“I feel like we were juuuust here…” Ryoku sighed, shaking his head. His fingers tracing random patterns on the onyx black table top while he spoke.

  “It’s to be expected when something so major occurs, especially when it’s a matter this close to home.” Kobe said, leaning back in his chair and watching the door. Casually waiting for the guest of honor to arrive. Said guest was the pig-like man Zui-Chouzi, the one who called this emergency meeting and the current lead representative of the Orochi Kingdom in Edoland.

  Though it’s fair to assume that with the Death of the Emperor Orochi the Orochi Kingdom would be leaderless that was not quite the case. Before the birth of the 2nd Orochi the kingdom was a democratic nation. As such when Orochi was born rather than completely topple the democratic structure Orochi was simply put on top of the pyramid in a complete monarchical control. And while the Orochi Kingdom still liked to present itself as a true democracy with elections the truth of the matter was widely known. Only a single party's vote truly mattered and that party only had a single member, the Emperor Orochi.

  Puting into the seat of power his own personal electives the current government would still be able to run the country, however it was no more than a headless chicken running in circles. The country's current President Qin-Seung-Go no doubt having an unimaginable weight bearing down on his shoulders. And It wasn’t a stretch to imagine that Chouzi was currently in a heated discussion with Qin-Seung-Go taking some of that weight for himself.

  It was also just as likely that this wasn’t the only meeting being held at the moment, the United Nations council was currently putting together a hasty conference and the Venator society most likely doing the same.

  It’d only been less than an hour since the two Tsunamis had struck both the West and east shores of Edoland. While Tousens Tsunami had managed to be deflected through the strenuous effort of multiple powerful men the rest of the east coast was unfortunately not as lucky. The west coast perhaps due to being closer to the Orochi Kingdom and the mainland of Taiponbo taking an even greater hit, though even then with the intervention of the Edoland Branches Venator Society the damage was less than what it could have been.

  Surely the only one resting well tonight would be Randolph Sisyphus Freyr, that much everyone was sure of. What he’d done was nothing short of a declaration of war. Clearly and loudly to the entire world he raised his flag. Not only did he invade another's country's capital and kill their emperor but he also committed the undeniably worse crime of using magic in public. And not just in the view of locals. He broadcasted its existence to the entire world along with his declaration of war.

  It’s unreasonable to expect magic to go completely unseen, in such cases there were plenty of countermeasures to remedy the situation. However, two men flying through the air in a clash trading blows greater than a missile strike in power was impossible to hide or explain away. Especially in the modern age of technology and the internet. Millions of videos showcasing the battle were being broadcasted across the entire internet accessible to all who wanted to watch them.

  In the grand scheme of things, Edolands current situation was the least important in world politics. Surely the current issue in every nation's leader's head was if they should attack the Vulracious Empire before the latter can attack anyone else. The idea of nuclear warfare most definitely being thrown around liberally.

  It was a tough decision and while not quite as powerful as one might imagine compared to what we know them as, the nuclear weapons housed in the Garden Of Eden were still nothing to laugh at. They were more than capable of running an entire nation and causing irreparable damage to the already fractured world.

  Though thankfully it was highly unlikely for this situation to occur anytime soon, the more then likely current debate was the issue of whether or not to send Jinen Lutece to kill Randolph. However many surely will argue that this could be just as bad of a choice as letting Randolph continue to cause havoc as he is now. Even if not all of the world's leading minds completely understood magic and its capabilities, they did know that both Randolph and Jin were more than capable of destroying the world if they truly fought one another. A fight between them being as potentially dangerous if not more than a nuclear war.

  But even if the decision to release Jinen on Randolph was reached by the United Nations the issue would still need to be agreed upon by the council of twelve. Those who reigned even above El-Saber in political power. In instances like this they were the ones who had the real power. They were the ones who had the big red button on their desk and whether it was pushed or not was their decision entirely.

  But returning to the current moment the door to the conference room swung open with a crack. Walking through the doorway being a man dressed in a Light blue Kimono with white trimming that matched his snow white hair. His eyes sharp and red he looked over the men in the room before taking a seat at his own chair. Hojo Asara officially joined the conference. His legs, put up on the seat which Chouzi was meant to sit at.

  “Please don’t put your feet on my chair.” Ryoku growled. “And where’s your babysitter?”

  “Aren’t you rather un-beautiful today, Ryoku-Kun.” Asara frowned, taking his feet off the Chouzis chair and setting them to the floor. Spinning his own seat around he turned to look at Ryoku, or more thoroughly his cousin Hojo Norosuke. His eyes lit up as he stared at Norosukes figure. “As for Grandmother, she returned home yesterday while I stayed behind to do some light business work. So I’ll be the only one attending today's meeting it seems.”

  “Sure you didn’t push her down the stairs?” Huffed Kobe with a light smile.

  “You sure talk big for a man as short as yourself Kobe-Chan. Perhaps your clogs aren’t enough to make up for your size?” Asked Asara, one of his finely trimmed brows raised.

  “!”

  At this comment the room's mood took a drastic change, the bamboo basket wearing priest reaching for the flute at his side while permeating pure killing intent.

  “It’s fine Kyoso.” Kobe sighed, raising his hand. “I was the one to step out of line, it’s my fault this time.” He said, shaking his head.

  “...”

  Though Kyoso made no noise and his expression was hidden behind his bamboo helmet his anger was clearly portrayed as he returned his arm to his side.

  “Well then~” Ryoku said, trying to calm the situation. “It looks like we only need to wait for Raizen and Chouzi-Sama now.”

  “To call him “Sama” even when he’s not present, what a spineless suck up you are, Sosaki brat!” Raizen said as he suddenly appeared in the doorway. “Now where is that pig!?” He screamed out his eyes hot with passion and fury. “He’s lucky I can’t gut him here and now!”

  “Speak of the devil.” Asara frowned.

  “Raizen, calm yourself.” Kobe said. “We tend to make the worst decision when agitated.”

  “...” Raizen flicked his head to look at Kobe, his expression one like he was ready to bite his head off with a furious rant. However he stopped before speaking, his throat trembling for a moment before he exhaled loudly and took his seat at the conference table with a huff. The chair creaked under his weight.

  “Am I to assume Sosuke is not attending today?” Asara asked, looking at Raizen.

  “No, parliament's a mess.” Raizen growled out.

  “What a shame…”

  “What about your handler? Where’s she? Finally kick the bucket?”

  “You really do lack any beauty with your words…” Asara hissed.

  “Tch, and you haven’t grown since you were a little shit eating brat who cried about beauty this and beauty that. Even your Grandfather was ashamed to appoint you as his heir. Until the day of his death he prayed for another grandson.”

  A massive vein sprouted across Asaras forehead, one which throbbed as it grew from his jaw to his hairline. His hands clenched, had their finely manicured nails begin to grow slightly and seemingly sharpen. Veins which pumped blood sprouting out across the back of them.

  “Raizen, stop.” Ryoku ordered cutting in. “I won’t let you disrespect Asara more than you already have.”

  “Hmph, don’t speak to me so casually Sosaki Brat, you might have your dog with you now but you truly do underestimate the power of those who controlled the nation before you were even born.”

  DUM

  DUM

  DUM

  Before the pressure in the room could grow higher and force it to burst apart into a frenzy of violence the heavy footsteps of an aggravated man quickly grew near. His labored breathing quickly became clear.

  Knowing who this person was, everyone looked to the door right as it swung open with another crack, Chouzi appearing in the doorway. Sweating like a pig his face was pink with heat and anger as he squealed out gasps for air.

  “Dammnit why is everyone slamming my door!?” Ryoku yelled, slamming his own fist onto the table top. “You’re supposed to treat a guest's home better than you would your own!”

  “Silence Ryoku.” Chouzi said, his voice quiet yet lethal.

  “...” Ryoku let out a long defeated sigh before falling back into his chair, letting himself recline. His fingers still tapping impatiently on the black stone table top.

  “Wheres’ Mitou?” Chouzi asked, looking at Asara.”

  “She left after the meeting yesterday, so I’m here alone. Is there a problem with that?” Asara asked with a scowl, his face still flushed red from the previous argument.

  “Tell her what I’ve ordered to be done immediately after this meeting is over and to begin preparations right then.”

  Not only Asara but everyone else in the room other than Chouzi and the two guards seemed taken aback by that statement. Their expressions turning to both confusion and worry.

  “Do you understand?!” Chouzi barked, glaring at Asara who threw his hands up in defeat.

  This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  “Yeah, yeah that was the plan all along anyways.” He muttered.

  “What’d you mean by “order us to do "?" Raizen Asked.

  “Cutting to the chase now aren’t you Raizen? You’ve always been impatient but now it’s just plain annoying.” Chouzi sneered. “Ryoku, being the meeting!”

  “It’s already begun, no clarification is necessary.” Ryoku shrugged.

  “Fine then, do as you will. Everyone shut your mouth and listen to me with your ears and nothing else!”

  What else would we listen to you with? Everyone wondered at the same time.

  “This morning, July 28th the Vulracious empires cowardly leader launched a surprise attack on the Dragon Gods Palace in Hebi! In this attack he had with him two of his own men and the 5th God Pillar Lestat Q. Dragonking. Without mercy they slaughtered the palace guards and Divine Generals. While his soldiers fought the hard fight the Vurlacious Emperor snuck behind the back of our beloved Emperor Orochi and even after being bested multiple times in combat he used underhanded tactics to fell our glorious and chivalrous emperor!” Chouzi yelled, his face turning red with anger as he spoke.

  “...”

  Those at the table other than Chouzi of course exchanged glances with one another, the representatives telling of course the most scurred retelling possible. Whether it was Chouzi who propagandized it or not they weren’t sure nor did it truly matter. However the undeniable fact of Orochi being bested and killed by the Vulracious Emperor was certain.

  “With our Emperor's tragic ascension to the Realm of Gods once again, waiting to be reborn, our glorious president has taken the reins of the country and enacted emergency martial law. The military is currently being rounded up and preparing themselves to strike against the treacherous Vulracious Empire!”

  “...”

  “And so it’s been ordered of me to command you, the six powers of Edoland, to prepare yourself to join this war. Put all of your assets into this holy crusade to help eradicate the Vulracious Empire and execute their dog mothered Emperor!” Chouzi finished, throwing his hands in the air balled into fists.

  The first to speak was Raizen, a small laugh escaping his throat. “I see, I see. This is what’s to be expected.” He said, rubbing his forehead.

  “And is there a problem with that Raizen!?” Chouzi barked.

  “Of course there is you Pig! We have no reason in hell to join your suicidal campaign! Orochi was annihilated by the Vulracious Emperor and so were the Divine Generals. Nothing Edoland has can make up for that kind of power and even if we did manage to scrap it together we’d still be crushed like a cockroach under a shoe! That man Randolph is the 2nd God Pillar and we don’t have a single Pillar God under our belt!”

  “Insolence! You will fight no matter the cost at your own expense! That is what those who serve under the Emperor must do!”

  “We never served under the Emperor in the first place.” Asara interrupted. “And now more than ever we have no reason to take orders from someone who was slaughtered like a pig.”

  Chouzi grit his teeth so hard his mullers cracked, his vision turning red.

  “I agree with Raizen and Asara.” Kobe added, before Chouzi could speak. “With the Emperor's death we have no reason to continue this charade. Nothing you have currently is a threat to us anymore.”

  “H-how-”

  “So it seems like we’re all in agreement then?” Ryoku asked, interrupting Chouzi with a clap.

  “I believe we are.” Kobe answered, looking at Ryoku with a nod.

  “In agreement to what-!?”

  Before Chouzi could finish speaking he was sliced into three pieces. His torso cut in two at his belly button and neck severed from his shoulders. His corpse fell to the floor with a loud bloody and wet splat which Norosuke and Kyoso were responsible for.

  “Hmmmm, hehehehHAHAHAHAHA!” Raizen erupted into a rage of laughter, clutching his head as he leaned back in his chair. “Perhaps you kids aren’t as bad as I thought you to be!” He said, his laughter still growing.

  While Raizen laughed, Asara turned to Norosuke with a blush, biting his bottom lip as he stared at the man which he desired to own so much. A man who would go so far as to poison his own grandmother if it would please him.

  However Norosuke gave no mind to Asara, other than an exhale out of his nose at the clear discomfort he felt. His sword Kitasuji, absent of blood or gore despite slicing through Chouzi, was returned to its sheath.

  “But now there’s a new question.” Raizen said, his laughter cutting short suddenly.

  “...”

  “What are we to do now?” He asked, looking around the table. All the members present stared at him with silent contemplation. All except for Susanori Kobe that is. A man who’d already made his mind up beforehand.

  “I’m taking it.” Kobe said.

  “Taking what?” Raizen asked, raising a thick black brow.

  “Everything, I’m taking everything. The government for my own. And anyone who tries to stop me will answer to my Kyoso or Toumeikan.” He said his eyes, cold and sharp.

  “What!?” Raizen roared slamming his fist onto the table top, his fist now turned a solid jet black color with the luster of stone as it split the table clean in two.

  “Damnit!” Ryoku screamed watching his table break, the hundreds of thousands it cost quickly flooding through his mind.

  “If you think I’ll let you just weasel your way into power then you’re-”

  “Raizen, if you plan to stop me I’ll have you cut down right here and now.” Kobe said, the blood lust sprouting from Kyoso who stood behind his master enough to make a man fall to his knees.

  “Grhhh.” Growled Raizen, his teeth clenched.

  “And that goes for all of you.” Kobe continued paying mind to Raizen no longer. He turned around and glared at the entire table. “But I want you to know that I have no plans to impede on your way of life nor your business with my actions. I’m simply trying to ensure that my own isn’t impeded on. I believe and hope that you can all understand this.”

  “Hold on, Kobe.” Ryoku said, raising his hand as he stood. “I oppose this for a few reasons.”

  “Ho?” Kobe hummed.

  “Firstly. Assuming you do take control of the government there’s no check and balance system in place. While I believe I can trust you, the same can’t be said for your descendants and those who will fill your seat in the future. How can you ensure without a shadow of a doubt that the future Susanori an or Toumeikan won’t abuse this new hypothetical power?”

  “That’s a fair question.” Kobe said his face showing his surprise. “Although I will be taking the Government under my control I won't be taking all of it. I have no intention to take the military nor do I believe I could. I only want to take Parliament and the related judicial branches.” He explained.

  “I can understand that better then, though while it might give me some relief there’s an even more glaring problem which won’t be as easily waved away.”

  “Being?”

  “Parliament, you can’t take their seat at the table while keeping your own.” Said Ryoku, his eyes narrowing.

  “And will you stop me?” Asked Kobe.

  “If I have to.”

  “!”

  The clash happened instantaneously, the two equally matched both Norosuke and Kyoso swung their weapons at the opposites master. Norosukes katana [Kitatsuji] met with Kyosos Bamboo flute, the result being a burst of mana sparks so great they shot out into the sky beyond just the tower. Reaching into the clouds and splitting them apart. The explosion of their aura caused the tower to tremble and the ground far down on the streets below to crack, pipes bursting with spraying water. All windows in both the Sosaki Tower and general area shatter into shards of glass.

  “Norosuke.”

  “Kyoso.”

  “Stand down.” The two masters ordered in unison to their respective guard.

  “...”

  With silence as equal as their power both Kyoso and Norosuke returned their weapons to their side. Crossing their arms they didn’t let the blood lust they emitted cease completely. The room's temperature still having risen at least ten degrees and the Kami in the atmosphere shaking from the sudden jolt.

  Kobe and Ryoku, much like their servants, glared at each other silent but full of tense emotions.

  “We can discuss this matter once the impending liberation has been repelled.” Kobe said, breaking the silence. “Once that’s been achieved I’ll be more than willing to meet a fair compromise to further comfort you. But until then I intend to hold the government firmly under my control. And if anyone tries to stop me I’ll have them killed mercilessly.”

  “Even if you’re putting all of us against you?” Ryoku asked.

  “Without regret.” Kobe answered firmly.

  “...ha.” Ryoku let out a sigh and placed his hand to his forehead. “I really don’t feel like having to rebuild the tower and surrounding areas so we can postpone this discussion until you're satisfied, though I hope that’s sooner rather than later.”

  “Thank you.” Kobe said, bowing his head slightly.

  “However, if you try to take more than you’re given I’ll personally make sure you’re ripped limb from limb.” Said Ryoku, his tone lethal and eyes burning with passion.

  “I’ll keep that in mind.” Ryoku smiled, raising his hand as a signal for Kyoso to follow. “Well then, I have much to do so I’ll be taking my leave. As for that pig, feel free to do what you will with him.”

  “Oh jeez, thanks I really want to have him as the mantle piece to replace this table top and all the broken glass.” Ryoku growled.

  With a shrug Kobe left the room, his guard following behind him as silent as ever.

  “Ryoku.” Raizen said after a few moments of silence following Kobes exit.

  “Yes Raizen-San?” Ryoku asked, turning to Raizen.

  “I must say, perhaps I’ve done you a great disservice with how much I underestimated you.” Raizen answered as he stood up.

  “Thanks, coming from you, that truly means a lot.” Smiled Ryoku.

  “I hope you intend to keep your word, and I want you to know that if you do I fully intend to have your back.”

  “...”

  “Not because of our business agreements but out of respect.”

  “I gladly accept.” Ryoku answered, giving a modest bow.

  “Well then, I’ll be taking my leave as well. I must inform Sosuke of the news. And I suggest you inform that old witch just the same brat.” Raizen sneered looking at Asara who he felt the same as ever over. Perhaps even less due to his inaction during the whole situation.

  In response to the insult of his grandmother Asara raised his long and thin pale middle finger. The perfectly manicured nail reflecting Raizen’s eyesight.

  With a final mutter under his breath Raizen too left, leaving only the three remaining men and a corpse.

  “You were rather silent during this meeting Asara, did the gore shock you?” Ryoku asked.

  “Less shocked, more disgusted. It’s quite an ugly thing to see, a pig being gutted is it not?” Asara answered with a snort.

  “Unfortunately this is just a part of business.” Ryoku shrugged, turning his gaze towards Chouzis mangled corpse. “Even if it’s not one often talked about…”

  “Well then~ seeing as everyone else has left I’ll do so too before you try to trap me into helping you with clean up duty.” Asara hummed, rising from his seat and walking over to the door with a light skip.

  “Asara.” Ryoku called out to the man coldly.

  “Yes?” Asara hummed, turning around his brow raised.

  “Don’t do anything too dangerous, I need you now more than ever.” Said Ryoku.

  “Of course not, I don’t plan to do anything that could hurt you or Sosuke. I only want to help the two of you. You’re my friends after all. My only friends…”

  If Jin and Randolph fought right now, it’d be similar to Sukuna and Jogos fight in Shibuya, while Sukuna was clearly superior Jogo was able to cause massive chaos and show how much of a threat he truly was to the world.

  The Nuclear capabilities of the p17 universe are currently at about the level of the early 1960s, (Not including the Tsar Bomba) just a bit bigger than little boy and fat man. There was never any kind of cold war scenario which caused an arms race so most effort has been put into other things.

  Thus ends volume five, I'm currently writing volume 6 and I'm almost done with it. I'd say were this volumes ends were just shy of 2/3rds of the way through the Tiger Salamander Pact Arc. And what a long one it's been right!?

  Doing some planning and reworking of what I consider arcs and sagas in better terms here's what we've got so far.

  Saga 1: Tragic Child

  Everything in volume one

  Saga 2: Bloody Voyage

  The Cymba arc, I was originally going to include it as part of Saga one but I think it deserves its own place.

  Saga 3: Edoland Liberation

  This is what we’re currently on, it goes Izumika Incident > Gods and Generals > Tiger Salamander Pact > ??? > ???.

  That’s the plan at least but we’ll see how it goes.

  In total I have 12 Sagas planned for this story (part one) and I think it covers most bases I want covered. It’s crazy to think I only had four of those planned from the start but that’s just how storytelling goes I guess.