In the waters near Egghead Island, the storm of explosions gradually faded. Jinbe and Namur, with the help of sea creatures, rescued survivors from the Big Mom Pirates, Beasts Pirates, and Phoenix Pirates, bringing them aboard the remaining warship one after another.
As Portgas D. Ace ordered a retreat while continuing the search for missing comrades, Zeus returned, carrying Charlotte Linlin along with Charlotte Katakuri, Charlotte Smoothie, and Fossa.
Seeing Big Mom's frail condition, her hair turned white and her face lined with age, making her look decades older, Ace frowned in surprise. "You are Big Mom?"
Katakuri answered calmly, "Mama used fifteen years of her lifespan to recover from her injuries. That is why she looks like this now."
Big Mom coughed weakly. "Where are Kaido and Marco?"
Ace replied with a steady tone, "Both of them are severely injured and are being treated inside."
A faint smile appeared on Big Mom's aged face. "Mama Mama, even those two could not escape unscathed."
Katakuri stepped forward. "Mama, you should rest. Once we reach the next island, we will find a way to restore your lifespan."
Big Mom gave a slight nod. This battle had dealt heavy losses to all sides. Of the twenty-nine warships that had set out, only one remained afloat. The rest had been swallowed by the sea during the storm, and the fate of their crews was unknown.
anwhile, in the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, the four remaining mbers of the Gorosei had already returned just before the destruction of Uranus. They had been transported back through Imu's ability and did not dare remain to face the explosion.
As they discussed how to deal with the aftermath, they received a summons.
With heavy hearts, they arrived before the Void Throne, only to find another figure already present, Figarland Garling.
Saint Saturn frowned slightly. "Garling, why are you here?"
Garling answered calmly, "Imu-sama summoned ."
The others imdiately understood.
Monts later, Imu erged from the darkness. The five of them instantly knelt.
"Greetings, Imu-sama."
Imu sat upon the Void Throne, her gaze cold as it swept across the four Gorosei. A trace of killing intent flickered in her eyes. The destruction of Uranus was an unforgivable failure.
The four felt the overwhelming pressure and lowered their heads further. Saint V. Nusjuro spoke first, his voice tense. "Imu-sama, the destruction of Uranus is our responsibility. We accept any punishnt."
The others followed imdiately, repeating the sa plea.
Imu remained silent for a mont before suppressing her killing intent. Eliminating them now would not solve anything. The greater threat still lay with the Three Emperors Alliance, especially Marco, whose rapid growth was far from normal.
Her voice turned cold. "Set this matter aside for now. Garling, step forward."
"Yes."
Garling rose, stepped forward, and knelt again.
Imu looked down at him. "There is now a vacancy among the Gorosei. The power of Itzumanade requires a successor. Are you willing to enter a Devil Contract and serve Imu?"
Garling's heart surged with excitent. "It is my honor to serve Imu-sama."
A dark purple magic circle ford beneath him. From it, a surge of ominous energy flooded into his body.
A scream escaped his throat as his body twisted violently. His form distorted under the overwhelming force, his face contorting with pain and fear. In the next mont, he transford into a monstrous being, with the head, wings, and claws of a bird, and the body of a serpent.
It was the power of Itzumanade.
The transformation quickly receded, returning him to human form. Garling clenched his fists, feeling the imnse strength within him.
"So this is the power of Itzumanade… Thank you, Imu-sama."
Imu gave a slight nod. "From this mont, you are one of the Gorosei, the Warrior God of Environnt, Saint Figarland Garling."
"Yes, Imu-sama."
For centuries, Garling had desired this position. Although mbers of the God's Knights possessed extended lifespans, they were not truly eternal. The Gorosei, however, stood above them, holding both power and endless life.
Now, he had finally reached that level.
Imu's gaze shifted to the others. "This battle has cost us greatly, but the Three Emperors Alliance has also suffered heavy losses. The next phase of the war requires precision. Imu needs more war slaves."
Saint V. Nusjuro imdiately responded, "Yes, Imu-sama. We will command the Marines to increase troop deploynt and mobilize forces from the Four Seas. The alliance will not be given ti to recover."
Imu spoke again, her tone absolute. "Proceed to Elbaf."
The Gorosei were montarily stunned.
Imu continued, "The Giant race will be turned into war slaves. Any resistance will be erased."
They bowed their heads deeply.
"Yes, Imu-sama. Your will shall be carried out."
"This world belongs to Imu-sama. Those who perish should be grateful for your rcy."
"We will begin preparations imdiately."
Imu rose from the throne and vanished into the darkness.
Only after she left did the Gorosei stand.
Garling, now among them, allowed himself a small smile. "I look forward to working with you."
The others acknowledged him with nods. For the foreseeable future, they would stand together at the pinnacle of the world.
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