People are sailing and synthesize the devil fruit of phantom beast sp

Roger's Devil Fruit powers?

This possibility flashed through the minds of the Five Elders.

They began to question everything they thought they knew.

Truthfully, Roger's natural talent was undeniable. His swordsmanship alone made him famous across the seas, elevating him to the throne of Pirate King. In addition to his Armament Haki, he also possessed incredibly powerful Observation Haki and Conqueror's Haki.

Other than Garp, no one had come close to his strength without relying on a Devil Fruit.

Roger's physical prowess was unmatched.

But now… could he really have achieved all that without the aid of a Devil Fruit?

"It's entirely possible. If Roger had eaten a Devil Fruit that allowed him to return from death, he'd have no need to use it in regular combat situations," one of them reasoned.

"He could've escaped death in every critical battle and grown stronger over time."

"That would explain why he allowed himself to be captured by the Navy. He might've known he could survive a beheading, used the moment to spread word of the great treasure, and quietly resurrected somewhere. From the shadows, he could control the world's tides."

Jegalsia Satan Saint rubbed his chin, stroking his beard. After a long pause, he voiced this bold theory.

"If this is true, then Roger's mind runs deeper than we ever imagined. That's terrifying."

The Five Elders exchanged uneasy glances.

"Send CP agents to the East Blue immediately. We must confirm whether Roger is truly alive."

"If he returns and joins the upcoming war—especially alongside Whitebeard—we may lose control of the situation entirely."

Saint Makasmas' tone was unusually serious.

Even after decades, the power of Pirate King Roger was not to be underestimated.

If he were to ally with Whitebeard, there would be few in the world who could stand against them.

"So… are we canceling the operation?" Topman Wo Qiu Li Sheng asked, clearly shaken.

The others didn't agree.

"He's just an old relic from decades ago. You think we can't handle him?" Zambalong V. Nashou Langsheng stood up slowly, a dangerous aura emanating from his body. "If things get serious, we'll deal with it ourselves. It's been too long since we stretched our muscles anyway."

The others remained silent.

"We haven't asked Lord Im for his opinion yet. Acting without his blessing could be a mistake," Topman Wo Qiu Li Sheng warned. "To confront someone like Roger... If the Five Elders act personally, it might be overkill."

"Then let's send two Knights of God—just in case. The Navy alone won't be able to handle the worst-case scenario," Saint Makasmas said coolly, sipping his tea.

"The Knights of God? Fearsia and Nak—they're both at the imperial level. If they go, our chances are much better," Zambalong V. Nashou Langsheng suggested.

"I agree."

"Seconded."

"Good idea."

Everyone quickly reached consensus.

Minutes later, two figures cloaked in white knight robes entered the conference room.

"We await your command, my Lords."

A man and a woman spoke from beneath their hoods.

"You're to head to Navy HQ and assist them. You're only authorized to act under two conditions:"

"First—if the Navy is defeated. Second—if Roger is confirmed to be alive and appears in person."

"Under any other circumstance, you are to conserve your strength and not engage. Understood?"

Topman Wo Qiu Li Sheng's words were cold and direct.

The two knights exchanged a quick glance—there was a hint of surprise under their robes—but they nodded silently and departed without protest.

Meanwhile — East Blue, Floating Island

Golden Lion Shiki was leisurely performing his experiments as he floated from one island to the next.

Suddenly, he noticed a flurry of newspaper delivery gulls circling the skies.

Without hesitation, he reached out.

The clouds beside him twisted and transformed into a massive hand, snatching one of the gulls mid-flight.

The gull flailed wildly in his grip, but in the next second, a sharp crack echoed as Shiki snapped its neck without a second thought.

He snatched the newspaper and unfolded it.

Shiki had lived on the floating island for years, but he never cut himself off from the world. He would often intercept newspapers or fly down to nearby towns to replenish supplies. As such, he kept himself reasonably informed about world events.

But as he read today's headline, his hands trembled. The entire newspaper shook.

"Roger… you son of a bitch. I knew you weren't dead."

"You're the only man I ever respected. No way you'd die that easily by the Navy's hands."

"So you were just hiding all this time, huh? You bastard!"

Golden Lion Shiki burst into laughter.

It started small, but soon exploded into a wild, unhinged cackle.

"Hahaha! Roger, you bastard! I'm coming for you!"

With that, he turned around and began descending toward the sea.

He was already in East Blue. Though it was vast, it wouldn't take long to stir things up enough to attract Roger's attention.

He soon spotted an island below, a wicked grin stretching across his face.

"Let me give you a warm welcome back, Roger. I'll clear out an island in your honor."

Laughing maniacally, Shiki dove toward the unsuspecting island.

Below, the people were living peacefully—farming, playing, children laughing, Navy troops patrolling calmly.

No one had any idea that chaos was about to descend from the skies.

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