Inside the ship's dimly lit operations room, a masked figure stood before a glowing map of the New World. Points of interest flickered in and out, tracking ships and identifying potential threats.
"They've entered the New World," one agent reported, his voice monotone but laced with urgency. "Their course suggests they're heading toward the next island cluster. No reported alliances yet, but their recent actions have caused ripples. Other crews might seek them out, either as allies or threats."
The masked leader nodded, their expression hidden behind an ornate mask that signified their rank. "What of the boy? The one they took in?"
Another agent stepped forward. "His name is Kaito. Former resident of the island they recently restored. He has no known bounty, no combat records. Just a civilian... for now."
The leader turned their gaze toward the agent. "The Hell Prince Pirates aren't just collecting power—they're gathering symbols. That boy represents something: hope for those downtrodden by our system. That's more dangerous than a Devil Fruit. Continue monitoring him. If he becomes a liability, we'll act."
Back on the Hell Prince Pirates' ship, Dave stood at the helm, his gaze fixed on the horizon. The cool sea breeze carried a sense of anticipation. Though he didn't look back, he could feel the weight of their actions trailing behind them like an unspoken shadow.
Rayleigh approached, his voice calm yet filled with a hint of warning. "You know they won't let what we did go unanswered."
Dave smirked. "Let them come. The World Government isn't invincible, Rayleigh. They're just men hiding behind titles and fear."
Shakky, leaning against the ship's railing with a cigarette between her fingers, chuckled softly. "Still, it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye out. CP0 doesn't play by the same rules as the Marines. They'll come at us when we least expect it."
Enel, ever the confident one, scoffed. "Let them try. I'll fry them before they can blink."
Tony, engrossed in a small device he was tinkering with, glanced up briefly. "Confidence is great, but let's not underestimate them. I've dealt with enough secret organizations to know they're always one step ahead when you least expect it."
Dave nodded, his expression growing serious. "I'm not underestimating them. But we're not going to stop moving forward either. If they want to come after us, we'll face them head-on."
Far away, in Mariejois, the holy land of the Celestial Dragons, the five elders—the Gorosei—convened in their grand chamber. A single image of the Hell Prince Pirates hovered before them, projected from a Den Den Mushi.
"They've entered the New World," one of the elders said, his voice calm but deadly. "And they've already started to attract attention."
Another elder, stroking his beard, frowned. "Dave is no ordinary pirate. His strength, intelligence, and actions suggest a calculated mind. This is not someone who acts out of reckless ambition."
The youngest-looking elder, though no less dangerous, leaned forward. "He's a threat. Not just to the Celestial Dragons, but to the balance we've maintained. The people are watching him too closely. If he becomes a symbol..."
The elder holding a long sword interrupted, his voice cutting through the discussion like a blade. "Then we eliminate him before he grows further. Activate CP0 fully. Ensure they understand the stakes."
The final elder, seated at the head of the table, spoke last, his tone carrying an air of finality. "The New World is a lawless region. If he falls there, no one will question it. Make sure his fall is absolute."
Unaware of the watchful eyes and brewing plans against them, the Hell Prince Pirates continued their journey. The sea ahead seemed peaceful, but Dave knew better. The New World wasn't kind, and peace was often the prelude to a storm.
"But to the world, our credibility has diminished," one of the Elders suddenly said, his voice heavy with frustration. The other Elders nodded grimly, each lost in their own thoughts about the repercussions of recent events.
"We can't kill him," another Elder interjected, his tone laced with both caution and concern. "Dave is too powerful. He's already demonstrated that he operates at a level equivalent to the Four Emperors. And his crew is no less formidable. He has three Admiral-level powerhouses by his side—Enel, the wielder of the Thunder Logia Fruit; Tony, whose abilities with his mysterious Metal Devil Fruit remain largely unknown but devastating; and Rayleigh, who, against all logic, seems to have regained his youth."
"Not to mention this woman, Shakky," another Elder added, his brow furrowed in thought. "Her power, based on previous reports, suggests she's at least Vice-Admiral level. Together, they form a crew stronger than any of the current Four Emperors in the New World."
The room fell into a tense silence as the Elders digested the implications. Finally, one Elder broke the quiet. "I hope they fight amongst themselves and destroy each other. But it's highly unlikely. Given Dave's cunning mind, he'll likely strike a deal with Big Mom first. He'll use her resources and then take over her territories. If that happens, it will be an even greater threat to us."
The leader of the group shook his head gravely. "For now, we must leave him be. Direct confrontation is not an option. Instead, we need to focus on repairing the Marines' image. If we don't, new countries will refuse to join us, and our influence will wane."
The other Elders exchanged wary glances. "Do you have any suggestions?" one of them asked, his voice tinged with desperation.
The leader nodded slowly, his gaze sharp and calculating. "We should execute Ace."
The room fell silent once again, this time in shock.
"Gol D. Roger's son," he continued, his voice cold and deliberate. "Executing him will remind the world of our strength. It will send a clear message that no matter the lineage, no one is beyond the reach of the World Government."
Another Elder leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as the idea took root. "Yes, that's an excellent strategy. Whitebeard is old—he can't even muster fifty percent of his peak strength anymore. By executing Ace, we can draw Whitebeard into a conflict and eliminate him as well. That's one fewer Emperor to contend with. Even if Dave rises, the balance will remain intact."
The Elders nodded in agreement, their resolve hardening.
"Make preparations," the leader ordered, his tone brooking no argument. "Let the world see that we are still in control. And when the time comes, we will deal with Dave as well. One step at a time."
With that, the room plunged into darkness as the Elders left to execute their plan, each step carefully calculated to preserve their power and dominion over the seas.
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