The First Clash of Two Protagonists!

Teigu World, the Imperial Capital of the Empire.

When news of the disastrous defeat at the Battle of Mount Famu spread, the entire Imperial Capital city was thrown into a state of panic.

No one expected that the imperial army, which had amassed more than 600,000 troops, would perish so quickly.

This sparked an even stronger chorus of public opinion that the World Government was invincible and the world was about to be conquered by the Otherworld beings.

At this time.

Within the imperial palace, which exists within the 'Eight Gates Golden Lock' space.

The current emperor is solemnly reviewing the battle intelligence on the table in the Xuan Hall.

With each photo he looked at, the worry in his eyes deepened, and his brows furrowed more tightly.

This made the atmosphere inside the room very oppressive and serious.

Only after he let out a long sigh did Najenda, Shao'er, Gozuki, and other high-ranking officials of the Empire raise their eyes again.

"General Brand is dead and his body is missing. General Esdeath is also missing and her fate is unknown. Fortunately, we still have Budo Brand to lead the military; otherwise, I truly wouldn't know what to do."

The emperor, nearing middle age, placed the documents in his hands, rubbed his temples wearily, and sighed.

"Your Majesty, we previously attempted to use the divination abilities of the 'Hexagram Tortoiseshell' to determine General Esdeath's location and situation, but the result was unsuccessful."

Najenda said softly, "There are two possibilities. One is that she herself is already dead, and the 'Hexagram Tortoiseshell' has no effect on her. The other is that she may have gone to another world, so..."

"Did they die in battle or get captured?"

Gozuki shook his head and said coldly, "Neither is a good thing, especially the latter. General Esdeath knows quite a few of the Empire's secrets."

"Since it has already happened, there's no point in saying anything more."

Consul Shao'er stepped forward and respectfully addressed the Emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, I believe the most pressing matter at hand is to consider how the Empire should respond to the threat from the north."

"Now the facts have proven that our high-end combat power is far inferior to that of the enemy. General Budo and his men can at most fight against that World Government Vice Admiral. It seems that all we can rely on now is the three remaining Five-Path Rotary Furnace."

How many people present didn't know this principle?

But what can they do even if they find out?

So you mean...

The emperor looked at them calmly, while considering whether or not to tell them about the Supreme Teigu.

Alternatively, one could simply create the Supreme Teigu and then spread the legend of the Supreme Teigu far and wide.

This will at least significantly restore morale throughout the empire.

In doing so, he essentially played all his cards.

"Your Majesty, I suggest that while the deterrent effect of launching two Five-Path Rotary Furnace has not yet dissipated, we send a diplomatic corps to communicate with the other side and see if the problem can be resolved through negotiations."

Governor Shao'er's words were actually quite tactful.

The Empire's strength is clearly inferior to that of the World Government, and there is little hope of victory if the war continues.

It would be better to take advantage of the fact that you still have some leverage and have a chat with the other party.

Even if it comes at a price, or we have to choose to submit, as long as the empire's national structure can be preserved.

"Indeed, that is one way to do it," Ezra, the treasurer, nodded in agreement.

"Alright, then so be it. Have the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs Department send a delegation over. Since their organization is called the 'World Government,' they probably won't refuse this kind of exchange."

After a moment's consideration, the emperor agreed, but Najenda raised objections.

"But wouldn't the Alchemi Kingdom and the Shenwa Island Country consider this an act of treason? Shouldn't we discuss it with them first?"

"This"

The governor of Shao'er and the treasurer of Ezra looked at each other in bewilderment.

"Yes, we must tell them that I wrote the letter myself!"

The emperor stood up and looked out at the golden sky, thinking to himself.

"If I were to activate the Supreme Teigu and join forces with the Western Stigmata Alchemist and the Eastern Divine Harmony and Sword Saint, along with those few Fifth-Rank Dao Wheel Furnaces, perhaps we could make that World Government wary and restrain its attitude during negotiations."

At the same time, he was eager to know: which was stronger, the Supreme Teigu or the opponent's Admiral?

[Knock knock knock!]

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, which shouldn't have been disturbed. Even if someone wanted to come, a eunuch should have announced it first, unless it was Imperial Guard.

As the person walked in, it was indeed the commander of the Imperial Guard, Kurome.

"Your Majesty, the 'Gate of Limit' has been attacked by the enemy and is currently engaged in battle with our Imperial Guards!"

She came in and delivered news that shocked everyone.

Gozuki flew into a rage. "How dare they come knocking on our door like this?"

"However, since the other side chose to attack the Gate of Limit, it means they don't know the location of the Gate of Life yet, which is quite reassuring."

Najenda keenly noticed this detail.

Indeed, finding the correct entrance/exit from eight doors is quite challenging.

"What is the situation now?" the emperor asked in a deep voice.

"It's very serious. According to intelligence from the front, the attackers can release a whitish-purple poison gas. Anyone who inhales it will quickly fall unconscious. It should be the same person who assassinated Governor Numa!"

Upon hearing Kurome's words, Gozuki raised an eyebrow.

"That Logia Devil Fruit User? In that case, the people below have no chance against him."

After saying this, he asked the emperor for instructions, "I request permission to go into battle and capture this audacious assassin!"

Yes.

After so many days of tireless effort, Gozuki, the leader of 'Oarburgh', has finally mastered Armament Haki.

This gave him immense confidence.

The main problem is that these people don't realize that there are different levels of Haki.

Although there are exceptionally talented individuals who can defeat more experienced and Haki.

However, generally speaking, the longer someone has mastered Haki, the greater the quantity and quality of their Haki will be compared to that of a beginner.

But Kurome said, "No need. Our Imperial Guard has already sent people over. Judging by the time, they should have already engaged in combat."

"Oh?"

"Besides you, who else in your Imperial Guard possesses the power of Haki?"

Gozuki looked at her in surprise.

"Hmph, although I hate to admit it, that guy is indeed stronger than me. If even he can't beat me, then there's no point in you going!"

Kurome's blunt words turned Gozuki's face ashen.

At the same time.

The area around the palace Gate of Limit was indeed in chaos, but what was most striking was the thick purple-white mist that filled the air.

As mentioned before, the Imperial Capital had built city walls and gates around each of the "Eight Gates" and deployed heavy troops to guard them.

But now, this small town, which resembles a 'walled city,' is filled with all sorts of people.

There were armored guards wielding spears, disciples of the Imperial Fist Temple dressed in yellow robes and black belts, 'orc warriors' who looked like humanoid monsters, and giant black eagles.

This made it difficult for the troops outside the city to rush in, even though the city gates were wide open.

They could only watch helplessly as the two figures inside moved at high speed through the swirling purple smoke, their movements accompanied by the clanging and clashing sounds of fierce battle.

[Clang!]

The two clashed again, and bright sparks flew as their swords met, illuminating their two very young faces.

"I never expected to encounter an Imperial expert who can use both Armament Haki and Observation Haki."

While using his longsword to block his opponent's blade, Biba Amatori looked at his opponent, who was so close at hand, with surprise, and then revealed a handsome smile.

"I imagine even if I asked you, you wouldn't tell me how you learned Haki. So, could we get to know each other? My name is Biba Amatori, from the 'Kabane World.' And you?"

The other person narrowed their scarlet eyes, revealing a pair of sharp canines, and calmly replied.

"Tatsumi, Imperial Guard."

As soon as he finished speaking, the 'Water Dragon Sword' in his hand slammed into the longsword that Biba Amatori was carrying, which was covered with glowing blood patterns due to the 'Kabane Heart Membrane' attached to it.

In Setsuna, he unleashed another barrage of sword light, launching an attack.

As usual, tomorrow is the 1st, and I will be taking a day off. I hope everyone will continue to support this book!