After branding the three sisters with his Ouroboros mark, Saint Dio washed his hands of the matter.
He left the initial training to Stussy.
He had no time or energy to personally oversee such tedious taming.
Stussy was an expert in this regard, knowing exactly how to make the three little wildcats gradually realize their place.
The return journey was no different from the one they had taken.
The same azure waters, the same trembling sailors, and the same figure standing at the bow, sword in hand.
The only difference was the three girls chained in the cabin, each bearing a fresh brand on her back.
Days later, the Treasure Ship slowly sailed into the port of Mary Geoise.
The shadow of the Red Line once again loomed overhead, and the air grew thick with the solemnity and oppression of the “God’s Domain.” Saint Dio stepped onto the white stone pavement of the port, preparing to lead Stussy and the three sisters back to his residence.
Suddenly, two figures in white suits and masks materialized silently before him.
It was CP0.
One of them bowed slightly, his tone respectful.
“Saint Dio, excuse the interruption.
The Five Elders have ordered Agent Stussy to report for duty.” Stussy’s eyebrow twitched slightly at the words.
Stussy turned her head and glanced at Saint Dio, awaiting his instruction.
The two CP0 agents remained where they stood, neither urging nor making any further move.
Though they were delivering an order from the Five Elders, everyone knew that while Stussy nominally belonged to CP0, she had long since become Saint Dio’s private possession.
Without his nod, no one could take her.
Saint Dio fell silent for a moment, then gave a slight nod.
Having received permission, Stussy hesitated no longer.
She stepped forward and walked between the two CP0 agents.
Before leaving, she glanced back at Saint Dio, her lake-blue eyes conveying a silent message: Don’t worry, I know how to handle this.
Then she turned and vanished around the street corner, following the two white figures.
Saint Dio withdrew his gaze and looked down at the three little girls huddled behind him, who were taking in the “God’s Domain” with a mixture of curiosity and terror.
He uttered two words in a flat tone: “Follow.” He led the three sisters toward his residence in Mary Geoise.
Meanwhile, guided by the two CP0 agents, Stussy passed through the layered palaces and long corridors of Mary Geoise, finally arriving before a massive, heavy door.
The door slowly swung open, revealing a lavishly furnished hall that exuded an air of solemnity and gravity.
A wide sofa sat in the center of the hall.
The five elders were seated upon it in various postures—some leaning on their canes, others with legs crossed, some resting with their eyes closed.
The moment Stussy stepped into the hall, their gazes fell upon her in unison.
The Five Elders—the World Government’s highest authority.
Stussy walked to the center of the hall and knelt on one knee, her head bowed in a gesture that was respectful but not subservient.
Her height of 180 centimeters made her stand out among ordinary people, yet before these five elders seated on the sofa, she seemed much smaller.
However, there was no trace of fear in her eyes.
She knew why they had summoned her, and she knew how to handle it.
Sure enough, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, the Warrior God of Science and Defense, was the first to speak.
His voice carried an innate, imposing pressure: “Stussy, we need an explanation regarding the incident at the Sabaody Archipelago.” Without lifting her head, Stussy began to recount the events at Sabaody in a steady tone.
She detailed the pirate attack, the Kuja Pirates’ attempt to rescue their captives, the sudden appearance of the reclusive Dark King Rayleigh, and finally, Saint Dio being forced to unleash Jormungandr’s power, which resulted in the island’s destruction.
The Five Elders exchanged glances after listening to her report.
After a moment of silence, Saint Saturn finally spoke, the oppressive aura in his voice slightly softened.
“I see…
There were extenuating circumstances.
We cannot blame you for this.” The commotion at the Sabaody Archipelago had indeed been too great.
The complete destruction of Grove 26, which had sunk beneath the sea, had created significant public pressure within the World Government’s jurisdiction.
But if extreme measures had to be taken because they faced an opponent of the Dark King Rayleigh’s caliber, then the outcome was at least acceptable.
A cold sweat already drenched Stussy’s back.
Fortunately, Saint Dio had briefed her on the situation during their return journey.
When she learned that her master had been fighting the right-hand man of the Pirate King Gol D.
Roger, the Dark King Silvers Rayleigh, she couldn’t help but gasp, even though she was a seasoned veteran.
No wonder her master had been forced to summon Jormungandr.
No wonder the island had been completely destroyed.
Against a legendary opponent like that, escaping unscathed was a feat to be proud of.
She composed herself just as the voice spoke again: “How has Saint Dio been lately?” Stussy stopped in her tracks, turned around, and knelt on one knee again, answering respectfully, “Reporting to Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, Saint Dio continues his daily focus on swordsmanship training, just as usual, and his routine remains extremely disciplined.
It’s just that he recently went to the Sabaody Archipelago on a whim to purchase a few slaves; there have been no other unusual activities.” Hearing this, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn nodded slightly.
Then, the antique-style cane in his hand lightly tapped the floor.
Thump.
A soft sound.
Yet what followed was a terrifying aura that swept across the hall like a tidal wave, instantly enveloping Stussy in its crushing weight.
Her body sank heavily, as if a mountain had been placed upon her shoulders, making even breathing difficult.
Her muscles involuntarily tensed, and fine beads of sweat broke out on her forehead, but she gritted her teeth, refusing to let her body tremble.
A show of force.
Stussy understood perfectly.
The Five Elders were reminding her of her place.
“Stussy,” Saint Saturn’s voice drifted out slowly, “do not forget your identity.
Your primary mission is to monitor Saint Dio and ensure he takes no actions beyond control.
To protect his safety—that is your reason for existing.” Stussy lowered her head, pressing her forehead to the floor.
“Yes.
I will keep this forever etched in my heart.” Saint Saturn watched her for a long moment before the oppressive aura finally receded like a tide.
“…You may go.” Stussy felt as if she had been granted a royal pardon, yet she dared not show the slightest hint of eagerness.
She simply rose respectfully and backed out of the hall.
Only after her figure had completely vanished into the corridor outside did the hall fall into a brief silence.
After a long pause, the bald old man holding the Shodai Kitetsu in his arms, Saint Ethanbaron V.
Nusjuro, was the first to break the silence.
“To think a single trip could cause such a stir.
The losses to that island cannot be brushed aside with a simple ‘there was a reason for it.'” “In my opinion, it would be best to keep him under house arrest within the Holy Land to prevent further incidents,” he added, his fingers lightly tapping the scabbard of the long sword resting across his lap.
Another blond old man, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, slowly shook his head, a profound glint flashing in his narrowed eyes.
“That is unwise.
After all…
he is someone Lord Imu personally took an interest in.”