Imu's Decree: Capture an Uchiha Alive?
Faced with the only supreme being in the world, even the Five Elders, who hold the highest administrative power in the world and command the Four Blues, all put aside their pride, bowed their heads deeply, and were respectful, not daring to overstep their bounds in the slightest. They even deliberately softened their breathing, for fear of disturbing the ruler on the throne.
After a few breaths of silence, a clear, calm, and undisturbed voice slowly descended from the high platform, echoing throughout the empty Flower Room. Each word carried immense weight, resonating in every inch of space. "The New World Desert Island War, the combat power displayed by the Uchiha Clan —all intelligence is already known to Mu."
There was no anger, no astonishment, just a straightforward statement, yet it made the Five Elders below even more tense.
They knew that this ruler had seen through the entire situation, the terrifying growth of the Uchiha Clan, and the World Government's current predicament of being caught between a rock and a hard place.
The next instant, Imu's indifferent tone suddenly took on an absolute and unquestionable resolve, and the supreme decree of the entire world was slowly promulgated.
"Chuanmu's first order is to spare no expense, secretly plot and seize the opportunity to strike, and capture an Uchiha clansman alive."
A simple command, yet it embodies an unyielding and indomitable will.
Upon hearing this, the Five Elders felt a collective unease, harboring endless difficulties and apprehension, yet none dared to utter a word of rebuttal.
They were fully aware that this was a dangerous mission, almost a gamble with their lives.
The Uchiha Clan is known for its unwavering resolve, exceptional combat prowess, and excellent teamwork. Furthermore, the clan possesses a strong sense of unity and is known for its refusal to surrender, making it far more difficult than killing a member.
Moreover, with powerful Uchiha members everywhere, even a small field team could wipe out Four Emperors pirate crew. If the operation is exposed, not only will the executors be doomed, but it could also directly ignite a full-scale war World Government and the Uchiha Clan, completely shattering the current fragile balance.
But since Imu's decree had been issued, even though the road ahead was fraught with danger and the consequences unpredictable, they could only silently bear the pressure and keep all their concerns hidden in their hearts.
Imu's second decree followed immediately, unfolding layer by layer with a far-reaching plan, directly targeting the core secret of the Uchiha Clan: "Order Vegapunk to devote all the World Government's resources, financial strength, and technological reserves, regardless of losses, to accelerate the research and iteration of the Seraphim series of humanoid weapons."
At the same time, they exhausted all scientific research methods to secretly investigate, analyze, and study the source of the Uchiha Clan's power, and to crack the fundamental secret behind their rapid increase in combat strength in a short period of time.
Seraphim are the ultimate artificial weapons created by the World Government over many years, embodying its hopes to counterbalance the strongest beings.
Imu's intentions are very clear: since he cannot eradicate the Uchiha Clan immediately, he wants to use technology to replicate and match their terrifying combat power, creating a mass-produced fighting force that can rival or even suppress the Uchiha powerhouses, laying the groundwork for a complete countermeasure in the future all-out struggle.
"The third order," Imu's voice continued, his strategic plan becoming increasingly clear, "Is to order Figarland Saint Green to personally lead the God's Knights and march entirely into the territory of Elbaf."
They spared no effort and disregarded all costs to force the Giant Tribe had remained neutral for millennia, to completely side with the World Government.
At the same time, we will go all out to try to subdue Loki, the pinnacle of the Giant Tribe combat power, and bring this top-tier physical combat force into our camp.
The Giant Tribe possess the pinnacle of physical combat prowess on the seas. With a profound heritage and immense fighting strength, they have maintained absolute neutrality for many years, making them a significant and powerful force in the New World.
Once the Giant Tribe and Loki are successfully subdued, the World Government will gain another invincible army, greatly offsetting the Uchiha Clan's combat advantage and completely making up for its current weakness in combat power.
Three strategic directives were issued in quick succession, and before the matter was even resolved, another order to reshape the entire landscape resonated Flower Room.
"The Navy has launched its second nationwide Great Conscription, seeking out the strongest individuals from across the land to expand its elite force. In the Paradise Sea, the first half of the Grand Line, numerous naval branches have been established and heavily fortified, with a comprehensive increase in cleanup efforts to thoroughly eradicate the rampant pirate forces in the first half and solidify our basic territorial control."
"The New World has comprehensively reduced its military strength, abandoning unnecessary strongholds and conflicts. Kaido of the Beasts has been severely injured by Madara Uchiha, his combat power has plummeted, and he has lost all his foundation. He is no longer a threat."
Currently, only Big Mom and Red-Haired Shanks remain as two major pirate forces in the New World. There's no need to actively wage war against them; simply let them check and balance each other, weakening each other's strength.
"Finally, Admiral Kizaru and Akainu will be transferred from the New World garrison to lead the elite main force of the headquarters to wipe out all remaining pirate forces in the first half of the Grand Line and completely eliminate the chaos in Paradise Sea."
The entire scheme is meticulously planned and executed, showcasing the unparalleled political acumen of the top ruler.
First, stabilize the rear and eliminate chaos at the grassroots level; then, win over neutral top forces and strengthen one's own combat capabilities; finally, use technological research and development to crack the enemy's core secrets and seize the opportunity to capture prisoners alive to seek a breakthrough.
For the time being, allow the remaining pirates in the New World to fight amongst themselves, maximize the preservation of the World Government's military reserves, and focus on dealing with the crisis of the Uchiha Clan's rise.
The Five Elders listened attentively, bowing deeply, memorizing every decree and every detail. Their reverence grew stronger, but so did their fear and unease.
They knew full well that this series of plans, though seemingly sound, were actually fraught with danger at every step, especially the mission to capture the Uchiha clan members alive, which could lead to annihilation if they were not careful.
No one dared to utter a single dissent. The Five Elders, who were at the head of the group, replied in a deep and respectful voice, "We will obey Lord Imu's decree and issue an order immediately to urge all forces to carry it out at full speed without delay."
"Step back."
The word "indifference" was the final order to dismiss them.
The Five Elders bowed deeply once more, then slowly disappeared, quietly leaving the solemn Flower Room to begin implementing the various top-level instructions.
The magnificent, desolate Flower Room was once again enveloped in utter tranquility. In this vast forbidden area, only Imu remained, seated on the Void Throne.
Shedding his outward absolute authority, Imu's indifference slowly faded, revealing a deep-seated fear and extreme weighing of emotions that no one else knew.
He slowly raised his eyes, gazing through the endless void towards the distant Origin Island in the West Blue. For the first time, a deep sense of solemnity and apprehension appeared in those eyes that held the power of life and death over the world.
To this day, he still cannot see through Uchiha Natsu's true strength.
The brief skirmish at Summit War a few years ago already represented the pinnacle of combat power that the world could reach, but in the three or four years since then...
Natsu remained hidden on Origin Island, keeping a low profile and never making a full-scale attack. No one knew how terrifyingly powerful his growth had become.