Genji Heavy Industries, deep underground, Ganryu Research Institute.
The hollow tunnel echoed with the surging roar of massive volumes of water racing through pipes. Led by Miyamoto Shio, Amon arrived at the brightly lit construction area.
A colossal black shadow hung beneath the tunnel vault, suspended by several thick Steel Cables. Dozens of technicians in work uniforms dangled from harnesses in midair, tirelessly working around it. Blinding sparks from welding torches burst forth like stars briefly blooming in the darkness.
Miyamoto Shio pointed at the behemoth and introduced it, his voice seeming somewhat distant in the vast space. "This is the Deep-sea Submersible we received from the Equipment Department yesterday—the Trieste. A legend in the history of diving."
"In 1960, it reached the bottom of the Mariana Trench, at a depth of over ten thousand meters. It was a gift from the head of the Gattuso Family—with its capabilities, it should theoretically be enough to handle the environment of the Abyssal Zone. We're conducting the final compatibility tests."
Amon raised his head and stared at the vessel's red-and-white-painted hull, which resembled an enlarged Rising Sun Flag. His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. "Why this color?"
"That..." Miyamoto Shio hesitated slightly. "It was Mr. Pompeii's idea. He said that the sun rising in the east was a good omen, a wish for a smooth operation. However, he himself strongly opposed Young Master Caesar taking part in this mission."
"I don't like the sun." Amon's tone was flat, yet carried an unquestionable authority. "Paint it red instead. Then paint a golden hammer and scythe on it. To be honest, I personally identify more with communism—especially its system of turning to nationwide referendums when making major decisions."
"Communism? Nationwide referendums?"
"Yes. My dream is to create a society without oppression, without class divisions, where