"Now that Nahamah and Lilith are dead, yet the 'Gate of the Underworld' still remains, it suggests there isn't much of a direct connection between the two. I believe if we want to shut it down, we should try to find whoever opened it in the first place."
Mars stretched his legs straight and stroked his thick beard thoughtfully as he spoke.
"That won't be easy. Our people have already learned from a defector of Konohagakure named Hiruko that the one who opened the 'Gate of the Underworld' was a demon named Mōryō, which had possessed the shrine maiden Miroku from the Land of Demons. And the one who taught Mōryō was the 'demon' inside Shinnō—whom the people of the Shinobi World also call Satori."
Ju Peter explained with a calm tone.
"So, to close the 'Gate of the Underworld', we probably need either Mōryō or Satori."
"But Mōryō has already disappeared—most likely having entered what they call the first layer of the Underworld. Hiruko revealed that Mōryō sought to become a true demon. As for Satori, he and his host Shinnō were suppressed by Crocodile and are currently confined within the 'Burial Shrine'."
Saturn said, "If we can't find Mōryō, then just have Crocodile release Shinnō and manipulate the demon inside him to shut the 'Gate of the Underworld'."
"The key issue is—how do we control Shinnō and Satori? How do we make them cooperate willingly?"
Ju Peter countered.
"According to Crocodile, although Shinnō isn't as strong as Nahamah or Lilith, killing him is just as difficult as killing either of them."
"Which means we'll need someone capable of subduing Shinnō at any moment to keep watch over him. Otherwise, if he escapes—or worse, escapes into the 'Gate of the Underworld'—it'll be another major headache."
At that moment, Mars turned to look at Nusjuro.
"So, what's the military's plan?"
Nusjuro replied in a deep voice, "Kong reported to me last night that Sengoku suggested once the First Main Combat Legion pushes the front line all the way to the 'Gate of the Underworld,' the ninja should use their barrier techniques and sealing jutsu to seal the gate, buying us more prep time."
Mars nodded. "That's a solid plan. But I still don't fully trust those ninja. It'd be best to have Lord Imu send that 'Giant Guardian'—use the Barrier-Barrier Fruit's ability to block off the 'Gate of the Underworld'!"
"By the way, both Vegapunk and Director Fritz sent me requests—they're hoping to capture some demons alive for dissection and experimentation."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro replied offhandedly, without much concern: "That won't be difficult. Once the First Main Combat Legion captures some demons, just have CIPHER POL transport them over."
"Oh right, Stussy said that Lord Imu has left on a trip. We won't be able to contact him for at least a week. That makes me feel a bit… unsettled."
Even Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro couldn't explain the feeling.
Five years ago, he wouldn't have cared if Lord Imu went months without making an appearance.
But lately, he'd grown increasingly dependent on reporting major matters and waiting for Imu's instructions.
Maybe it was because there was always the looming threat of even stronger demons emerging from the 'Gate of the Underworld'—
Now, with Imu suddenly unreachable, a deep sense of unease had taken hold of him.
"Indeed. I've got quite a few matters I'd like to report as well," said Saint Topman Warcury.
...
Over the past few days, Stussy had stood guard over Imu's body at all times, accompanied by the Kuja Royal Guards. She wouldn't even allow Empress Historia to enter the inner chamber.
Naturally, this drew Historia's ire.
But in Stussy's eyes, Historia—as queen of both the Titan World and the Eldians—might very well harbor resentment toward Lord Imu, the very leader who initiated the conquest of her world. Besides, it wasn't as if she was with Imu out of love; everything between them had always been about the interests of her people—and her own identity.
Even if that possibility was minimal, and even if Lord Imu had likely taken precautions before his soul departed—Stussy wasn't about to take any chances. Not even a one-in-a-thousand risk.
She would rather offend the Empress than gamble with it.
If Historia dared barge in, Stussy would absolutely stop her by force.
Until Lord Imu returned, no one else had the right to stand by his side.
Even if Esdeath herself were to return, Stussy would still have her blocked.
Worst case? They'd just fight.
Meanwhile, Imu—now in the Underworld of the Starfish World—was entirely unaware of all this.
Because long ago, he had already stored seven alchemical trigger arrays within the holy mark pattern etched into the back of his left hand using spatial power.
This was the 'Kabbalistic Tree of Life Diagram – Orthodox Version.'
No matter what kind of external attack his body faced—even abilities infused with the power of laws—there would always be a corresponding alchemical array activating in defense.
Honestly, this Stigmata Alchemy was incredibly convenient and practical. And the spatial power granted by the Op-Op Fruit had pushed that convenience to the limit.
Otherwise, he'd have to draw a ton of formulas, symbols, and runes all over his skin.
Of course, in terms of knowledge, he was still far behind that Director Isaac. So everything he could currently achieve remained rather basic.
But the difference in power between the two was massive.
His spiritual force was vastly superior to Director Isaac's, and so the area of effect for his alchemical arrays was exponentially larger.
—At the same time—
In the Pure Land of the Shinobi World.
"…Lastly, we sincerely hope you'll believe in the World Government's commitment to goodwill and cooperation. The arrival of the World Government will undoubtedly bring a brighter future to the Shinobi World. And we will firmly retaliate against anyone who tries to harm it!"
Inside the main hall of the Shinobi Temple—
A middle-aged man stood there, his golden hair cascading down to his waist. He exuded a distinguished, almost British air. His gaze was steady and resolute as he addressed Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo, who sat cross-legged on the dais.
He was the diplomatic envoy sent by Enma—Willy Tybur.
You could say he had been one of the most exceptional talents the Titan World had ever produced.
And now, even in death, Willy Tybur served as an official under Enma.
He no longer harbored any resentment about working for the World Government.
Besides, his two daughters and three sons from his previous life were now living quite well on Paradis Island—more precisely, under the care of Historia. And Historia was none other than the Empress of the World Government.
Not to mention—he even had family in the Underworld.
His younger sister—
Lara Tybur, the latest inheritor of the War Hammer Titan.
Just now, with a stirring speech full of sincerity, he had eloquently conveyed the goodwill of the World Government to Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo and Ōtsutsuki Hamura, who sat quietly beside him.
"I am pleased with the World Government's attitude and look forward to further contact. However, let's wait until you've completely eliminated the King of the Dead and taken full control of your Underworld before discussing anything further."
"The only promise I can offer you for now is that we won't interfere in your battle against the King of the Dead. After all, there are quite a few matters here in the Shinobi World that require our attention."
Ōtsutsuki Hagoromo's feelings toward the World Government were complicated.
He couldn't quite say he welcomed them—but after hearing Willy Tybur's words, he didn't feel any hostility either. In fact, he was genuinely curious about the Dimensional Gate the World Government had mastered.
So, in truth, he did want to have a conversation with the upper echelons of the World Government.
Of course, that was under the condition that they wouldn't recklessly slaughter the people of the Shinobi World.
"As for those prisoners, let's leave that discussion for later. After all, they were subordinates of the King of the Dead, not of the World Government—wouldn't you agree?"
"Understood. Then I shall take my leave," Willy Tybur replied, making no attempt to push further. He maintained his elegance and courtesy as he slowly exited.
It was a bit of a shame, but judging from what the Sage of Six Paths had said—
Rayleigh, Jabba, and Kozuki Oden, the top-tier powerhouses who'd followed the King of the Dead, had already died in battle—at the hands of his own younger brother's subordinates, no less—Ōtsutsuki Hamura's followers.
Only the so-called 'Pirate King', Gol D. Roger, had been spared—thanks to Uchiha Madara's mediation and a decision to show mercy.
Enma had specifically instructed him to gather intel on these individuals.
The good news was that apart from the undead like the Kabane and the low-level demons who couldn't control their bloodlust—who had already been wiped out—the bulk of the mid-tier forces were still alive and well.
That included former Marine officers, powerful warriors from the Titan World, as well as figures like Tsugikuni Yoriichi from the Demon Slayer World and several former members of the Twelve Kizuki.
Of course, retrieving them would likely come at a cost.
But that was only to be expected. If it were him, he wouldn't just hand them over for free either.
In any case, that wasn't the goal of this visit.
The true objective was to stabilize the Sage of Six Paths—and to dispel his misgivings toward the World Government.
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