One Piece Nine Tails - Chapter 254
“It’s really quite extraordinary…”
In the Holy Land of Mary Geoise, the Five Elders were gathered as usual, as if they had never been apart.
Before them were a series of photographs, capturing scenes of shattered ice and swirling water.
This was the battlefield where Water Behind and Roger had clashed!
“An ice world spanning a hundred kilometers, all created in the brief time they fought,” remarked the elder holding a sword. “It’s not surprising that the God’s Right Seat has the power to fight Demon Lords, but Gol D. Roger being able to stand against him increases his threat level significantly.”
A long-bearded elder nodded in agreement, adding, “Yes, especially since he is a ‘D.’ ”
Mention of the ‘D’ immediately cast a serious expression on the faces of all five elders.
Although the revival of demons posed significant challenges, the ‘D’ clan was also a major concern for them.
“However, dealing with Roger is not a simple task. We currently lack the necessary manpower.”
It was impossible for the Navy to concentrate all their forces to proactively attack a single pirate. If pirates attacked Marineford, it would be different, but launching an offensive was out of the question.
Marineford was a crucial gateway to Mary Geoise. If all the forces were dispatched, who would protect the Holy Land?
As for the Black Order?
They had their own missions. With the increasing number of demons, members of the Black Order, aside from Makima who remained at headquarters, were frequently away on missions.
After all, with so many shards of the Shikon Jewel scattered, they had to be utilized effectively.
Furthermore, integrating the Shikon Jewel shards into living beings was a way to strengthen the Shikon Jewel itself. By continuously absorbing the desires of living beings, the ‘four souls’ within the Shikon Jewel would grow more potent.
“It would be beneficial if Water Behind could join us,” one elder suggested. “Even if not to the extent of Makima, we need him to lean towards the World Government.”
“Recently, CP agents have tracked Water Behind’s movements. Through his brief stops and actions, particularly his statements, they have deduced the formation of a religion named ‘Cross.’ ”
“This aligns with some ancient beliefs,” the sword-bearing elder noted.
Indeed, the world of One Piece had many churches and nuns. Although the deities varied by region, like the widespread belief in Satan, the concept of a god existed.
“Religion and faith have always been passed down from ancient times. Even though Water Behind’s era was destroyed, its culture didn’t completely vanish. Some beliefs survived,” said the elder who initially held the sword.
The elder who had brought up the topic of the Cross faith continued, “My idea is to develop the ‘Cross’ faith. Perhaps this would earn Water Behind’s favor.”
It was almost laughable that the world’s largest violent institution, the World Government, needed to earn a man’s favor.
But this was the harsh reality. The world favored the strong, often seeking their approval.
“We could also improve the treatment of the populace slightly, ensuring the affiliated kingdoms show some restraint, and heavily promote the ‘Cross’ faith,” the elder added. As he spoke, he seemed to consider something.
Initially, he intended to propose establishing the headquarters of the Cross faith in Mary Geoise, but considering the complexities with the Celestial Dragons, he reconsidered.
“Let’s set up the headquarters of the Cross faith in Marineford instead.”
Involving the Black Order was more suitable, but the World Government still wanted to balance Makima’s influence.
If Water Behind continued his activities, those who witnessed his near-miraculous powers would naturally become key supporters of the Cross faith.
It was foreseeable that this religion would become a significant force in the future.
“Wouldn’t it conflict to place it in Marineford?” The bearded elder questioned. “Since we already have the Black Order, adding the Cross faith wouldn’t be an issue.”
“You mean establishing a dedicated headquarters for the Cross faith?”
The bearded elder explained, “This would show our commitment and wouldn’t require the World Government to directly support it publicly. We can control it from behind the scenes.”
“We could choose an island near Marineford, keeping it within our sphere of influence.”
“I have no objections.”
“I agree.”
With each elder expressing approval, the plan was set.
Thus, people were astonished to see the Cross faith rapidly expand, absorbing other religions and reclassifying their deities as either angels or demon lords.
For instance, a religion worshiping the god Bari was absorbed by the Cross faith, where Bari was integrated as a demon lord. In the newly compiled scriptures, much of the content revolved around conflicts between the Cross faith and the Bari-worshiping tribes.
It was quite pitiful for the original followers of Bari. Their once revered deity had suddenly been rebranded as a demon lord, featuring prominently in the scriptures mainly as a stepping stone.
Under the public endorsement of the World Government, the Cross faith quickly grew into the world’s largest religion.
The World Government also established a grand church on an island near Marineford, guiding regional church leaders to recognize it as the Cross faith’s headquarters.
During this time, Water Behind seemed oblivious, continuing his actions independently. Even the World Government’s extensive intelligence network frequently lost track of him.
Time continued to pass…
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