While the small banquet in Dressrosa was underway, a crucial meeting was taking place in the Chamber of Authority at Mary Geoise.
The Five Elders, God's Knights Commander Garling, and World Government Commander-in-Chief Steel Bones Kong were all present.
"Garling, it seems you haven't accomplished what you promised," Saturn said from his seat on the sofa.
He rested his hands on his cane as he looked across at Garling, who sat gripping his sword hilt.
"That was by the order of the great one," Garling retorted, shutting down Saturn with a single sentence.
"We're not here to argue. It's meaningless," Warcury, the Warrior God of Justice, interjected to stop their bickering.
"This meeting is to discuss how to handle the upcoming situation. Since we cannot eliminate the Flame Demon, we must determine how to maintain control over the world."
He directly presented the meeting's agenda to prevent further arguments.
"According to reports from various regions, those member nations seem to be developing other intentions. They're watching and waiting," Nusjuro noted, holding the First Generation Kitetsu with a grave expression.
This was actually the worst possible scenario.
Precisely what they least wanted to see.
Although these forces currently dared not act due to the deterrence of the World Government and the Marines, once the seeds of rebellion were planted, they would inevitably take root and sprout.
Now, they must eradicate these seeds before they can germinate.
"The simplest solution remains killing the Flame Demon," Kong declared in a deep voice, his thick arms crossed as he stood without taking a seat.
"If that were possible, we would have done it long ago. That level of power can no longer be easily eliminated," Ju Peter immediately shook his head.
They all knew this was the best solution, one that would further reinforce the Celestial Dragons' absolute authority.
The looming crisis would immediately dissipate.
But it was unachievable.
Moreover, if they truly provoked the Flame Demon, he might simply assault Mary Geoise again.
That would create the worst-case scenario.
This was also exactly why the World Government knew Cyrus had established the Hunter Guild but hadn't taken direct action against it.
Cyrus was indeed incredibly powerful, but the newly established Hunter Guild was still far inferior to the Marines and the World Government as a whole.
"Let's conduct a great military recruitment through the Marines," Nusjuro proposed.
As the Financial God, he clearly understood this would significantly increase their expenditures, but there was no alternative.
"If we do this, what about the Marines'..." Warcury looked solemnly at Kong.
If a large-scale recruitment were truly implemented, the Marines' institutional power would undoubtedly grow substantially.
This wasn't something the Five Elders wanted to see either.
Military expenditure was one concern, the Marines potentially becoming too powerful to control was another.
Such a scenario wasn't beyond possibility.
The Marines existed to serve them—if the military branch became too strong, that certainly wouldn't be beneficial.
"Therefore, we'll dispatch personnel to be stationed within the Marines afterward," Nusjuro noted, clearly having already considered this issue.
"You mean?" His words made everyone present turn their attention to him.
"Since we're concerned about these matters, why not send people to oversee certain key operations?"
Kong listened nearby without offering any suggestions.
"If that's the case, it does seem feasible."
"Especially those hidden powerhouses," Garling suddenly spoke, drawing everyone's attention to his face.
"That man named Issho on the Flame Demon's command wasn't famous before, but his strength is formidable, no weaker than a Marine Admiral," Garling reminded everyone. "There are still many such individuals hidden across these seas."
"Hmm, that's a good suggestion." The others nodded in agreement.
If they could recruit several powerhouse of this level, it would be highly beneficial for both the Marines and the World Government.
"What about the Warlords?" Ju Peter brought up the Shichibukai system.
"Warlords? Those aren't people who follow orders."
Previously, to curb the pirates entering the Grand Line, the Warlords had been quite useful.
But now, forget usefulness—both Hawkeye and Crocodile are deeply connected to Cyrus.
These individuals ultimately don't follow orders.
"However, Crocodile appears to have joined the Flame Demon's ranks, and Hawkeye has had contact with him, seeming to have a good relationship."
"Right, in this matter, the Warlords aren't of much use."
They went back and forth, already forming their stance on the system's future.
"What about the Flame Demon himself?"
Hearing the focus shift back to Cyrus, the others fell silent instantly.
"Send people to keep an eye on him. Just knowing their whereabouts is enough. Dressrosa has now returned to its royal family. In that case, the Heavenly Tribute must not be interrupted."
Make Dressrosa continue paying the Heavenly Tribute?
The others frowned slightly.
Cyrus is currently in Dressrosa.
What he plans to do there, no one knows.
"This is also necessary. After Cyrus leaves, send people to Dressrosa to enforce this matter. It can also serve as a test of Dressrosa's reaction. If possible, send people to apply pressure in Paradise and the Four Seas wherever Hunter Guild branches are established."
Cutting ties with the World Government isn't that easy.
They must maintain the previously established practices to project authority.
"If there are no other opinions, then let's adjourn," Nusjuro spoke up.
"The personnel sent to the Marines will be selected from the Knights," Garling stated.
Upon hearing this, the others immediately frowned.
"No, the Knights are responsible for the Holy Land's security. Select personnel from the Holy Land to take positions in the Marines," Ju Peter directly shook his head.
Even though there were members of his own clan in the God's Knights, he couldn't concede on this matter.
Anyone with clear sight could see that joining the Marines and grasping real military power would greatly benefit their own authority.
"No, the Knights must have at least two spots," Garling shook his head, not intending to give in.
"Who are the candidates?"
"Shamrock and Sommers!"
Hearing Garling mention Sommers, Ju Peter immediately fell silent.
Sommers was from his clan.
Since Garling wanted to claim one spot for his people, it might be acceptable. But even if he agreed, the others wouldn't easily consent.
"This matter needs to be reported to the Marines," Kong finally spoke up.
"The Marines' performance has been increasingly lacking recently. That's exactly why we're sending people to take over. When the Flame Demon was in the East Blue, the Marines had many opportunities to capture or eliminate him, but they failed. It's a serious dereliction of duty," Saturn said, and the others all nodded in agreement.
Indeed, the Marines had several opportunities before the Flame Demon grew to his current strength, but they failed to seize them.
Even earlier, when Cyrus was in the North Blue, the issuance of a bounty for him was directly blocked by the Marine Fleet Admiral, Sengoku.
"What's done is done. There's no point in discussing it now."
Upon hearing these people's attitudes toward the Marines, Kong frowned slightly before speaking.
It was clear he was trying his best to remain polite.