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Chapter 991: The East Blue Great Bridge Network is Nearing Completion!
Marine Calendar 1503, August 3rd.
World, Red Line, Holy Land Mary Geoise.
The Room of Authority within Pangaea Castle.
"News has come from the Otherworld Strategy Committee. Sakazuki and Kuzan successfully killed those two Highest-Grade Demons, but they were also severely injured and are currently returning to Rōran by airship."
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, the 'Intelligence Special Affairs Martial God', wore a proper suit and sat on a single sofa with his legs crossed. A hideous scar was visible within his open collar, adding a touch of ruggedness to his demeanor. Clearly, he had also experienced a fierce battle in the past.
As for the content being discussed, although Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, the 'War Affairs Martial God', already knew about it beforehand, the other three were still unaware.
"Fortunately, we had the intelligence granted by Lord Imu. Otherwise, if those two Demons had truly combined, the consequences would have been unimaginable. However, there is still one problem."
"What problem?" Saint Topman Warcury, with his fingers intertwined and placed between his legs, looked steadily at Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro sitting beside him. At the same time, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn and Saint Marcus Mars also cast their gazes towards him.
"The First Main Combat Legion's next mission is to eliminate the Demons that have already surged out, while gradually pushing forward the front and finally blocking the exit of the 'Gate of the Underworld'. The problem is, we can't just block it; we also need to find a way to completely close it." Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro explained expressionlessly, holding the Shodai Kitetsu in his arms.
"That's right. The problem is how to completely resolve that opening, and it must be done quickly." Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, with his golden hair and beard, took over and continued:
"Whether it's the relevant intelligence given by Lord Imu or the 'Nahama's Last Words' sent back by Sakazuki, both have mentioned higher layers of the Underworld and Demons."
"If the Highest-Grade Demons from the 'Second Layer of the Underworld' appear, unless Lord Imu personally takes action, we can only choose to temporarily abandon the Ninja World, or even the First Main Combat Legion over in the Land of Swamps."
The other four immediately fell silent. Although it sounded difficult to accept, the reality was that the World Government's proudest Highest Combat Power was simply no match for the Highest-Grade Demons.
It was mentioned before that Naamah and Lilith, although they claimed to be Highest-Grade Demons, were not essentially so. Only when they combined into one could they be considered true Highest-Grade Demons, the true Rulers of the First Layer of the Underworld.
Yet, even in their separated state, Naamah and Lilith's strength was considerably greater than Sakazuki and Kuzan's at first. And when they teamed up, they could easily suppress Crocodile, Hong Lian, and Esdeath.
"Now that Naamah and Lilith are dead, but the 'Gate of the Underworld' still exists, it indicates that the connection between them wasn't very strong. This Old Man believes that to close it, we can try to find the person who opened it."
Saint Marcus Mars, the 'Science Defense Martial God', straightened his long legs and stroked his long beard on his chest as he thoughtfully voiced his idea.
"That's difficult. The people below have learned from a Konoha Rogue Ninja named Hiruko that the one who opened the 'Gate of the Underworld' is the Demon Beast Moryo, who possessed the Miko of the Land of Demons, Miroku. And the one who taught Moryo is the 'Demon' inside Shinno, whom the Ninja World people also call 'Satori'."
As the Supreme Leader of Cipher Pol, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter explained in a calm tone.
"So, to close the 'Gate of the Underworld', we probably need either Moryo or Satori."
"But Moryo has disappeared and likely entered the so-called First Layer of the Underworld, because Hiruko revealed that Moryo wants to become a true Demon. As for Satori, it and its host Shinno are being suppressed by Crocodile in the 'Royal Tomb'."
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, the 'Criminal Justice Martial God', said: "Since Moryo can't be found, then let Crocodile release Shinno, and then control the Demon inside him to close the 'Gate of the Underworld'."
"The key is how to control Shinno and Satori and make them cooperate obediently?"
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter countered.
"According to Crocodile, although Shinno's strength is not as great as Naamah and Lilith's, the difficulty in killing him is no less than the former."
"Therefore, we still need someone who can restrain Shinno at any time to keep an eye on him. Otherwise, if he escapes, or even runs into the 'Gate of the Underworld', it will likely be another trouble."
At this point, Saint Marcus Mars looked at Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro.
"Then what are your military's plans?"
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro said in a deep voice: "Kong reported to This Old Man last night that Sengoku proposed that once the First Main Combat Legion pushes the front to the 'Gate of the Underworld', they will have the Ninjas use their Barrier Ninjutsu and Sealing Jutsu to seal the opening, gaining more preparation time."
Saint Marcus Mars nodded: "That's a good method, but This Old Man always feels those Ninjas aren't very reliable. It would be best to ask Lord Imu to dispatch the 'Guardian Giant' and use the Barrier-Barrier Fruit's ability to block the 'Gate of the Underworld'!"
As a Sea Star Person, he naturally felt that Devil Fruit Abilities were more reliable than any Barrier Ninjutsu or Sealing Jutsu.
"Oh, right. Vegapunk and Director Fritz have both sent applications to This Old Man. They hope to capture alive some Demons for dissection and experimentation."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro replied casually, not taking it to heart:
"That's not difficult. Once the First Main Combat Legion catches some Demons, just have Cipher Pol escort them here."
"Also, Stussy over at Noah's Ark said that Lord Imu has gone out and cannot be contacted for at least a week. This makes This Old Man feel a bit uneasy."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro didn't know what was wrong with him. Even five years ago, he wouldn't have felt anything even if he didn't see Lord Imu for several years. But recently, he had become increasingly reliant and accustomed to reporting important matters and waiting for Lord Imu's instructions.
Perhaps it was because higher-level Demons could appear from the 'Gate of the Underworld' at any time. Or even the terrifying-sounding 'Demon King' Lucifero.
Being suddenly unable to contact Lord Imu made him feel uncertain.
"Indeed, This Old Man also has many matters that need to be reported. For example, Tequila Wolf in the East Blue is about to finish building the last section of the East Blue Great Bridge Network, and it will be completed within this year."
Saint Topman Warcury, the 'Political Finance Martial God', showed a smile on his face.
The 'East Blue Great Bridge Network', which had been under construction for over seven hundred years, was finally going to be completed in his generation. He was naturally very happy.
It's just that the role this thing can play now is somewhat diminished. This is because the World Government is starting to relocate the citizens living on small islands to live in the planned city areas on the Red Line.
Therefore, in the future, only those great countries in the East Blue should remain outside. The only remaining purpose of this great bridge will naturally be to allow the citizens of these great countries to quickly transfer to the Red Line should a legendary great tsunami that sweeps across the East Blue occur.
In fact, in the hearts of Im and the Five Elders, it would be best if these great countries also moved up with their entire families.
Although this might waste the 'East Blue Great Bridge Network', which was built at the sacrifice of who knows how many disobedient people's lives. But since the bridge exists on the sea, there will definitely be a place where it can be used.
(End of this chapter)
Marine Calendar 1503, August 3rd.
World, Red Line, Holy Land Mary Geoise.
The Room of Authority within Pangaea Castle.
"News has come from the Otherworld Strategy Committee. Sakazuki and Kuzan successfully killed those two Highest-Grade Demons, but they were also severely injured and are currently returning to Rōran by airship."
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, the 'Intelligence Special Affairs Martial God', wore a proper suit and sat on a single sofa with his legs crossed. A hideous scar was visible within his open collar, adding a touch of ruggedness to his demeanor. Clearly, he had also experienced a fierce battle in the past.
As for the content being discussed, although Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, the 'War Affairs Martial God', already knew about it beforehand, the other three were still unaware.
"Fortunately, we had the intelligence granted by Lord Imu. Otherwise, if those two Demons had truly combined, the consequences would have been unimaginable. However, there is still one problem."
"What problem?" Saint Topman Warcury, with his fingers intertwined and placed between his legs, looked steadily at Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro sitting beside him. At the same time, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn and Saint Marcus Mars also cast their gazes towards him.
"The First Main Combat Legion's next mission is to eliminate the Demons that have already surged out, while gradually pushing forward the front and finally blocking the exit of the 'Gate of the Underworld'. The problem is, we can't just block it; we also need to find a way to completely close it." Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro explained expressionlessly, holding the Shodai Kitetsu in his arms.
"That's right. The problem is how to completely resolve that opening, and it must be done quickly." Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, with his golden hair and beard, took over and continued:
"Whether it's the relevant intelligence given by Lord Imu or the 'Nahama's Last Words' sent back by Sakazuki, both have mentioned higher layers of the Underworld and Demons."
"If the Highest-Grade Demons from the 'Second Layer of the Underworld' appear, unless Lord Imu personally takes action, we can only choose to temporarily abandon the Ninja World, or even the First Main Combat Legion over in the Land of Swamps."
The other four immediately fell silent. Although it sounded difficult to accept, the reality was that the World Government's proudest Highest Combat Power was simply no match for the Highest-Grade Demons.
It was mentioned before that Naamah and Lilith, although they claimed to be Highest-Grade Demons, were not essentially so. Only when they combined into one could they be considered true Highest-Grade Demons, the true Rulers of the First Layer of the Underworld.
Yet, even in their separated state, Naamah and Lilith's strength was considerably greater than Sakazuki and Kuzan's at first. And when they teamed up, they could easily suppress Crocodile, Hong Lian, and Esdeath.
"Now that Naamah and Lilith are dead, but the 'Gate of the Underworld' still exists, it indicates that the connection between them wasn't very strong. This Old Man believes that to close it, we can try to find the person who opened it."
Saint Marcus Mars, the 'Science Defense Martial God', straightened his long legs and stroked his long beard on his chest as he thoughtfully voiced his idea.
"That's difficult. The people below have learned from a Konoha Rogue Ninja named Hiruko that the one who opened the 'Gate of the Underworld' is the Demon Beast Moryo, who possessed the Miko of the Land of Demons, Miroku. And the one who taught Moryo is the 'Demon' inside Shinno, whom the Ninja World people also call 'Satori'."
As the Supreme Leader of Cipher Pol, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter explained in a calm tone.
"So, to close the 'Gate of the Underworld', we probably need either Moryo or Satori."
"But Moryo has disappeared and likely entered the so-called First Layer of the Underworld, because Hiruko revealed that Moryo wants to become a true Demon. As for Satori, it and its host Shinno are being suppressed by Crocodile in the 'Royal Tomb'."
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, the 'Criminal Justice Martial God', said: "Since Moryo can't be found, then let Crocodile release Shinno, and then control the Demon inside him to close the 'Gate of the Underworld'."
"The key is how to control Shinno and Satori and make them cooperate obediently?"
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter countered.
"According to Crocodile, although Shinno's strength is not as great as Naamah and Lilith's, the difficulty in killing him is no less than the former."
"Therefore, we still need someone who can restrain Shinno at any time to keep an eye on him. Otherwise, if he escapes, or even runs into the 'Gate of the Underworld', it will likely be another trouble."
At this point, Saint Marcus Mars looked at Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro.
"Then what are your military's plans?"
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro said in a deep voice: "Kong reported to This Old Man last night that Sengoku proposed that once the First Main Combat Legion pushes the front to the 'Gate of the Underworld', they will have the Ninjas use their Barrier Ninjutsu and Sealing Jutsu to seal the opening, gaining more preparation time."
Saint Marcus Mars nodded: "That's a good method, but This Old Man always feels those Ninjas aren't very reliable. It would be best to ask Lord Imu to dispatch the 'Guardian Giant' and use the Barrier-Barrier Fruit's ability to block the 'Gate of the Underworld'!"
As a Sea Star Person, he naturally felt that Devil Fruit Abilities were more reliable than any Barrier Ninjutsu or Sealing Jutsu.
"Oh, right. Vegapunk and Director Fritz have both sent applications to This Old Man. They hope to capture alive some Demons for dissection and experimentation."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro replied casually, not taking it to heart:
"That's not difficult. Once the First Main Combat Legion catches some Demons, just have Cipher Pol escort them here."
"Also, Stussy over at Noah's Ark said that Lord Imu has gone out and cannot be contacted for at least a week. This makes This Old Man feel a bit uneasy."
Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro didn't know what was wrong with him. Even five years ago, he wouldn't have felt anything even if he didn't see Lord Imu for several years. But recently, he had become increasingly reliant and accustomed to reporting important matters and waiting for Lord Imu's instructions.
Perhaps it was because higher-level Demons could appear from the 'Gate of the Underworld' at any time. Or even the terrifying-sounding 'Demon King' Lucifero.
Being suddenly unable to contact Lord Imu made him feel uncertain.
"Indeed, This Old Man also has many matters that need to be reported. For example, Tequila Wolf in the East Blue is about to finish building the last section of the East Blue Great Bridge Network, and it will be completed within this year."
Saint Topman Warcury, the 'Political Finance Martial God', showed a smile on his face.
The 'East Blue Great Bridge Network', which had been under construction for over seven hundred years, was finally going to be completed in his generation. He was naturally very happy.
It's just that the role this thing can play now is somewhat diminished. This is because the World Government is starting to relocate the citizens living on small islands to live in the planned city areas on the Red Line.
Therefore, in the future, only those great countries in the East Blue should remain outside. The only remaining purpose of this great bridge will naturally be to allow the citizens of these great countries to quickly transfer to the Red Line should a legendary great tsunami that sweeps across the East Blue occur.
In fact, in the hearts of Im and the Five Elders, it would be best if these great countries also moved up with their entire families.
Although this might waste the 'East Blue Great Bridge Network', which was built at the sacrifice of who knows how many disobedient people's lives. But since the bridge exists on the sea, there will definitely be a place where it can be used.
(End of this chapter)
