That voice—
Though not loud—
Was crystal clear to Aurelius D. Virel ·Is.
He scanned the dim hall.
But—
There was no sign of Imu.
After a brief pause, he spoke:
"May I ask why Imu-sama has summoned me?"
Silence.
The vast hall fell completely quiet.
No sound.
Not even a breath.
After a while—
Heavy footsteps echoed from the direction of the Empty Throne.
"Step… step… step…"
Seconds later—
A tall, slender woman appeared.
Her figure was visible—
But her face remained hidden in darkness.
She paced slowly near the throne, her gaze fixed on Is.
"So young…"
"And yet, possessing such awareness."
"No wonder the Five Elders value you so highly… as their successor."
"…."
Is wasn't interested in praise.
He just wanted to know—
Why he was here.
"They overestimate me," he replied calmly.
"I'm no different from others."
"I eat, I play, I waste time… nothing special."
He deliberately downplayed himself.
Trying to avoid responsibility.
But—
Unexpectedly—
Imu seemed even more intrigued.
"I've seen many people claim credit for themselves."
"But you…"
"This is the first time I've seen someone intentionally diminish themselves."
"…."
Is forced a faint smile.
"I'm just telling the truth, Imu-sama."
Imu paused briefly—
Then shifted the topic.
"You played a major role in eliminating the Roger Pirates and the Rocks Pirates."
"I've heard… you led the Marines and stabilized the seas."
Is stayed silent for a moment.
Still unsure of her true intent.
"I was just there for appearances."
"The real work was done by the Marines."
"I simply took the credit."
"…"
Imu leaned slightly, resting her head on one hand as she sat upon the Empty Throne.
Then—
She finally spoke the real purpose.
"You are indeed worth cultivating."
"Pick a day."
"Go to God Valley."
"God Valley?"
Is's interest immediately rose.
Of course—
He knew that place.
Both Rocks and Roger had gone there.
And clearly—
There was something far more important hidden behind the official story.
"I can ask why?" he said.
"There is something there…"
"That belongs to us Celestial Dragons."
"What is it?"
"You don't need to know."
"You only need to understand—"
"It is extremely important to us."
"…."
Is frowned slightly.
"What if someone takes it while I'm there?"
"If I don't even know what it is—"
Imu replied calmly:
"No one capable of taking it… exists."
"…."
So—
Still no answer.
"Then why send me there?" Is asked.
"To live?"
Imu continued:
"God Valley is also a Celestial Dragon domain."
"When you go—"
"You will govern it."
"Everything there… including the Celestial Dragons."
"But—"
Her tone sharpened slightly.
"You are not allowed to kill them."
Is fell silent.
On one hand—
He didn't want to relocate.
On the other—
God Valley's secrets…
Were too tempting.
And—
He would be in control there.
"…Alright."
"I understand."
"When should I leave?"
"Whenever you want."
"Got it."
"Leave."
"Goodbye."
Is turned—
Walked out—
And opened the door.
Outside—
The Gorosei were still waiting.
They immediately surrounded him.
Walking alongside him.
"What did Imu-sama say?" the bald elder asked.
Is glanced at him.
"You guess."
"…."
"You brat," the elder snapped.
"Can't you be serious for once?"
Seeing they wouldn't let it go—
Is shrugged.
"Fine."
"She wants me to manage God Valley."
"God Valley…"
The elders exchanged looks.
"So that's what Imu-sama intends…"
"Intends what?" Is asked.
The bald elder smirked slightly.
"You guess."
"…."
Is sighed.
"Yeah, that's on me."
"Forget it."
"You wouldn't tell me anyway."
Without wasting more time—
Wings unfolded behind him.
He shot into the sky.
Watching his figure disappear—
The bald elder muttered:
"He's changed… completely."
"Indeed," another elder added.
"How did he grow this strong… in such a short time?"
"There are too many secrets… surrounding him."
Meanwhile—
Is didn't care at all.
Because—
They would never uncover the truth.
Back at the Castle
As he returned—
All the maids were already waiting.
"Welcome back, Master!"
Roz·Minian and the others greeted him.
"Just handled something minor," Is replied casually.
He stepped inside.
The maids followed behind.
He glanced around.
Everyone was present—
Except two.
"Where are Madara and Hashirama?"
Roz answered respectfully:
"Lord Madara and Lord Hashirama went out."
"They haven't returned yet."
"…."
Is narrowed his eyes slightly.
Those two—
Together?
That probably wouldn't end quietly.,
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