Cudius chatted a little longer with the visibly frustrated Sengoku. Soon after, the arrival of one of the Five Elders was announced.

  As usual, not all five appeared. Presiding over this meeting was Saihanbaron V. Nusjuro, only referred to as the Bald Elder. From the momeered the room, his foul mood alpable. His expression was grim, and his heavy footsteps filled the air with tension as he approached the table.

  With a sharp motion, Nusjuro threw a folder onto the table, the sp of paper eg in the room. He sat down heavily and snorted coldly, "The 'Pirate Emperor,' huh? How very impressive. Why haven't I heard that there's anreat noble' in this world holding court over us?"

  Cudius suppressed a ugh, carefully gng at Sengoku, who looked as though he had been hit by a bus. The Admiral's expression was filled with aggrieved resignation, as if mentally preparing himself for the verbal shing to e.

  "Thank goodness I'm not Marine," Cudius thought with amusement. "Kong probably saw this ing a Sengoku in his pce to take the heat. What a clever move. Hahaha!"

  As expected, Nusjuro's attention quickly focused on Sengoku. His sharp gaze bore down on the Admiral as he said, "Well, Sengoku, what's with that look? Feeling wronged, are we? Is it not Marine's responsibility that the pirates have grown so out of hand?"

  Sengoku, clearly holding back a sigh, bowed his head slightly and replied, "It's Marine's unshirkable responsibility."

  "Then why do you look so aggrieved?!" Nusjuro barked, leaning forward.

  What do you want from me? Sengoku thought bitterly. But outwardly, he quickly adjusted his posture, straightened his back, and said, "I don't feel wro all."

  "Now you're sitting up like nothing matters! Do you think this isn't a big deal?!" Nusjuro snapped again, his tone growing even harsher.

  Sengoku nearly choked. Seriously, what am I supposed to do here?

  Meanwhile, members of the CP agency sitting across from Sengoku were barely taining their smirks. Seeing the Marines and especially Sengoku being dressed down was a rare treat. The rivalry between Marine and CP was , and watg Mari scolded was a small victory in their long-standing feud.

  Even Gis, the leader of the CP delegation, couldn't help but show his amusement. Though he tried to suppress his ughter, his shoulders trembled slightly, betraying his glee.

  Sengoku shot him a gre that could have melted steel, but Cudius was thhly enjoying the se. Watg Sengoku get chewed out while the CP agents gloated made for aertaining show.

  But Nusjuro wasn't blind to Gis's amusement. His sharp gaze turoward the CP leader, and his tone grew icy. "Gis, don't think you're in the clear."

  "You've had every resource you could possibly ask for—funding, manpower, intelligend yet, what do we have to show for it? You promised to dismahe Revolutionary Army within three years, yet they've only grown stronger. Care to expin that?"

  Gis's smirk vanished instantly. His shoulders straightened, and he looked like he'd rather be anywhere else. Wasn't this meeting supposed to be about the pirates? How did we end up talking about the Revolutionary Army?!

  Meanwhile, Sengoku felt a wave of relief wash over him. Thank you, Gis. I owe you for taking the spotlight off me. Truly.

  But Nusjuro wasn't doh Marine just yet. "And don't think this Revolutionary Army issue doesn't you, Sengoku. One of your people, Monkey D. Garp, is directly tied to this mess. Or have you fotten that the leader of the Revolutionary Army is his son?!"

  Sengoku froze, a shiver running down his spine. He remained silent, knowing there was nothing he could say to deflect this particur accusation.

  Havied his frustrations on Marine and usjuro finally turned his attention to Cudius. His sharp eyes bore into him, and Cudius instinctively straightened in his seat. Why is he looking at me? Surely, I'm not in trouble… am I?

  "Cudius," Nusjuro began, his tone pointed. "I've heard you've been quite 'busy' retly. Is CP-X running out of things to do?"

  Cudius felt a pang of dread but maintained a calm facade. He replied in a steady voice, "Sir, you've misuood. CP-X has beeing at full capacity. In fact, I just returned from Abasta after handling the task assigo me."

  Nusjuro raised an eyebrow, clearly unvinced. "Abasta? That doesn't seem like a high-priority matter. Sounds more like you took a little vacation."

  Cudius inwardly cursed his luck. Why did he have to call me out on that? But outwardly, he shook his head and replied firmly, "On the trary, Sir. While in Abasta, I also gathered intelligen the Revolutionary Army."

  This seemed to catusjuro off guard. "Oh? The Revolutionary Army, you say? And what did you find?"

  Cudius silently praised his good fortuhank you, Dragon, for providih an excuse. Without that little gift, I'd have been ered here.

  "Yes, Sir," Cudius said with a fident nod. "We identified the location of a Revolutionary Army cell. Spandine is currently leading aion to apprehend them. Initial reports suggest there are high-ranking cadres among their ranks. Ohey're captured, I'll hand them over to CP for interrogation. I believe this could lead to a signifit breakthrough."

  Just as Cudius finished speaking, his Den Den Mushi began ringing. The sudden sound drew everyone's attention, and the room fell silent.

  Cudius g the device, his eyes lighting up when he saw the caller. Spandine, you really are my lucky star today.

  "Seems like Spandine has an update," Cudius said aloud.

  Nusjuro nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Let's hear it."

  Cudius answered the call, and Spandine's voice came through, brimming with excitement. "Yhness! I have excellent news!"

  "Spandine," Cudius replied smoothly. "I'm currently in a meeting with the elders. Go ahead a."

  "Yes, of course!" Spaourned more formal as he tinued, "I'm pleased to report that the operation was a success. tured a group of Revolutionary Army operatives, including two high-ranking cadres. Eveer, all were taken alive!"

  Cudius couldn't help but grin. "Well done, Spandine. You've exceeded expectations. Bring them baariejois immediately. Rewards will be waiting for you."

  Spandine, practically giddy with gratitude, thanked Cudius profusely before ending the call.

  When Cudius turned back to the room, he noticed that Nusjuro's expression had softened siderably.

  "Excellent work, Cudius," Nusjuro said, his tone genuinely approving. "Once again, you've proven yourself reliable."

  Cudius offered a modest smile, though inwardly he sighed in relief. Crisis averted. For now, at least.

  ***

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