436 Chapter 436 | Spy
436 | SPY
The vast chamber occupied the topmost floor of the towering mansion in Marijoa. Through the intricate latticework of the arched windows shone the midday sun, casting barred shadows on the polished white marble floor.
The room's curved walls stood bare and austere, offering no artwork or ornamentation to distract from the momentous discussions that unfolded within. An Empty Throne—an imposing seat of authority left unoccupied, with swords stabbed into its front.
But like always, the meeting between the Elders was happening at the bottom of it, paperwork spread out on their desks.
"Any success contacting Mihawk?" Saint Topman Warcury asked.
"None," Saint Shepherd Ju Peter shook his head. "The pirate's location is still lost to us."
"We should have foreseen something like this happening," Saint Marcus Mars said. "Now we are without our strongest Warlord for the upcoming war..."
"There's still a chance of him joining... but it's slim, all things considered," Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro said.
"We can address Mihawk later," Saint Jaygarcia Saturn said. "At least most of the other Warlords have agreed to the meeting. Though their natures make cooperation difficult... For now, they are valuable assets. If my recent project succeeds, we may not need them in the future."
The others agreed, discussing preparations for the war with Kaido. Unlike the other Warlords, Kaido would be most difficult to anticipate - a true warmonger who understood war better than anyone. Though his arrogance could undermine his tactical mind—and the Elders were counting on that weakness.
The World Government wanted the war at Marineford for the geographic advantage. But with Kaido's crew being so unpredictable, other marine bases could also come under attack, complicating planning.
"In some ways, it would be far easier if we were at war with Whitebeard or Bigmom." One of the elders said. "With them, capturing a 'child' of Whitebeard's or Big Mom's crew could lure them to Marineford. But the same is not true of Kaido's crew..." the Elder mused. The others nodded.
"We have to make due with what we have… the Beast Pirates might still hold Jack as valuable. But things are concerning with the other Yonkos as well.
"There are also troubling reports of Big Mom taking over some of Kaido's islands since he rarely leaves Wano," Saint Peter added. "We've also lost contact with the CP0 agents stationed there."
Hearing that, Saint Nusjuro, the one with a clean-shaven face and head wearing round glasses, added his comment, "Speaking of CP0, the recent incident in Water 7 marks quite the failure on our part. We should have stripped Spandam of authority long ago...he made the CP9 agents weak."
Saint Peter nodded, "True...Bradly has taken it upon himself to train the remaining CP9 members into worthy assassins. He has never failed us over the years and will not do so in the future. We can look forward to some powerful agents with him personally overseeing their training. On another note, it seems Camael is protesting the temporary removal of his power, mainly over losing supervision of agent Blueno."
Saint Topman snorted, "Tell that boy to mind his actions. We've warned him before about defying orders."
"That may be," another Elder said, "but he has acquired some powerful Devil Fruits and knows to share the gains."
"He's constantly defied us," Saint Topman said, "but given his past with the Revolutionary leader, he's likely to target his son. Still, Garp's grandson could prove useful against Kaido's forces."
The other Elders nodded. One asked, "Any new reports on the grandson's actions in Marineford?"
Unlike the other Warlords, Luffy had arrived early and remained there. The Elders had undercover agents posing as marines to monitor him, but had learned little so far.
They did not trust Luffy or any pirates, but had to leverage such strength to retain power.
"Unlike Kuma, Luffy has free will and won't follow orders blindly."
"Speaking of him… any news on Bonney?"
"Recently we have seen her causing a ruckus in the sea… it seems she has chosen to be a pirate. Should we send forces to capture her?"
"There is no need. Kuma is already under our control. Her value is nothing to us… also even if it's tainted, she does carry the honored blood. We should let her be for now…" Saint Saturn said, before going back to the subject of Warlord, "The Warlord are a wild bacd, but that's what the Pacifistas are for - the perfect weapons. Stable models could soon see limited deployment."
This piqued interest in deployment locations.
"We could send them to New World?"
"No, that might caution the Beast Pirates, they have many territories there… they are our trump card, it's better to keep them close to our chest?"
"How about the in the North Blue… some of the pirates there have been quite rowdy?"
"That is possible, but what about Emberfall Island? It might be in West Blue, but the monarch there have been recently been overthrown by the revolutionary… sending the pacifista there to take care things might work in our favor?"
"That could work well," one of them said. The others agreed, "The Revolutionary Army's power has grown too rapidly...sending Pacifistas to the isolated West Blue would be ideal. There is less chance of word reaching the Beast Pirates."
"Yes, let's proceed...while Emberfall Island's monarch is of no concern. But the island has valuable resources we can utilize later. Send in Pacifistas with a few agents, impose a communications blackout...that should suffice to test the new weapons."
The other Elders consented and the order was issued.
As the meeting progressed, none noticed their discussion being tapped into from afar. Faint blue arcs of electricity conveyed snippets to Revolutionary Sabo, lurking nearby all week.
Far from the Elders' mansion, Sabo opened his eye, sweat beading his temple. Using his powers to eavesdrop long-distance strained his limits.
He had worked with radio den den mushi to eavesdropped before, but doing it yourself with your own powers took a lot more concentration than needed. Especially he had to do it, without getting noticed by the elders.
He was good with his powers, but even for him it was stretching it. His powers didn't grant him all-hearing abilities, it did give him far-hearing ones.
He'd overheard valuable intel about Kuma, Pacifistas, Camael and now Emberfall.
Kuma… his once mentor and friend. It seems something had happened to him. Just two references to Kuma all week - today and in a Dr. Vegapunk discussion. Sabo had to relay this to Dragon.
He also needed to warn about Emberfall - his comrades there were in grave danger. Sabo stood, picking up stormforge before rocketing skyward towards Baltigo.
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