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# Chapter 617: Encounter of Two Protagonists!
Imperial Arms World, The Empire's Imperial Capital.
As the news of the great defeat in the Mount Fam Battle spread, the entire Imperial Capital Area fell into a state of panic.
No one expected The Empire's Great Army, which had gathered over 600,000 Military Strength, to be wiped out so quickly.
Because of this, the public opinion that the World Government was invincible and that the entire World was about to be conquered by Otherworlders grew increasingly fervent.
At this moment.
Within the Imperial Palace, which existed in the Eight Gates Golden Lock space.
The current Emperor was solemnly reviewing the Battle Situation Intelligence on the table in Xuanshi Hall.
With each page he finished reading, the worry in his Gaze deepened, and his brows furrowed further.
This made the Atmosphere in the room extremely heavy and serious.
It wasn't until he let out a long sigh that the gazes of The Empire's Higher-ups, such as Najenda, Saul, and Gozuchi, were raised again.
"General Bulat died in battle, his Remains are missing, and General Esdeath is missing, her fate unknown. Fortunately, we still have General Bols who can hold up the Military's banner, otherwise, I truly wouldn't know what to do."
The Emperor, who was nearing middle age, put down the Document in his hand and sighed, rubbing his temples with a slightly weary look.
"Your Majesty, we previously attempted to use the Divination Ability of the Divination Tortoise Shell to ascertain General Esdeath's whereabouts and situation, but the result was failure."
Najenda said softly, "There are two possibilities for this. One is that she is already dead, and the Divination Tortoise Shell is ineffective on her. The second is that she may have gone to Other Worlds, so..."
"Died in battle or captured?"
Gozuchi shook his Head and said coldly, "Neither is a good Matter, especially the latter. General Esdeath knows quite a few of The Empire's Confidential matters."
"Since the Matter has already happened, there's no point in discussing it further."
Regent Saul stepped forward and Respectfully said to the Emperor, "Your subject believes the top priority now is to consider how The Empire should respond to the threat from the North."
"Now the Fact has proven that our High-End Combatants are far inferior to the enemy. General Bols and the others can at most contend with a Vice Admiral of that World Government. In that case, what we can rely on now seems to be only the remaining three Five Paths Revolving Furnaces."
How could the few people present not understand this Principle?
But even if they knew, what could they do?
"Then your meaning is..."
The Emperor looked at him calmly, while also considering whether to tell them about the Supreme Imperial Arm.
Or perhaps directly bring out the Supreme Imperial Arm and then spread the Legend of the Supreme Imperial Arm outside.
This would at least significantly restore the Morale of everyone in The Empire.
However, doing so would mean revealing all the Trump Cards in his hand.
"Your subject suggests that while the deterrence of the two rapidly fired Five Paths Revolving Furnaces has not yet dissipated, we dispatch the Diplomatic Corps to communicate with the other side and see if the problem can be resolved through Negotiation."
Regent Saul's words were actually quite tactful.
The Empire's Strength was clearly inferior to the World Government's now. Continuing to fight offered no Hope of Victory.
It would be better to talk with the other side while they still had some Trump Cards.
Even paying a Price would be acceptable, or choosing to surrender or something, as long as The Empire's National Structure could be preserved.
"Indeed, this is not a bad Method..." Minister of Finance Ezra nodded in agreement.
"Sigh, alright, let's do that. Have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dispatch a Delegation. Since the other side's organization name is 'World Government', they likely won't refuse such Communication."
The Emperor considered for a moment and agreed, but Najenda raised an objection.
"But won't the Alchemy Kingdom and the Shenhe Island Nation view our actions as betrayal? Shouldn't we discuss it with them first?"
"This..."
Regent Saul and Minister of Finance Ezra looked at each other.
"Right, we should inform them. I will personally write the letter!"
The Emperor stood Up and looked at the golden Sky outside the window, thinking to himself.
"If I activate the Supreme Imperial Arm and join forces with the Stigma Alchemists in the West and the Divine Harmony Sword Saint in the East, and coordinate with those few Five Paths Revolving Furnaces, perhaps it can make that World Government feel apprehension and restrain their posture somewhat during Negotiation..."
At the same time, he really wanted to know, between the Supreme Imperial Arm and the other side's Admirals, who was Stronger and who was weaker?
[Thump thump thump!]
Suddenly, the Door, which logically shouldn't have been disturbed, was knocked upon. Even if someone were to come, they should have been announced by a Eunuch first, unless it was the Imperial Guard...
When the person walked in, as expected, it was the Imperial Guard Commander, Kurome.
"Your Majesty, the Du Gate has suffered a strong Attack from the enemy and is currently engaged in battle with our Imperial Guard!"
As soon as she entered, she delivered news that shocked everyone.
Gozuchi was furious: "How audacious! They actually dare to directly attack our doorstep?"
"However, since the other side chose to attack the Du Gate, it means they still don't know the location of the Life Gate. This is quite reassuring..."
Najenda keenly noticed this Detail.
Indeed, finding the correct Entrance/Exit among the eight gates was quite difficult.
"What is the Situation now?" the Emperor asked in a deep voice.
"It's severe. According to the Intelligence from the front, the Attacker can release purple-white poison gas. As soon as it's inhaled into the body, one quickly falls into a Coma. It should be the same person who assassinated Governor Numa!"
Hearing Kurome's words, Gozuchi raised an eyebrow.
"That Logia-type Devil Fruit User? In that case, our subordinates won't be able to deal with him at all."
After speaking, he asked the Emperor for permission: "Your subject requests to go into battle and capture this audacious Assassin!"
Yes.
After so many days of unremitting effort, Gozuchi, Commander of 'Oarberg', had finally mastered Armament Haki.
This gave him great confidence.
Mainly, these people still didn't know that Haki also had strengths and weaknesses.
Although there were those with Exceptional Talent who could defeat more experienced Haki Experts.
But generally speaking, people who had mastered Haki for longer definitely had a stronger total amount and quality of Haki than beginners.
But Kurome said, "No need. Our Imperial Guard has already sent people over. Calculating the Time, they should already be engaged in battle now."
"Oh?"
"Besides you in your Imperial Guard, are there others who have mastered the power of Haki?"
Gozuchi looked at her in surprise.
"Hmph, although I really don't want to admit it, that guy's Strength is indeed a bit stronger than me. If even he is not an Opponent, then there's no point in you going!"
Kurome's blunt words made Gozuchi's Expression turn ashen.
At the same time.
The location of the Du Gate on the outer perimeter of the Imperial Palace was indeed in Chaos at this moment. However, what was most eye-catching was still the thick Purple-White Mist filling the Air.
As mentioned before, the Imperial Capital had built City Walls and City Gates around each of the 'Eight Gates' and arranged heavy troops to guard them.
But now, within this small fortress-like Barbican, lay all sorts of Personnel.
There were Imperial Guard armored soldiers holding spears, Imperial Fist Temple Disciples in yellow clothes and black belts, and even 'Beastman Warriors' like Humanoid Monsters, as well as black Giant Eagles.
This caused the troops outside the Fortress to hesitate to rush in, even though the City Gate was wide open.
They could only watch helplessly as the two figures inside flashed rapidly in the environment shrouded in purple smoke, and amidst their crossing and Collision, the clanging sounds of intense battle rang out.
[Clang!]
The two sides collided heavily once again. At the moment their Blades met, bright Sparks burst forth, illuminating two very young faces.
"I really didn't expect to actually encounter an Imperial Expert who can use Armament Haki and Observation Haki."
Mima Amatori said, while using his Long Sword to block the opponent's Blade, looking in surprise at the Opponent close at hand. Then he revealed a handsome Smile.
"Even if I ask you, you wouldn't tell me how you learned Haki, right? Then, may I know your name? My name is Mima Amatori, from the 'Kabaneri World'. And you?"
He saw the Opponent squinting his crimson eyes, revealing a pair of sharp canine teeth in his mouth, and replied calmly.
"Tatsumi, Imperial Guard of The Empire."
As soon as he finished speaking, the 'Water Dragon Sword' in his hand knocked away Mima Amatori's Long Saber, which was covered in glowing blood patterns because a layer of 'Kabaneri Heart Membrane' was attached to it.
In an instant, he once again swung out layers of Sword Light and attacked...
(End of this chapter)
Imperial Arms World, The Empire's Imperial Capital.
As the news of the great defeat in the Mount Fam Battle spread, the entire Imperial Capital Area fell into a state of panic.
No one expected The Empire's Great Army, which had gathered over 600,000 Military Strength, to be wiped out so quickly.
Because of this, the public opinion that the World Government was invincible and that the entire World was about to be conquered by Otherworlders grew increasingly fervent.
At this moment.
Within the Imperial Palace, which existed in the Eight Gates Golden Lock space.
The current Emperor was solemnly reviewing the Battle Situation Intelligence on the table in Xuanshi Hall.
With each page he finished reading, the worry in his Gaze deepened, and his brows furrowed further.
This made the Atmosphere in the room extremely heavy and serious.
It wasn't until he let out a long sigh that the gazes of The Empire's Higher-ups, such as Najenda, Saul, and Gozuchi, were raised again.
"General Bulat died in battle, his Remains are missing, and General Esdeath is missing, her fate unknown. Fortunately, we still have General Bols who can hold up the Military's banner, otherwise, I truly wouldn't know what to do."
The Emperor, who was nearing middle age, put down the Document in his hand and sighed, rubbing his temples with a slightly weary look.
"Your Majesty, we previously attempted to use the Divination Ability of the Divination Tortoise Shell to ascertain General Esdeath's whereabouts and situation, but the result was failure."
Najenda said softly, "There are two possibilities for this. One is that she is already dead, and the Divination Tortoise Shell is ineffective on her. The second is that she may have gone to Other Worlds, so..."
"Died in battle or captured?"
Gozuchi shook his Head and said coldly, "Neither is a good Matter, especially the latter. General Esdeath knows quite a few of The Empire's Confidential matters."
"Since the Matter has already happened, there's no point in discussing it further."
Regent Saul stepped forward and Respectfully said to the Emperor, "Your subject believes the top priority now is to consider how The Empire should respond to the threat from the North."
"Now the Fact has proven that our High-End Combatants are far inferior to the enemy. General Bols and the others can at most contend with a Vice Admiral of that World Government. In that case, what we can rely on now seems to be only the remaining three Five Paths Revolving Furnaces."
How could the few people present not understand this Principle?
But even if they knew, what could they do?
"Then your meaning is..."
The Emperor looked at him calmly, while also considering whether to tell them about the Supreme Imperial Arm.
Or perhaps directly bring out the Supreme Imperial Arm and then spread the Legend of the Supreme Imperial Arm outside.
This would at least significantly restore the Morale of everyone in The Empire.
However, doing so would mean revealing all the Trump Cards in his hand.
"Your subject suggests that while the deterrence of the two rapidly fired Five Paths Revolving Furnaces has not yet dissipated, we dispatch the Diplomatic Corps to communicate with the other side and see if the problem can be resolved through Negotiation."
Regent Saul's words were actually quite tactful.
The Empire's Strength was clearly inferior to the World Government's now. Continuing to fight offered no Hope of Victory.
It would be better to talk with the other side while they still had some Trump Cards.
Even paying a Price would be acceptable, or choosing to surrender or something, as long as The Empire's National Structure could be preserved.
"Indeed, this is not a bad Method..." Minister of Finance Ezra nodded in agreement.
"Sigh, alright, let's do that. Have the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dispatch a Delegation. Since the other side's organization name is 'World Government', they likely won't refuse such Communication."
The Emperor considered for a moment and agreed, but Najenda raised an objection.
"But won't the Alchemy Kingdom and the Shenhe Island Nation view our actions as betrayal? Shouldn't we discuss it with them first?"
"This..."
Regent Saul and Minister of Finance Ezra looked at each other.
"Right, we should inform them. I will personally write the letter!"
The Emperor stood Up and looked at the golden Sky outside the window, thinking to himself.
"If I activate the Supreme Imperial Arm and join forces with the Stigma Alchemists in the West and the Divine Harmony Sword Saint in the East, and coordinate with those few Five Paths Revolving Furnaces, perhaps it can make that World Government feel apprehension and restrain their posture somewhat during Negotiation..."
At the same time, he really wanted to know, between the Supreme Imperial Arm and the other side's Admirals, who was Stronger and who was weaker?
[Thump thump thump!]
Suddenly, the Door, which logically shouldn't have been disturbed, was knocked upon. Even if someone were to come, they should have been announced by a Eunuch first, unless it was the Imperial Guard...
When the person walked in, as expected, it was the Imperial Guard Commander, Kurome.
"Your Majesty, the Du Gate has suffered a strong Attack from the enemy and is currently engaged in battle with our Imperial Guard!"
As soon as she entered, she delivered news that shocked everyone.
Gozuchi was furious: "How audacious! They actually dare to directly attack our doorstep?"
"However, since the other side chose to attack the Du Gate, it means they still don't know the location of the Life Gate. This is quite reassuring..."
Najenda keenly noticed this Detail.
Indeed, finding the correct Entrance/Exit among the eight gates was quite difficult.
"What is the Situation now?" the Emperor asked in a deep voice.
"It's severe. According to the Intelligence from the front, the Attacker can release purple-white poison gas. As soon as it's inhaled into the body, one quickly falls into a Coma. It should be the same person who assassinated Governor Numa!"
Hearing Kurome's words, Gozuchi raised an eyebrow.
"That Logia-type Devil Fruit User? In that case, our subordinates won't be able to deal with him at all."
After speaking, he asked the Emperor for permission: "Your subject requests to go into battle and capture this audacious Assassin!"
Yes.
After so many days of unremitting effort, Gozuchi, Commander of 'Oarberg', had finally mastered Armament Haki.
This gave him great confidence.
Mainly, these people still didn't know that Haki also had strengths and weaknesses.
Although there were those with Exceptional Talent who could defeat more experienced Haki Experts.
But generally speaking, people who had mastered Haki for longer definitely had a stronger total amount and quality of Haki than beginners.
But Kurome said, "No need. Our Imperial Guard has already sent people over. Calculating the Time, they should already be engaged in battle now."
"Oh?"
"Besides you in your Imperial Guard, are there others who have mastered the power of Haki?"
Gozuchi looked at her in surprise.
"Hmph, although I really don't want to admit it, that guy's Strength is indeed a bit stronger than me. If even he is not an Opponent, then there's no point in you going!"
Kurome's blunt words made Gozuchi's Expression turn ashen.
At the same time.
The location of the Du Gate on the outer perimeter of the Imperial Palace was indeed in Chaos at this moment. However, what was most eye-catching was still the thick Purple-White Mist filling the Air.
As mentioned before, the Imperial Capital had built City Walls and City Gates around each of the 'Eight Gates' and arranged heavy troops to guard them.
But now, within this small fortress-like Barbican, lay all sorts of Personnel.
There were Imperial Guard armored soldiers holding spears, Imperial Fist Temple Disciples in yellow clothes and black belts, and even 'Beastman Warriors' like Humanoid Monsters, as well as black Giant Eagles.
This caused the troops outside the Fortress to hesitate to rush in, even though the City Gate was wide open.
They could only watch helplessly as the two figures inside flashed rapidly in the environment shrouded in purple smoke, and amidst their crossing and Collision, the clanging sounds of intense battle rang out.
[Clang!]
The two sides collided heavily once again. At the moment their Blades met, bright Sparks burst forth, illuminating two very young faces.
"I really didn't expect to actually encounter an Imperial Expert who can use Armament Haki and Observation Haki."
Mima Amatori said, while using his Long Sword to block the opponent's Blade, looking in surprise at the Opponent close at hand. Then he revealed a handsome Smile.
"Even if I ask you, you wouldn't tell me how you learned Haki, right? Then, may I know your name? My name is Mima Amatori, from the 'Kabaneri World'. And you?"
He saw the Opponent squinting his crimson eyes, revealing a pair of sharp canine teeth in his mouth, and replied calmly.
"Tatsumi, Imperial Guard of The Empire."
As soon as he finished speaking, the 'Water Dragon Sword' in his hand knocked away Mima Amatori's Long Saber, which was covered in glowing blood patterns because a layer of 'Kabaneri Heart Membrane' was attached to it.
In an instant, he once again swung out layers of Sword Light and attacked...
(End of this chapter)
