CP0's voice, filled with murderous intent and a chilling warning, sliced through the breeze like a sharp blade, pressing against everyone's throats. Its coldness and severity sent a shiver down the spine of everyone present, causing them to tremble uncontrollably.

Instinctively, they bent their waists, lowered their heads, and stood frozen in place, too fearful to move a muscle.

It was strictly forbidden for ordinary people to look directly at the true faces of the Five Elders, an unwritten rule ingrained in the entire administrative system of the World Government. Even within the powerful Marine Headquarters, only high-ranking officers, such as those holding the rank of Commodore or above, were permitted to look upon the faces of the World Government's supreme leaders.

No one dared to risk their lives on a whim of the Five Elders.

Therefore, aside from the representatives from the Member Nations, everyone else—regardless of their status—kneeled, one after another, dropping to one knee. The sound of robes and formal attire trailing on the ground filled the air.

"Greetings, Five Elders!"

The voices, thick with reverence, echoed throughout the plaza. At the same time, the clicking of keys rang out as countless Image-Den Den Mushi activated. Through the World Government's dedicated lines, the scene before them was broadcast in stunning clarity across the world.

In an instant, every nation, island, and faction across the seas saw this awe-inspiring spectacle unfold at the foot of the Celestial Stairway.

Hundreds upon hundreds of soldiers, officials, dignitaries, wealthy merchants, and journalists… all knelt in unison like surging waves, bowing in homage to the arrival of the five individuals who represented the world's supreme authority.

"It's starting!"

"This... is a live broadcast to the whole world!"

"The World Government is getting serious!"

"So… does this mean we'll finally see what the Five Elders really look like?"

"Tsk tsk tsk, the World Government's highest authority… along with the soon-to-be-appointed Commander and Vice Commander of the God's Knights. This time, the World Government is flexing its military might!"

"What a grand spectacle!"

"…"

As the Den Den Mushi relayed the broadcast, the world fell momentarily silent before bursting into uproar.

Countless nations, factions, and islands—especially the political leaders of non-Member Nations and pirate crews large and small—fixed their attention entirely on the Den Den Mushi screens.

For the vast majority of the world's population, the Five Elders—symbols of the World Government's supreme authority—were mysterious figures. Secluded and reclusive, they wielded overwhelming power and were revered as "gods" to be both feared and respected.

Even at the quadrennial Reverie, only a select few representatives from the Member Nations had ever laid eyes on the Five Elders.

But today, the entire world would witness their majesty!

As the world held its breath, the screen of the Den Den Mushi slowly shifted.

Under the watchful eyes of the entire planet, the Celestial Stairway, shrouded in mist and surrounded by boulders, echoed with the sound of deep, deliberate footsteps.

Thud… thud… thud…

Every person in this world is unique—whether high or low, rich or poor, noble or common. Each individual's life and status shape their distinct habits and daily movements.

But clearly, even before the Five Elders appeared, the sound of their deep, resonant footsteps alone was enough to inspire a powerful urge to kneel.

The rhythm was steady, low, and commanding, carrying an indescribable aura of authority.

These were the footsteps of those in the highest positions.

Everyone in the plaza held their breath, fine beads of cold sweat appearing on their foreheads.

Compared to those watching through the Den Den Mushi, the people present felt an even more intense sense of oppression. Their scalps tingled with fear.

It was as if daring to lift their eyes in that moment would cause their heads to explode in an instant.

The footsteps drew closer, step by step. Those kneeling felt the crushing pressure grow stronger, making it almost impossible to breathe.

Without them realizing, the bright sunlight that had been streaming down from the sky disappeared, replaced by a massive shadow that expanded relentlessly, engulfing everyone in the plaza.

—Until the entire world heard a voice. It was old, raspy, and filled with authority.

"Rise, all of you."

The moment the voice fell, everyone felt their bodies suddenly relax, as if that mountain-like, overwhelming pressure had vanished without a trace.

Yet no one dared rise from the ground or lift their heads immediately. Instead, they exchanged cautious glances with one another.

Only after several seconds did a bold guildmaster tentatively raise his gaze. Seeing he wasn't instantly slain, the others slowly stood up, one after another.

Upon the immaculate white steps of the Celestial Stairway, five aged figures stood in a straight line.

Some had their hands in their pockets, some rested a hand on their sword hilts, some leaned on weathered canes, and some stood with an air of calm composure. Each wore a black cape that billowed freely in the crisp sea breeze.

Combined with the eerie, chilling aura they exuded, these five elders, merely standing there, conveyed an unshakable sense of timeless, weathered grandeur.

The Five Elders—the pinnacle of the World Government's power, each wielding immense authority… the Five Elders!

'So these are the Five Elders…'

'They look terrifying…'

'That aura is utterly terrifying…'

'It's almost suffocating…'

'...'

Such thoughts surged uncontrollably through the crowd, panic spreading among them.

Though the Five Elders stood directly before them now, the mere glance at their figures felt like staring into a blazing sun. It burned their eyes, making it impossible to look longer.

At that very moment, people worldwide, watching the broadcast via Den Den Mushi, saw the Five Elders' true forms for the first time.

"This is the World Government's supreme authority…"

"They look incredibly powerful…"

"Tsk tsk tsk, so what?"

"No matter how strong they are, didn't they nearly get wiped out by Rogers Daren?"

"To me, they're just a bunch of old farts, all bark and no bite…"

"..."

Countless voices echoed across the world—some filled with reverence, some thoughtful, some stunned, some sneering. Yet one unalterable truth remained: even as the North Blue, one of the Four Seas, publicly declared its secession from the World Government's Member Nations system, the World Government still stood as the most colossal and formidable ruler across these seas.

And the Five Elders stood at the very pinnacle of this titanic entity.

"Welcome, representatives of the Member Nations, who have journeyed across vast distances to witness this momentous occasion at our Holy Land—a testament to the World Government's enduring legacy."

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