In the headquarters of the Wover, the Five Elders were gathered around a table in their office, ughing and discussing the events of the World Summit.

  The nearly week-long summit had taken its toll, even on these experieatesmen. As the discussions drew to a close, the elders allowed themselves a rare moment of rexation, refleg on the overall success of the ference.

  The myriad issues presented by the various nations, be and small, hardly merited further mention. But the summit had undeniably produced some positive outes.

  For example, the problem of the Revolutionary Army, a persistent thorn in the side of the Wover, had no clear resolution at the outset. However, Cudius had uedly intervened with an intriguing suggestion. Whether or not his proposed solution would effectively weaken the Revolutionary Army was uain, but at least it provided the affected nations with a measure of hope, a far better oute than simply admitting helplessness.

  Then there was the matter of Fish-Man Isnd. Cudius had addressed this issue iail during the summit, ying the groundwork for the isnd to be fully ied into the Wover as a member nation. As a result, Fish-Man Isnd would begin to enjoy the full bes afforded to member states. Cudius's CP-X unit would spearhead colborations with the isnd, and even the Marines had pledged support, promising further cooperation in the near future.

  The Five Elders weren't particurly ed with the details. Cudius had been granted full authority over matters reted to Fish-Man Isnd from the outset, and they trusted him to hahe situation.

  "Hahaha, sea train teology," the bald elder chuckled. "What started as a World Summit turned into a trade fair, thanks to that kid Cudius."

  The elder with blonde hair nodded, a wry smile on his face. "Still, you have to admit, he has a knack for delivering surprises when it matters most. His idea about the sea train teology actually makes se might even help curb the Revolutionary Army's influeo some extent."

  They weren't deluded enough to think the sea train would destroy the Revolutionary Army ht, it wasn't realistic. But even redug their momentum and putting pressure on their activities would be a signifit step forward.

  "If the sea traiwork be expanded quickly," the bald elder added, "the Wover's finances might stabilize over the few years. We wouldn't have to stretch ourselves so thin."

  The elder with a beard stroked his thoughtfully. "True. When you think about it, most of these struggles, whether with pirates or the Revolutionary Army—boil down to eic issues. As long as we maintain financial strength, we bolster our forces and remain in trol. Without that, everything crumbles."

  "That settles it," the bald elder said. "This teology is worth fully supp. Produight be limited right now, but if it proves effective, we'll push Cudius to ramp up iment in this area."

  The elder with curly hair interjected, "Should we report this matter to Lord Imu?"

  At this, the room fell silent. The Five Elders exged gnces, weighing their options.

  Finally, the bearded elder spoke, "Not yet. Let's wait until we have tangible results. Once we do, we'll bring it to Lord Imu and present it as a polished achievement."

  Despite their outward authority, the Five Elders held a deep-seated fear and reverenu. They avoided taless absolutely necessary, preferring to stay out of his gaze. The thought of someone being above them, someone who wielded true trol was an unspoken tension among the Five.

  Back at Cudius's pace, the man iion was sitting fortably, speaking with someone over the phone snail. He was in high spirits, having secured signifit progress during the summit.

  Tom had been busy anizing everything, ensuring the kings of the fifty participating nations were properly atteo. None of them seemed eager to leave, whether out of geerest in the sea train teology or a desire to curry favor with Cudius. Their motivations didn't matter, what mattered was their willio i.

  For Cudius, this wasn't just a business ve art of his rger pn to solidate power within the Wover. If he inteo take trol one day, the anization couldn't be in ruins. It o retain enough value to be w, and the sea train project was a step in that dire.

  As Nia, his ever-effit butler, pced a gss of jui the table beside him, she couldn't help but smile at the voice emanating from the Den Den Mushi.

  The caller was her than Monkey D. Dragon, leader of the Revolutionary Army. Havihe ret news, Dragon had wasted no time in reag out.

  "My situation is already difficult enough," Dragon pined. "And now you're making it worse for me, Cudius. By the way, those books you se time were useless. Don't you have anythier? Aren't we supposed to be allies? Why are you sabotaging me like this?"

  Cudius leaned back with a grin. "Oh, e on, Dragon. Didn't you just mess with one of the CP agencies retly? What's wrong with me having a little fun too? Besides, ohe sea train system is up and running, your Revolutionary Army will be from it as much as anyone else. Surely you'll make good use of it."

  "Be?" Dragon shot back, exasperated. "This project of yours is going to make my life infinitely harder! You call that a be?!"

  Cudius chuckled. "What I say? I'm doing this for the greater good. There are so many people suffering on the seas, struggling to survive. If I have a way to improve their lives, are you really going to stand in my way? That wouldn't look good for a revolutionary, would it?"

  Dragon fell silent, knowing Cudius had a point. Their revolution was supposed to be about creating a better future, not hindering progress. Opposing the sea train system would not only tradict their principles but also risk alienating their supporters.

  Still, the practical difficulties this project would create for the Revolutionary Army couldn't be ignored. Drago as if Cudius was deliberately making his life harder.

  "As for the Poneglyphs," Cudius added with a smirk, "why not stage a daring rescue? I hear Nico Olvia is still locked up in Impel Down."

  "You'll be the death of me, Cudius," Dragon muttered, exasperated.

  After a pause, Dragon shifted the topic. "Let's set that aside for now. What about the Seven Warlords of the Sea? Are you making any progress there?"

  "Why are you in such a rush?" Cudius replied, feigning helplessness.

  "Because I don't have the luxury of lounging around like you do! Do you have any idea how hard it is to build a movement from scratch?!" Dragon's frustration poured out in a flurry of words.

  "Yes, yes, I hear you," Cudius said dismissively, his tone deliberately nont.

  "You're insufferable," Dragon grumbled. "And don't think I didn't notice, you're setting something up, aren't you? Some grand pn?"

  Cudius chuckled again. "Let's just say I have a few moves in mind. Don't worry, Dragon. When I finalize the batch of the Seven Warlords, you'll get three spots. sider it a gift."

  "Three spots?" Dragoed, surprised. "You're making big moves, aren't you?"

  "Of course," Cudius said smoothly. "Trust me, it'll all e together. Just be patient."