare flowers had been blended together, then baked by an eternal, unceasing sunlight, condensing into a tangible curtain of fragrance.
The passing wind sliced through the scent.
Griffin's military boots tapped against the polished white stone floor, producing a crisp, yet profoundly lonely echo.
In this corridor spacious enough for the Giant Tribe to pass through unhindered, there were only him and the robed attendant leading the way ahead.
The attendant's white robe trailed on the ground, his face hidden within the hood, his footsteps silent like a ghost.
...
Griffin looked around.
What he saw along the way was luxury beyond imagination.
Floating gardens in the air cascaded with rainbow-like waterfalls, all sorts of strange creatures swimming within.
Glorious crystals paved the flower beds, diamonds scattered in the water like coins in a wishing well.
Along the entire path, even the pure white stone slabs beneath his feet were more valuable than gold.
...
On the branches of rare plants, tiny figures could be seen pruning.
Slaves of the Tontatta Tribe...
Noticing Griffin's gaze upon them, the busy little people stopped on the branches and bowed respectfully.
...
"Lord Griffin, the Five Elders are waiting for you."
The attendant stopped, his voice devoid of any human emotion.
Griffin's nose twitched slightly as he remarked casually, "Don't you think the scent is too strong? It's a bit overwhelming."
The attendant bowed:
"Apologies. Those responsible for today's incense affairs will all be executed, in hopes of appeasing your anger."
Upon hearing this, the few Tontatta trembled in fear.
Yet they dared not look up, nor make a sound.
...
"Are you making decisions for me?"
The white robe outlined the attendant's graceful figure, but Griffin's eyes held only a cold indifference.
"Who allowed you to do anything unnecessary? Continue leading the way."
...
"Apologies. After completing my mission, I will take my own life, in hopes of calming your anger."
...
At least those little people still knew fear... Has this guy been completely stripped of all emotion?
If you want to die, then go die. Living is just being an empty shell anyway.
...
—
The pure white palace doors slid open silently, without the groan of hinges or the challenge of guards.
The dome of the Room of Authority was so high it seemed like the sky itself, sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows illuminated...
The leaders of the World Government, the pinnacle of power—
The Five Elders, were there.
Seated or standing, the gazes of the five fell upon Griffin like five heavy mountains descending.
Griffin felt a strange mental pressure, attempting to force him to kneel and bow.
An assault of their gaze, aimed at me?
...
A smile forced its way onto Griffin's face. He placed a hand over his chest, middle finger raised.
"Greetings, esteemed Five Elders. Rear Admiral Griffin of Marine Headquarters, here for an audience."
"The all-knowing five lords surely know this is the ancient highest ritual of Kano Country, the only way to express my utmost reverence!"
From initial humility to later barely suppressed excitement, it was perfectly measured.
...
"A salute to the center of the world... If you say so, then so be it."
Saint Nusjuro, leaning against the back of a sofa with his sword, spoke: "For you, we have specially made time."
"Sit."
...
"Thank you very much, I won't stand on ceremony."
Griffin naturally took a seat, even crossing his legs.
...
...
Saint Warcury in the center let out a light snort: "You are the first Marine Officer to dare sit here. You lack reverence."
Griffin clasped his hands over his knees, maintaining a smile on his face: "Reverence should be kept in the heart and put into action."
"If everyone were like that guide outside, how could they share the burdens of you five esteemed ones?"
...
"Well said."
Saint Saturn's gaze deepened as he looked at Griffin. He had received the Sharingan from Vegapunk—those eyes had been tampered with by Griffin, making them usable by ordinary people.
The experimental results satisfied him greatly. An ordinary CP member equipped with the Sharingan saw their strength increase at least tenfold!
"I have read Lucci's full report. You handled Kari's matter very well."
"There's no need to discuss such trivial matters here. We summoned you only to ask one thing..."
"Uchiha Griffin."
"From your position as a Marine Officer, how do you view the system the World Government has maintained for eight hundred years?"
A probe, and also an interrogation.
Griffin fell silent. The hall became terrifyingly quiet; a few dozen seconds felt as long as half a century.
...
He took a shallow breath; the air still carried that cloyingly sweet scent.
"The World Government..."
Griffin slowly began: "is undoubtedly the irreplaceable beacon on these seas. Its eight-hundred-year legacy is the very embodiment of wisdom, order, and supreme ideals!"
"A grand framework transcending races, bringing stability and prosperity to countless Member Nations."
"The rational distribution of power allows such a vast organization to function. One cannot help but marvel at the profound wisdom of the Twenty Kings!"
...
Griffin spoke at length, as if pouring out all the thoughts he had accumulated since childhood.
He even cited many references from textbooks published by the World Government, presenting ideas even the Five Elders hadn't consciously considered.
So that's how we think?
Truly worthy of Imu-sama; even a casual act from back then is a manifestation of supreme wisdom!
...
"Therefore, I firmly believe!"
"Only by steadfastly upholding the absolute authority and leadership of the World Government can justice prevail upon the seas, and the dawn of peace truly illuminate every corner!"
"This is not only my conviction but also the belief of all Marine Soldiers!"
Moved by his own words, Griffin couldn't help but stand up, spreading his hands slightly.
...
Silence again.
Unlike before, this silence was because the Five Elders needed time to process the information within his words.
They felt these words were important, perhaps even worthy of being excerpted in every issue of the World Political News.
"A standard perspective."
Saint Warcury spoke, his voice flat, giving no indication of praise or disapproval.
"'Beacon,' 'cornerstone,' 'sword of protection'... You have a good understanding of your position, Marine."
...
"Originally, we considered having you join CP0..."
A trace of clear change finally appeared in Saint Warcury's eyes—appreciation.
"Having someone with such clear thinking within the sword of protection is important. Perhaps you are even more suitable for that position than Sengoku."
Griffin immediately responded: "I dare not overstep. I am still far from reaching Fleet Admiral Sengoku's level."
"To be honest, some of those words were taught to me by Fleet Admiral Sengoku."
"I never had much schooling growing up. It was only by seeking the Fleet Admiral's guidance that I could fully articulate my thoughts."
...
"It has been a long time since we last saw Sengoku. It seems his resolve has grown even stronger. Good."
Mars, with his goatee, spoke, his beard moving as he did: "Uchiha Griffin..."
"You are still young. We will work together for a long time."
"Remember your words. The lighthouse must not be tarnished, and the Marines, as the sword of protection... must not harbor their own will. Do you understand?"
"I heed your teachings."
Griffin once again offered the highest traditional salute of Kano Country to the Five Elders.
...
"That will do. You may leave."
Saint Peter, the youngest-looking among the Five Elders with his golden hair, spoke.
——
——
The hall doors closed.
"Well?"
"Ambitious, with no reverence for the World Government."
...
"But he is a clever man. He knows what to do and when to do it."
"A clever man is always more adaptable than a stubborn one like Garp."
...
"He shows no sympathy for slaves, just as we suspected. It was merely a superficial act for reputation."
"He wants to become Fleet Admiral. That is enough."
...
"An extreme realist. He knows only we can help him achieve his ambitions."
"What I fear..."
Saint Warcury lowered his gaze and whispered: "...is that his ambitions go beyond that."
"Instruct Vegapunk to accelerate the analysis of his bloodline. Once we have a substitute... request Imu to grant him a contract."
"Such a person cares only for himself, with no human weaknesses. He is far too uncontrollable!"
...
"I second."
"Agreed."