West Blue.
Orute Kingdom, Royal Palace.
Kakashi gripped Akainu's wrist.
Like dragging a dead dog, he hauled the Marine Admiral out of the great hall.
The heavy iron doors slammed shut.
The hall was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.
Everyone exchanged glances. Yet rather than oppressive, the atmosphere was charged with excitement.
"Your Majesty."
"The Marine Admiral called Akainu has been detained."
"What should we do next?"
Shikaku Nara stepped forward first, breaking the silence.
His brows furrowed slightly.
As the Empire's strategist, Shikaku had always taken pride in his intelligence analysis. But in this other world, he was completely at a loss.
He knew nothing about the so-called Marines, World Government, or Pirates.
"Do we even need to think about it?"
"Of course we need to expand our territory as quickly as possible!"
"Take all the surrounding islands and establish a firm foothold for the Empire!"
Hyuga Hiashi could not help stepping forward.
His Byakugan activated slightly, as though he was already calculating which territories held greater value.
"What use is taking a few lousy islands?"
"That Akainu just said it himself. There's a World Government above them."
"Since they dared lay hands on the Empire's people, we should strike directly at their lair!"
"Let those Celestial Dragons and Five Elders have a taste of Susanoo!"
Fugaku Uchiha snorted coldly, cutting Hiashi off.
In an instant.
The hall erupted into chaos.
The hawks and the cautious faction argued fiercely.
Some proposed capturing Pirates to use as labor.
Others clamored about seizing warships to study their technology.
"Enough."
Chiba leaned against the throne, lightly tapping the armrest with his fingers.
Thump, thump, thump.
The rhythmic knocks seemed to strike against everyone's chest.
The hall fell silent at once.
Everyone's gaze turned toward Chiba.
Chiba swept his