Chapter 520: A Fierce Battle Unfolds!
Rolling, towering Icebergs connected layer upon layer, like two brilliant silver crystal crowns, centered around the Ice Castle, extending along the Island's Edge towards the east and west.
Until they met the wide Central Great River in the central area. On the opposite side of the river was a scorched Magma zone with streaks of fire patterns, and further back, one could clearly see Volcanoes erupting with rolling Magma.
The icy Cold Wind and the High Temperature Heatwave, like two armies of opposing nations refusing to yield, constantly clashed together endlessly, forming a surging Gale over the river surface.
Looking down at the entire Island from above, one could clearly see that the only passages to the Island were the Docks behind the Castles at both ends.
To enter or exit from other directions, one would have to face the extreme cold on the Icebergs or the Magma on the Volcanoes. Even following the Great River towards either side would result in being assaulted by Gales and huge waves.
The strange thing, however, was that the area around the three large Stone Bridges connecting the two Zones was unexpectedly calm and peaceful.
Six tall Metal Turret, like silent Giant, were positioned on both sides of the Great River at the forefront of the Upper Lane, Mid Lane, and Lower Lane Main Roads, lined up and silently facing each other across the Great Bridges.
Within the snow-covered Forests and the dry Forests on both sides, the Trees, whether straight or twisted, stood ready like Soldiers.
They were constantly preparing.
Preparing to provide assistance to their own Warrior or block dangerous attacks.
Every corner, every detail Inside the Court showed no sign of being newly built; instead, it was filled with an eternal, epic Aura.
Ice Fire Island.
It was destined to become a major iconic Characteristic of the Sea Star World, and as the 'Combat Power Competition' was held session after session, it would surely become a stage yearned for by Powerhouse from the Multiverse.
"Hiss—it's so cold. It's even colder than I imagined. Luckily, I warmed up beforehand."
Amidst the whistling Cold Wind, Tengen Uzui hugged his chest with both hands, sighing with some relief as he followed Muzan Kibutsuji and the others into the Main Gate of the Ice Castle.
Mima Amatori nodded. Looking at the Snowflake constantly drifting down from the Dark Clouds, he also felt a considerable chill.
"Indeed. But looking at the previous few matches, five sets of Winter Clothes have already been prepared inside. You just need to be careful; if they get damaged during Combat, there's nowhere to replace them."
Interestingly, these two, who had a falling out during the previous Selection Trial because of Mekko, were now communicating quite naturally, as if nothing had happened.
Because, in the end, they didn't really have any deep-seated hatred.
At that time, Mima Amatori just didn't want Mekko to hinder his qualification, and Tengen Uzui was just being meddlesome, not wanting a Beauty to die in front of him.
As for holding grudges, it can only be said that neither of them was the type to be narrow-minded or easily lose their heads. Now they had become objects of Cooperation.
Only a fool would haggle over trivial Matter at this time, failing to understand the difference between primary and secondary Matter.
"Levi, aren't you cold?"
Tengen Uzui, being naturally friendly, turned his head to look at Levi Ackerman, who was walking at the back. Over the past few days, the five of them had become quite Familiarized with each other, gaining some understanding of each other's Identity, origins, and Combat styles.
"Not cold."
Levi surveyed the Castle's internal Environment with an Expressionless face, giving a perfunctory reply.
"Hehehe, don't lie. You don't have any Special Ability or Special Constitution, so how could you not be cold~"
Tengen Uzui teased, continuously exhaling wisps of White Mist from his mouth. He then looked with an envious Gaze at Muzan Kibutsuji and Morgan William, who were leading the way and had already started climbing the Ice Stairs.
Their destination was the fifth floor, the top level, where the Resource Box and Transponder Snails were placed.
"William, can't you release a little Steam to warm us up?"
"I can, but it's not worth the gain."
William explained gently as he walked up.
"Firstly, I need to conserve my Stamina as much as possible right now. Secondly, even if I warm you up for a moment, you'll still have to face this severe Temperature after we split up later. It's better to adapt to it early."
"Alright..."
Tengen Uzui knew he had a point after hearing him and stopped insisting. At this moment, he heard Muzan Kibutsuji, who was at the very front, remind them in his neutral voice that was difficult to distinguish between male and female.
"We need to increase our Speed. The opponents have already started distributing the contents of the Box."
Mima Amatori and the other three, including Tengen Uzui, exchanged glances. Although they didn't say anything, they all silently quickened their pace up the stairs.
Muzan Kibutsuji was their temporary Captain.
Not only because his Strength was the greatest, but also because of his Glint-Glint Fruit Ability.
His Far Sight and X-ray Vision with a radius of four thousand kilometers, combined with Transponder Snail communication, could be said to be a very reliable Core, completely sufficient to control the entire field and command the whole team.
This made them feel even more amazed by the Devil Fruit Ability, and it also strengthened Mima Amatori's resolve to apply for a Logia-type Devil Fruit after becoming one of the 'Top 100'.
Soon.
The five quickly reached the top floor. Without needing much Communication, they first went over and took their own Transponder Snails.
Then they opened all the Tin Box and took out some Food, Freshwater, Medicine, and a Map of Ice Fire Island.
Among them, Tengen Uzui, Mima Amatori, and Levi also took out a set of Winter Clothes that wouldn't hinder their movements but provided good warmth and put them on.
As for Muzan Kibutsuji and Morgan William, they didn't need them at all.
The latter was originally a 'Steam Person', while the former controlled his Body temperature to be unafraid of the cold. His Body was currently like a stuffy hot furnace.
Muzan Kibutsuji saw that they were Ready and immediately said, "Alright, next we'll proceed according to our previous Plan. Tengen Uzui, pay attention to calls."
"Okay!"
Tengen Uzui suppressed the slight awkwardness in his Heart and replied to the other party while maintaining a calm Mindset.
Over the past few days, things weren't uneventful on the Cruise Ship.
On a certain night, Muzan Kibutsuji specifically found his Room and recounted everything he had previously said to Kyojuro Rengoku and Sanemi Shinazugawa, word for word.
At the time, he was utterly shocked by Muzan Kibutsuji's audacious idea.
He actually wanted them, including Ubuyashiki Oyakata, and the 'Demon Slayer People' who would subsequently come to World, to pledge allegiance to him and form a so-called 'Demon Slayer Group'.
And Muzan could help every 'Demon Slayer Person' Enhance the Total Cell Count of their Body.
He could also teach them Life Return in advance, and these were just the initial Benefits.
In the Future, as long as it was a High-Grade Resource he obtained through his relatively high Identity in the World Government.
He could share it as appropriate, improving their Strength as much as possible.
His goal was for all the 'Demon Slayer People' to use this Influence/Power to gain a firm foothold in the World Government and World.
At the same time, they should be prepared to compete with Influence/Power from Other Worlds.
To be honest, Tengen Uzui's rationality told him.
This was a Plan that was beneficial to him and all the 'Demon Slayer People' without any harm.
Except that it was psychologically difficult to accept.
No matter what, Muzan Kibutsuji was someone they had previously sworn to kill.
Which person from the Demon Slayer Corps didn't have a deep-seated hatred for 'Demons'?
But the problem was that Muzan was no longer a 'Demon'.
Moreover, with his current Position within the World Government, they were not allowed to continue attacking him.
Torn, he had no choice but to take out his Transponder Snail and call Ubuyashiki Oyakata, who was far away on Wano Island.
But who knew that the latter had already heard about this Matter from Kyojuro Rengoku.
And Ubuyashiki Oyakata's reply was for him to first focus on dealing with the 'Combat Power Competition' with peace of mind.
After it ended, he would invite Muzan Kibutsuji and the former 'Hashira' of the Demon Slayer Corps to gather at his Manor.
Since that was the case, Tengen Uzui habitually left this Matter for Kagaya Ubuyashiki to make a Decision on.
[Swish]
The next moment.
Except for Tengen Uzui.
The other four, without a word, turned into streaks of Afterimage and leaped out of the Ice Castle's Window at extremely high Speed.
Then they scattered towards the Upper Lane, Mid Lane, Lower Lane, and the Eastern Snow Forest.
Through the Surveillance Den Den Mushi placed in various corners and the Airship's aerial view.
The countless Audience members from the four Worlds watching the Live Broadcast could clearly see how they split up.
Among them, Muzan Kibutsuji was on the Mid Lane Main Road.
Morgan William was on the Upper Lane Main Road, and Mima Amatori was on the Lower Lane Main Road.
The last one, Levi Ackerman, had already begun using his Enhanced Omni-Directional Mobility Gear at his Waist.
He moved like lightning through the Forest where the branches and leaves were covered with snow.
Only Tengen Uzui, after jumping down from the fifth-floor Window of the Castle, was slowly walking towards the Mid Lane at a leisurely pace.
Just as he stood below the second Gun Turret, the Transponder Snail in his Pocket started calling out.
He picked it up casually and answered, seeing it imitate Muzan Kibutsuji's appearance and tone.
At the same time, William, Mima, and Levi were also holding their Transponder Snails and listening silently.
"The opponents haven't made any special Position changes; it's the most common 'five-in-a-line'. On the Upper Lane is that 'Bounty Hunter', Jean Ango. Be careful of his 'sniping'."
"Also, although the manual doesn't say he can use Haki, it doesn't mean he definitely can't. Don't forget he comes from the New World, where Haki is most common."
Listening to Muzan Kibutsuji's soft instructions, William smiled and said, "Thanks for the reminder."
However, his Heart was not as relaxed as it seemed on the surface. After all, the terror of a 'sniper' who might have Haki had been fully demonstrated by Yasopp from Squad 5 earlier.
Of course.
If the opponent didn't have Haki, then his Elements Transformation would be invincible and very easy to deal with.
"Okay, the opponent on the Lower Lane is the Octopus Fish-Man Tribe member named Hachi. I believe Mima, you've already seen the Related Information, so I won't say more. In short, fight if you can win, and prioritize preserving yourself if you can't."
"Leave it to me."
Mima Amatori had already arrived near the second Gun Turret on the Lower Lane.
He gave a slight smile to the Transponder Snail in his hand.
His handsome Face, filled with noble bearing, attracted many young female Audience members.
"Then there's Levi, your opponent is the Lion Mink Tribe member named Sicilian."
"As expected, it's him..."
Levi arrived near the Central Great River and stopped behind a Tree Trunk with dense branches and leaves, carefully observing the Commotion ahead.
Although there wasn't much information about the Mink Tribe in that manual.
It only said that this Sicilian had displayed outstanding Swordsmanship, extremely high Agility, and exceptional adaptability to the Jungle Environment during the previous Selection Trial.
But just in the past few days.
Mima Amatori, who had previously spent some time at the Army Headquarters, had already shared the special Abilities of the Mink Tribe.
Since Levi was also most skilled in Jungle Combat, he had long anticipated that he would encounter the opponent.
After all, no matter how you looked at it, both sides were 'jungle-type' players.
"To put it simply, he's a humanoid lion who can use Electro to Enhance his Physical Ability and also uses a sword..."
Levi Ackerman muttered inwardly in his Heart.
When he was in the 'Titan World', he had multiple Epithet such as 'Dwarf Giant', 'Humanity's Strongest Soldier', and 'one person's Combat Power is equivalent to a four-hundred-man brigade'.
And now, in Another World, he would face an Expert from another Race, which made his narrowed, sharp eyes reveal a look of anticipation.
"Tengen, that Ability User named Dorothy has gone from the Underground towards the second Gun Turret on the Upper Lane. Intercept him!"
When it was his turn, Tengen Uzui saw Muzan Kibutsuji use a tone that was almost an Order, and the corner of his mouth twitched subconsciously.
It was obvious that this guy already regarded him as a subordinate.
But in the current Situation, it wasn't suitable to dwell on such Matter. After sighing inwardly in his Heart, he replied, "Got it."
Immediately, without another word, he violently pushed aside the Snowflake in the Air.
Accompanied by the whistling Cold Wind, he turned into a black Afterimage at an astonishing Speed and rushed towards the Upper Lane.
"So your opponent on the Mid Lane is the Swordsman named 'Goethe'. According to the manual's description, he has not only mastered Two Colors of Haki but is also a genuine True Sword Master. He should be the strongest among their five members, so you need to be careful."
Morgan William said with a light chuckle, looking at the first Gun Turret on the Upper Lane that was close at hand.
The reason he used 'True Sword Master' to describe him.
Was because he already knew that although the 'Hashira' of the Demon Slayer Corps could unleash Sword Wind like the Sword Master of this World.
Their Swordsmanship Realm had not reached the level of 'Steel Cutting', and the range of their Sword Wind was actually not very large.
"It's alright, it's not like I can die anyway."
Muzan Kibutsuji looked at the figure holding a Blade on the other side of the Stone Bridge.
His tone of reply seemed very nonchalant.
Ever since he learned that killing was not allowed in this 'rematch' and that there was an Ability to protect participants in time, his Mindset had become less cautious.
Moreover, on the way here, he had hidden a piece of Flesh and Blood the size of a fist inside the Ice Castle, which was not allowed to be attacked.
He was afraid that if something unexpected happened later, he might be killed by the opponent and leave no Corpse behind.
He could also transfer his Consciousness there and undergo Flesh and Blood Rebirth.
So, there was really nothing for him to be afraid of!
He even suspected that the reason the World Government temporarily added a Rule prohibiting killing might be to protect him from danger.
After all, he was so important now!
Meanwhile.
Meanwhile, Tengen Uzui, the current Jonin of Sea Ninja Village, was holding his black and gold Nichirin Blade.
He had crossed the Snowy Ground Forest on the Upper Lane and arrived near the second Gun Turret.
Next, he concealed his Aura as much as possible, hiding behind a Tree Trunk and scanned the surroundings.
At the same time, he tilted his right ear, listening carefully for something.
"There!"
Tengen Uzui targeted a spot on the Snowy Ground twenty meters away and charged out rapidly.
With the two special Nichirin Blade in his hands, connected by an Iron Chain, he swung down without hesitation.
"Sound Breathing, First Form, Roar!"
The moment the golden-yellow Blade pierced the Snowy Soil.
Accompanied by a huge sound, a violent Explosion occurred.
Immediately, large amounts of Soil mixed with Ice and Snow splattered outwards.
At the same time, intense sound waves spread out within the Ground Layer for dozens of meters around.
Every inch of Accumulated Snow
## Chapter 521: Can't See the Movements of Either Side!
William transformed into a mass of white hot steam, cautiously sweeping slowly over the Stone Bridge. The Gun Turret on the opposite bank seemed to be keeping a close eye on his every move.
However, what William was concerned about was not this seemingly tall and imposing Metal Gun Turret, but the empty, withered Forest surrounding it.
[Swish!]
As expected, just as the steam stepped onto the scorched Ground, a high-speed spinning axe flew from the right side behind the Gun Turret.
Just by hearing the sharp Whistling Sound, one could tell its Speed was very fast.
Although William didn't have Observation Haki, he was highly focused and was able to react in time, quickly dispersing his Steam.
[Bang!]
The flying axe passed through the Steam and landed heavily on the surface of the Stone Bridge, blasting open the stones in that Zone like a Bomb. A large amount of Gravel flew out like Bullets, even affecting William's 'Body' ahead, passing straight through his 'Body'.
Looking closely again, the axe Blade had deeply embedded itself inside the Stone Bridge, with only the wooden handle sticking vertically out of the Ground. This showed how terrifying its Power was.
"That guy, he really has Armament Haki!"
William's Heart sank. He immediately retreated without hesitation. He knew that without Observation Haki, the Risk of continuing forward while being sniped by the opponent's various Weapons was too great.
This was also why he didn't fly over the River on either side. Otherwise, if he were shot down, he would likely have to face the surging River.
One must know that this was the Upper Lane for him, essentially one of the estuaries.
Fortunately, the opponent seemed to have only mastered Armament Haki. Otherwise, he definitely wouldn't have been able to avoid that last attack.
[Swish! Swish!]
That 'Bounty Hunter' who had recently gained some notoriety on the Grand Line clearly didn't intend to let him go just like that.
A Cutlass and a Long Sword were thrown out again, just as fast and accurate, and Coated with a layer of Armament Haki invisible to the naked eye.
But the Steam William had transformed into was too ethereal and flexible, sometimes dispersing, sometimes drifting, allowing him to dodge them one by one without much danger.
Jean Ango, hidden behind the Gun Turret, could only watch helplessly as the Steam flew back to the opposite bank.
The main reason was that he didn't carry many Weapons this time.
The Marines only allowed carrying the number of Weapons one could carry on their person. So he could only hold two in each hand, and then tie or wrap around ten various Cold Weapons on his back, Chest, and Waist.
For example, short axes, chain hammers, throwing knives, javelins, etc.
Overall, the quantity was still too small.
Although he could definitely find a way to Recover them after throwing them, such opportunities were certainly few, so he had to conserve them.
With this limitation,
Morgan William and Jean Ango could only remain in a stalemate across the Great Bridge and the River.
In fact, since the latter knew Armament Haki, he could have charged forward with a Weapon in hand. But the problem was that as a professional sniper, he instinctively preferred throwing as his primary Combat Means.
Hence the saying:
People generally don't choose the most rational way to act, but the way that makes them feel most comfortable. This has nothing to do with IQ, only Habit.
Lower Lane.
Mima Amatori was fiercely fighting Hachi, who was over forty centimeters taller than him, on the Stone Bridge with his Long Sword Coated with a layer of 'Kabaneri Heart Membrane'.
The latter's six arms, six Long Sabers, coupled with the Fish-Man Tribe's innate powerful wrist Strength and Stamina, meant that every 'Six Sword Style' sword technique he unleashed was quite powerful against the former.
Although the former had Enhanced his Total Cell Count, his Physique had only reached the level of Ordinary Sea Star People. In terms of raw Physical Strength alone, he couldn't compare with Hachi, who was a Fish-Man Tribe member.
But everyone knew that Combat was never just about who was stronger.
Mima Amatori had not only mastered Shave and Tempest Kick from the Six Powers, but had also initially grasped Armament Haki and Observation Haki. His Swordsmanship, derived from 'Serpent Breathing', was also excellent.
Furthermore, with his various experiences and insights from the Army Headquarters, he didn't take Ordinary Fish-Man Tribe members like Hachi, who were merely stronger, seriously at all.
So, he was actually suppressing Hachi with slashes throughout the entire fight.
Even when the opponent's Gun Turret fired at him, Mima Amatori could casually cut the Cannonball in half with a single Blade. This was something he couldn't have imagined doing in the past.
Through this Combat, Mima Amatori could more clearly Feel that he had indeed become much, much Stronger.
He was no longer an Ordinary Person, but a true Transcendent!
If he had his current Strength back then, why would he have needed to endure for over a decade and go through so much trouble to Scheme various Operations? He would have just killed his way into 'Kongokaku' alone with a single Blade!
"It's not enough, I need to become Stronger, step by step, to become one of the Higher-ups of the World Government and a Powerhouse at the Pyramid Peak!"
The determination in Mima Amatori's Gaze grew stronger. The Blood in his Body boiled under the burning of Ambition, and the Blade he swung became sharper and more powerful.
"This guy's Gaze is so scary, yo."
Amidst a series of Clanging Sounds and surrounding Blade Light and sword shadows, Hachi noticed a heart-palpitating red glow flash in Mima Amatori's Pupil as he swept his Gaze over.
He also noticed that he was already coiled in the center by a giant white python, and the snake head above him was already flicking its red tongue, eager to strike.
"This guy from the Otherworld is a Snake, a poisonous Snake, yo!"
This filled Hachi with Fear, and he no longer dared to hold back. He immediately unleashed his full Strength, thinking of first breaking free from Mima Amatori's entanglement and then temporarily retreating.
"Watch my Six Sword Style Secret Technique: Six Sword Waltz!"
In an instant, this Fish-Man Tribe member with pink skin, six arms, and an octopus Face, actually turned into a high-speed rotating Blade Storm.
Even the surrounding Air Current was stirred up, forming a Tornado of Energy/Force capable of shattering the Stone Bridge.
This scene truly astonished Mima Amatori.
If not for the protection of Armament Haki and the Perception of Observation Haki, he might have already suffered serious injuries and been forcibly dragged into the Tornado by the violent Energy/Force.
Mima Amatori narrowed his eyes, staring at the Blade Storm that seemed to have given up on 'One Tower' and was rapidly sweeping towards the deeper area.
He felt that the Power of Hachi's move was slightly stronger than the storm unleashed by Sanemi Shinazugawa from the Army Headquarters.
"Indeed, none of the contestants who can stand out from the 'Selection Trial' are weaklings."
However, the most watched Combat of this match by the Audience from the four Worlds was neither William, the Logia User, nor Mima Amatori's fight, nor even Tengen Uzui playing 'Whack-a-Mole' all over the place.
It was the battle between Muzan Kibutsuji and the Sword Master named 'Goethe' on the Mid Lane Main Road.
Their Combat had completely destroyed the Stone Bridge over the River. The two were engaged in the most tragic fierce battle entirely on the Ruins piled with stones and the surging waves of the River.
Several Flesh Whips Coated with Haki danced wildly in the air at supersonic speed, clashing head-on with the various Blade Lights and Slashes unleashed by 'Goethe', completely enveloping In the Court with rapid, deafening Loud Noises.
Many Audience members' naked eyes could no longer see the movements of either side.
They only felt countless blurry Afterimages and Roaring filling every corner of the Virtual Screen.
**Chapter 522: Bullet's Reform and Reorganization Plan for the Army!**
The Popularity of the Myriad Worlds Combat Power Tournament was, of course, extremely high. Although due to a lack of experience, the first session encountered various problems, overall, it successfully made a name for itself and proved its worth. From here on, they just needed to Proceed step by step.
In comparison, the Higher-ups of the Otherworld Strategy Committee and the Military were actually more concerned about the Matter of the 'Summit War'. These Big Shots were greatly looking forward to the challenge results of Aramaki and the newly appeared Issho.
First, let's talk about Aramaki. Everyone knows he is a Logia System Forest-Forest Fruit Ability User, and according to the records in the Devil Fruit Encyclopedia, the Forest-Forest Fruit is also an Upper-tier Fruit. However, his current true Combat Power is truly not well understood.
Although he had a relatively impressive performance in the previous 'Titan World', merely Massacring a group of Otherworld Soldiers who only held Firearms but whose Physical Ability was even worse than a Child's is truly not convincing.
Overall, the Military of the World Government holds a certain discriminatory mindset towards the three Otherworlders so far, believing that if they didn't have Firearms, they couldn't even defeat a ten-year-old Child from this World in hand-to-hand combat.
Of course, this is indeed a cruel fact. And this time, Aramaki voluntarily applied to challenge the 'Summit War', which is indeed a good opportunity to perform in front of the Big Shots.
What he wants is very simple: high position and authority! He wants to become an Admiral!
As for Issho, he is completely an unexpected surprise. If there really is one more person with Admiral Level Combat Power or Admiral Potential, then the Big Shots of the Three Forces will have to contend.
Who wouldn't want one more High-Level Combatant under their command?
However, Sengoku, Raimon, and even Zephyr also Understand that even if Issho truly has this Strength, which military branch he is specifically assigned to still depends on his Ability type and the intention of the Five Elders above.
It's just that the 'Summit War' has to wait for the 'Myriad Worlds Combat Power Tournament' to end before it can begin, therefore these Military Big Shots still invest their energy into some important Matters.
As for the 'Myriad Worlds Combat Power Tournament', they occasionally take a look or instruct their subordinates to pay attention for them, to see if there are any suitable Talent for their side.
If not, then so be it, because they also know that the contestants who can participate in this Competition are basically all unruly and untamed individuals who are unwilling to join the Military and unwilling to be restrained.
In this way, they become 'chicken ribs' for the Military.
Then what are they busy with?
Actually, it's mainly the Army Headquarters that is busy, busy with reorganization and Reform. They feel that the current Army system cannot adapt to the War of Conquest of the Otherworld.
And the proposer is precisely Douglas Bullet!
He believes that in most situations where the Star Gate passages are narrow, there is absolutely no need to deploy hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of large Troops for every War.
Therefore, a few days after Bullet returned to the Army Headquarters from the 'Titan World', he formally submitted the 'Reform Plan' to Marshal Raymond in the name of 'Army Admiral Candidate'.
Its main Content is that he hopes the Army Headquarters can implement 'elite' training and reorganization, and also carry out Reform for the existing Military Structure.
Firstly, Bullet believes that the Soldiers of the Army Headquarters should significantly reduce their practice with Firearms, only needing to be able to basically use them, while at the same time significantly increasing their training time for Martial Arts and Swordsmanship.
As for those who are indeed talented in the aspect of Shooting, they should be transferred to Cipher Pol.
Because he feels that whether using Firearms, or using Bow and Arrow or other methods to perform Long-range Sniping, they all actually belong to the Means of the Assassination Domain.
As for the Army side's long-range Attack Method, it should be using Cannon to perform Saturation Bombing.
At the same time, Bullet wants to divide the Army Unit into two parts: one is the Main Battle Force responsible for external Conquest, and one is the Garrison Force responsible for staying in the Homeland.
Which are the so-called Frontline Force and Second-line Force.
Among them, the Troop numbers of one Division of the Main Battle Force should be around ten thousand people.
Then five Divisions form one Legion. There should be three such Main Battle Legions, which can be just right to be handed over to three Admirals to be responsible for commanding.
As for the following fifteen Divisions, they should be handed over to fifteen Elite Vice Admirals. Slightly weaker Vice Admirals should serve as the Commander of a brigade, and the regimental level Troops below that will naturally be Rear Admirals.
As for those below Commodore, Bullet doesn't even bother to mention them.
That is to say, in Bullet's thinking, having 150,000 Main Battle Force in the entire Army Headquarters is enough. The remaining Troops are all left in the Homeland to serve as Garrison Force, or sent to those already conquered Worlds to be responsible for garrison Missions.
At the same time, they should train desperately to serve as the Reserves for the Main Battle Force.
Then what if they encounter a hostile Civilization with massive Military Strength?
Very simple. Bullet proposed to organize people from the Otherworld into an 'Aid Force', and then equip them with a large amount of Firearms and Tanks. Once there is a need for large-scale Military Strength, they should be called over to share the Pressure in terms of numbers.
As for the Soldiers of the Main Battle Force, they only need to carry Blades or Gauntlets crafted mainly from 'Gorilla Sand Iron Ore', 'Gorilla Scarlet Iron Ore', 'Kabaneri Heart Membrane', 'Black Gold Bamboo', and even 'Seastone' as the Main Material.
Then equip themselves with the latest results from the Biochemical Research Institute: the 'Kabane Combat Suit', 'Jet Pistol', 'Uzui High-Explosive Grenade', and one Heavy Motorcycle installed with the 'McClatchy Mechanism' is enough for transportation.
This is a type of 'Black Technology' originating from the 'Kabaneri World', where even water can be highly compressed to serve as Power Source. With slight Renovation, it can also use 'Iceburst Stone', this more powerful Energy.
At the same time, also prepare inside the Heavy Motorcycle these types of small yet highly functional 'Items': 'Purple Butterfly Emergency Pill', 'Gourmet Plant Seed', 'Onimai Ten Antidote Pill', 'Mangrove Bubble Seed', and 'Transponder Snail'.
In this way, a relatively complete Army Main Battle Soldier is formed. This type of Soldier can persevere no matter what Environment they are in.
Moreover, Bullet also suggested trying to equip every squad at the basic level with one Kabaneri Warrior in 'Nue' Form. This will greatly enhance the Main Battle Force's Demolition Capability and other aspects' Special Means.
Basically, a ten-person squad Troops, as long as they can infiltrate the enemy's rear, is enough to cause immense Destruction and Chaos!
It should be known that the blood inside a Kabaneri Warrior's body also carries the Kabaneri Virus.
As long as operated properly, they can completely create a large number of Kabaneri World in a short Time, and these Kabaneri World will be affected by 'Nue''s Order and will not threaten their own Soldiers.
If the quantity is large enough, it can also allow 'Nue' to gather them together at any Time and turn into terrifying 'Black Mist'.
It must be said that Douglas Bullet is treating every Soldier of the Main Battle Force as omnipotent special Warriors to be forged and trained. He even explicitly stated in the Plan.
Every single Main Battle Soldier should at least be a First Lieutenant, or rather, when a Garrison Soldier is selected into the Main Battle Force, regardless of whether he was previously a Private First Class or a Sergeant, he should automatically be given the Military Rank and Treatment of a First Lieutenant.
Furthermore, this requirement should increase with the continuous improvement of the Whole Army's overall Strength, until one day, all 150,000 members of the Main Battle Force are qualified to wear the Coat of Justice!
Only at that Time can it be considered to have reached the level of the true Main Battle Force in his Heart.
As for even more future Matters, Bullet doesn't know.
And this Plan Report of his naturally received the attention and Importance of the entire Higher-ups of the World Government. And now, the Army Headquarters is busy to the point of being overwhelmed with this Matter, which has also caused a huge uproar among the entire Army from top to bottom.
(End of this chapter)
Chapter 523: Better to Destroy It!
Recently, it wasn't just the Army Headquarters that was busy; it could be said that all departments of the World Government were operating at overload.
There were simply too many things currently underway and being prepared.
For example, the first batch of nine Battleships, built by the shipbuilding artisans from the Demon Slayer World and Titan World under the supervision of the Industrial Division, using the Yamato as a template, have been officially completed and launched. They are now discussing the handover date with the Marine Headquarters.
The reason for using the Yamato was primarily because its hull, internal space, and Cannon Caliber were large enough, and its Armor thick enough.
While conforming to the aesthetic preferences of the Marines, it also met their needs.
However, it wasn't a complete copy of the Yamato. Subsystems like fire control and targeting have been replaced with the systems from the USS Iowa Battleship.
Additionally, the Steam Turbines have been replaced with the more powerful special High-Pressure Steam Engine from the Kabaneri World, the McClatchy Mechanism.
The Cannonballs have also been changed to High-Explosive Jet Shells.
This is a product that combines the Jet Bullet Technology from the Kabaneri World with the High Explosive from the Uzui Family in the Demon Slayer World.
The Uzui Family's hereditary Explosives allow small explosive pellets less than three centimeters in Diameter to possess Power comparable to High-Explosive Grenades. When they reach the Volume of a Grenade, they can produce Power comparable to a Cannonball, capable of blowing up a two-story building without issue.
Now, the Industrial Division has applied this more powerful Explosive to the Cannonballs of Marine Ship Cannons, further enhancing the Jet Bullet's muzzle Speed, attack Range, Penetration Power, and Impact Force.
Once these Cannonballs are fired, they quickly transform into a stream of liquid Metal like Magma in Mid-air. Essentially, very few physical Defenses can withstand being penetrated.
Furthermore,
The Industrial Department is also responsible for building Aerospace Carriers and Fighter Aircraft for the Air Force Headquarters and arranging Professionals to teach Air Force Soldiers how to operate them.
The Aerospace Carrier is essentially a drawing of an Aircraft Carrier that Im provided to his subordinates.
In fact, this concept isn't very difficult. The first Aircraft Carrier in History was actually created by removing the Gun Turrets from a Battleship to free up a runway for Airplanes to take off and land.
So, he only needed to provide this concept and then inform them of the requirements for the Aerospace Carrier. The Professionals below would naturally be responsible for perfecting and realizing it.
However, Im specifically requested that not too many of these Aerospace Carriers and Fighter Aircraft be built.
Three large Aerospace Carriers, each equipped with one hundred fifty to two hundred Fighter Aircraft, should be sufficient for a few years.
This is because he has realized that as more and more Star Gates are opened, they will definitely come into contact with better Technology in the Future, and it's even possible to acquire a Spaceship someday.
In that case, these aircraft will definitely not be used for long, so building too many would be a waste.
At the same time,
The World Government also needs to organize millions of Laborers from the Demon Slayer World to carry out large-scale Construction Projects on the Canberra Continent (Australia) in the Titan World.
The most urgent task is to first construct the Biochemical Safety Station for disinfection, the Frontline Hospital, Soldier Barracks, and the first layer of surrounding Defensive Works.
For this, the World Government has already transferred Pica and Teach there.
At this time, a large number of Army Garrison Forces and heavy Cannons must also be deployed there.
Various Food, Freshwater, Medicine, Ammunition, and other supplies must also be prepared.
Because everyone knows that a new Star Gate will definitely appear in another six months (next year), Time is quite tight.
And these are just the Military Matters.
In fact,
The World Government has never relaxed its work progress in terms of Livelihood. This is because Im and the Five Elders, who know the Future, are very concerned about this.
Although there are still two years until the next Reverie, making it impossible to make significant changes at the Legal level.
However, relying on the Prestige accumulated by the World Government over the past thousand years, it is still possible to do some things that are not entirely in line with the Law.
For example,
Providing humanitarian Aid in terms of Food, Medicine, and Clothing to some truly impoverished Kingdoms and Town Islands, while also guiding and helping the local people build their own houses, and other necessities.
Just like the Goa Kingdom in the East Blue.
The Administrative Department, accompanied by Department Officials and under the Guard of the Marines, has already semi-forcibly required the Royalty of that Kingdom to cooperate with the Renovation of the so-called Gray Terminal.
Furthermore, the Economists and Economists from the Finance Department are still providing planning schemes for those Kingdoms that lack Specialty Products, based on the Characteristics of their Islands.
If the poverty is caused by the Heavenly Tribute, they will also apply to the Celestial Tribute Collection and Management Committee for these Kingdoms to have their Heavenly Tribute halved or exempted for the next few years.
While these various deeds do not have a strong sense of presence for the World Government as an Entity, as most people's Gaze is focused on the Star Gates and Otherworlds.
However, for the numerous Citizens who have personally experienced various forms of help and care, and whose living conditions have indeed undergone earth-shattering changes, it is enough to fill them with goodwill and gratitude towards the World Government.
This also provides the best Citizen Support base for the Police Station that were subsequently stationed in various Countries and Various Islands.
In fact, in some places, people's trust in the Police is much deeper than their trust in their own King and Nobility. As soon as they encounter a Matter, they immediately go to the Police Station to seek help.
This also makes the Kings and Nobility in these places feel both depressed and annoyed, yet helpless, forcing them to restrain some of their less visible behaviors.
This is because there has already been a case where a Noble from a certain Kingdom was arrested by the Police for persecuting Civilians.
In fact, this does not comply with the current Laws and Regulations, but no King or Noble dares to confront the World Government in court. However, once the next Reverie is convened, this Matter will naturally become Legal and compliant.
That is, the Citizens of each Affiliated Country and the Citizens of Various Islands are also Citizens of the World Government. The World Government has the Obligations and Authority to guarantee the personal safety, personal dignity, judicial fairness, and basic living conditions of all Citizens.
This is one of the Agenda Items drafted by the Political Affairs Department.
For this, the Judiciary at Enies Lobby is also collaborating with Legal Experts from the Whole World to re-optimize and improve the current World Government Laws.
However, they also know that no matter what, Celestial Dragons cannot be involved, so no one will ever mention the word Celestial Dragon.
Because Matters concerning Celestial Dragons can only be resolved by the Celestial Dragons themselves. This is the World Government's Bottom Line. Anyone who dares to touch it will die!
This is also Im's intention.
He can confine most Celestial Dragons.
But he will never allow their Status to waver in the slightest, because he is the King of the Celestial Dragons, and even their God. The more consolidated the Celestial Dragon class is, the stronger his Control over the World Government will be!
If one day the World Government is no longer under his Control, then he might as well just destroy it. What use would it be?
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 524: Making the Celestial Dragons Give Up What They Want?
However busy the subordinates were, it didn't affect Im.
He was still in the lush, vibrant Ark Fourth Layer, watching the battle between Squad 5 and Squad 6 on Ice Fire Island.
But Im's main viewpoint wasn't focused on Muzan Kibutsuji and the Sword Master named 'Goethe'.
Firstly, their battle scene wasn't very interesting. Secondly, the outcome had already been decided, because 'Goethe' had no means to counter Muzan's Self-Healing Ability.
Coupled with Muzan's nearly inexhaustible Stamina, his result could only be defeat, it was just a matter of how quickly.
By comparison,
Im was more interested in the battle between Levi and Sicilian.
He remembered this Sicilian; wasn't he the Musketeer Team Captain in the Canon's 'future', a humanoid lion with crimson hair!
He truly couldn't tell who would win or lose between these two.
Neither of them had mastered Haki. Their competition was purely based on their Swordsmanship, Strength, Speed, Reaction, and Combat Experience.
On the large Virtual Screen floating in Mid-air, a Green Whirlwind and a Red Lightning streaked at high speed through the cold jungle where Snowflakes danced, colliding, crossing paths, and colliding again.
Under the control of their respective Masters, the Sword Wind and Sword Light unleashed by two Half-Blade Swords and one Rapier transformed into surging Gales and dazzling Electric Flashes clashing together.
Wherever they went, the clanging sounds were incessant, and the Trees along the way were cut down piece by piece, collapsing.
To be honest,
Levi, who was currently fighting, felt incredibly exhilarated. Since he enhanced his Total Cell Count and learned 'Wind Breathing', this was the first time he had encountered an evenly matched Opponent.
It was exhilarating!
This kind of Combat felt very different from hunting Pure Titans before. The latter felt more like simply cutting meat to him, while now they were competing in their respective combat techniques.
This Mink Tribe member named Sicilian, although much younger than him, possessed beast-like Physical Ability, Perception, and the Racial Talent to enhance his Body with Electro, all of which were quite tricky and difficult to deal with.
"I heard that the Mink Tribe also has a transformation Ability called 'Sulong'. I really want to see it, but unfortunately, it's not night..."
While controlling the Omni-Directional Mobility Gear at his Waist to shuttle at high speed between trees, Levi used various Sword Techniques from 'Wind Breathing' to unleash green Hotei or Whirlwinds.
He suddenly felt that the appearance of the World Government didn't seem to be entirely a bad thing.
He seemed to like his current life more...
Compared to the Titan World, the Sea Star World was clearly a bigger stage. He could experience novel matters almost every day, and he could also feel himself constantly becoming stronger every day.
Such an exciting life was truly fascinating!
And for the Audience from the four Worlds watching this match, it was a feast for the eyes. This was the most wonderful and intense battle they had ever seen so far.
Crucially, the characters on the field were incredibly varied, not only gathering three Experts from Otherworlds but also minority Races from the Sea Star Mainland, and even Logia Users and Sword Masters.
Every single one of these Elements was so rare that even many Sea Star People felt their perspectives were greatly broadened.
Wano Island.
Since the World Government abolished the name of Wano Country, this Island with a long History in the Sea Star World has been changing rapidly, and it has undergone considerable changes by now.
Firstly,
Aside from the Flower Capital, the other Five Regions have all built flat Airports of varying sizes. This is because the terrain of Wano Island itself and the harsh Climate around it make it difficult to transport Supplies and Personnel by conventional Seaships.
Therefore, the World Government has always used Flying Warships, which requires proper Airports to park these Flying Warships.
Secondly,
The Population on the Island has increased.
This is mainly from two sources. One is the majority of Demon Slayer Corps Members. Some of them obtained their own Houses and Farmland and became the most ordinary lower-class Citizens.
Those with Sword Talent mostly continued to cultivate Swordsmanship at the Sword Pavilion.
It is worth mentioning that the current Pavilion Master of the Sword Pavilion is Mihawk. Due to his love for Swordsmanship, he spends more time at the Sword Pavilion than at the Shogun Castle.
This is because there are a large number of Ancient Sword Technique Manuals collected from the Oden Family and several Daimyo's homes, as well as various Diagrams of Strange Sword Techniques collected from Various Places in the World.
Gion is also a sword fanatic, and naturally, she is willing to accompany him to observe and Research together.
Wano Island has already used the Propaganda Department's channels to send out Invitation Letters to well-known Sword Masters in Various Places, roughly stating that if they truly love Swordsmanship, they should join the Sword Pavilion and climb towards the Peak of Swordsmanship together!
A small portion of the people were taken in by the Sea Ninja Village.
However, some mid-to-high level Officials of the World Government didn't quite understand the purpose of these Ninjas. In their view, the Ninjas' purpose overlapped with CP, and it would be better to merge the Ninjas into CP.
But when some submitted Suggestions were rejected without any reason given, no one brought it up again.
They just assumed that the Big Shots above simply liked watching those Ninjas' Performances.
At the same time,
Udon has now become an area slightly more lively than the Flower Capital, because it has the largest Sake Iron Ore Vein and Seastone Ore Vein, and it has also been the Smelting Center of Wano Island for a thousand years.
Let's put it this way, almost all Sea Star Meito originate from this place.
And in recent years,
The World Government has brought the Swordsmiths belonging to Kongokaku in the Kabaneri World, the Nichirin Swordsmiths belonging to the Demon Slayer Corps in the Demon Slayer World.
Also, the Swordsmiths responsible for forging Half-Blade Swords belonging to Paradis Island in the Titan World and the Swordsmiths from the Eastern Country have all been brought here.
This has formed the currently quite large-scale 'Famous Sword Town'.
Their main Mission recently is to forge Weapons for the Main Battle Force currently being selected by the Army Headquarters.
At the same time, they are researching how to make a Blade that is both as light and agile as a Half-Blade Sword, and also has the Toughness and Sharpness of a Sharp Sword, while also possessing the Nichirin Blade's Sun Aura and the Effect of the Blade heating up with Grip Strength.
If it could also be mixed with some Seastone Component to make it even sturdier, and also have a Restraint Effect on Ability Users, that would be even better!
Flower Capital.
In the Manor belonging to the Ubuyashiki Family, Kagaya Ubuyashiki looked at Muzan Kibutsuji, who was displaying astonishing Combat Power on the Virtual Screen, with complex feelings.
His wife, Jingu Amane, and his Son, Ubuyashiki Kiriya, sat silently by his side.
"It seems I should make a Decision."
Amane and Kiriya understood their husband's/Father's meaning.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki had not hidden Muzan Kibutsuji's proposed idea of an 'alliance' from them, as it was simply impossible to hide.
However, to pledge allegiance to the Demon Progenitor, who had brought the family nearly a thousand years of painful Curse, was truly a very difficult Inner Gulf to cross.
"Muzan Kibutsuji is right. Only by banding together can we gain a firm foothold in this World, and only then can we become stronger and stronger and increasingly valued by the World Government..."
A pained expression appeared in Kagaya Ubuyashiki's eyes, and he sighed in a low voice, "If we had enough influence, we wouldn't have been easily taken away by those people, Hinaki and the others. They were still so young!"
At that time, the World Government demanded that his four young daughters be given to an extremely noble Celestial Dragon to be Maids. He was actually very unwilling.
But facing that Official who claimed to be from the Grand Steward Institute's Holy Affairs Department, Kagaya Ubuyashiki ultimately didn't dare to say the word 'refuse'.
He could only endure the pain in his Heart, and expressionlessly sent his daughters away.
Because he understood very clearly what a terrifying existence the Celestial Dragons were. If he had truly refused, he didn't dare to believe what would happen next...
But the question is, how much influence does one need to make the Celestial Dragons give up what they want?
(End of this chapter)