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Chapter 11
In the small dark room…
The Five Elders, staring at the live feed on the small screen, suddenly received a new directive from Imu-sama out of nowhere.
Their hearts jolted.
As expected… Imu-sama had decided. The entire Sabaody Archipelago was to be destroyed.
What a pity. Sabaody's geographical location was actually quite strategic. But because of the appearance of the Giant Empire… It was now doomed to vanish completely.
Still, given the current situation… Wiping it out along with everything else wasn't a bad idea. It would serve as a perfect warning to all the restless small fries— Reminding them forever: The World Government's rule over the world Carries absolute, unshakable authority!
At 3:00 a.m.…
Marine Headquarters fleet. Hundreds of warships continued their relentless bombardment of Sabaody Archipelago.
Suddenly, Fleet Admiral Sengoku received another new order from Commander-in-Chief Kong.
"Sengoku, this is the latest directive from above." "From now until 8:00 a.m., if the bombardment still shows no progress…" "You are to immediately withdraw with all your forces—as far away as possible." "The higher-ups have decided to take personal action." "There is almost no room for negotiation—unless Tian Chen the Great Emperor opens the barrier and surrenders."
Sengoku's heart tightened. The worst outcome he feared had come true.
It looked like… Sabaody Archipelago was truly finished this time.
Sengoku, Garp, Tsuru, and a few other veterans still vividly remembered— Thirty years ago, after the God Valley Incident… When the World Government moved in to clean up the aftermath… They had unleashed a terrifying power.
In a single instant, sixteen mysterious beams of light descended from the sky. The massive God Valley Was torn apart and erased from the map forever.
"Hmph! Those ignorant bastards are about to die—serves them right!"
"Pass down my order—bomb them harder!" "Everyone, full assault! Anyone slacking off or goldbricking will be severely punished!"
Sengoku was suppressing a belly full of rage.
He did worry about the countless lives on Sabaody. But right now, he knew one thing for certain: Better to let the Marines throw everything they had at the barrier Than allow the World Government to personally intervene.
Even if it meant indiscriminate casualties inside… It was still far more "merciful" than the WG erasing the entire archipelago—and everyone on it—in one fell swoop.
"Yes, sir!"
Soon, Sengoku's command reached every soldier's ears.
The firepower aimed at the barrier intensified dramatically.
Moments ago, it had been "only" tens of thousands of cannons firing nonstop. Now, no one was holding back.
Hundreds of thousands of Marines grabbed lead-bullet rifles, Seastone-tipped guns—bang bang bang—pouring fire into the barrier.
The Admirals didn't rest either. Each unleashed their abilities at full power.
Vice Admirals, Rear Admirals—everyone brought out their signature moves, hammering the barrier relentlessly.
But despite the massively increased firepower… Sabaody's barrier remained utterly unbreakable—unshaken.
Several hours later…
Sengoku realized it was hopeless. He had no choice but to consider another approach.
He hoped to force Tian Chen the Great Emperor into a compromise.
Since Tian Chen had publicly declared he pursued "freedom and equality for all"… Then surely, facing the threat of total annihilation from the World Government, Tian Chen would not stand by and watch millions of people on Sabaody die!
Sengoku assigned this critical task to Vice Admiral Momousagi.
"Momousagi, this mission rests entirely on you—I don't care what methods you use." "This is the only chance to save the lives of everyone on Sabaody Archipelago."
"Understood, Fleet Admiral. This subordinate will give it everything."
Momousagi replied resolutely.
She was somewhat surprised. Why would the Fleet Admiral entrust such a monumental task to her—a mere Vice Admiral?
It seemed… He had great faith in her diplomatic skills. Otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen her To shoulder the fate of over a million lives.
Chaton, who had been silently watching Momousagi, saw her heading toward one of the now-closed barrier entrances under such dire circumstances.
Worried for her safety, he hurried after her.
"Momousagi, what are you doing?"
Momousagi crossed her arms, replying calmly. "I'm going in to meet Tian Chen the Great Emperor." "I'm going to see if I can have a proper talk with him… using this golden tongue of mine."
"With your mouth?"
Chaton froze. He immediately thought of Momousagi's usual tactics. Was this another beauty trap?
"Is this an order from the Fleet Admiral?" Chaton asked quickly.
"Exactly." Momousagi took a deep breath. "And it's a very important mission."
Hearing this, Chaton immediately grumbled about Sengoku.
"Hmph, the Fleet Admiral really… Why send a Vice Admiral into the enemy's heart instead of an Admiral?" "Look, Momousagi—if you're going alone, I really can't feel at ease." "With all this cannon fire… I'll go in with you!"
Momousagi knew exactly what Chaton was thinking. But honestly… She really didn't like him.
She refused out of habit. "No need." "Too many people will make it harder to get in."
Momousagi took this mission extremely seriously. She remembered how heavily Sengoku had emphasized those words: No matter what methods she had to use… She had to make Tian Chen take a step back.
She couldn't help but think the worst. If necessary… she might even have to sell her body to complete the mission.
But when it came to the survival of over a million people on Sabaody… Sacrificing just one person—herself—was nothing.
If she let Chaton tag along now, it would definitely interfere with her plan.
"Sigh… fine then."
Chaton sighed in disappointment. "Be careful." "I'll wait for you out here. Don't forget—my 95th confession is still waiting. Come out soon, okay?"
Chaton gave a light laugh.
Momousagi shook her head helplessly. Without another word, she hurried to the barrier entrance.
To her surprise… The golden-armored guards stationed at the entrance saw her approaching and immediately opened the barrier gate, letting her pass without question.
Momousagi didn't overthink it. Once inside, she asked the nearest guard:
"Can you take me to see your Great Emperor now?" "I have something very important to discuss with Tian Chen the Great Emperor in person."
"Apologies, madam. Our Great Emperor is already resting." "Any business you have must wait until morning."
The guard replied indifferently.
"…I see."
Momousagi felt helpless. She had no choice but to wait patiently. She could only pray the Great Emperor woke up early.
But deep down, she felt frustrated.
What time was it already? And Tian Chen the Great Emperor still had the mood to sleep?
Did he really not care at all about the apocalyptic threats coming from outside?
But Momousagi could never have imagined…
Not only did Tian Chen have the mood to sleep— He had the mood to play.
Right now… He was with Esdeath, lost in passion— Wind, flowers, snow, and moon; thunder, lightning, earth, and fire!
Especially when Esdeath learned how to "ride the horse"…
Tian Chen couldn't help it— He sucked in a sharp breath.
In his heart… Pure bliss!
...
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