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"Hehe, everyone. I'll briefly go over a few issues we've recently identified in Academy City."
Shizu glanced at Kaito and the others sitting at the top, then turned to address the hall with a gentle smile.
"The first issue: someone's pet has a habit of causing destruction around campus. We addressed it once, but someone recently brought in another one, and it's been giving the Headmasters quite a headache."
At this, Kaito began looking around nervously.
'Oh, who could she possibly be talking about? Certainly not me.'
"The second issue: a certain advisor keeps inciting Academy City students to organize pointless gatherings, which repeatedly disrupts public order. The Security Force has submitted multiple requests to expand their headcount specifically because of this."
Veldora began looking around nervously.
'Oh, who could she possibly be talking about? Certainly not me.'
"The third issue involves a certain mascot..."
"Ahem." Kaito cut in, dabbing cold sweat from his forehead. "Shizu, why don't you tell us how Academy City is developing overall? And I can personally guarantee that the issues you mentioned will see improvement."
'Good grief. So all of Academy City's problems are our fault.'
"Hehe. Since Kai-chan says so, I'll tentatively take your word for it."
"Phew! *5"
All five individuals seated at the very top exhaled at the same time.
"Currently, Academy City has approximately 13 million residents, of whom nearly 10 million are students, with the remainder being faculty and research staff. I'm planning to expand the Security Force to 50,000. The current 3,000 are spread thin across all the school districts, and it simply isn't enough. Kai-chan, what do you think?"
Kaito was on his feet before she finished the sentence.
"Agreed! Expand immediately! If we're short on people, pull from the Army. The Security Force gets priority."
He paused, then pushed further. "Do you want me to send the Royal Knights too?!"
The crowd below watched him and shook their heads fondly.
"These children are truly blessed."
"Anything good, they always get first."
"My son and daughter study in Academy City. I fully support Kaito-sama's decision."
"Who said they didn't?"
Shizu's smile softened further. "Hehe. Kai-chan, you're getting a little carried away. The Royal Knights are your personal guard. They can't leave your side. Besides, with the Disciplinary Committee supporting the Security Force, we don't need that level of combat power."
Kaito was not listening.
"No. 50,000 people protecting tens of millions of children isn't enough. I'm still not satisfied." He turned toward the military section. "Sengoku, the Third Fleet will be stationed in Academy City. Sakazuki, the Mobile Unit's Third Front Army goes there too."
Sengoku and Sakazuki rose simultaneously and saluted.
"Yes, Kaito-sama! *2"
Watching the broadcast from the Swan, Lashara turned to Ness with a stunned expression. "Academy City is about to become the most heavily defended location in the entire Federation, isn't it."
Ness laughed. "Kaito Nii and the others are just like that. That's why everyone loves them so much."
"..."
"Other than that, things are running smoothly," Shizu continued. "Academy City is fundamentally a school, so there aren't many major administrative issues to deal with." She gave Kaito a small nod.
He nodded back. "Alright. That wraps up Academy City. Last item: the Eastern Empire." He glanced to the side. "Diablo, cut the live broadcast for two hours."
"Yes, Kaito-sama."
As Shizu returned to her seat, the national broadcast cut out across every screen, replaced by a small animated Slime icon.
"Huh? The broadcast stopped?"
"Didn't you hear? Kaito-sama called for a two-hour blackout."
"Must be confidential. We'll just have to wait."
"Fair enough..."
Kagaya and Testarossa stepped to the front of the stage together.
"Recently, the Eastern Empire dispatched an envoy led by Kondo Tatsuya, captain of the Imperial Guardians," Kagaya began, his expression serious. "During negotiations, the Eastern Empire demanded that we open our roads to allow their army passage. In return, they stated they would take no action against us, though this was likely because they have some awareness of our military strength."
"We did not agree to their terms. They stopped short of making an explicit threat, only saying they hoped we would consider the matter carefully. If we ultimately refuse, armed conflict cannot be ruled out."
"Hmph." Testarossa's eyes were cold when she took over. "Trash with the nerve to threaten us."
"Hmph, they've gone too far!"
"Kaito-sama, give the order! Wipe them out!"
"Yes, bring out the Colossus and give them one good blast!"
"Sengoku, you idiot!" Kaito snapped. "Do you want to blow yourself up along with them? Rejected."
He turned. "Veldora. Your sister is in the Eastern Empire. What are your thoughts?"
"Huh? S-Second Sister!"
Veldora shifted visibly. "Whatever. Fight if you want to fight. Just... don't make me go up against her."
Kaito stared at him. Veldora was trembling. Kaito's expression curdled into pure disappointment.
"Veldora, you cowardly dragon. Stand tall."
Veldora did not retort. He just mumbled quietly, almost to himself. "No... I need to stay far away. I can't let Second Sister know I'm here. And if Big Sister finds out..."
Kaito slapped his forehead. 'Another one, completely useless.'
"Alright. Since no one objects..." He looked toward the military section. "Benimaru."
Benimaru rose immediately, posture straight, eyes fixed on Kaito.
"Begin expansion now. Complete it within one month. After that, prepare a full war plan. One and a half months from now, we launch a lightning strike against the Eastern Empire." He held Benimaru's gaze. "Neither Rimuru nor I will be participating directly, but Diablo and the Royal Knights will support you. You are Commander-in-Chief of the entire military. Take our expectations with you and go without restraint."
Kaito's fist hit the armrest.
"How dare they be this arrogant. Who gave them the courage to threaten me, Liang Jingru?!!!"
Nobody in the hall knew who Liang Jingru was. Nobody asked. The Big Boss had spoken.
Benimaru saluted sharply, voice ringing out across the hall.
"Yes! I will not fail the expectations of Kaito-sama and Rimuru-sama. I swear the Eastern Empire will not have a stone left standing..."