Akai stood in his office, contemplating the next steps. Now that Kirito and Nami had arrived, he had to ensure they not only felt welcome but also understood the depth of his plan and the nation he was building. Both were strong individuals, but they needed to grasp the true meaning of what was being created here. It was time to show them everything.
Akai moved through the room with purpose, his thoughts crystal clear. "Time to show you the nation," he murmured softly before calling Kirito and Nami to him. The two were already waiting eagerly in his office, curious about what was coming next.
"I want to introduce you to someone," Akai said with a smile. "First, we'll head to the Umbrella base, where two extraordinary people are already at work. After that, I'll show you the empire we've built in just three months."
Nami and Kirito nodded in agreement, following him as he led the way. Along the way, Akai spoke little, knowing the real revelation would come when they saw the Umbrella base and its inhabitants.
When they arrived at the massive Umbrella Corporation complex, Kirito and Nami looked up in awe. Both were overwhelmed by the size and futuristic design of the facility. It didn't look like a typical building but rather a cutting-edge facility, technologically far beyond anything they had ever seen. The sleek, reflective walls and the faint hum of the machines inside made it feel as if they had stepped into another world.
"This... this is incredible," Kirito murmured as his eyes scanned the complex.
"It looks like a futuristic fortress," Nami added, temporarily setting aside her usual skepticism toward unfamiliar places.
Akai led them into the building, where Tony Stark and Shiho Miyano were waiting. Tony was deep in conversation with Jarvis, while Shiho was reviewing some scientific reports.
"Tony, Shiho," Akai called out to get their attention. "I'd like to introduce you to two new allies."
Tony turned around and looked at the newcomers. His gaze immediately landed on Kirito, and before he could say anything, Kirito stepped forward with gleaming eyes.
"Tony Stark... Iron Man…" Kirito could barely contain his excitement. "I know you from the comics in my world. You're an absolute genius. It's an honor to meet you!"
Tony smiled charmingly and shook Kirito's hand. "Well, I'm flattered. It's always nice to meet fans—especially ones who seem as tech-savvy as you."
Kirito could hardly believe he was standing in front of one of his heroes. For him, it was like seeing a comic book character come to life. His admiration for Tony was evident, bringing a rare smile to his usually reserved face.
"I have so many questions… about your suits, about Jarvis, about... everything!" Kirito exclaimed.
Tony chuckled softly. "I have a feeling we'll have a lot to talk about. But we can save that for later. For now, you two should take a look around."
Shiho also stepped forward, greeting them with a calm yet respectful smile. "Welcome. I'm Shiho Miyano. I'm in charge of research here. Tony and I are working on revolutionizing the technologies of this world."
Nami, who had been more reserved up until now, eyed Shiho with a look of approval. "That sounds like a lot of work. It's impressive what you've built here."
Akai nodded, pleased. "Now that you've met, let's move on. There's much more to see."
He led the group out of the Umbrella base and into the expanse of the nation he had built over the last three months. As they left the complex, Nami suddenly stopped. She glanced around, closed her eyes briefly, and took a deep breath.
"The air... it feels different," she said quietly as she reopened her eyes. Her gaze drifted across the horizon. "Wait… we're not on Earth, are we?"
Akai smirked, impressed by Nami's instinct. "Very perceptive. No, we're on a Sky Island, far above the Earth. This island floats high in the clouds, safe from most of the world's threats below."
Nami was visibly impressed. "A Sky Island? I've heard of them, but this is the first time I've actually been on one."
Kirito, standing beside her, could only stare in awe. "That explains the feeling. It's really... impressive. A whole nation up here in the sky."
Akai continued to lead them, and they began to traverse the entire nation. Everywhere they went, people were busy building. Houses were being constructed, roads were being paved, and in the distance, large farms could be seen where people were working. There was an energy of progress and growth all around.
"All of this has come together in just three months," Akai said as he walked with them through the streets. "This nation is still young, but we've made great strides. My goal is to create a society built on justice and progress. A place where people no longer have to live in constant fear of war."
Nami and Kirito looked around, noticing how civilians and soldiers alike gazed at Akai with respect and admiration. Everywhere they went, people bowed their heads slightly, showing their acknowledgment and trust in Akai. He was not just a leader here; he was a symbol of hope and change.
"The people seem to truly respect you," Kirito commented quietly, observing the looks of passersby.
"They know I fight for them," Akai replied calmly. "In a world like this, trust isn't easy to earn, but once you have it, it's the strongest foundation on which to build a nation."
As they continued walking, Nami suddenly stopped, her eyes widening. Before them stood a large, imposing marine base.
"A marine base... here?" she asked, surprised. "Why is there a marine base?"
Akai chuckled softly. "It's not the navy you know from your world. Here, they're not oppressors but defenders of freedom. I've trained these soldiers to protect the people from danger, not to control them."
Nami looked skeptically at the base but couldn't deny the positive reactions of the surrounding people. The soldiers didn't resemble the corrupt navy she despised from her world. These men and women looked strong and determined, yet respectful and loyal.
Akai led them further through the nation and eventually showed them the site where the first major school was about to be built. "Here, the next generation will be educated. We'll teach them knowledge, but also values—justice, freedom, and responsibility."
Kirito and Nami glanced around, impressed. The vision Akai had was clear and ambitious. Both could see that this was more than just another nation. It was a movement, a revolution for peace.
"You're building something big here," Kirito said thoughtfully. "It's no easy task to change an entire world."
Akai nodded seriously. "I know. But with people like you by my side, it will be possible."
Nami smiled slightly. "Alright, I admit, this looks promising. Maybe I can really help you improve this world. As long as I get something out of it in the end."
Akai laughed. "Don't worry, Nami. I'm sure you'll get your reward."
Kirito, now calmer, stepped beside Akai, looking at him with a firm gaze. "I'll do my best. If this is a chance for a better future, I'll do everything I can to help you."
With a sense of progress and unity, the group continued their tour. Akai knew this was only the beginning, but it was a powerful start.