Chapter 49: Confrontation in the Flower Room

"Damn, that Celestial Dragon is dead..." Doflamingo leaned in close to Dragon, whispering with a mix of curiosity and amusement.

Doflamingo, showing no regard for his former status as a Celestial Dragon, had fully embraced his role as an onlooker, thoroughly enjoying the drama.

"I heard," Dragon replied, brushing off Doflamingo's hand from his shoulder. The news had already spread like wildfire, so there was no need for Doflamingo to whisper it in his ear.

The people on the island wore smug smiles, their eyes gleaming with satisfaction and vindication. They felt a sense of justice, as if the Celestial Dragon's death had settled some personal score for them.

"Good riddance. I'm sick of those arrogant Celestial Dragons lording over us."

"The more of them that die, the better our lives will be."

Their words were filled with mockery and excitement, their satisfaction at the Celestial Dragon's death plain for all to see.

However, others wore worried expressions, their brows furrowed with fear and unease.

"Keep it down..." someone muttered, glancing around nervously. "Enjoy it while you can, but who knows how they'll retaliate..."

"I heard that even if a Celestial Dragon gets so much as a scratch, they can summon a Navy Admiral. Now that one's dead, who knows what they'll do."

They feared that this incident would spark greater turmoil, leading to more violence and hatred. They chose their words carefully, afraid of provoking unnecessary trouble or offending powerful forces.

The atmosphere on the island grew tense and uneasy. Whispers and rumors spread through the streets as people exchanged theories and speculations about the event.

Some gathered to condemn the violence. "Celestial Dragons are beyond our understanding. Let's stop discussing this."

"Celestial Dragons brought this on themselves. Finally, someone stood up to them. They deserve to pay for their sins."

In this charged atmosphere, emotions ran high. Some were angry, others fearful, while a few remained calm and rational. Regardless of their feelings, everyone was trying to navigate the fallout of the event while protecting themselves and what they held dear.

"..."

Suddenly, Dragon turned his gaze to the sky.

Dark clouds loomed overhead, lightning flickering within them. The howling wind carried an indescribable sense of oppression and foreboding.

A strange unease washed over him, as if the sky itself was brewing an unstoppable storm.

"The world is becoming more chaotic. Who knows what it will turn into..." Dragon sighed.

In such times, individual power felt limited. "I hope staying by Renji's side can bring some change to this world."

In Renji, he saw a quality unlike anyone else in this world—a sense of peace reminiscent of the place he once called home.

And he wanted to bring that peace to the lands he governed.

"That guy Renji, taking so long to find an old flame..." Doflamingo shook his head, lamenting the state of the world.

Dragon's eye twitched. Ever since the auction house incident, this kid had completely let loose. "Enough already. Be careful, or Renji might hear you talking about him like that."

"I'm not afraid of him. I'll surpass him one day. If he dares to hit me now, I'll definitely hit him back later," Doflamingo declared confidently.

Dragon didn't respond. He himself wasn't confident about surpassing Renji, so he had no idea where this kid got his confidence.

...

Red Line, Pangaea Castle, Flower Room.

The five highest authorities of the World Government—the Five Elders.

The five supreme leaders of the World Government sat together solemnly, their expressions grave and their eyes exuding an air of unquestionable authority.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting their shadows on the wall, giving them an aura of solemnity and mystery. They gazed coldly at the man standing before them, occasionally tapping the table lightly with their fingers.

It was as if they were asserting their dominance, making it clear that they controlled the pace of this conversation.

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

The Five Elders fixed their eyes on Kong, and one of them spoke first, his voice heavy with authority and pressure: "Kong, we summoned you here to hold you accountable for the death of the Celestial Dragon. Can you give us a satisfactory answer?"

His tone carried a hint of reproach and interrogation, his attitude arrogant and uncompromising.

"Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, I mourn the death of the Celestial Dragon," Kong said solemnly. "When I was contacted by Mariejois, I immediately dispatched Sengoku to investigate. With his abilities, I am confident he will handle this matter."

His expression showed unwavering determination, a testament to his trust in Sengoku and a demonstration of the Navy's—and Sengoku's—capabilities.

"Kong, you're as eloquent as ever," Saint Marcus Mars sneered, clapping his hands mockingly. "So you think the life of a World Noble only warrants sending one Admiral?"

At this, Kong's expression shifted.

Facing the Five Elders' questioning gazes, he remained calm and composed, his eyes steady as he addressed them: "Saint Lasgarde was killed in waters very close to Mariejois, an area typically patrolled by CP agents. I believe the responsibility for this incident does not lie with the Navy."

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

As the Fleet Admiral, Kong had to prioritize the Navy's interests rather than blindly obey the Celestial Dragons' orders. Every top-tier Navy asset had to be deployed where it mattered most.

Besides, it wasn't the Navy that killed the Celestial Dragon. Why should he go out of his way to clean up their mess?

"Don't forget, the Navy's funding comes from us," Saint Jaygarcia Saturn said darkly. "You must obey our orders!"

Kong almost laughed in frustration. "Of course I know where our funding comes from, but the pirates are growing stronger by the day. Zephyr and the others have already been deployed."

"If you give me the manpower and funds now, I'll immediately send a team after that damn Golden Lion!"

Kong smiled bitterly. Officially, he was the Fleet Admiral, commanding all Navy forces worldwide. But in reality, he was little more than a puppet. Any significant decision required the Five Elders' approval.

The Five Elders could even bypass him and issue orders directly to Navy branches.

Though they had defeated the Rocks Pirates years ago, Kong knew the Navy was in a precarious state, unable to match the growing strength of the pirates.

Saint Shepherd Ten Ju Peter stepped in to mediate. "Kong, I understand the pressure you're under, but you must also consider our position. The death of a Celestial Dragon has become public knowledge. We must make a strong statement to deter those who might be emboldened."

"As for your manpower shortage, we will dispatch CP agents to assist you."

...