Sabaody Archipelago.
Fred had found a few excellent gifts for Saint Isred at the talent agency, so he hurried back to Mary Geoise. At Saint Isred's residence, Fred was granted an audience imdiately after presenting the gifts.
Kneeling before Saint Isred, Fred reported on the situation in Jaya Island. He emphasized the connection between the Dream Exploration Team and Saint Lindgas, as well as the team's significance to Lindgas.
"Saint Isred, the Dream Exploration Team has caused trouble for many of our superiors. Back when all the Marine Criminal Investigation Bureau officials in East Blue were replaced, it was linked to them. They're protégés of that old man Garp. Also, not long ago, Rear Admiral Kasso, Captain Tavi, and Captain Latteg defected from our side. According to investigations, they had contact with the Dream Exploration Team before leaving. I suspect this team is heavily involved."
After hearing this, Saint Isred's expression darkened. He pushed the soft figure in his arms aside and began pacing around the luxurious hall.
"It seems this Dream Exploration Team is getting out of hand!"
"Exactly, sir. These people, relying on their connections, cause trouble everywhere and show no respect for us."
"Hmph, utterly despicable! But dealing with the Dream Exploration Team is tricky. They're on the Five Elders' radar, which complicates things."
"Sir, if we let them continue like this, our interests will suffer greatly!"
"Of course, we can't let them run wild. But we must handle them carefully. Start by gathering more intelligence on them. See if there's anything we can use."
"Understood, sir. I'll have people keep a close eye on them. If they make any suspicious moves, I'll report to you imdiately."
"Good. Rember, proceed with caution. We can't alert them."
"Yes, sir." Fred bowed and left.
Saint Isred sat back on the sofa, deep in thought. He had heard of the Dream Exploration Team before but hadn't paid much attention. Now, they were openly disrupting his plans and even poaching his people. This infuriated him.
However, given their powerful backing, he had to tread carefully to avoid unnecessary complications.
"It looks like we'll have to join forces. It's not just my interests at stake here—everyone should pitch in!" Isred Saint said firmly.
As a mber of the Jaygarcia family, with Saint Saturn as their backer, Isred Saint held a status no less significant than Saint Lindgas. However, the Dream Exploration Team held a unique position within the World Governnt, and the World Governnt itself had its own needs regarding the world map.
Without sufficient reason or pressure, the Five Elders wouldn't support them over the Dream Exploration Team. Realizing this, Isred Saint imdiately began rallying the Celestial Dragons in Mariejois whose interests were aligned with his.
After a brief discussion, they concluded that their only option was to collectively pressure the Five Elders. With so many Celestial Dragons voicing their concerns, the Five Elders would have no choice but to listen. After all, Saint Lindgas was just one person, while they represented the interests of several families!
————
**Pangaea Castle, the Room of Power.**
Saint Isred and his group of Celestial Dragons stord into the presence of the Five Elders, engaging in a heated argunt with Saint Lindgas. In the end, the Five Elders delivered their verdict: "Saint Lindgas, you are no longer to provide protection to the Dream Exploration Team."
This decision sent a wave of panic through Saint Lindgas, but he understood that the Five Elders valued the unity and stability of the Celestial Dragons above all else. While the World Governnt did have so need for the Dream Exploration Team's world map, it wasn't worth disrupting the harmony among the Celestial Dragons.
After all, the Celestial Dragons were the rulers of the world, and their status and dignity could not be challenged.
As they left the Room of Power, Isred Saint shot a cold glance at Saint Lindgas. This battle of interests had ended in their favor.
Saint Lindgas, his face dark, returned to his residence imdiately after. He knew he had to inform Ryuen about what had happened—he feared Ryuen might punish him for this.
————
**Caw caw caw**
The crew, busy outfitting the Dream Ship with wings, paused when Nami's Den Den Mushi began ringing.
"Ryuen, it's Lindgas," Nami said, turning to Ryuen.
Ryuen frowned. Lindgas had never been one to reach out proactively. Sothing must be up.
"Give it to . Let's see what he wants," Ryuen said, taking the Den Den Mushi from Nami.
"Lindgas, what's going on?"
"Ryuuen-sama, I may no longer be able to provide you with protection..." Lindgas said cautiously.
"What happened? Were you exposed, or is sothing else going on?" Ryuen asked, surprised.
"No, no... I wasn't exposed. This is related to what you've been doing on Jaya Island..." Lindgas then explained the situation involving Rear Admiral Kasso and the Marines on Jaya Island.
"I see. No wonder Jaya Island is such a ss even in Paradise. Soone's been pulling strings behind the scenes..." Ryuen said with a cold smile.
"Ryuuen-sama, you're absolutely right. They really are no good. I've had my fair share of conflicts with them in the past. But, Ryuuen-sama, the Five Elders have made it clear that I'm no longer allowed to offer you protection. So, what should we do...?" Lindgas asked cautiously.
"If you can't provide protection, that's fine. Just help us gather information or lend a hand when you can. Also, is Isred afraid of death?" Ryuuen asked coldly.
"Ryuuen-sama, are you suggesting...?" Lindgas's eyes lit up.
"Exactly what you're thinking. But... we'll discuss this further once we reach Sabaody Archipelago," Ryuuen replied calmly.
"Understood. I'll make sure Isred ends up in Sabaody Archipelago!" Lindgas promised imdiately.
"Good. That's all for now."
*Click.*
After hanging up the call, a cold glint flashed in Ryuuen's eyes. Isred, huh? You're really asking for it...
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