"My dear, what is that weapon?" Ningguang and Keqing asked in unison, their eyes widening as they saw the Anemo rifle in Akio's hands.
They immediately grasped the terrifying potential of such a weapon. Equipping ordinary soldiers with something like this would be nothing short of extraordinary.
Akio took a moment to explain the weapon to them. After hearing his explanation, their eyes lit up with excitement. This was undoubtedly a game-changing tool for national defense!
If the Millelith could be equipped with such weapons, wouldn't they essentially become like countless Vision bearers?
"My dear, could we perhaps purchase some of these elemental weapons from Inazuma?" Ningguang asked, her eyes gleaming with hope.
"…" Akio fell silent for a moment, and Raiden Makoto also turned to him, deferring to his judgment.
"For now, let's keep this restricted," Akio said after a thoughtful pause. "The impact of these weapons is too significant. We'll first implement them within Inazuma. If they fall into the wrong hands, it could spell disaster."
"Alright..." Ningguang sighed softly, a hint of disappointment in her voice. Still, she understood that such weapons were indeed dangerous, and any misstep could lead to catastrophe.
"My dear, if Inazuma ever decides to sell these weapons in the future, please let us know. Liyue would definitely be interested in purchasing them," Keqing said.
"Don't worry, my dears. Liyue and Inazuma are as close as family now, so of course, we'll consider it," Akio nodded reassuringly.
With Akio's words, both Ningguang and Keqing felt reassured. While these weapons were ineffective against Adepti-level beings, they posed a significant threat to ordinary people and Vision bearers.
Soon, Kujou Sara hurriedly entered the room. "Your Excellency, I've arrived," she said quickly, addressing Raiden Makoto formally as she approached.
"Good, Sara, you're here just in time," Raiden Makoto nodded, then turned to Akio, Raiden Ei, the Shogun, and Hiiragi Chisato. "Let's head to the meeting room."
"Ningguang, Keqing, you two can rest here for now. If you need anything, just let the Okuzumeshuu know," Raiden Makoto said with a smile.
"Of course, Sister Makoto. You all go ahead," Ningguang nodded. After all, this was an Inazuman meeting, and as outsiders, it wasn't appropriate for her and Keqing to attend.
With that, Raiden Makoto led the group to Inazuma's meeting room.
"Such a weapon… It seems that from now on, no nation will be able to match Inazuma's military might," Ningguang and Keqing exchanged glances. "Compared to Snezhnaya's firearms, this makes theirs look like toys."
"Akio truly is incredible, capable of creating such things," Guizhong remarked with a sigh. "When I developed the Guizhong Ballista, I thought it was ingenious, but it pales in comparison to the firearms in his hands."
"To be able to rapidly fire elemental energy, with such destructive power while being so compact and portable, this weapon will undoubtedly change Teyvat's current dynamics," Sangonomiya Kokomi said.
Everyone present understood that from this moment on, Inazuma would likely become the unquestionably strongest nation among the Seven.
For one nation to have four divine beings—no, if Akio's other consorts were included, it would be over a dozen individuals with godlike combat prowess—and now, even common soldiers could be equipped with elemental firearms. Such strength would make any nation think twice before challenging them.
In the meeting room, everyone took their seats.
"Sara, the reason we've called you here today is primarily because of the weapons my husband has developed," Raiden Makoto explained.
Akio nodded and handed the Anemo rifle to Kujou Sara. As she listened to Raiden Makoto's explanation, her eyes widened in astonishment. The strategic value of such a weapon was beyond measure.
"Aside from this, there are many other types of weapons. We'll test their power at a training ground later," Akio added seriously.
"Understood," Kujou Sara quickly nodded.
"Sara, since you oversee the Tenryou Commission's military affairs, you'll need to draft a proposal regarding gun control legislation and submit it to us in the coming days," Raiden Makoto instructed.
"Gun control?" Kujou Sara looked to Akio for clarification.
"These weapons are to be strictly used for military purposes and must not fall into civilian hands," Akio explained. "Otherwise, chaos could ensue."
"I plan to establish a new agency, the Firearms Management Bureau, under the Tenryou Commission's jurisdiction. It will directly oversee the manufacturing, management, and maintenance of these weapons," Akio continued. "Every firearm must be numbered upon production, and its issuance to soldiers will require meticulous documentation.
"Outside of official duties, soldiers are not allowed to carry their firearms.
"Every soldier issued a firearm must undergo specialized training under the Tenryou Commission and obtain a firearm license before they're permitted to carry one."
Akio went on to outline a series of measures necessary for the strict and unified management of these weapons. Kujou Sara dutifully took notes in her small notebook, jotting down every detail.
Raiden Makoto listened attentively, nodding in agreement. Such lethal weapons indeed required stringent controls.
Once Akio had finished with Kujou Sara, he turned to Hiiragi Chisato.
"Chisato, take a look at these blueprints for the firearm production. They list the necessary materials and equipment. The Kanjou Commission will handle the procurement," he said, handing over the blueprints. "I'll personally create the machinery, but the materials required for mass production will be managed by the Kanjou Commission."
"Understood," Hiiragi Chisato replied, glancing through the materials listed. Thankfully, most of them were fairly common, and the Inazuman treasury had more than enough for an initial production run.
The group continued to discuss various aspects of firearm management.
"Once the first batch of weapons is produced, we'll equip the Okuzumeshuu with them first," Akio proposed. "In the meantime, I'll create some training firearms and ammunition."
"Sara, select a group from the Okuzumeshuu to begin firearm training," Raiden Makoto instructed. "Once they're proficient, they'll train the remaining soldiers."
"Understood. I'll begin the selection process right away," Kujou Sara nodded.
"Good. Let's proceed to test the new weapons' capabilities," Akio said. "Sara, take us to the Tenryou Commission's training grounds. Make sure it's a large, open area.
"Also, when training soldiers, ensure all training grounds are located in remote areas and designated as military zones. Civilians must not be allowed entry to avoid accidental injuries."
"Yes, sir!" Kujou Sara acknowledged.
"Let's go." Akio stood up, leading the group out of the meeting room. He turned to Ningguang and the others. "Would you like to join us at the training grounds to see these weapons in action?"
"Of course!" Ningguang and the others replied, their curiosity piqued about the weapons' true power.
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