#49 - Chapter 49: Confrontation among the Flowers

"Whoa, that Celestial Dragon is dead..." Doflamingo whispered, leaning closer to Dragon.

Doflamingo, completely unconcerned about his former Celestial Dragon status, directly joined the crowd of onlookers, showing great interest.

"I heard," Dragon said, swatting away Doflamingo's hand from his shoulder in annoyance. Everyone nearby had already heard; was it really necessary to whisper in his ear...?

The people on the island wore gloating smiles, their eyes flashing with a hint of pleasure and satisfaction. They felt incredibly relieved and were content with the Celestial Dragon's misfortune, perhaps due to some past personal grievances.

"Good riddance! I'm fed up with these arrogant Celestial Dragons."

"The more that die, the better. Our lives will be easier."

Their words were full of mockery and excitement, expressing an undisguised satisfaction at the Celestial Dragon's death.

However, another group of people wore worried expressions, their brows furrowed, their hearts filled with fear and unease.

"Keep it down..." Someone looked around cautiously. "It's fine to be happy, but who knows what kind of revenge they'll take..."

"I heard that Celestial Dragons can summon a Marine Admiral just for getting injured. Now that one's dead, who knows what they'll do."

They worried that this incident would trigger even greater turmoil, potentially leading to more violence and hatred, carefully choosing their words, afraid of causing unnecessary trouble or offending certain powers.

The atmosphere on the entire island became tense and uneasy, filled with constant discussions. In the streets and alleys, people whispered to each other, passing on various rumors and speculations about the incident.

Some people gathered to condemn the violence, "Celestial Dragons are beyond our comprehension. Everyone, stop discussing this matter."

"The Celestial Dragons brought it on themselves. Finally, someone couldn't stand it anymore. They should pay the price for the sins they've committed."

In this atmosphere, people's language was filled with emotion and complexity.

Some were angry, some were fearful, while others showed calm and rationality, but regardless of their emotions, everyone was trying to cope with the impact of the incident while protecting themselves and what they cherished.

"......"

Suddenly, Dragon turned around involuntarily.

He saw dark clouds filling the sky, with lightning flashing intermittently within the clouds. A gale howled past, carrying an indescribable sense of oppression and ominous premonition.

A strange unease surged in his heart, as if the sky was brewing an irresistible storm.

"The world is getting more and more chaotic. I wonder what it will become in the future..." Dragon sighed.

In this environment, an individual's power is always limited. "Hopefully, being by Jin'an's side can slightly change this world."

He saw a different quality in Jin'an compared to everyone else in this world, like the peace that filled the place he used to live.

And he also wanted to turn the place he governed into that kind of place.

"That Jin'an, taking so long just to find an old flame," Doflamingo shook his head, lamenting the decline of morality.

Dragon's lips twitched. How did this little guy become so unrestrained since leaving the auction house? "Enough. Be careful Jin'an hears you gossiping about him when he gets back."

"I'm not afraid of him. I'll be stronger than him in the future. If he dares to hit me now, I'll definitely hit him back later," Doflamingo said confidently.

Dragon didn't say more. He didn't even have the confidence to surpass Jin'an, and he really didn't know where this kid got his confidence from.

......

Red Line, Pangaea Castle, Chamber of Flowers.

The five individuals at the highest echelons of the World Government... the Five Elders.

The five highest authorities of the World Government sat solemnly together, their expressions grave, their eyes revealing an undeniable authority.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting their shadows on the wall, creating a solemn and mysterious atmosphere. They indifferently gazed at the man opposite them, gently tapping the table in front of them with their fingers.

This seemed to be their way of displaying their authority, indicating that they would dictate the pace of the conversation.

Fleet Admiral Kong stood opposite them, his posture straight, his gaze firm and resolute.

The Five Elders' gazes fixed on the Fleet Admiral. One of them spoke first, his voice solemn and oppressive: "Kong, we summoned you here to question you about the assassination of the Celestial Dragon. Can you give us a satisfactory answer?"

His tone carried a hint of blame and interrogation, his attitude arrogant and unquestionable.

"Jaygarcia Saturn, I express my condolences for the death of the Celestial Dragon," Kong said in a deep voice. "As soon as the Holy Land contacted me, I immediately arranged for Sengoku to investigate. With his ability, I believe he can certainly handle it well."

His expression revealed an unwavering determination. This was his trust in Sengoku, and also a way of demonstrating the Navy's capabilities, Sengoku's capabilities, to the Five Elders.

"Kong, you're still as eloquent as ever," Marcus Mars said, clapping his hands with a mocking expression. "So you believe the life of a World Noble is only worth sending one Marine Admiral?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Kong's expression instantly changed.

Facing the Five Elders' questioning gazes, he stood there calmly and composed, his gaze firmly fixed on the five of them: "Laskey Saint was attacked in the waters very close to Mariejois, a place that is generally patrolled by CP. I believe the responsibility for this incident does not lie with our Navy."

"The Navy is completely cleaning up CP's mess this time."

As the Fleet Admiral, he needed to handle problems from the Navy's perspective, not blindly obey the Celestial Dragons' orders. Every Marine's top combat power must be used in the most critical areas.

Moreover, the Celestial Dragon wasn't killed by their Navy, so why should he go to great lengths to clean up their mess?

"Don't forget that we fund your Navy's expenses," Jaygarcia Saturn said with a grim face. "You must obey our orders!"

Kong almost laughed out of anger. "Of course I know that the funds come from you, but many pirates with strong potential have emerged. Zephyr and the others have all been dispatched."

"As long as you give me manpower and funding now, I'll immediately send a group of people to chase after that damn Shiki!"

Kong gave a self-deprecating smile. In name, he was the Fleet Admiral of the Navy Headquarters, able to command all the Navies in the world, but he understood that he was actually just a puppet, and he had to ask the Five Elders for instructions on even slightly bigger matters.

The Five Elders could even bypass him, the Fleet Admiral, and directly issue orders to the various branches of the Navy.

Don't let their defeat of the Rocks Pirates a few years ago fool you. Only he knew that their Navy was currently experiencing a generational gap, completely incomparable to the pirate side.

Shepherd Ju Peter stepped forward to smooth things over: "Kong, I know you're under a lot of pressure, but you have to consider us too. The death of the Celestial Dragon is widely known, and we must show our strength to deter those who are restless."

"As for the issue of manpower shortages on your side, we will send CP to assist you."