"What... what kind of ability is that..."

"He blew his head off with just one glance..."

"It's unbelievable..."

"That's the highest authority in the government... the Five Elders!"

"..."

The Marine generals were shaken to the core, unable to believe what they had just witnessed.

They had never heard of such a bizarre and overwhelming ability existing on these seas.

Before they knew it, a trace of reverence crept into the eyes of the senior and mid-ranking Marine officers as they looked at the old man in the black flat cap.

Cold sweat beaded down their backs, and their scalps tingled.

Without any preparation—if Saturn-sama's cold, oppressive gaze were to fall on them—could they really survive it?

They didn't dare to think any further. Unbidden, a line from ancient religious lore surfaced in their minds:

—"Do not look directly at God."

The Marines stood frozen, trembling, their expressions conflicted.

"So this is the supreme authority of the World Government? It's... really terrifying."

Borsalino looked genuinely surprised, then turned his head.

"Don't you agree, Sakazuki?"

Sakazuki, standing beside him, wore a dark expression. His gaze remained fixed on the tall figure of the Vice Admiral at the bow of the official ship.

It was as if Saturn-sama's overwhelming presence had nothing to do with him at all.

Borsalino blinked in surprise, then gave a teasing smile.

He cast a glance toward another direction not far off.

There stood Kuzan, dazed, also watching the receding figure of the Vice Admiral. The fiery spirit he once had seemed lost, his eyes rimmed red and filled with bloodshot veins.

"I'm really not used to this..."

Borsalino scratched his head and muttered helplessly.

...

As the World Government's flagship entered the blockade, the other three official ships loaded with young Celestial Dragons gradually appeared on the distant sea.

Escorted by Marine warships, the ships steadily entered the military-restricted zone of Philseque Island.

Compared to the silence on the first ship, the elite Celestial Dragons on the remaining vessels were buzzing with energy—arrogant and carefree, chatting and laughing, clearly thrilled about the upcoming "hunt."

Once all the ships flying the World Government flag passed into the Marines' blockade and began to fade from view, the Marines finally exhaled in relief, their strained nerves slowly relaxing.

Especially those Marines who had kept their heads down the entire time—they exchanged glances, each seeing lingering fear and tension in the others' eyes.

The World Government had ruled these seas for 800 years. Its monstrous, suffocating authority was deeply imprinted in the hearts of all. Under such extreme oppression, the awe accumulated over centuries couldn't be easily erased.

Particularly within the Marines—an enforcement institution built on absolute obedience—independent thought and personal autonomy often fell short of even the civilian norm.

For many, that deep-rooted reverence for the World Government was nearly unshakable.

To them, it was preferable to return to the battlefield and fight the Beasts Pirates or the Big Mom Pirates... than remain here, enduring the arrogant presence of these Celestial Dragons.

"But what exactly is our mission this time?"

"Who knows? The only thing we've been told is to blockade Philseque Island."

"Even Admiral Sengoku and those monsters have been dispatched... Could there be a Great Pirate hiding on the island?"

"Come on, be serious. If there really were a powerful Great Pirate here, there's no way the Celestial Dragons would be anywhere near this place."

The Marines aboard the warships murmured among themselves, confusion written all over their faces.

"Judging by the way they looked, it seemed like they were going hunting..."

"Hunting? But Philseque Island is covered in snow all year round. What prey could possibly be there?"

"Even Saturn, one of the Five Elders, showed up in person..."

"And what about Vice Admiral Daren? Why is he on a World Government ship? Wasn't he still in the New World intercepting Whitebeard's crew?"

"He's probably about to get promoted. Didn't you see him sharing the same ship with one of the Five Elders?"

"Escorting the Celestial Dragons... that's a job usually reserved for an Admiral!"

"So you're saying... could it be..."

Hiss!! A wave of gasps rippled through the crowd.

"There's no doubt. Our Vice Admiral Daren is probably going to be promoted straight to Admiral!"

"How enviable... He's only 23, right? I think the youngest Admiral before was Zephyr, and even he wasn't promoted until he was 38!"

"Well, it makes sense. Just look at Vice Admiral Daren's record—he's taken down pirates like Byrnndi World, the 'World Destroyer,' and even Shiki the Golden Lion."

"Still, that would make him promoted faster than Sakazuki-san... and suddenly he'd be Sakazuki-san's superior..."

"You think Sakazuki-san will take that well?"

"Shh... quiet! Vice Admiral Sakazuki's temper is no joke. If he hears you, you'll be in real trouble!"

...

The Marines continued their hushed speculations, caught between doubt over the island blockade and envy toward Daren's likely promotion to Admiral.

"Quiet, everyone!"

Suddenly, Sengoku's cold, thunderous voice exploded across the sea, carried far by the icy wind.

"I know all of you are curious about the details of this mission—but I have nothing to tell you!"

"You don't need to know what's going to happen on that island. Your mission is to blockade it. No one is to enter or leave. If anyone tries to break through... kill them on the spot—no questions asked!"

The Admiral's expression darkened, his tone even colder than the wind whipping across the sea.

"For the next twenty-four hours, no matter what sounds you hear, ignore them. Stand your ground. Remain on alert."

"Until I give the order—no one is allowed to abandon their post!"

As his words fell, thousands of Marines across the massive warships straightened, raised their arms in salute, and shouted in unison:

"Everything for justice!!"

Borsalino watched the fierce show of discipline, the corner of his mouth curling into a mocking smile.

"For justice... huh?"

Sengoku shot him a glance, then looked away.

He strode quickly toward Kuzan, who stood frozen in place, eyes vacant.

Lowering his voice, Sengoku spoke through gritted teeth.

"Especially you, Kuzan..."

"Without my permission, you are not to leave this warship."

"This is... an order!"