Under the World Government's high-pressure stance, a massive allied force with the goal of "eradicating Jin-An" was formally established.
The solemn swearing-in ceremony was held in a magnificent palace, where every king had to suppress their inner dissatisfaction and fear, and pledge allegiance to the World Government.
The newly appointed Five Elders on the high platform watched them from a commanding position, their eyes filled with both the indifference of controlling the overall situation and a hint of disdain.
They knew that among these kings, some were willing, while others were forced by pressure, but in any case, they had firmly grasped this game in their hands.
After the ceremony, the palace gates slowly opened again, symbolizing that they could leave.
However, the expressions on the faces of those kings were mostly gloomy.
"We already pay the Heavenly Tribute, and now they want us to provide manpower and resources. Do they think we're ATMs?"
A king from a remote small country complained in a low voice, his words full of resentment.
"Shhh, keep it down!" The companion next to him quickly pulled him back, warning in a low voice, "Have you forgotten what the Five Elders just said? Don't implicate us if you want to die!"
The king's lips moved, but in the end, he didn't say anything more.
The dissatisfaction accumulated in their hearts was like a volcano, but in the palace at this moment, even a spark could lead to destruction.
Unlike these complaining and dissatisfied kings, those kings who had a good relationship with Jin-An seemed more restrained.
They realized that after being "specially treated" by the World Government, they were burdened with heavier invisible pressure.
"That kind of look... it's like saying 'we're watching you'." A small king with close ties to Jin-An said in a low voice. His palms were already soaked with cold sweat.
"Don't say too much." Another ally lowered his voice, quickly scanning the surroundings. "They're just testing us, don't show anything unusual."
They tried to maintain calm expressions, pretending to be nonchalant as they walked out with the other kings, but every step was like walking on thin ice.
They knew very well that after this meeting, they would be more closely monitored.
Stepping out of the palace, the cool air made those suppressed kings breathe a slight sigh of relief, but the chaotic thoughts did not subside.
"What exactly is the World Government thinking? Such a big move, is it really just to deal with Jin-An?"
"The allied forces are established, but in the end, aren't we the ones who will bleed and sacrifice?"
"Just how terrifying is that Jin-An, that he's worth the World Government making such a fuss?"
Vaguely, some voices revealed admiration or even longing when discussing Jin-An, but they were quickly interrupted by the uneasy gazes of others, and they fell silent.
Keeping their distance from the large group of kings, the few kings who had a good relationship with Jin-An took advantage of the chaos to quickly approach each other, exchanging brief and secret information.
"What do we do? The World Government is already suspicious."
"There's no way, we can only play dumb, don't let them find any evidence."
"What about Jin-An's side? We have to find a way to pass the message."
"Don't worry, Jin-An has more ways than we think."
One of them said in a low voice, with a bit of determination in his eyes,
"He can give us hope, so naturally he won't fall easily. We just need to hold our ground and wait for the opportunity."
Although their words were cautious, everyone understood that beneath the calm sky before them, a storm was quietly brewing.
And they were already standing at a crossroads with no turning back.
At the same time, deep within the palace, the new Five Elders stood on the high platform, watching the kings leave through the tall windows.
They exchanged glances, and a sneer appeared on the corners of their mouths.
"Those kings who have close ties with Jin-An really can't hold back."
"It doesn't matter, their every move is under our control. The more they struggle, the more they expose themselves."
"Let them jump around for a while. Once Jin-An is dead, none of these vassals will be able to escape."
Outside the window, the sun was bright and the wind was gentle.
But everyone knew that beneath this calm sky, a storm was about to strike.
......
The sky over Elbaf was as blue as the sea, and the cool wind mixed with the fragrance of mountain grass and trees permeated the air.
In this ancient land of the giants, the smoke of war had gradually dissipated, restoring a rare tranquility.
However, this tranquility was broken by an abrupt figure on this day.
A blond man wearing a straw hat stepped onto the land of Elbaf.
His pace was slow and steady, every step seeming to be a conversation with this land.
The sunlight shone through the edge of the straw hat, reflecting his slightly drooping golden hair, his face hidden in the shadows, making it difficult to see his expression,
But the innate composure made the surrounding giants feel a vague sense of inexplicable pressure.
"Stop! Elbaf prohibits unauthorized entry!"
Two giant guards shouted loudly, the giant axes in their hands flashing a cold light in the sun, the blades pointing directly at the man.
However, the man seemed not to have heard, and continued to move forward slowly.
His pace did not hesitate in the slightest, but he did not show any hostility, like a silent wind, casual but unstoppable.
The guards felt a trace of unease, this unease coming from that invisible aura, even more oppressive than when they faced a strong enemy.
They couldn't help but look at each other, gripping the giant axes in their hands even tighter, but they did not take the lead in attacking.
At this time, Jin-An, who was resting in the Elbaf Giant Palace, also keenly sensed a strange and powerful aura.
He raised his head, his eyes piercing through the thick walls, looking into the distance.
"An interesting guest." The corners of Jin-An's mouth raised slightly, but his eyes had more scrutiny.
He gestured to Whitebeard and Loki beside him, stood up, and put on his coat, "I'll go take a look."
Whitebeard leaned back in his seat, grinning, "Gurararara, which other fool has come knocking on our door?"
Loki frowned slightly, "Elbaf has just experienced war, and can still attract such visitors... this person is not simple."
Jin-An walked out of the palace and saw the blond man at the foot of the distant giant stone mountain.
His figure was slender, his temperament was cold, even standing on the magnificent land of the giants, he did not appear small, but like a sword with restrained edge, impossible to ignore.
"Jin-An." The man's voice was calm, but with a power that penetrated people's hearts.
He raised his head slightly, his eyes casting straight from the shadow of the straw hat to Jin-An, with a familiar yet unfamiliar scrutiny.
Jin-An stopped, his face still with his usual indifference, "Who are you?"
The man slowly took off his straw hat, revealing a handsome but slightly tired face.
His golden hair was like burning flames in the sun, his eyes were deep and sharp, seeming to contain countless secrets.
The corners of his mouth raised slightly, revealing a meaningful smile, "That's a straightforward question, Jin-An. But, you might want to know more about why I'm here."
Jin-An's eyes narrowed slightly, although the other party's aura did not show obvious hostility, his intuition told him that this person was not simple.
The surrounding air seemed to stagnate with the man's words, and the distant giant guards subconsciously took a step back, afraid of being drawn into this unknown storm.
But Jin-An did not show the slightest panic, he just gently placed his hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist, his eyes like swords, staring directly at the man.
"Then, let's get straight to the point." Jin-An's tone was indifferent, but contained a hint of undeniable pressure, "Why are you here?"
The man smiled lightly, he looked at the magnificent giant palace in the distance, and then looked at the man in front of him, feared but respected by countless people, and said meaningfully:
"I'm here to offer you a choice."
His voice echoed in the wind, like a thunderclap from the clear sky, shaking the hearts of everyone present.
...
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