A portly World Government official was so angry that his fat trembled with rage.
The other officials around him didn't dare to breathe too loudly.
"That damn Dream Exploration Team! How dare they steal my bounty money? This time, not even Saint Lindgas will be able to protect them!" the fat official growled through clenched teeth.
"Director Fred, what do you plan to do? You know the Dream Exploration Team is on the Five Elders' radar," one official whispered, keeping his head low.
"It seems I'll have to go to Saint Isred. Saint Isred has always been at odds with Saint Lindgas. Besides, a large portion of Jaya Island's profits go to Saint Isred every year. I'm sure he won't just sit back and do nothing!" Fred said grimly.
At the mention of Saint Isred, the entire office fell silent. Some even showed fear in their eyes.
If Saint Lindgas was just a spoiled second-generation noble who enjoyed luxury and pleasure, then Saint Isred was a truly ruthless figure. Follow current novels on ɴovel(ꜰ)ɪre.nᴇt
While Saint Lindgas's biggest vice was his love for women—a common hobby among the Celestial Dragons—Saint Isred had an additional preference: he was fond of men, especially strong, muscular ones.
There had been cases in their office where someone was taken away by Saint Isred and never returned. Rumor had it they were tortured to death.
Saint Isred had a violent streak and enjoyed interrogating people. Because of his tastes, he went through slaves at a rate several times higher than other Celestial Dragons.
"So, who's coming with me to see Saint Isred?" Fred crossed his arms and stood in the center of the office, his cold eyes sweeping over everyone.
Wherever his gaze landed, people quickly lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes. It was as if his stare was a searing flame that could burn them.
They were terrified of facing the dreadful Saint Isred. That fear spread like a plague, sapping everyone's courage."
Tch!" Fred let out a disdainful sneer, as if mocking their cowardice.
"A bunch of useless cowards! I give you a chance, and you can't even take it. No wonder you'll spend your whole lives under me!"
His voice was full of scorn and contempt. Without hesitation, he turned and strode out of the office.
As Fred left, the office fell into dead silence, broken only by the sound of suppressed breathing.
The officials exchanged glances, their eyes filled with complex emotions.
They envied Fred's power and influence, and they were deeply jealous of his ability to gain Saint Isred's trust.
Yet, they lacked the courage to fight for it themselves. All they could do was silently endure under Fred's rule.
Fred walked out of the office with a dark expression, his earlier arrogance completely gone. He was now thinking about how to make a clean exit from Isred Saint's residence.
Although he was part of Isred Saint's faction within the World Government, Isred Saint didn't like trouble—it was a sign of incompetence. However, if Fred brought a gift that pleased Isred Saint, he might let it slide.
"Looks like I'll have to make a trip to Sabaody Archipelago to find a suitable gift..." Fred muttered.
This meant he'd have to spend tens of millions, maybe even hundreds of millions of berries. But it would be worth it. As long as Isred Saint took an interest, the Dream Exploration Team wouldn't stand a chance.
They were all subordinates of the Celestial Dragons, descendants of the Five Elders. How dare the Dream Exploration Team steal his benefits? Fred thought bitterly.
Mock Town, Jaya Island.
With a batch of wanted pirate captains recently captured, the atmosphere in Mock Town had temporarily calmed down.
Without the usual rowdy, lawless pirates roaming the streets, the town seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
People began to return to their normal routines, and the streets gradually came back to life.
Hog was busy installing wings on the Dream Ship. To ride the miraculous Knock Up Stream and reach Skypiea, wings were an essential piece of equipment.
Every detail had to be precise to ensure their journey would be safe and successful.
Hog worked intently, sweat dripping from his forehead, but his eyes were filled with determination.
"Where did Ryuen go today? He's been missing since early morning. Did he sneak off to slack?" Anya handed a plank to Hog, her expression puzzled.
"I woke up early, and I think I saw him heading into the forest. Maybe he went to talk to the birds about something," Robin said as she used her powers to move planks onto the ship.
"The weather feels off... I wonder if it's related to the Knock Up Stream here," Nami speculated, glancing up at the sky.
"Does that mean the Knock Up Stream is about to appear?" Kuina's eyes lit up with excitement.
The others also looked at Nami expectantly, even Hog paused his work to listen.
"I can't say for sure yet, but the weather around Jaya Island feels strange today. It's unusual," Nami said, still uncertain.
In the forest of Jaya Island, Ryuen was communicating with a group of birds. When it came to the Knock Up Stream, the local birds were the most knowledgeable.
The area around Ryuen was filled with chirping as the birds discussed for a long time before reaching a clear conclusion.
"So, the Knock Up Stream will appear tomorrow at noon, right?" Ryuen asked a weather bird seriously.
"I understand. From now on, keep a close eye on the weather in this area. If there's any change in the timing of the Knock Up Stream, notify me immediately, got it?" Ryuen said sternly.
"Alright, that's settled for now. Oh, and you few South birds, come with me. Finding the exact location of the Updraft tomorrow will depend on you!" Ryuen glanced at the group of Nananami birds nearby.
Seeing the birds nod eagerly, Ryuen felt reassured.
The Updraft occurs five times a month, but the timing is unpredictable, making it hard for humans to pinpoint. Thanks to the local birds, Ryuen now knew the exact time it would appear. The challenge tomorrow would be locating the precise spot quickly.
Only by arriving early at the Updraft's location could they ensure a smooth ride. After finishing his preparations, Ryuen returned to Mock Town.
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