In the Pangaea Castle located in the holy land, Mary Geoise, the highest-ranking individuals among the World Nobles and the pinnacle of the World Government, are the Five Elders.
Well, with my knowledge of the original story, I know that there are even higher-ups, but that's something most people wouldn't know, so for the general public, they are at the top of the world.
"Sudden visit, pardon our intrusion."
"Yes, indeed. We don't have the luxury to meet anyone without an appointment."
"Indeed. We have specially set aside time this time to appreciate your usual performance."
"So, what's the matter?"
As they are my superiors, I must use respectful language. I hope my anger that's boiling inside me doesn't show on my face...
Prompted by the Five Elders to state my business, I lightly raised the document I had in my hand.
"I'd like to inquire about this absurd report. It claims that one of our members, Fizz, colluded with the Red-Haired Pirates and assisted in the theft of a Devil Fruit during the escort mission... Even if you assign a child to do it, I would expect a somewhat better post-event report. Moreover, there's not even decent evidence to support such a baseless accusation, and he was immediately arrested and imprisoned without any trial... Do you really expect me to accept this?"
"You're quite audacious. So, what are you trying to say?"
"If you're trying to frame someone with such a preposterous claim, you're indirectly telling me to turn to my immediate superior. Of course, if such a ridiculous order comes, I will flatly reject it... Anyway, I won't accept this kind of content. I will bring Fizz back, even if I have to force it."
As I made that declaration, I sensed the tension in the air rising. The Five Elders probably recognize me as a relatively powerful figure within the government, being the son of Spandine, and they might have some appreciation for my work.
As they said in the beginning, that's probably why they agreed to meet with me despite the sudden visit. But whether they will grant my request or not is a different story... Now, how will they respond?
"...It seems you're misunderstanding something."
"Oh? Is that so?"
As one of the Five Elders mumbled, I sensed three out of the four people who had been hidden in the room moving towards me. I can't probe too deeply, as my observation Haki is always active at a certain level, but their movements were quite skilled... CP0?
My guess was correct, and as expected, three CP0 agents wearing white suits and masks appeared, some of whom I recognized from the original story, but there were also unfamiliar faces... The remaining person must be positioned as a guard behind the Five Elders.
"Even within the Marines, there are those we allow to do as they please while overlooking their actions."
"But that doesn't apply to everyone."
"Indeed. It's precisely because we deem them worthy of some selfishness and self-centeredness that we allow such behavior."
"You are indeed talented, and your parents hold significant positions within the government."
"However, never forget that you're only worth so much."
Well, I must say they're perfectly in sync with each other. Now, who exactly is it that doesn't understand...?
"CP0, huh... You didn't call me here specifically for that, did you?"
"Of course not. We called you here to assign a separate mission. But it seems fitting to punish those who misunderstand."
"Heh, hehehe..."
The anger and pity made my respectful language falter, but oh well, it doesn't matter. Truly... I can't help but feel sorry for the CP0 members present at this moment.
As I burst into laughter, the Five Elders looked puzzled, and the CP0 agents, though their faces were hidden behind masks, seemed to strengthen their vigilance.
"...CP0. I have no particular feelings toward you, no grudges... Oh well, then... rest assured that I won't let this affect the mission, but I'll 'gently pat' you."
In an instant, I released the suppressed aura. Indeed, they were special-grade agents, so they reacted much faster than CP9 members. They quickly attempted to backstep and create distance from me, but that was a mistake. They should have either backed away more significantly to avoid my counterattack or steeled themselves for defense. That way, they might have survived at least one strike.
As they backstepped and landed, I maneuvered around each one of them and struck them in the neck, rendering them unconscious.
As the three CP0 members fell to the floor, I turned to the astonished Five Elders.
"...So? Am I someone who meets your standards to overlook my whims and caprices? Or should I let the remaining one continue?"
As I delivered my words, I directed my gaze to the hiding place of the other person, and I sensed a slight trembling in their aura. It seems I've scared them a bit.
I didn't want to frighten them too much, so I suppressed my aura again and waited for their response. After a while, one of the Five Elders let out a deep sigh.
"...Do as you please. We'll inform Impel Down in advance."
"Thank you. Then I'll do just that."
Permission granted. Now, I can take Fizz out without any problems. From here to Impel Down... It won't take more than ten minutes. Fizz might be undergoing torture, and my irritation is reaching its limit, so let's retrieve him quickly and return.
***
After Spandam left, one of the Five Elders mumbled while gazing at a nearby pillar.
"...What do you think?"
"He's nothing short of a monster."
Responding to the words of the Five Elders, the fourth CP0 member, who had been hiding in the shadow of the pillar, appeared and shared their impressions of Spandam from earlier.
Well, even for a CP0 like him, he couldn't see Spandam's movements. And that overwhelming pressure... I felt the vast difference in power.
"He probably treated that person with nothing more than a gentle pat. The difference in dimension is just too much. Honestly, I've seen various powerhouses throughout my career, but he is so extraordinary that it shakes my definition of strength."
"...Indeed, he had an amazing presence."
"We were aware of his high administrative abilities, but to possess such exceptional combat skills... It was an unexpected surprise."
Yes, an unexpected surprise. In truth, the Five Elders had intended to eventually grant Spandam's request. They highly valued CP5's excellence while Spandam was in charge and his performance within half a year of joining CP9.
He was extremely competent, diligent in his work, and skilled at handling subordinates, so they were prepared to agree to Fizz's release to avoid any further trouble.
However, they had planned to remind him of certain things for the future and approach the situation as a special case. Yet, to witness him as an unquestionable monster in actual combat was truly an unexpected turn of events.
"Still, knowing his true power can be considered a positive when looking ahead."
"Indeed, we must never let go of that power. Considering that we came to know this at this timing, we should consider ourselves fortunate."
Spandam's abilities were a complete miscalculation, but it was fortunate that they came to know this now. For the time being, they decided to tolerate some of his whims to prevent any chance of him turning against them.
Then, just as they were about to finalize the decision, the CP0 man opened his mouth.
"Um, Lord Spandam, did he, by any chance, leave here and immediately head to Impel Down at the speed of Moonwalk? With that ability, he could have arrived in less than 30 minutes... Also, not to mention, he seemed quite angry, didn't he?"
"Urgently contact Impel Down. If it becomes known that a World Government official caused partial destruction to Impel Down, it will be a major incident. Hurry!"
"Yes!"
And so, skipping several steps, they contacted Impel Down through the Den Den Mushi, just 7 minutes after Spandam's departure... It was cutting it very close.
Had they been three minutes later, the gates of Impel Down would likely have been destroyed.
***
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