After some time had passed, the turbulent sea gradually returned to its calm state.
The remnants of the shipwreck and the lifeless bodies of those who had met their fate now floated serenely on the surface of the ocean.
Carnes and his crew had long departed, leaving behind an eerie silence.
But, at this very moment of stillness, another imposing Marine warship came into view on the horizon, steadily approaching the scene.
As it drew nearer, the sight that unfolded before the many Marines was nothing short of staggering, it sent shivers down their spines.
It also caused many Marines to grit their teeth in frustration.
As moments ticked by, within the hallowed halls of Holy Land Mariejois, a sense of profound stillness enveloped the room.
The Five Elders, the highest echelon of the World Government, were seated together on a grand sofa, all of them had fallen into a contemplative silence that seemed to stretch on for eternity, an indication of the gravity of the situation.
"Blu, blu..."
"Blu-Bru..."
The silence was finally broken by the faint, rhythmic sound of a Den Den Mushi, disrupting the sacred tranquility they had been immersed in.
All five of the Elders turned their attention to the device as the nearest among them extended a hand to answer the call.
"It's me. You can speak," the Elder urged, anxious to receive the awaited message.
Shortly thereafter, the Den Den Mushi projected the form of Sengoku, taking on a serious tone.
"The God's Knights have been utterly decimated," he announced somberly, delivering news from the scene.
His voice weighed down by the gravity of the news.
"Reports from the scene confirm that their bodies have all been recovered. As for Figarland Garling's remains... only half of his body was found."
These words reverberated through the room, delivering a staggering blow to the Five Elders and, by extension, to the entire World Government itself.
For a prolonged moment, they stood in stunned silence, the gravity of the situation sinking in.
The World Government's ultimate trump card, coupled with its enigmatic power, had proven insufficient to annihilate the Gale Emperor Pirates.
The unprecedented threat they posed now loomed larger than ever over the World Government.
World Government now faced an existential threat like never before.
"I see," eventually, after an extended pause, one of the Five Elders broke the silence, letting out a heavy sigh and spoke slowly.
"Where are the Gale Emperor Pirates now?" he inquired, his voice laced with a sense of urgency.
Sengoku shook his head solemnly, his voice carrying the weight of uncertainty.
"There is no information on the whereabouts of the Gale Emperor Pirates," he admitted.
"They were last seen amidst the remaining members of the Beasts Pirates and Big Mom's crew."
"Also, reports indicate the Marines over there have only encountered scattered Beasts Pirates and Big Mom's crew, as of now."
A sudden motion jolted one of the Five Elders to his feet, his voice resolute as he voiced his opinion.
"This cannot be true. Those were the God's Knights. I acknowledge that the Gale Emperor Pirates are the most formidable threat we have faced, they pose the gravest threat to our rule.
But to suggest they emerged unscathed in the face of our World Government's ultimate weapon... I find that impossible to believe."
Sengoku remained in solemn silence for a brief moment before responding with measured words.
"It appears that the Gale Emperor Pirates have inflicted significant damage upon you, one that's even rattled your sense of control."
"As for casualties, I cannot confirm, but one thing is certain: if there are any casualties, Carnes should be responsible for them. Our priority should be Carnes."
Confronted by Sengoku's stern remarks, the Five Elders remained unfazed.
"Very well, we understand. Let's proceed as you suggest and address this matter for now."
"Agreed."
With the Den Den Mushi was disconnected, and the hall descended into silence once more.
The Five Elders exchanged meaningful glances, their expressions unreadable, filled with uncertainty.
Several more minutes passed in this eerie silence.
Finally, one of them spoke, breaking the lingering silence.
"What are all of your thoughts on this matter?"
"I cannot simply watch and do nothing," one Elder replied.
"What options do we have besides waiting?" another questioned.
"Yes, this time, the Gale Emperor Pirates have crippled the very wings of our World Government." a third Elder lamented.
"If we don't swiftly devise a strategy to tackle this menace, our World Government's foundation might crumble under their attacks."
"Let Lord Imu be the ultimate decider in such matters."
Meanwhile, somewhere in the Grand Line, in a remote sea region, chaos reigned.
"Damn it!"
Bonney whispered, her voice trembling. Her crew members mumbled nervously, their faces pale.
"Unbelievable..."
Bonney and her crew were gripped by fear and confusion, as uncertainty loomed.
"What's happening? What in the world just occurred?"
The two affiliated captains of the Gale Emperor Pirates, questioned, their eyes fixed on the blond woman before them.
"Let's not dwell on that right now; let's prioritize saving this woman," Bonney urged.
After a frantic effort, the blond woman who had fallen into the sea was safely brought aboard Bonney's ship.
"What... what's going on? Where's the Gale Emperor Pirates' ship?" Bonney pressed, growing increasingly impatient.
"Yeah, how could it vanish so suddenly?" her crew echoed.
The blond woman, exhausted and trembling, sat on the ship's deck, gasping for breath.
"I... I don't have all the answers," she panted heavily, her eyes darting around.
"What's going on?" Bonney pressed further.
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