"What!?"
"Fallen Angel El has appeared in the New World?"
"Those bastards finally decided to come out of hiding?"
"Damn it, they bypassed the checkpoints we set up beforehand..."
"The Navy's G-11 and G-12 branches had already dispatched fleets to eliminate the Hell Trading Company's forces. Looks like we've suffered yet another pointless loss of manpower. Should we take action immediately?"
Atop the Red Line, in Mary Geoise, the Five Elders convened, their expressions grim and conflicted as they reviewed the latest report.
"No. Those islands they've invested years into are likely of great importance to them. Rather than attacking rashly, it's better to let them 'settle in' first..."
Saint Mars, stroking his beard, spoke with a calculating tone:
"Then we can eliminate them in one decisive strike, instead of chasing them around like headless chickens."
"Reports from CP indicate that they've mobilized a large force," Saint Saturn said, rubbing his temple.
"Their objective appears to be conquering more islands and expanding their territory under the Fallen Angel Pirates' control. If we let them grow unchecked, it'll only become more troublesome later."
"And yet…" Saint Nasujuro, his gaze sharp and icy as he polished the gleaming blade of his First Generation Kitetsu, muttered:
"Do we even have the means to capture Fallen Angel El if we strike prematurely?"
"Don't forget, the Holy Knights' Commander, Saint Howard, is still their prisoner," Jaygarcia Saturn reminded, arms folded, his brow deeply furrowed.
"They've demonstrated exceptional intelligence capabilities. If not, the checkpoints we placed across key routes wouldn't have been bypassed so easily."
"And if El senses any immediate threat, he might simply abandon those islands and flee with his crew," Saint Ju Peter said cautiously.
"Should that happen, we risk retaliation in the form of ambushes on isolated admirals or attacks on traveling Celestial Dragons. That would be an even bigger headache for us."
The room fell silent as the Five Elders mulled over these grim possibilities.
With the strength El had already displayed and the peculiar abilities of his subordinates, an unchecked ambush targeting high-value individuals like Navy admirals or isolated World Government personnel was not beyond reason.
"My suggestion," Saint Mars broke the silence, "is to wait. Steel Bone Kong is still recovering from his injuries, and the Navy's forces have suffered significant losses recently. They need time to regain their strength."
He continued, his voice firm and deliberate:
"In the meantime, CP agents should thoroughly investigate the exact strength of the Fallen Angel Pirates. We cannot rule out the possibility that El smuggled highly dangerous criminals out of Impel Down."
"Since they destroyed the records in Impel Down's archives, it has been difficult for the Navy and CP to verify who might have escaped with them."
"Currently, CP is already in contact with a powerful independent fighter. If we recruit them successfully, it could add another 'admiral-level' combatant to our forces."
"When the time is right—one or two months from now—El's days will be numbered!"
Saint Saturn, leaning on his cane, nodded slowly:
"Furthermore, the repeated failures of the Navy have left the seas in chaos. They are stretched too thin to manage every disturbance. If we allow the pirates to run rampant, it will severely impact this year's 'Heavenly Tribute.'"
"And if the Heavenly Tribute declines significantly, you can be sure the Celestial Dragons here in the Holy Land will start causing trouble for us."
"That cunning Lunarian brat is far too dangerous. Dealing with him requires patience," Jaygarcia Saturn said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
"We must prepare meticulously. We cannot afford any more mistakes like the ones before."
Sliding his First Generation Kitetsu back into its scabbard, Saint Nasujuro adjusted his glasses and sneered:
"Let him enjoy his little victories for now. The more territory he takes, the harder it will be for him to let it go when the time comes. Then, we'll wipe him out in one swift move."
A sinister glint flashed in his eyes as he added coldly:
"And if necessary, we'll personally enter the battlefield."
…
"El-sama—"
"Unbelievable, he's as massive as a giant!"
"So that's the legendary Lunarian race? He even has wings like a fallen angel…"
"So cool! I can't breathe!"
"That's 'Shinigami' Gerd-sama!!"
"And… is that an island-sized cloud?"
"Incredible, it can fly…"
At this moment—
In the New World, midway through its vast expanse, lay Totto Land's center, famed for its delectable pastries, Cake Island.
Once part of the former Cake Kingdom, the island had officially been absorbed into the dominion of the Fallen Angel Pirates, or more specifically, the soon-to-be-announced Totto Land Kingdom.
To pacify the locals, the Fallen Angel Pirates announced a three-year tax exemption, turning the initial fear and resistance from the citizens into a joyous celebration.
The island was dotted with cake-themed architecture. However, unlike in El's "memory," the buildings weren't created through Devil Fruit abilities and were merely shaped to resemble cakes—they couldn't actually be eaten.
El had no intention of replicating such indulgent designs. They weren't necessary.
In the western region of Cake Island, a sprawling, resplendent palace with traditional Chinese architectural features stood tall and majestic.
Its shimmering jade-green tiles, golden rooftops, and ornate carvings exuded an awe-inspiring grandeur, with most of its structures built to accommodate giant-sized proportions.
El, having just returned from meeting with the citizens to formally announce the three-year tax relief policy, now stood stunned.
The usually stoic and fierce Gerd was brimming with joy, her emotions barely contained.
Moments ago, Dr. Kureha had informed them both of shocking news:
Gerd, the giantess, was pregnant.
"What?"
"Gerd is pregnant?"
"You must be joking!"
"Is this real!?"
Those who hadn't joined the various expeditions, like Uthan and Barry, instead choosing to follow El around the newly constructed palace, were stunned and exchanged incredulous glances.
"Damn it! Why didn't I get pregnant!?"
Holding her flat stomach, the Three-Eye Tribe girl Lillian stared at Gerd with envy.
"Ah, such luck!" murmured Sally, the Shapeshifter Witch, with a helpless shrug.
Although Sally and the others had spent more time with El than Gerd had, their fortunes hadn't matched hers.
"Tch, what luxury…"
Surveying the grandiose palace, Dr. Kureha smirked and quipped, "Don't doubt my medical expertise!"
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she glanced at El and Gerd. "I'm eager to see what kind of child a Lunarian and a giantess will create!"
"Me too," El responded with a rare smile.
Though surprised by Gerd's pregnancy, he was far from anxious or uncertain. Instead, he felt genuine joy.
El's long-term goal had always been to create a true Lunarian God Clan, and while much of his hope rested on Linlin, the natural-born powerhouse, Gerd was a member of the giants, a race with immense potential.
He had high expectations for their offspring.
"He'll definitely be the future King of the Giants!"
Gerd, cradling her still-flat belly, spoke with radiant joy and confidence.
The giantess, uncharacteristically maternal, beamed with pride, already envisioning her child's bright future. She firmly believed that with both giant and Lunarian blood, her child would grow to be exceptionally strong.
"The King of the Giants, huh?"
Hajrudin, who had traveled from Wheat Island, chuckled. "If it's a true giant and not a half-giant like El, it might really happen!"
For the giants, physical size and lifespan were the determining factors of their race, not pure lineage.
"Congratulations, Gerd!"
The giant warrior Witt, who had also come from Komugi Island, laughed heartily.
While no precedent existed for such a union, with El being a half-giant and Gerd being a true giant, the odds were high that their child would inherit Lunarian blood while being classified as a true giant.
Considering El's own monstrous talent, there was no doubt among the giants—they were all eagerly anticipating this child's birth.
~~~
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