I am imu

Hall of Authority, Pangaea Castle – Mary Geoise

Within the cold, towering walls of the Hall of Authority, the remaining Four Elders of the World Government sat on the sofa.

Topman Valkyrie, the Warrior God of Justice, stood with his hands behind his back. "Whitebeard's death is a major turning point. But now that the dust is settling, we must clean up what's left. Saturn's recent conduct has created complications, and Imu-sama has already removed him."

Marcus Mars, the Warrior God of Environment, responded in a grave tone. "That's not the only issue. We've failed to retrieve Vegapunk's research, and the clone stussy her loyalties are now under question. She was a CP0 agent, yes, but she isn't loyal to the World Government. Her allegiance lies with Vegapunk."

Shepherd Ju Peter, the Warrior God of Agriculture, nodded slightly. "She has been useful, no doubt — efficient and reliable. But now? It turns out she's Vegapunk's spy. We don't know what she shared or with whom. Vegapunk could've passed sensitive information to the outside world — including the Revolutionary Army."

Topman Valkyrie's expression darkened. "We must act quickly. I'll issue orders to Cipher Pol 0. They are to confirm Stussy's current status and terminate her if she's compromised. No more leniency."

Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, the Warrior God of Finance, added sternly, "And also instruct Cipher Pol 0 to summon Saint Figarland Garling. His role must now expand. He must understand — this is not just about the Revolutionary Army. This is a test. A test from Imu-sama himself. If Garling fails to meet expectations… he may end up like Saturn."

Marcus Mars offered a measured opinion. "Garling is extremely capable. The chances of him failing are low. This isn't an empty threat either — he's proven his worth many times. Whether it was God Valley, where he helped suppress the Rocks Pirates… or the injury he dealt to Whitebeard during their old clash. Just look at his lineage. Both of his sons are Emperor-level in strength. The only issue is, one walks the path of Roger's ideals — the will of freedom. The other is loyal to the World Government."

Shepherd Ju Peter spoke next, quieter but no less firm. "That's Garling's inevitable fate. He should have known this the day he chose that Devil Fruit. Either he was careless or he didn't care about the cost. The fruit's benefits must've outweighed everything else in his eyes."

Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro gave a grim chuckle. "There's an old myth — says that particular Devil Fruit is cursed. The will of the devil itself represents destruction… and chains that bind its user. But the power it grants is unquestionable."

Topman Valkyrie dismissed the topic with a wave of his hand. "Enough about that. What about Vegapunk?"

Marcus Mars exhaled. "Imu-sama has not given any orders about killing Vegapunk. And honestly, it would be a waste. Let's wait until the Sepharin Project is completed. Before that, we still haven't obtained the Mother Flame."

Shepherd Ju Peter narrowed his eyes. "The Mother Flame. Until we can reproduce it, Vegapunk still has value."

Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro muttered, "Let him live for now."

Topman Valkyrie gave a single nod. "Then it's settled. CP0 will be tasked immediately. The balance must not shift."

Their meeting continued in silence.

------

South Blue, Kingdom – The Duchy of Gullvane

Located on a large, misty island at the northern edge of the South Blue, near the Calm Belt. It rarely suffers pirate invasions, making it an attractive site for the Celestial Dragons to visit in person.

The current ruler of the Duchy of Gullvane – Duke Hrothgald Gullvane.

A frail yet elegant man in his late 60s.

He is known for his deep loyalty to the World Government and for frequently hosting Celestial Dragons.

The Gullvane family has ruled for 12 generations under the title of "Duke" rather than "King" to reflect their feudal servitude to the World Government.

The kingdom has an estimated population of over 700,000 people.

The majority are commoners living in poverty.

The Kingdom of Gullvane Duchy is known for its frequent visits by Celestial Dragons.

And because of their service and status as a center of visits for the Celestial Dragons, the kingdom is exempt from many taxes due to their "service and loyalty" in maintaining facilities for the Celestial Dragon family visits.

The kingdom has no independent military.

It is entirely dependent on the Navy for protection.

Two massive Navy headquarters warships, decorated with an extremely luxurious blue cruiser line, slowly entered the kingdom's port.

There were no ships in sight except the two Navy warships. All other ships had been removed from the port.

Duke Hrothgald Gullvane himself was standing at the port, ensuring the most noble and cleanest environment for the arrival of a World Noble.

Shortly afterwards, when the luxury liner settled into place, four long wooden ramps were swiftly assembled side by side. Two attendants quickly rolled out a red carpet, connecting one of the ramps directly to the Duke's feet. Immediately afterwards, spear-bearing soldiers appeared, swiftly securing the entire dock area within moments.

Neither the Duke nor any noble said anything — there weren't any objections.

Their attention remained fixed on the figure of supreme authority now descending from the ship.

Saint Rosward — a Celestial Dragon, and the father of Saint Charlos. Yes, the same Celestial Dragon who was punched by Luffy. Because of that incident, Saint Rosward and his family had to suffer from humiliation.

Saint Rosward appeared as an older man, with a stocky build, short white hair, and a round nose.

He wore the signature bubble helmet of the Celestial Dragons — a transparent orb covering his head to avoid "breathing the same air as commoners."

Saint Rosward allowed himself to be carried down the red carpet, riding on the back of a giant slave whose eyes were dim.

You could see in the slave's eyes that he was no longer truly alive — just an obedient machine now.

The Duke quickly straightened his attire before stepping forward and bowing respectfully.

"We humbly welcome the most supreme descendant of the Creator, Saint Rosward, to the Kingdom of Gullvane Duchy. I am the Duke of Gullvane Duchy — Hrothgald Gullvane."

Saint Rosward, casually sitting atop the giant, looked at the gathered nobles and kings and said:

"Is this it? Are you not going to kneel down?"

"Forgive us for our mistake, Saint Rosward," the Duke said immediately before falling to his knees. The nobles followed suit.

"Not bad." Saint Rosward seemed pleased by this immediate response. "No wonder it's called the central gathering of Celestial Dragons."

"Let's go eat something. I'm tired from this long journey," Saint Rosward said.

"Yes, yes, all the delicacies are already prepared — made by the finest chefs of the Kingdom," the Duke said immediately.

Just when they were about to leave—

Purupurupuru purupuru

The sound of a Den Den Mushi rang behind Saint Rosward. He instinctively looked back. He recognized it as a direct line from Mary Geoise.

Sure enough, a government official pulled out the Den Den Mushi from his pocket.

The voice rang as soon as it connected:

"Orders from the Five Elders: All Celestial Dragons outside must return to the Holy Land as fast as possible. Repeating: Orders from the Five Elders — all Celestial Dragons outside must return to the Holy Land as fast as possible."

Saint Rosward's expression darkened as he heard this. He was furious about it and was just about to ask many questions when the next line made him freeze.

"Those who disobey will be stripped of the title of Celestial Dragon."

Click — the Den Den Mushi was switched off.

Silence.

Saint Rosward was stunned.

There must be something important… otherwise, this would not have happened — not with such a strict order and punishment.

"Saint Rosward, what are your instructions?" the CP agent holding the Den Den Mushi asked.

"…Let's go. There's no choice," Rosward thought. He said aloud, "Let's go."

------

Kingdom of lulusia ,

Lulusia is located in the Grand Line, specifically in the New World (second half of the Grand Line).

It's one of the member nations of the World Government, and lulusia pays the Heavenly Tribute and receives supposed protection in return.

Lulusia have a diverse environment with forests, small towns, and ceremonial traditions resembling Andean/Incan cultures.

The people in lulusia are relatively humble in dress and lifestyle,they rely on agriculture and local traditions.

---

It is nighttime, and the place where people have gathered is illuminated by a fire burning at the center.

Priests stood at the front, and there were many offerings placed before them — gifts to the gods of earth and sky: chicha (corn beer), llama fat, coca leaves, seashells, and items made of silver or gold.

Among them was a young boy named Mesu. He looked frail, yet his eyes were bright. His hair was black, and he was slightly better looking than the average person. He wore a wheat-colored shirt and white pants.

Mesu asked his father, a man named Desu. Desu was an average-looking man with a frail body. He was quite old — just one glance at his wrinkled face revealed that much.

Desu turned to an old man sitting nearby and asked, "What's the point of this ceremony?"

The old man sat on the ground, a twig in his mouth.

Mesu, watching with a longing look as if recalling distant memories, responded before the old man could speak — remembering the time when he had asked the very same question to his own father. Unfortunately, his father had been captured by slave traders, and Mesu had never seen him again.

It was clear — his father had died.

Mesu sighed and said, "You're new, child."

As he spoke, he sat down beside Desu. Around them, people chattered quietly while the priests prepared the ritual.

Mesu continued, "This is an old tradition — we offer these things and hold this ceremony, called Pago a la Tierra. It's to honor Amaru — the one who brings fertility to the land. The one who opens his mouth and rains upon us. The one who travels through the heavens."

"Amaru?" Desu murmured. "Never heard of that."

Mesu laughed. "Of course — you're new to this."

Desu asked, "By the way… what does 'Pago a la Tierra' mean?"

"Oh," Mesu said simply, "It's like a contract — our payment to Amaru… to the Earth."