In Zichen Hall in the Hua Country Capital, the Den Den Mushi had delivered the final report of victory to the Wind-Listening Guard. The intelligence officer was travel-worn, but his voice rang powerfully through the hall: "Report! The last Marine branch in the West Blue has fallen! Across the entire West Blue, no organized enemy forces remain!"
After a brief silence, irrepressible cheers erupted within the hall. Civil officials and military officers alike wore expressions of excitement and pride.
Chen Yu slowly rose from his throne. His gaze swept over the assembled officials before finally settling on the dust-stained victory report. There was little joy on his face, only the calm of matters finally settled, and beneath that calm, a far grander will poised to burst forth.
"Good." He spoke only that single word, his voice quiet yet clearly rising above the clamor in the hall.
An irrepressible chorus of marveling voices immediately filled the hall. Though they had long anticipated this outcome, the reality of a unified West Blue still sent the hearts of every official and officer present surging.
"Report our gains." Chen Yu's voice was calm, yet carried unquestionable authority.
Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan and answered, "In this campaign, our forces conquered the Five Great Kingdoms and their 127 subordinate cities, along with thirty-four ordinary kingdoms and their territories, and brought forty-three Independent City-States and Island Alliances into submission. We captured over eight hundred warships and countless provisions and supplies. After reorganization, the surrendered troops yielded 250,000 elite soldiers, all of whom have been dispersed among the various armies."
Guo Jia toyed with the wine cup in his hand, insight gleaming in his eyes. "More importantly, every major shipping route, mineral resource, and strategic location in the West Blue is now under our control.