The figure approaching wasn't just anyone; it was Gai Kurenai's companion in arms, Jugglus Juggler!
At this point in time, Gai and Juggler had not yet parted ways, and Juggler had not fallen into darkness.
With Gai poisoned with puppet poison in the battle, Juggler, as his friend, naturally wanted to help him recover.
"Let me introduce myself, I'm Chen Yu."
Chen Yu smiled, extending his hand instead of directly answering Juggler's question.
After a moment's hesitation, Juggler shook hands with Chen Yu, seemingly aware of Earth's greeting customs:
"Jugglus Juggler."
"If you wish to help Planet Kanon, I have a suggestion, though it might be premature," Juggler said with a smile, looking at Chen Yu, "But it's not convenient to discuss here."
Chen Yu, observing Juggler's smile, knew right away this was no simple matter.
It could only mean that Juggler's suggestion was dangerous...
"Let's discuss this matter back at the palace," suggested Queen Amate, stepping forward.
Juggler was known to Queen Amate as he came with Gai to aid Planet Kanon.
"No problem."
Chen Yu nodded, following Queen Amate and Juggler towards the castle.
Along the way, through Chen Yu's inquiries, he came to understand the current situation.
Though it seemed peaceful, Talent had already dispatched a monster legion to attack Planet Kanon before.
It was only after the determined resistance of Dyna, Gaia, and Orb that the attack was quelled.
However, these three Ultramen were poisoned with puppet poison and controlled by Talent.
Perhaps, after Talent regrouped, he would launch a final assault on Planet Kanon, now devoid of the Giants of Light's assistance.
After listening, Chen Yu realized the deviation in the world's trajectory was greater than he imagined, but not beyond salvation.
If things followed the original storyline, Gaia would typically not intervene, and Queen Amate would transform into a war deity to join the battle.
"Luckily, the Queen hasn't transformed into a war deity, or it would add more instability to the battlefield."
This was something Chen Yu felt fortunate about.
Given Queen Amate's nature, transforming into a war deity could lead to even more outrageous actions than in the original story.
Facing an additional enemy poisoned would only complicate matters further.
In the palace meeting, Chen Yu and Juggler sat among the guests, listening to the various generals and officials of Kanon outline their plans.
There were two factions within Kanon's forces: one led by the Queen's Captain of the Guard, Senro, representing the Queen's authority.
Captain Senro, representing the Queen, proposed not to let the Queen transform into a war deity. The reasoning was that both the deity and Balzebub's King Kugutsu originated from the Tree of Life. If the two fought, it would surely lead to widespread destruction.
This would obliterate the peace the Queen desired, bringing endless pain and death.
The other faction was led by Planet Kanon's General Raiga.
Raiga's views were opposite to those of the Queen and Captain Senro. As a general, Raiga believed in showing the enemy Kanon's strength and encouraged the Queen to transform into the war deity and fight.
Listening to the ongoing discussions, Queen Amate sighed and said, "We should avoid war and not let go of any chance for peace. Perhaps... we should talk to Talent again, after all, his philosophy is also for world peace."
"His philosophy is for world peace? He's a madman!" General Raiga scoffed, "Using puppet poison to control all beings in the universe for peace, could a sane person come up with such an idea?"
"He must have escaped from an asylum..."
Chen Yu muttered under his breath.
Juggler, with a resigned look, turned away and left the meeting hall.
To him, this meeting should never have started since discussions would lead nowhere.
After hesitating for a moment, Chen Yu made up a flimsy excuse about needing a break and followed Juggler out of the hall.
Juggler leaned against a balustrade, gazing at the towering trees in the distance, lost in thought.
Chen Yu joined him at the balustrade and before he could speak, heard Juggler muse aloud:
"If we cut this down, wouldn't they have their peace?"
"Juggler, that's not something you should say," Chen Yu said calmly, looking at Juggler, "That thing is the faith of the people of Kanon. If their faith collapses... wouldn't peace arrive?"
Juggler, about to leave, stopped in his tracks, surprised at Chen Yu's words. He smiled, "It seems you're not a fool."
"I also think you're not a fool," Chen Yu retorted, not amused.
It was unclear if Juggler was praising or mocking him, so Chen Yu just shot back.
Juggler laughed heartily, sizing Chen Yu up before drawing his Snake Heart Sword, "Snake Heart Style, Snake Heart Sword. Please, enlighten me!"
Seeing this, Chen Yu adopted the stance of the Cosmic Fist, responding, "Lightning Five... Cosmic Fist. Please, enlighten me!"
As their conversation ended, both men sprung into action.
Chen Yu's goal was clear: disarm Juggler of his Snake Heart Sword, rendering him unable to use the Snake Heart Style.
As swords clashed and fists met, the two eventually separated after a brief scuffle.
Juggler, smiling, said, "Cosmic Fist, indeed powerful. But I've seen through your routine now."
"Is that so."
After speaking, Chen Yu engaged with Juggler's Snake Heart Sword once more.
This time, after a few exchanges, Juggler's sword was slapped to the ground by Chen Yu, who then ceased his movements.
"Did you change your technique?"
A bewildered Juggler picked up his sword and sheathed it.
"It's called catching you off guard."
Chen Yu smiled, explaining.
Juggler had seen through the basic routine of the Cosmic Fist, but that wasn't a problem for Chen Yu, who was also proficient in Wudang Long Fist, a formidable martial art.
"Speak," Juggler patted off the nonexistent dust and said, "What are your real thoughts about tomorrow's battle?"
Seeing Juggler's earnestness, Chen Yu became serious, "If possible, I want to sneak attack their base and take out Talent first."