Chapter 10: Imu and the Five Elders!

In his previous life, Imu heard many *One Piece* fans point the finger directly at the Celestial Dragons as the root cause of the world’s darkness. They believed that because of their excessive privileges and the havoc they wreaked everywhere, the World Government had become so evil and corrupt.

Regarding this, his attitude was half-agreement and half-disagreement.

He agreed that it was indeed inextricably linked to the Celestial Dragons; after all, he himself was a Celestial Dragon, the King of the Celestial Dragons, and even their god.

Where he disagreed was his belief that the greater cause lay in the World Government’s overall system being irrational and overly stagnant. It was essentially the same as it had been eight hundred years ago, with no progress or change.

This had a lot to do with the previous Imu. Lacking political acumen and the ability to govern, he only thought about maintaining the status quo, believing that change led to chaos and that all problems could be smoothed over with absolute power and force.

Honestly, how many Celestial Dragons are there?

At most, five or six hundred. And they aren't all wandering around outside; most prefer to stay in Mary Geoise. Unless they are bored and want to go for a walk, they have zero interest in the filthy air of the mortal world.

Secondly, the royal families and nobles of various countries are also a major problem. Don't think there are many good royal families like those of Alabasta, Dressrosa, or Fish-Man Island; they are truly few and far between.

When it comes to doing evil, most royals and nobles are not necessarily any more restrained than the Celestial Dragons, and their numbers and the scope of their influence are far greater than the latter!

But regardless, the step of placing the Celestial Dragons under house arrest was Imu’s first change to the World Government.

Don't they cause trouble whenever they go out?

Then don't go out. Stay obediently in the "Land of the Gods" residential complex. There’s food and drink inside, the space is large enough, and it lacks neither gardens nor rivers; it can hardly be called abuse.

As for stripping the Celestial Dragons of their privileges and status, that was something Imu would absolutely never do.

There is a saying: your position determines your perspective. A person must be clear about their own standing and identity.

At the end of the day, his core power still came from the group known as the Celestial Dragons, or more specifically, from the successive generations of the Five Elders.

Does that sound strange?

Even though he, Imu, is the King of the Celestial Dragons, and even the original status of the Celestial Dragons was granted by him—even the existence of the Five Elders was designated by him—it should be said that their power comes from him.

But think about it carefully: for hundreds of years, he has lived in seclusion in the Flower Room, deep within Pangea Castle. Only the successive Five Elders have the qualifications to contact him, and he controls the World Government indirectly through them. Other Celestial Dragons and outsiders have no idea he even exists.

Therefore, conversely, it is perfectly accurate to say his current power comes from the Five Elders.

The situation now is that even if he chose to step into the light and reveal his identity, it is highly probable that the member nations of the World Government would not only refuse to acknowledge him but might even resist him on a massive scale.

If that happened, he would have to consider using his own strength and the National Treasure in his possession to suppress them with bloodshed.

But that’s so much trouble. It’s unnecessary—truly unnecessary—at least not appropriate at this stage.

Overall, he, the Five Elders, and the entire Celestial Dragon group are one. Therefore, the Celestial Dragons must exist, and their privileges and status must remain; this is unshakable.

But this does not mean their range of activities cannot be restricted, or that their ideology cannot be gradually reformed in the future to cultivate a small number of elites.

For now, Imu only requires that they don't add to his troubles!

Eh?

Thinking of elite Celestial Dragons, Imu, sitting by the window looking at the vast galaxy and the gray, cratered moon, remembered those two brats from the Donquixote family who were outside.

"Doflamingo and Rosinante."

He was pondering how to arrange and utilize these two. Especially Doflamingo—if that guy was used well, he could truly help him with many things.

The reason this kid wanted to destroy the Celestial Dragons was that his father’s foolish actions led to his mother’s death.

Furthermore, when he tried to return to the Celestial Dragon group carrying his father’s head, he was collectively rejected and mocked by them, which is why he developed an extreme hatred for the Celestial Dragons from a young age.

But from another perspective, didn't that also prove Doflamingo’s longing to return to the Celestial Dragons?

"It's worth a try. In my previous life, 'One Piece' scholars guessed that this kid was my subordinate envoy, which means it is entirely possible to win him over."

It’s just that for the moment, he couldn't think of what he needed Doflamingo to do. What happens after he’s won over?

He needed to think about that carefully.

Over the next few days, the Celestial Dragons who were outside returned to Mary Geoise one after another. This didn't attract much attention, as there was nothing particularly unusual about it.

As for how angry these Celestial Dragons were after being forcibly recalled, how they questioned the decision, or how they kicked up a fuss after being notified that they were not allowed to leave the "Land of the Gods" without permission—that was none of Imu’s concern.

Facing a group of Celestial Dragons who had been spoiled rotten, it wasn't difficult for the powerful Five Elders to handle them.

And the furious Celestial Dragons, faced with the phrase "violators will be stripped of their status as World Nobles," could only helplessly quiet down. No matter how useless or stupid they were, they wouldn't dare risk their status as Celestial Dragons.

The top brass at Marine Headquarters had no interest in the movements of the Celestial Dragons. Unless they were harmed, they generally left them to their own devices.

Sengoku and Garp received a notification from Fleet Admiral Kong. The two arrived at the Fleet Admiral’s office together and found two intelligence reports already placed on the coffee table, simultaneously noticing that the Fleet Admiral’s expression was not very good.

"Take a look."

"Yes, one moment."

Sengoku sat down and picked up the report, while Garp, sitting opposite him, slouched with his legs crossed and read it casually. But as they read, both of their brows furrowed.

"This Bullet has some nerve!"

After finishing the report, Sengoku said angrily, slapping the report back onto the coffee table. He then turned to Fleet Admiral Kong and said, "Fleet Admiral, we cannot let him continue to run wild like this. I suggest we arrest him immediately. I can depart at once!"

On the other side, Garp was also clicking his tongue in wonder as he read the contents of the report. Good grief, in just over a month, he had attacked dozens of ships. Among them were not only pirates but also Marine warships, cruise ships from various countries, cargo ships, and even royal vessels. And the outcome, without exception, was a total massacre.

In other words, this kid was basically destroying everything he saw on the Grand Line, including several inhabited islands. He had completely gone on a killing spree!

He had turned the sea upside down, leaving rivers of blood and corpses everywhere he went.

There was just one thing that was a pity: why hadn't any unlucky Celestial Dragon run into him?

"Hmm, he’s making a bit too much of a scene. It’s time to deal with him." Fleet Admiral Kong agreed wholeheartedly. "The Five Elders just called about this matter."

"What instructions did the Five Elders have?" Sengoku asked, puzzled.

"Yes, their intention is for Garp to go, defeat Bullet one-on-one, and bring him back under arrest!"

Hearing this, Sengoku felt even more confused. Fleet Admiral Kong gave a wry smile. "Don't ask me; I don't know why either. The Five Elders didn't explain."

"Hahahaha, what’s the big deal? I’ll just go myself. I heard this brat even fought Rayleigh to a draw. Interesting, very interesting!" Garp laughed loudly, laughing until tears came to his eyes. After saying this, he stood up while still laughing and walked out of the room.

Time to go get the contract signed today!

(End of chapter)