As for the Empire's diplomatic delegation, Sakazuki did not directly inform the higher-ups, but instead relayed the news to the Other Worlds Strategic Committee, while also instructing his subordinates to prepare a suitable reception.
Although technically both sides were still in a state of war, he had no intention of giving them a hard time. After all, the situation was rather unique: a country from another world had sent a professional diplomatic team to negotiate. This was something unheard of, both for Sakazuki and the World Government.
The Other Worlds Strategic Committee decided to take the matter seriously and sent a formal request to the Five Elders.
...
Starfish World, Mary Geoise, Room of Authority.
The Five Elders who received the report took time out to gather together.
"Well, what do you think?" Warcury started the conversation.
"Negotiating with someone clearly inferior to us? What's the point?" V. Nusjuro said coldly.
"The problem is that they don't seem to be that weak." Commented Ju Peter. "According to our Cipher Pol members infiltrated into the Alchemy Kingdom and the Umi-nin who entered the Kingdom of the Gods Islands, both kingdoms have powers that cannot be underestimated."
"For example, in the Kingdom of Alchemy, the most powerful figure in plain sight is Isaac, headmaster of the Alchemy of Truth Academy, known as the Alchemist of Stigma. He is said to have the ability to freely transmute materials and elements, with no restrictions on the composition of the original materials and the resulting substance."
"In other words, Isaac could turn anyone, even a Logia-type Devil Fruit user, into something completely different."
"Fortunately, it seems that alchemy can be blocked by Haki, as is the case with the powers of Devil Fruits."
Ju Peter continued: "In addition, this alchemy kingdom also has an 'SSS-level large-scale alchemy array', which is the highest level of large-scale alchemy as the name suggests."
"In addition to this, the Alchemy Kingdom possesses an SSS-Level Transmutation Matrix, an extremely high-level alchemical formation. This matrix surrounds the core of the kingdom and has been one of the reasons why the empire has never managed to get close to its capital, despite centuries of war. Anyone who enters its range of action runs the risk of being transmuted into another substance."
"This is also a problem we need to face."
"And I suspect that the other party may have arranged some kind of large-scale alchemy array in the capital to defend against the high-level combat power that comes suddenly. Logically speaking, the probability is very high."
The other four Elders fell into solemn silence after hearing this detailed explanation. Finally, Warcury broke the silence with a light smile.
"That Alchemy Kingdom seems like an impossible fortress to penetrate. And what about the Kingdom of the Gods Islands?"
Ju Peter continued in a serious tone: "There are three important aspects to note about this kingdom. First, its kendo art is highly developed, with a ten-level ranking system that has been maintained for five centuries. Students start as level one sword apprentices and ascend to level ten, the latter being the level of Sword Saint."
"Furthermore, the Kingdom of the Gods Islands boasts a Sword Saint, someone who has spent over eighty years perfecting his art. That powerful cutting technique that destroyed a mountain during the last battle when the navy landed on its shores came, according to our sources, from this very swordsman."
"Yes, I've seen the video." V. Nusjuro nodded, looking thoughtfully at his sword. "That technique far surpasses those at the level of a great swordsman. However, it is at most equivalent to an elite Vice Admiral who specializes in swordsmanship."
Ju Peter nodded and added: "Secondly, there is also a group of people with abilities similar to those of Zoan-type Devil Fruits. Their transformation, however, is related to marine Danger Beasts. This suggests that they have mastered an advanced biological technology that allows them to combine genetic material from Danger Beasts with the human body."
At that moment, Saturn intervened: "But, based on what you've mentioned, none of this poses much of a threat to us."
Ju Peter nodded and then commented thoughtfully: "Next, we have a much bigger problem: there is likely a divine dragon residing in the Kingdom of the Gods Islands. According to the empire's classification of Danger Beasts, such a dragon would be a Super Class, with a power that most likely surpasses even the Sword Saint or the Stigma Alchemist. And according to Lord Imu's information, there could be as many as five of these creatures."
Nusjuro frowned and commented: "In that case, it would be best to keep Kuzan watching our fleet in those waters."
Ju Peter nodded. "I have the impression that these Super Class creatures represent the limit of power in the Teigu World. Furthermore, the empire still has the Ultimate Teigu, which we must also handle with caution.
Finally, Ju Peter sighed. "This Teigu World is a troublesome world, conquering it won't be easy."
"So, can we consider negotiating with them and winning this world, whether they join the World Government or cooperate?" Warcury suggested, somewhat hesitantly.
"No." V. Nusjuro interjected with a cold smile. "Let the Other Worlds Strategic Committee continue with the negotiations. The final decision will be made when we can see that so-called Sword Saint, Stigma Alchemists, Danger Beasts Super Class, and the Ultimate Teigu in person. We will not let the world government be impressed by just high-sounding words."
...
The next day, Teigu World.
The diplomatic team sent by the Empire arrived at the base of the dimensional gate, guarded by a battalion of five hundred soldiers.
"Welcome to the Teigu World dimensional gate base. I am Savory Ras." Savory Ras said, introducing himself to the Imperial diplomats, while also introducing Officer O'Connor who was standing next to him.
The Empire's envoys looked at each other in surprise. They hadn't expected the World Government to give their world a code name.
"Hello, I am Giovanni, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Empire. We have come here with the hope of engaging in a deep dialogue that will enable us to secure a mutually valuable peace and fair cooperation and trade." Giovanni said, shaking Savory Ras's hand with a sincere expression.
"Hehe, that's good." Savory Ras smiled noncommittally. "However, this place is very cold and not the best place for conversation. We would like to invite you to the World of Titans, where O'Connor is in charge."
"Go to another world?!" Giovanni asked, visibly surprised. But he immediately suppressed his surprise and continued: "It's okay. If they've allowed us to come this far, it's because they're willing to take this conversation seriously. We don't have to worry. Please go ahead."
"Correct." Savory Ras said, noticing Giovanni's determination and bravery, and gave him an approving smile. "Please follow me."
Quickly, the Empire's diplomatic team, led by Savory Ras and O'Connor, entered the base.
Just as Giovanni and his group were about to enter the Dimensional Gate area, a rumble violently shook the entire base.
The sudden movement threw the Imperial diplomats to the ground, and chaos spread throughout the base and the valley.
"What's going on?!"
"Earthquake?"
"No, this kind of vibration will definitely cause an avalanche!"
At the same time, loud explosions and gunshots began to be heard.
...
Office of the Garrison Commander.
Dalmatian was preparing to leave his office when a messenger appeared at the door shouting at him in a firm and shaky voice.
"Report, division commander! A nine-tailed fox measuring about seventy meters, covered in white fur and capable of manipulating snow and ice, has appeared in the north! Troops on the periphery are fighting it and are requesting reinforcements immediately!"
Dalmatian frowned, but before he could give an order, Sakazuki appeared accompanied by Shiryu.
"Dalmatian, keep order at the base and make sure to contain the avalanches. I'll take care of that huge beast."
After giving the order, Sakazuki did not wait for a response, and elementalized the lower part of his body, rising into the sky.
The sound of an explosion echoed through the air, and a blast of burning air infused with sulfur spread rapidly. The snow particles in the air dissolved upon contact, and Dalmatian had to raise his arm to protect himself from the blast wave.
Shiryu, with a bloodthirsty smile, leapt after Sakazuki using Geppo.
Dalmatian silently watched Sakazuki's figure as it hurtled towards the sky, propelled by lava.
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