~ Support & Read 10 Advanced Chapters on My Patreon!
<><><><>
Although the Gold Saints had their suspicions about the Pope, they hadn't dared to question his authority.
They maintained a cautious neutrality, their doubts simmering beneath the surface, until the appearance of those claiming to act on Athena's behalf—even challenging Sanctuary itself.
This had deepened their confusion, ultimately leading them to…hold back.
They had allowed the Bronze Saints to pass, hoping to uncover the truth about the Pope and the true Athena's whereabouts. This explained the events of the Twelve Temples arc.
It was a strategy that worked only because they were facing Bronze Saints, making it easier to feign defeat.
In a direct confrontation between Gold Saints, such deception would be impossible, especially with the Pope observing. Without confirmation of Saori Kido's identity as the true Athena, they couldn't risk revealing their allegiance.
"What do we do now?" Aiolia asked.
No one wanted a battle between Gold Saints—even though some would inevitably side with Athena. Such a conflict would be devastating, potentially destroying Sanctuary itself.
Mu and Milo pondered his question, while Saori remained silent.
"We invade the Sanctuary—" Mika said suddenly.
"Invade Sanctuary? Saga won't allow that. He'll attack us the moment we set foot inside, along with the other Gold Saints," Milo countered.
"Indeed," Mika agreed, "Which is why we won't be the ones invading. Seiya and the others will."
"Us? The Five of us?" The Bronze Saints, who had been silently observing the discussion, were startled.
They hadn't spoken a word—intimidated by the Gold Saints and their gleaming Cloths.
"That's right," Mika said, looking at them, then turning to Mu, Milo, and Aiolia. "While the Pope knows a confrontation is inevitable, he doesn't know the Details. We can use this to our advantage."
"Use it…how?" Milo asked.
"We'll fake our deaths," Mika replied with a grin.
"Currently, Saga's greatest concern is—me, and the Sagittarius Gold Cloth. If Athena loses both, he'll consider her less of a threat. This will make him more likely to send his forces after Seiya and the others, leading them into the Twelve Temples. We'll then be able to operate in secret, contacting the other Gold Saints individually, and make our way to the Pope's chambers."
Mika smiled, remembering a similar tactic employed by the Specters in the Hades arc, who had secretly infiltrated Sanctuary, even managing to kill Aldebaran—If not for Shaka, they might have even reached the Pope.
"Operate in secret…" Milo and Aiolia's eyes lit up.
This was a far better option than a direct assault.
"How do we proceed?" Aiolia asked.
"Milo, you'll return to Sanctuary with the Leo and Sagittarius Gold Cloths," Mika explained. "Your Cloth was pierced by the Golden Arrow. You can tell the Pope you were severely injured. Aiolia, believing you were dead, burned his Cosmo and fought me, wielding the Sagittarius Cloth, until we both perished in a final, mutual destruction attack. And with you too injured to confront the Evil God impersonating Athena, you simply retrieved the Cloths and returned."
"Saga won't question your story."
Milo considered Mika's plan.
It was—plausible.
After all, it was based on what had actually happened. If not for Mika's unexpected strength, it could have been the truth.
"Indeed, both my injuries and Aiolia's—demise are believable outcomes. I imagine the Pope anticipated such a possibility," Milo chuckled.
Facing a Sagittarius Gold Saint wielding the Golden Arrow, even two Gold Saints together couldn't guarantee victory. And Saga was well aware of Aiolia's desire to redeem his brother's name, especially against someone wearing his Cloth.
His outburst had been predictable.
"This way, we can operate in secret and infiltrate the Sanctuary."
"And once I reach Leo's temple, I can retrieve my Cloth, further enhancing my strength."
"Before that, we have Gemini, which is unguarded, and Aries, Mu's temple. So, only Aldebaran of Taurus and Deathmask of Cancer remain as obstacles."
"I'm confident in my ability to persuade Aldebaran," Mu interjected. "Therefore, you'll only have to face Deathmask before retrieving your Cloth."
"That makes things even easier," Aiolia chuckled. He had little fondness for Deathmask.
"It seems we've reached a consensus." Saori's voice interrupted their discussion.
"Indeed, Athena," Mu replied. "We believe this plan minimizes the risk of casualties."
This was their primary concern.
While Gold Saints weren't afraid of death—the upcoming Holy War against Hades loomed large. They couldn't afford to weaken themselves through infighting. Minimizing casualties was paramount.
"Then proceed as planned. You have my blessing," Saori said with a smile.
She knew both Milo and Aiolia were burdened by guilt, their strong sense of justice making it difficult for them to forgive themselves, especially with Mika.
Therefore, she hadn't interfered in their discussion.
She trusted Mika and his companions to make the right decisions. And Milo and Aiolia needed this, a chance to atone.
"I have faith in you," she said, her smile conveying her trust and support. That was all she needed to do.
——
In Sanctuary, within the Pope's chambers.
Saga awaited Milo and Aiolia's report.
Their hasty departure had prevented his spies from following them. He had lost contact.
Saga was confident in their victory.
After all, they were two against one. And Saori Kido, newly awakened, was unlikely to have more than one Gold Saint level warrior protecting her.
It was a stroke of luck that she had even one. Besides, she only had a single Gold Cloth, Sagittarius. Even if she did have two Seventh Sense Saints, only one could wear a Cloth.
And for a Gold Saint, the difference between wielding a Cloth and being unarmed was immense. A Gold Cloth didn't just add to a Saint's power; it multiplied it.
Therefore, even facing two Seventh Sense opponents, Saga believed Milo and Aiolia would prevail, unless both opponents possessed Gold Cloths.
And currently, there were only two Gold Saints outside his control: Mu of Aries and Dohko of Libra. While Dohko, tasked with guarding the Specters, was unlikely to intervene, if Athena's life was in danger, he might act.
And then there was Mu.
"I hope you don't interfere. Otherwise, I'll be forced to eliminate both of you, even if it weakens us before the Holy War against Hades." He wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice a few Gold Saints to secure his position and eliminate any potential threats.
Like Mu, who was undoubtedly searching for a weakness, an opportunity to expose him, Saga, too, was watching Mu and Dohko. If they made a move, he would strike, regardless of the cost.
Just then, a golden light approached Sanctuary, followed by two figures lacking the distinctive aura of Cosmo.
"That's…Milo's Cosmo!" Saga stood up abruptly. "No sign of Aiolia. Did they split up? Or is Aiolia…?" His face darkened.
A casualty was the worst-case scenario—suggesting their opponent was far stronger than he had anticipated.
"Could Athena's power have grown?" He quickly headed towards Milo's temple, Scorpio, finding him there, severely injured, on the verge of death.
"Milo! What happened?!" Saga rushed to his side and saw the Golden Arrow piercing his abdomen. It was the same arrow that had injured him before, now seemingly embedded even deeper.
"We engaged the enemy as instructed, but—he was wearing the Sagittarius Gold Cloth," Milo said, his voice weak and trembling. "During the battle, I was struck by the Golden Arrow—Aiolia, believing I was dead, burned his Cosmo and fought him, until they both—perished in a mutual destruction attack."
Saga's gaze shifted to the Leo and Sagittarius Gold Cloths lying nearby.
They had apparently been retrieved after the battle.
"A mutual destruction attack—" Saga nodded.
It was a fitting end for a Saint, He had likely realized he couldn't defeat a Gold Saint wielding the Golden Arrow and had chosen to take his opponent down with him, protecting Athena and creating an opportunity for her to strike.
Eliminating two Gold Saints, even if one wasn't dead yet—was a significant blow to Sanctuary. The Golden Arrow's curse would prevent Milo from recovering quickly. If Athena attacked now, it would be a devastating blow to Sanctuary—a two-for-one exchange.
Athena was now left with only a few Bronze Saints. And what could they possibly achieve?
Saga couldn't help but smile inwardly.
His victory was practically assured. However, with Milo still present, he had to maintain a somber facade.
"It wasn't your fault, Milo," Saga said, his voice filled with feigned concern.
"The enemy's strength—it seems I underestimated them. My intelligence was flawed. Who would have thought the Sagittarius Gold Cloth would fall into the hands of evil? He used its power against you; you're lucky to be alive. Now, rest. Recover your strength." Saga stood up, his gaze turning towards the distant horizon.
"I imagine—our enemy will be coming to us soon."
Beneath his mask, a cruel smile twisted his lips.
'Come, Athena, I can hardly wait to destroy you.'
<><><><>
Support & Read 10 Advanced Chapters.
https://p-atreon.com/dragonnx
(Just remove the hyphen to access Patreon normally.)