Check out advanced chapters on P@treon: p@treon.com/CosmicKaminari
----------
The warship traveled without any obstacles.
Soon, the three of them stood on the Holy Land.
"Do you want to have him bandaged first, then see the Five Elders after he wakes up?"
"Or just take him as he is?"
Kong pinched his chin, caught in a dilemma.
The Five Elders' order was to bring both parties together.
But now Desmond is unconscious, and it doesn't seem like he'll wake up anytime soon.
Taking him along wouldn't serve any purpose other than taking up space.
But if they didn't…
It didn't take long for Kong to make a decision.
"Let's take him along anyway. I'll do what the Five Elders say; what's the point of overthinking it?"
As Kong spoke, he continued walking.
Akira, who had been observing, slightly curled his lips into a smirk.
He seemed to understand why the "outsider" Kong was so valued and trusted by the Five Elders.
If it were him, and he had someone like that under his command, he would certainly feel at ease keeping him around.
'Strong, reliable, obedient, and without his own agenda—he's truly the perfect subordinate,' Akira thought to himself.
Moments later.
Akira stood silently in the center of the room.
Desmond's body lay beside him, blood still flowing freely.
Kong sat seriously in a seat not far away.
The air was heavy and oppressive.
The Five Elders stared at Akira with cold, oppressive gazes.
No one spoke first.
Finally.
Clatter.
The Warrior God of Justice was the first to move, slamming the scepter in his hand heavily against the ground.
A sharp sound echoed immediately, breaking the unbearable tension.
"What a disgrace!"
He glared at Akira and asked angrily, "As the Fleet Admiral of the Marines, you brought all the headquarters' officers to attack Impel Down. How dare you?"
"Did you not consider the consequences before acting?"
"Did you ever take the laws of the World Government to heart?"
The Warrior God of Justice was unrelenting, the angriest of the Five Elders.
And it was understandable.
After all, he was in charge of legal affairs.
Akira's actions could be seen as disregarding the legal matters he oversaw, trampling all over them.
It would be strange if he could remain calm about it.
At this moment, only his voice echoed through the room.
Desmond was still unconscious, so Akira had to bear the full brunt of the Warrior God of Justice's anger.
The other four Warrior Gods silently observed Akira's reaction with stern faces.
At that moment, Akira suddenly recalled a memory.
He remembered that back on Blue Star, he had once asked a question on a certain platform.
Question: If you make a mistake at work and your boss drags you to the office to chew you out, what should you do?
The top-rated answer was:
When this happens, don't worry too much.
It's normal to face challenges; what's unusual is not facing them.
First, understand that you did make a mistake.
If you're right within the system, the leader won't be able to refute you, and it's even more important that you don't admit to any wrongdoing if you haven't made one.
So, when you're being criticized, stand firm. Correct your attitude first, take it seriously, and embrace it.
Second, whether your mistake is big or small, if the leader reacts strongly, it means they still see potential in you and haven't given up on you.
They probably think you're too inexperienced, act too recklessly, or lack discipline, so they're using this opportunity to set you straight.
If you make a mistake and the leader is nice about it, then you should be cautious.
You might be reassigned soon, or you could end up sidelined indefinitely.
Now that we know the leader isn't out to punish you harshly, adopt a positive attitude, say a few words of self-reflection, and sincerely express your regret for the mistake.
Thank the leader for their guidance.
The more genuine and self-critical you sound, the more likely the situation will blow over.
The leader, recognizing your attitude, will likely step in to help clean up the mess.
Just remember not to repeat the same mistake.
Don't think of this as losing face. If you chose a stable life within the system, it's time to mature.
Since you're in the system, it means you're an adult.
There's a song lyric that goes, "I don't want to grow up because there are no fairy tales when you grow up."
Indeed, stepping into the adult world means leaving behind innocence.
As adults, it's not shameful to swallow our pride and bow down for our ideals.
The passionate, rebellious spirit might thrive in some places, but within the system, you need to play by the rules.
Keep pushing forward, build your qualifications, and one day, you might even end up working closely with your leader's son or daughter.
Akira understood he had many flaws.
But he was also very aware of his strengths.
Two things stood out to him: "self-awareness" and "learning from others."
Even now, with an emperor-level physique, he hadn't grown so arrogant as to think he was invincible.
Following the advice he once read, Akira did exactly what the highest-rated answer suggested.
He expressed to the Five Elders his regret and acknowledgment of the mistake in leading the Marines to attack Impel Down;
He also reaffirmed his absolute support for the law to the Warrior God of Justice;
With this approach…
Over time, the furious expressions of the Five Elders gradually softened.
Their gaze toward Akira lost its harshness.
The CP department's intelligence gathering is the best in the world. In fact, before Akira and Kong arrived at the Holy Land, the Five Elders already knew why the Marines had attacked Impel Down.
To be honest, the Five Elders had already discussed it.
They all agreed that it wasn't the Marines' fault, but rather Desmond's.
Akira's only mistake as Fleet Admiral was not coming to the Holy Land to seek justice from Commander Kong or the Five Elders sooner.
One of Akira's privileges of free access to the Holy Land had been wasted.
"It's likely the first time a young person has held such power and temporarily lost themselves," one of the Five Elders remarked.
"Understandable, but absolutely unacceptable," another added.
"Warrior God of Justice is right. Even if the Marines had a reason for this, we can't let it slide easily."
"Let's gauge his attitude. If he shows the right mindset, a reprimand should suffice. But if he doesn't recognize his mistake, we'll need to remind him of his and the Marines' place."
"Luckily, there have been no fatalities so far, though Desmond was the most severely injured."
After discussing among themselves, the Five Elders had decided on this approach.
When Kong walked in with Akira, it explained the heavy atmosphere and the seemingly excessive reaction from the Warrior God of Justice.
However, after Akira's humble approach, the situation started to settle down.
"When Desmond wakes up, you will apologize to him!" the Warrior God of Justice demanded. "The Marines will be responsible for all the damages caused to Impel Down."
"Okay, I'll apologize for leading the Marines to attack Impel Down," Akira agreed immediately, without any hesitation.
An apology wouldn't cost him anything, and it allowed him to walk away unscathed.
Besides, the Five Elders' punishment decision was actually in his favor.
Thinking about it from Desmond's perspective, Akira realized that after being severely beaten and having his reputation as the director of Impel Down trampled on, an apology that was neither serious nor insignificant would be infuriating.
Akira figured Desmond, with his stubborn personality, would likely lash out and make a scene once he woke up.
That would be the Five Elders' problem to deal with.
"But I won't apologize for beating him up. Even if you five don't mind, I'd like to visit Impel Down and give him another beating someday."
Pfft~~~
Kong, who thought the situation was about to conclude and was casually sipping his coffee, couldn't hold back and sprayed it out.
A heavy silence fell over the room.
The Five Elders instinctively turned their attention to Kong.
Cough, cough, cough…
"Sorry, please continue and don't mind me," Kong said, covering his mouth as he coughed and hurriedly got up to grab a tissue, wiping the table clean.
The Five Elders exchanged glances.
"Why bother?" the Warrior God of Finance frowned.
With a serious expression, Akira pointed at Desmond, who was lying beside him, and continued:
"I think the five of you already know the general outline of the plan I set up. In fact, the imprisoned pirate monsters in Impel Down are the key elements I value most.
"I swear before everyone here that all my actions and plans are for the sake of justice."
"It's all to completely curb the Great Pirate Era and return the world to normal."
"But Desmond is standing in my way, and for ridiculous reasons."
"In order for the Impel Down plan to proceed smoothly, I believe he must be dealt with."
Akira's words were blunt and left little room for dispute.
Even if the Five Elders wanted to find a flaw in his reasoning, they couldn't.
But they also understood why Akira was unwilling to let this go.
"We will order Desmond to fully cooperate with the Marines," the Warrior God of Finance promised.
But Akira shook his head and said something that caused the Five Elders' expressions to darken, their eyes flickering with coldness.
"I don't believe he will obey that order. After all, when the officer approached him initially, he was informed that our Marines had obtained privileges from the five of you."
"Both CP and Impel Down were supposed to unconditionally cooperate with Marine operations."
"But what happened?"
"Desmond, knowing that the plan we were going to implement neither violated justice nor the orders of the five of you, still flatly refused."
"I believe that when he returns to Impel Down, even if he doesn't openly refuse, he will undoubtedly sabotage it in secret."
Akira wasn't just targeting Desmond; he was hitting where it hurt the most.
The Five Elders, who could tolerate many things, could never accept insubordination to their orders, especially from their subordinates.
And Desmond had crossed that line.
The worst part was that this wasn't just Akira's conjecture or something that might happen in the future—it was a fact that had already occurred.
Some things can't be measured lightly, no matter how much pressure is applied.
The atmosphere in the room grew even colder.
Just like the mood of the Five Elders.
"Although I haven't had much interaction with Desmond, I'm certain he has that kind of lawless nature," Akira finally concluded.
"Then what do you want to do?" the Warrior God of Finance asked slowly, his hand subtly touching the hilt of his Supreme Grade Sword, his tone flat but full of menace.
Akira's gaze was resolute and heavy as he spoke with determination, "I want to send officers and soldiers to garrison Impel Down. Our Marines will take over and execute the overall plan until the Great Pirate Era is completely eradicated."
The room fell into an eerie silence.
None of the Five Elders spoke, and even Kong stopped moving.
Everyone was deep in thought, but there was no sign of anger or resistance on their faces.
Stationing Marines in Impel Down was akin to the army sending soldiers to a prison.
Besides ensuring the pirates follow the plan to strengthen themselves, what else could they do?
Nothing.
For the Five Elders, this proposal didn't harm the interests of the World Government.
It wouldn't provoke their fear or vigilance either.
The only party affected negatively would be Impel Down itself.
"This matter will have to wait until Desmond wakes up. We'll discuss it with him then," the Martial God of Finance finally said.
"Alright! If there's nothing else, I'll head back. After Desmond wakes up, I'll visit Impel Down, give him another beating, and make sure he follows orders and cooperates with our Marines," Akira replied.
The Five Elders:
Kong: ...
"Kong, find someone to wake up this guy," one of the elders ordered.
"Okay."
Once the room was empty, leaving only the Five Elders, the Warrior God of Scientific Defense, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up. "How exactly did Fleet Admiral Akira manage to defeat Desmond? I'm quite pleased."
"It's not just you," the Warrior God of Finance echoed. "I feel the same. No matter how weak Desmond may have been, he shouldn't have been taken down so quickly."
"But Akira didn't mention it, and it wouldn't be wise for us to ask too many questions. We don't want to provoke resentment from the younger generation."
"Then we'll wait until Desmond wakes up and ask him!"
"Indeed. And Desmond must explain why he didn't cooperate with our orders."
The Five Elders waited patiently.
Before long, Kong returned with a professional medical team, along with a few Devil Fruit users.
After a series of intense medical procedures, Desmond finally awoke.
"Where… am I?" Desmond muttered, sitting up and holding his head as he looked around in confusion.
In the next moment, he saw the expressionless faces of the Five Elders.
Before he could say anything, there was a loud bang as the Martial God of Justice slammed his scepter heavily onto the ground.
"What a disgrace!"
He glared directly at Desmond and angrily questioned, "As the director of Impel Down, how dare you cause such trouble with the Marines just because of your own feelings."
"Huh?"
"Didn't you consider how the Marines would react before refusing?"
"Have you ever taken the laws of the World Government to heart?"
The Warrior God of Justice was relentless.
Desmond, having just woken up and still groggy from his injuries and age, struggled to process what was happening. He sat there, bewildered, as the Warrior God of Justice berated him.
"Let's put this matter to rest. Fleet Admiral Akira will personally apologize to you in two days."
"You at Impel Down better not cause any more trouble and fully cooperate with their plan."
Just as the conversation seemed to be concluding, the Warrior God of Justice's final words startled Desmond, snapping him fully awake.
"No, I don't agree with this outcome," Desmond shouted angrily as he jumped to his feet.
The Five Elders were taken aback.
This was the first time anyone had dared to shout in front of them.
Usually, they were the ones yelling at others.
For some reason, Akira's words suddenly echoed in the minds of the Five Elders.
Their faces darkened involuntarily.
"This is an order!" the Warrior God of Justice commanded in a low, dangerous tone.
"I disagree!"
"You are out of line! Do you think we're negotiating with you?"
The comparison was striking.
Reflecting on how Akira had responded to them earlier, and then seeing Desmond's current behavior, the contrast was glaring.
If a subordinate dared to defy orders so brazenly, the Five Elders would not tolerate it.
Boom!
An immensely powerful aura exploded from the Five Elders, pressing down directly on Desmond.
Dark clouds gathered in the sky outside.