When the lofty, invincible, towering, and majestic image of the "god" is shattered time and again, and when the once untouchable entity falls to earth, exposed to the world's gaze, the "god" ceases to be a "god."

At that moment, the "false peace" maintained by the government will collapse entirely along with the fall of this god.

Chaos will inevitably arise.

Any individual harboring ambition will surely find it hard to resist the urge to take action.

Such is human nature.

After all, who could resist the thrill and desire of "slaughtering gods"?

At this thought, an indescribable sorrow appeared in Steel Bone Kong's eyes, as if he could already see the world descending into endless warfare and bloodshed.

"The matter of your resignation need not be mentioned again, Kong... The government still needs your strength."

Saint Warcury spoke with an unwavering tone.

He raised his hand and patted Steel Bone Kong on the shoulder, his voice deep and resolute:

"The current situation is precarious and constantly shifting. Only you can bear the responsibility of upholding justice and maintaining world peace."

Hearing this, Steel Bone Kong sighed inwardly and nodded.

"Yes, Saint Warcury-sama. I was too hasty earlier."

"If there is nothing else, I shall go and deal with other matters... Calming the representatives from the Member Nations, liaising with the media, containing information leaks, and organizing the relocation of personnel—these tasks are all pressing."

"Very well. Thank you for your efforts," Saint Warcury replied calmly.

Kong immediately stood at attention, saluted with a military gesture, and then turned to stride away.

Whether it was just a mere illusion or not, Borsalino, who stood nearby, couldn't help but feel that the figure of Fleet Admiral Kong, retreating into the distance, seemed to carry less of the usual rigid, unyielding straightness, now tinged with a hint of weariness and a slight hunch.

The Five Elders watched Kong's broad back, their eyes half-lidded, their gazes flickering as if deep in thought.

"Seems like there's nothing more for me to do here..." Borsalino said, shrugging and spreading his hands.

Just as he was about to turn and leave in his elemental form, Saint Saturn suddenly called out:

"Borsalino, one more thing."

Borsalino halted and turned his gaze toward the Five Elders.

"How is the development on Vegapunk's side going... with that project?"

The Five Elders all fixed their eyes on him simultaneously, and Borsalino immediately felt the same pressure that Steel Bone Kong had just endured.

He scratched his head in frustration and replied, his voice tinged with helplessness:

"Apologies, Your Excellency... Dr. Vegapunk's experiments have entered the final phase, but there are still several key technical barriers that have yet to be overcome."

"...According to his own assessment, fully mastering that technology will likely require more time."

"Tell him his time is limited."

Saint Saturn's expression darkened, his voice firm:

"We cannot afford to wait any longer. He must produce a prototype for preliminary testing immediately."

Borsalino's eyes shone with sharp focus beneath his sunglasses. He smiled and nodded:

"I will relay the message and press Dr. Vegapunk, Your Excellency."

"Mm."

Saint Saturn gave him a brief glance, then waved his hand dismissively, signaling his departure.

As Borsalino dissolved into his elemental form and disappeared, a defiant silhouette slowly descended from the sky.

The pink feather coat billowed in the wind as Doflamingo sneered coldly:

"What a splendid farce, old men."

Saint Mars replied icily:

"Doflamingo, don't stand there making snide remarks. We haven't settled the score with you yet! Why didn't you attack Rogers Daren? You're the Vice Commander of the God's Knights!"

"—Fufufu!!"

Doflamingo burst into uncontrollable laughter, his entire body shaking as he rocked back and forth, as if he had heard the most absurd joke.

"Hey hey hey, don't be ridiculous... Me? Attack Rogers Daren?"

He pointed at his own face and looked at the Five Elders with an expression that screamed "Are you idiots?"

"I'm not about to end up like that fool Garling, losing an arm for no reason... Besides, I don't have your monstrous 'regeneration' ability, do I?"

Nusjuro Saint's eyes narrowed menacingly as he stared at Doflamingo, his voice hoarse:

"And what? You'll just stand there watching the show? Don't you fear we might question your loyalty?"

By the last word, the Five Elders' gaze toward Doflamingo was filled with an unmistakable glint of murderous intent.

Doflamingo's heart sank.

He knew this was the Five Elders' final test. Without a flawless justification and explanation, he might never leave this sacred ground of Mary Geoise alive today.

He narrowed his eyes, a dismissive sneer curling his lips.

"Don't try to test me, you old fools..."

"If I managed to survive after going after that guy, that would be the real cause for suspicion, wouldn't it?"

"I'm no fool like Garling. I know full well how terrifying that man's methods can be."

Deep hatred flared in his eyes, veins bulging like earthworms across his forehead.

"Back in the North Blue, I suffered more than my share at his hands…"

"Rogers Daren, I will take action—but not today."

"Acting on foolish impulse without sufficient certainty... What's the difference between that and being an idiot?"

The Five Elders fell silent upon hearing this, then swiftly shared a simultaneous smile.

"Excellent. We were not mistaken in you, Doflamingo."

"Noble blood flows through your veins, yet you maintain rare composure and caution—never letting that status breed arrogance."

"From this day forward, you may access all CP internal training resources."

"Grow swiftly, Doflamingo…"

"The King of God's Valley may be a legend etched in history, but the rising star holds equal promise."

"Do not betray our trust in you…"

"—Enough. Cut the nonsense."

Before they could finish speaking, Doflamingo let out a cold laugh, turned his head, and soared upward like a flamingo, his figure defiant and aloof.

On the ruined plaza platform, only the figures of the Five Elders remained standing.

"Kong really is getting old."

At that moment, Saint Saturn spoke in a hoarse voice.

The five turned, began climbing the shattered Celestial Stairway, their gazes growing increasingly cold.

"But there's no better candidate at present."

"Indeed."

"We must act swiftly."

"Even if Vegapunk hasn't succeeded yet."

"Report to the Lord."

"Utilize the final reserves."

"Approved."

"Seconded."

"Seconded."

"..."

Gusts of wind whipped up the debris-laden dust, billowing their black cloaks.

Step by step, ascending the stairs, the Five Elders' figures grew increasingly stooped.

"For the rule of the Celestial Dragons."

"For political stability."

"To eradicate absolute evil."

"For eight centuries of authority."

"For the world's... peace."

Their gazes grew increasingly sinister, murderous intent suddenly surfacing.

"—Eradicate that bastard... completely!"

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