Chapter 32: The Distressed Five Elders!

In the dead of night, that massive full moon appeared once again.

"Lord Im, the doctors from the Drum Kingdom are currently treating the Merfolk and Fish-men. According to their estimation, it will take approximately fifteen days for recovery."

Within the Void Palace, the Five Elders knelt below the dais, with the one in the center reporting with utmost reverence.

"Regarding their psychological state, although Vice Admiral Tsuru was initially somewhat reluctant, she ultimately stepped in to cleanse the negative emotions from their hearts."

Im was satisfied to hear this.

In truth, Tsuru could not bear to see the Merfolk living in constant despair, numbness, and hatred; she also acted out of concern for their lives. After all, if they continued to hold extreme attitudes toward the World Government, the only thing awaiting them would be "disposal." She had no doubt about the ruthlessness of the World Government in such matters.

But to Im, regardless of her psychological shifts, as long as the result was satisfactory, it was enough.

"Gecko Moria has also agreed to become a jailer of Impel Down, responsible for trimming the prisoners' shadows and managing the harvested ones. According to Chief Director Columbus's feedback, although his attitude toward his colleagues is quite cold, he is quite responsible in his work. However, he frequently takes it upon himself to send food and water to his kin in the 'Hungry Hell,' which is causing the Director quite a headache."

"Let him oversee that himself. As long as he doesn't go too far, let Moria be. We only need him to obey and work diligently," Im's tone remained cold.

With nearly 600,000 prisoners locked away in Impel Down, the workload facing Gecko Moria was immense, not to mention the large influx expected in the future.

According to intelligence feedback from CIPHER POL across various seas, rumors regarding the "One Piece" were growing more intense, and the Navy was gradually noticing an increase in pirates on the ocean.

"What is the status of the Thriller Bark?"

This time, Shepherd Ju Peter was responsible for the answer, saying respectfully: "With the help of the three Guide Birds found in the forests of Jaya, CP5 has located it in the misty seas. They are currently exploring the methods to control it."

"Hurry with the modifications. The undercurrents of the Great Pirate Era are surging everywhere. We must use it to suppress this 'tsunami' sweeping the world!"

Im looked down coldly and issued the command.

"Yes, Lord Im!" the Five Elders responded in unison.

"Additionally, have that brat from the Donquixote Family come to see me. There is a use for him!" Im added.

However, these words left the Five Elders looking at each other in surprise, their eyes filled with obvious confusion and incomprehension, yet they still accepted the order.

"We shall obey your will!"

Immediately after, Topman Warcury, who was still kneeling in the center, asked: "As for the other one, shall we proceed with the summoning? I recall he is nearly twenty."

Im frowned, but quickly realized who the other was referring to. After a moment of thought, he said: "Not for now. Wait until he turns twenty next year."

He truly couldn't think of an arrangement for that kid for the time being; it was better to let him continue enjoying his freedom and tempering his own strength.

"Yes, Lord Im!"

Just as the Five Elders thought the audience had ended and prepared to take their leave respectfully, another command came from the high throne.

"In a few days, I intend to go out. Prepare a vessel for me with flight capabilities. The interior space must be large!"

What!

The Five Elders were struck with shock. They looked up toward Im in unison, their thoughts nearly identical: Lord Im was actually going out?

This individual had lived in seclusion between the moons for hundreds of years. Could it be that he truly felt the urge to move after such long stillness?

"What? I want to go out, is that not allowed?"

Seeing their surprised expressions, Im asked back with a hint of displeasure in his tone, which instantly turned the Five Elders' surprise into terror.

"No, no, no! That is your freedom; of course we have no objection. It is just that your safety is of paramount importance. May we ask your destination and the timing of your departure?"

Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, holding the first-generation Kitetsu, asked softly.

"There are many places to visit, so the duration of my absence is not yet certain. I will depart once this World Conference concludes. So, hurry with the preparations. If anything comes up, contact me via Den Den Mushi."

Im thought for a moment and gave a simple answer.

In truth, having stayed within the Moon between the moons for over a year, his activities were mostly limited to this Pangel City, which had left him feeling quite stifled.

He could not be a shut-in for 800 years like his predecessor. The outside world was so beautiful and wonderful; he had long wanted to go out and see it, and there were indeed matters that required his personal handling.

However, the matter of the vessel needed preparation. A ship would be too slow and could not fly. If he used Moonwalk, he could fly and move fast enough, but wouldn't that look too unrefined?

As the great Lord Im, the actual ruler of the entire planet, he had to maintain a certain level of prestige.

Furthermore, when traveling, he would surely encounter many trivial matters. He couldn't handle all of those himself, could he?

"Understood, Lord Im. However, in what capacity do you intend to travel? And your appearance..." Saint Marcus Mars asked with concern.

"Prepare an unremarkable new identity as a Celestial Dragon for me, along with 'invisible prosthetic pupils' that can mask my eyes without affecting my vision. As for my appearance, I haven't shown my face in hundreds of years; no one will recognize me."

Im had already thought of these things and stated his ideas unhurriedly.

The Five Elders realized that this Lord was determined to go out and thus said no more; they only needed to focus on the coordination work.

"Regarding Impel Down, I want to transfer one person out. Send someone to notify them..." Finally, Im added, suddenly remembering something.

The 'Six-Man Meeting' ended. As soon as the Five Elders returned to the 'Hall of Power' and sat on the sofas, they held their own small meeting.

"Regarding the vessel Lord Im mentioned, does everyone have any ideas?" Topman Warcury, sitting in the central seat, was the first to speak.

"It is indeed a bit difficult. Providing large space is easy, but the main issue is the Lord's requirement for flight," Saint Jaygarcia Saturn said gloomily, wearing a flat cap and a bushy beard.

Saint Marcus Mars, with long straight hair, thought for a moment and suggested: "Why don't we ask Dr. Vegapunk if the Science Force can build a flying ship?"

"Even if they have the capability, we have less than three months until the World Conference. Will there be enough time?" Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro countered, gripping the first-generation Kitetsu.

"That..."

"Then let's try Devil Fruits with flight abilities..." Shepherd Ju Peter pondered for a moment and suddenly said: "Isn't Shiki still locked in 'Infinite Hell'? If we find a way to make him behave, the problem is solved!"

"Lord Im previously stated he has other uses for him. Aside from drawing blood to provide research materials for the Science Force, he is not to be touched lightly," Topman Warcury shook his head.

"Then what other way is there?" Shepherd Ju Peter became distressed.

At that moment, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn said: "Devil Fruits are a good idea. Although we can't use Shiki, we can look for others. There are so many Devil Fruits in the treasury they are almost piled into a small mountain. Have the subordinates search thoroughly; there must be something useful!"

A few days ago, following Im's orders, they had requisitioned all the Devil Fruits held by other Celestial Dragons to prevent those fools from wasting them, while simultaneously ordering people to classify and record them according to the encyclopedia.

Therefore, the amount of Devil Fruits currently in the hands of the Five Elders was not an exaggeration if described as a "small mountain."

As for the issue of the Celestial Dragons making a fuss, ever since one was previously neutralized, all the Celestial Dragons had become well-behaved, handing over both their Merfolk and their Devil Fruits obediently.

"Fine, let's do that. Start searching first!"

This was one of the foundations accumulated by the World Government over hundreds of years.

The Five Elders knelt at the feet of the readers and reported respectfully with their heads bowed: "Reporting to the Great Reader: This book currently has 209 collections, 321 recommendations, and 51 monthly tickets. The signed author is ranked 46th in the Light Novel category of the New Book List. However, relying solely on these is still far from enough to face the opponents of the myriad heavens and worlds. Please issue your instructions."

(End of Chapter)