At the Holy Land, Mariejois.
Within the World Government.
The Navy's top officials had all gathered, their faces etched with frustration. To be played by Kuke was one thing, but now to bear the unjust title of traitors—it was almost unbearable.
Even Garp, who usually didn't care about much, couldn't hide his annoyance. He let out a yawn, as casual as ever, despite the tension in the room, even as the Five Elders glared in his direction.
"What's the big deal about a Devil Fruit? Why are you so sure it'll attract him?" Garp grumbled under his breath.
Everyone could hear him, but Garp wasn't fazed in the slightest, continuing his laid-back demeanor.
"Kuke's base strength is already so formidable. Why would he need a Devil Fruit? Look at Red-Haired Shanks. He's not interested in Devil Fruits either, and Kuke's already stronger at his age than Shanks was back then."
"No, Red-Haired Shanks might not be a Devil Fruit user, but he's not completely indifferent to them," one of the Five Elders interjected. "Not long ago, the Red-Haired Pirates stole a Devil Fruit from CP9. Even if Kuke doesn't want one for himself, he could use it for someone else."
At the moment, the Five Elders could only think of one thing—using a Devil Fruit to tempt Kuke.
"What kind of Devil Fruit could we use to lure him out?" Sengoku asked, glancing toward the Five Elders. He knew the World Government had a few powerful fruits in its possession.
The Five Elders exchanged looks before one of them stood up and left the room. After about ten minutes, the curly-haired Elder returned, holding a golden box in his hands.
He placed the box on the table and opened it, revealing a mysterious Devil Fruit inside. Its surface was a deep crimson, adorned with magnificent, vibrant feathers.
Just from the appearance alone, it was clear this fruit was something special.
"This is the Mythical Zoan – Bird-Bird Fruit, Phoenix Model," the Elder announced solemnly, his voice filled with the weight of its importance.
It was one of the finest Devil Fruits the World Government had in its possession.
"A Mythical Zoan?" Sengoku's eyes widened.
Even Akainu and Aokiji leaned forward, their gazes locked onto the fruit. Mythical Zoan types were the rarest and most powerful of the Zoan-class Devil Fruits.
"The Phoenix Model," the Elder continued, "was once wielded by a ruler of the seas over a hundred years ago. Among the Mythical Zoan types, it ranks near the top, comparable to Kaido's Azure Dragon Model."
Not all Mythical Zoans were created equal. The highest tier, like Kaido's Fish-Fish Fruit, Azure Dragon Model, or Sengoku's Human-Human Fruit, Buddha Model, came with extraordinary abilities.
Most Zoan fruits granted enhanced physical attributes, but Mythical Zoans offered special powers in addition to that.
The Phoenix Model, for example, boasted incredible regenerative abilities.
The Azure Dragon Model controlled the elements of wind, fire, and lightning, while Sengoku's Buddha form granted immense power and wisdom.
Top-tier Mythical Zoans granted their users multiple abilities.
The Elder holding the fruit hesitated for a moment, reluctant to part with such a treasure.
It was incredibly valuable.
Even lending it temporarily to the Navy was risky, and they feared something might go wrong.
Sengoku's gaze burned with desire as he stared at the fruit. If they gave it to someone within the Navy with significant talent, they would surely rise to the level of an admiral in the future.
If it were given to someone like Chaton, they could become among the strongest of the Admirals—practically a guarantee.
"This Devil Fruit is more than enough, don't you think?" the Elder said.
Sengoku nodded enthusiastically.
More than enough.
Even he found it hard to resist the temptation of such a powerful fruit.
"We've got the bait. Now we need a plan to draw him out, without letting him suspect it's a trap. If he senses anything is off, he won't come," the Elder continued, turning to Sengoku. "You need to come up with a flawless plan."
Sengoku's mind raced as he quickly assessed the situation. "Right now, we've lost track of Kuke. He could still be in the first half of the Grand Line, or he might already be headed toward the New World—or even the Four Seas. Anywhere is possible. But we should avoid setting the trap in the New World. If we announce a fruit like this, it'll attract the monsters of the New World. That could be a disaster. The best location is the first half of the Grand Line."
Sengoku spread a map on the table and pointed to a specific location.
"We'll place the Devil Fruit here," he said, indicating an island located in the middle of the first half of the Grand Line. "We'll leak information and let the word spread, hoping it draws Kuke's attention."
The island Sengoku had chosen was a lawless place, teeming with pirates.
"Who will we send to lie in wait?" one of the Elders asked. "We can't send too many people, and we can't create a spectacle with a large fleet—it would raise suspicions."
"I'll go," Akainu volunteered. After spending two frustrating weeks chasing phantoms in the New World, his hatred for Kuke burned bright. The man responsible for humiliating the Navy could not be allowed to live any longer.
The Five Elders nodded. They trusted Akainu. He was ruthless, efficient, and unwavering in his mission.
A perfect choice.
"I'll join as well," Chaton (Tokikake) added, stepping forward. His gaze flicked to the photo of Gion on the table, then to the one beside it of Kuke, filled with loathing.
All of this was Kuke's fault.
Because of him, Gion's promising future had been ruined.
From the moment they were kids, Kuke had drained Gion's potential. And now, as adults, he had lured her away from the Navy. Chaton vowed to kill him.
"Very well," the Elders agreed. "You two will be enough."
Any more, and the operation would become too obvious.
With Akainu's overwhelming strength and Chaton there to hold off Gion, Kuke didn't stand a chance.
Given Kuke's current power level, there was still a noticeable gap between him and an admiral like Akainu.
"Remember, the Devil Fruit is of paramount importance. Once the mission is complete, return the fruit to us immediately," the Elders ordered sternly. This fruit was far too valuable to be lost.
"Understood," Akainu replied, taking the fruit and looking down at Kuke's photo. "I will see this mission through. If I fail, I'll accept any punishment, even demotion."
He had sworn to complete the task, no matter the cost.
"Go, then," one of the Elders commanded.
As they watched Akainu and Chaton leave, the room was filled with a sense of finality.
"It's finally coming to an end. Once Kuke shows himself, there will be no hope for him," Aokiji murmured. Of all his colleagues, it was Akainu he feared the most. His strength and resolve were unmatched.
"All right, everyone, back to your duties."
The Five Elders were in good spirits.
Sengoku, too, felt a renewed sense of optimism. The end was in sight, and he could almost taste victory.