The heavy, ancient doors of the council chamber slowly closed.

The room fell silent once again.

Only the gentle bubbling of tea could be heard, a soft sound that, under the bright sunlight outside the window, felt warm and serene.

But the words of the Five Elders were chilling to the bone.

"Warcury... in your opinion, what will he do?"

The usually composed Saint Mars suddenly turned to the somber-faced Saint Warcury.

As his voice faded, the other Elders also turned their eyes toward their colleague—the Warrior God of Justice who held the judiciary power of the World Government.

They all knew well that Warcury held a special kind of expectation for Daren, that defiant Marine upstart.

Perhaps in him, he saw a reflection of his own younger self from countless years ago.

Or maybe he simply admired Daren's talents, his character, and the way he did things.

Warcury had always appreciated that boy.

That was exactly why he had entrusted him with the investigation of the "North Blue Celestial Dragon Murder Case."

No one had expected that even the renowned strategist Topman Warcury could misjudge so badly.

Letting the killer investigate his own crime... in hindsight, it was absurd.

Warcury remained silent for a long while, his aged eyes quietly watching the steam rising from the tea before him.

"He's a smart man. I hope he'll make the smart choice."

Hearing this, the other Elders silently shook their heads.

So even you aren't sure?

"But either way, we must act... that brat is growing far too quickly."

Saint Saturn's expression darkened, his voice cold.

"According to the latest intel, while his strength still falls short of Roger and Whitebeard, he's already stepped solidly into their realm."

"With that kind of combat power, with those methods, with that ambition—and now the growing reputation he holds within the Marines... if we let him ascend easily to Admiral, with that brat's personality, he'll only become more arrogant and uncontrollable."

The others all nodded in agreement.

Saint Peter, blond and calm, said flatly,

"Rogers Daren is not Garp."

"Garp could afford to reject the promotion to Admiral and turn down the test we offered him, but that boy can't."

"They're simply too different."

Despite their shared strength and fame, Garp, unlike the ambitious Daren, posed no real threat to the World Government.

Everyone knew he looked down on the Celestial Dragons and the government, but the Five Elders could still tolerate Garp's unruly behavior—because he had no desire for power.

Besides, his deeds during the God Valley Incident had earned him that much leeway.

"In any case, let's just wait and see."

Saint Nusjuro, as he polished his dark, sinister katana, rasped out,

"If he's truly rational and knows what's best for him, then fine. It means he's still of use to us."

"But if he proves otherwise… Warcury."

Warcury inhaled deeply, his eyes brimming with a terrifying killing intent.

"Don't worry. I'll deal with him myself."

The rest of the Elders nodded and closed their eyes.

"What if he really bows his head and completes the escort mission?"

Saint Mars, as if suddenly remembering something, gestured at the image still projected on the gray wall.

"These two civilians—should we let them live?"

"No."

Saint Saturn's smile was icy.

"They'll be killed."

He paused. A cold light gleamed in his aged eyes.

"They'll be killed by the very Marine who once saved them... with his own hands."

"That's the only way he can atone for his sins."

"That's the only way he can truly prove his loyalty to the government, and to us..."

Saint Saturn adjusted the black flat cap on his head and smiled deeply.

"...his submission."

…

They walked in silence the entire way.

The Marine Vice Admiral descended the sacred Celestial Stairway step by step, his face expressionless, cigar smoke curling around his composed features.

The world around him was quiet and vast. Sunlight poured down brilliantly, but the air was chillingly cold.

Bone-deep cold.

Ghostly figures from CP0 flickered in and out of sight around him, each maintaining a safe distance from the Vice Admiral, whose presence radiated danger.

Behind those eerie masks, their faces were unreadable, yet mocking chuckles leaked out as if they were watching an enthralling play unfold.

Daren appeared unaware of it all, walking forward with unshaken calm.

"Daren..."

A hoarse voice echoed nearby.

Kong, who had been waiting anxiously, quickly approached upon seeing Daren descend from the Celestial Stairway.

"The Five Elders' trials are standard procedure," he said. "They're used to select those they deem trustworthy."

"Only those who pass may truly enter the core decision-making circle of the government."

"These trials have been tradition for centuries... always this way..."

He had just opened his mouth to say something more, perhaps to comfort Daren, when the latter cut him off.

"Fleet Admiral Kong, I want to ask you something."

Kong froze.

The Vice Admiral slowly turned to face him. His expression revealed no joy, anger, or sorrow—only a quiet trace of confusion.

"Go ahead..." Kong paused, then sighed.

Daren looked steadily at Kong's weathered, steadfast face, then suddenly smiled.

"It's always been like this, huh?"

Kong's body trembled.

He clenched his jaw, wanting to respond.

But Daren spoke again.

"So... you—and Admiral Sengoku—you both went through this too?"

"Back in God Valley... Sengoku was the one in charge of the escort mission?"

Kong said nothing.

And that silence, in this moment, was answer enough.

"I see. That explains everything."

Daren smiled faintly.

"Don't worry. I'll handle it."

With that, he didn't spare Kong another glance and strode off toward the distant port of Mary Geoise.

The Five Elders hadn't left him any choice—or any time.

From the moment he stepped out of Pangaea Castle, he was to head straight to the port.

The government's official vessel was already waiting, along with the Celestial Dragons participating in the upcoming "Hunting Tournament."

As the designated escort, he was not to leave that ship until it reached the North Blue.

"So cautious, huh... Seems like you're afraid of me too, aren't you?"

With long strides, a smirk gradually tugged at Daren's lips.

"Buru buru..."

Just then, a military Den Den Mushi buzzed from inside his coat.

Unfazed, Daren took it out, glanced around to ensure no one was near, and answered.

"It's me."

His voice was cold as steel.

Momonga's grave tone came through the line.

"Daren, fifteen minutes ago... a fleet entered the North Blue."

"The fleet's commanding officer is..."

Daren could clearly hear Momonga swallowing nervously.

"...Admiral Sengoku of Marine Headquarters."