The Two Sides Played Their Game, Generals Faced Off
Imu had countless times considered completely eradicating the threat, intending to awaken the ultimate Ancient Weapon, Uranus, and unleash the devastating power of the heavens to wipe Origin Island off the map of the sea, thus solving the Uchiha Clan's threat once and for all.
But every time the thought arose, his unparalleled, supreme Observation Haki, surpassing all things in the world, would send out an extremely sharp, terrifying warning, as if if he were to use the Uranus to forcefully take action, he would be met with an unbearable and terrifying backlash and a devastating end.
He dared not gamble.
The current situation has become completely solidified, forming a bizarre and deadly top-level stalemate.
Imu, as the ruler of the world, wielding Ancient Weapon and ruling the entire world, could not kill Uchiha Natsu, who was lurking on Origin Island, nor did he dare to rashly annihilate the Uchiha Clan, fearing that it would trigger a mutually destructive ultimate annihilation.
Uchiha Natsu, similarly wary of Imu, remained inactive and patient, never launching a full-scale war to overthrow the world.
The two were like generals facing off on a chessboard, each occupying the top of their respective camps. They restrained, feared, and were wary of each other, neither daring to take the first step, nor daring to easily start a deadlock of all-out war.
Since top-level generals cannot directly confront each other, they can only delegate all authority and make their moves, allowing their forces, pieces, troops, and strategies to compete and fight for supremacy in the vast game of chess.
The World Government employs a strategy of recruitment, extermination, apprehending, scientific research, and covert capture; the Uchiha Clan steadily expands, producing numerous powerful members, overwhelming all rivals, and consolidating its foundation.
The entire ocean has become a silent game of life and death between two top-tier powerhouses.
Flower Room, light and shadow swayed silently. A figure sat alone on the Void Throne, gazing silently at the vast, storm-ridden sea. An ultimate upheaval that would sweep the entire world had quietly begun.
The sky was clear and the azure sea stretched to the horizon, with gentle waves rolling in layers, carrying a salty and refreshing sea breeze that swept across the boundless waters of the first half of the Grand Line.
This sea area, known to the world as "Paradise," has always been rife with pirates and constant strife, filled with battles and the roar of cannons year after year. But today, this usually chaotic sea has fallen into an eerie silence, which is quite rare.
A colossal warship, imposing in size yet minimalist in design, steadily cleaved through the vast waves, slowly sailing towards the Red Line.
At the very top of the mast, a jet-black flag proudly unfurled, with a crimson Uchiha Clan Crest resembling a ping-pong paddle fluttering in the wind. Its sharp and striking lines, set against the backdrop of the clear sky and blue sea, exuded a powerful aura. A mere glimpse from afar was enough to instill fear and deter all forces in this sea area.
On the warship, order was maintained and the atmosphere was calm. Dozens of Nightingale Guard, dressed in uniform greyish-white tunics, were scattered throughout the ship. Each of them had pale gold nightingale patterns intricately embroidered on their sleeves. They stood tall and moved with practiced ease. Some firmly gripped the helm, precisely adjusting the ship's course.
Someone pulled and adjusted the giant sails to match the strength of the sea breeze;
Some guards were stationed on both sides of the ship, their eyes steadily scanning the surrounding sea, meticulously monitoring any unusual movements on the sea and the horizon.
As the Uchiha Clan's elite force responsible for long-distance voyages, garrison duties, and logistical coordination, the Nightingale Guard faithfully adhered to their responsibilities throughout, maintaining perfect control over the entire warship's navigation status without making a sound.
Compared to the solemnity and seriousness of the Nightingale Guard, the atmosphere on the deck was exceptionally relaxed and leisurely.
Ten Night Owl Guard, all dressed in grey and white uniforms, were casually scattered and resting. On the back of each of their uniforms was an embroidered Red Eye owl with bright red eyes, symbolizing the Uchiha Clan's most elite close-combat special forces.
They had shed their wartime tension and vigilance, their postures relaxed, each doing their own trivial tasks, showing no signs of the tension of heading to the front lines of the confrontation.
Two Night Owl Guard leaned against the cool railing of the ship's gunwale, their fingertips carefully wiping the samurai swords close to their bodies. The blades were smooth and shiny, reflecting the bright sunlight.
The two lowered their voices and chatted in hushed tones, their tone casual and relaxed, full of a sense of everyday ease.
"I truly never expected that I would have the honor of sailing alongside Lord Madara on this mission to the New World's New Marine Headquarters." The Night Owl Guard on the left raised his hand and traced the patterns on his scabbard, a hint of awe in his eyes.
"Natsu personally issued a secret command: this trip is solely for deterrence and to convey our stance, strictly forbidding us from initiating any conflict or starting a war."
Upon hearing this, his companion stretched lazily, the sea breeze ruffling his dark hair. He gazed at the vast sea and chuckled, "With Lord Madara overseeing the warship, there's no need for us to take the initiative."
Now, in this vast ocean, who would dare to be so reckless as to provoke us?
Just now, a Marine Branch swept past in the distant sea. The other side only caught a glimpse of our clan emblem on the mast from afar, and didn't even have the courage to approach and probe. They immediately changed course and fled in panic via a detour."
"This is the current deterrent power of the Uchiha." The Night Owl Guard, who spoke first, nodded slightly, his tone indifferent.
"The Deserted Island Battle completely shattered our understanding of the sea. A regular field team of our race was able to defeat the Blackbeard Pirates, who possessed the Mythical Zoan Titan Giant Fruit, head-on, and even forced back the main fleet of the Navy, which was commanded by Three Admirals."
These ordinary branch naval units stationed in the first half of the Paradise are weak in combat and have limited vision; they have absolutely no confidence to confront us.
In the center of the deck, three Night Owl Guard sat around a table, with a clean, plain-colored carpet on the floor, and simple fruit wine, dried meat, and dried fruit snacks laid out.
As they ate and drank casually, they chatted about the daily affairs on Origin Island. Some talked about the progress of the special training of the younger generation in the clan, some joked about Izuna Uchiha's dedication to studying secret techniques and potions in the laboratory all day long, and some mentioned the stable and orderly situation of the clan's steady expansion recently.
The laughter and chatter were light and carefree, seemingly completely relaxed, with no sign of being prepared.
But this relaxed and carefree demeanor is merely an outward appearance.
Every Night Owl Guard's eyes held an extreme level of vigilance.
Deep within their eyes, a faint red glow occasionally flickers, their Sharingan always subtly activated, silently capturing every subtle movement on the sea surface, the horizon, and beneath the deep sea.
The Chakra within their bodies flows smoothly and is stored up without being released. They appear to be relaxing and resting, but in reality, they can unleash their full combat power in an instant and enter a state of peak combat readiness.
The relaxed conversation concealed their hidden sharpness; beneath their languid demeanor lay the absolute prudence honed by years of bloody battles among their elite forces.