Bang! Bang! Bang!
As Ren approached the firing range under Mayuri Kurotsuchi's lead, he heard a series of dull, rapid gunshots.
Then came a continuous, deafening roar of explosions.
Rumble!
Rumble!
He could even feel a slight vibration beneath his feet. Had it not been for the sturdy barriers built underground to stabilize the space and sever all outside connections, the tremors would likely have reached the surface.
When he stepped into the range, a surge of spiritual pressure billowed toward him.
In his view, the wide firing range was filled with rising dust and smoke, interspersed with blood-red flashes of fire that covered nearly half the field.
On the firing platform to one side of the main entrance stood several tall soldiers and researchers.
Nobunaga was leaning over a sandbag, holding a rifle. His one eye was fixed on the sight as he cycled the bolt and pulled the trigger.
The gun fired, and a hundred meters from the muzzle, the bullet erupted into a basketball-sized sphere of crimson fire, slamming into the distance.
Boom!
A ferocious smile curled on Nobunaga's scruffy face.
Shimazu Toyohisa stood nearby, watching the violent explosions caused by the bullets. He looked satisfied, nodding repeatedly.
Sensing someone entering, Shimazu Toyohisa turned. Seeing it was Ren, he immediately kicked Nobunaga's leg and waved.
"Ren, you're here!"
Noticing the nudge, Nobunaga stopped firing, climbed off the sandbags, and brushed the dust off his clothes.
The constant gunfire and explosions finally ceased.
Without the intense noise, the entire firing range became incredibly quiet.
Ren led the group onto the platform, his gaze landing on the rifle in Nobunaga's hands.
"Grandfather, Nobunaga, how are the newly developed firearms?"
"Heh heh heh, perfect! They're the ultimate tools for the battlefield!"
Nobunaga's mouth split into a grin so wide it revealed his back molars. His laughter was full of arrogance and wild pride, hardly the sound of a 'good man'.
He stroked the long rifle affectionately.
"No need for flint, no jamming, and the sound is magnificent. Combined with this intoxicating scent of gunpowder, I couldn't be more satisfied!"
"Once the army is equipped with these, a simple deployment could mow down opposing soldiers like grass!"
"To think firearms could evolve to this level... humans really are incredible bastards when it comes to killing each other!"
Hearing Nobunaga's loud proclamation, Shimazu Toyohisa glanced sideways.
"Nobunaga, tone down that smile. You don't look like a good person at all."
"Of course! I am the legendary Sixth Heavenly Demon King. How could I be a good person?"
Nobunaga spoke with immense pride as he handed the gun over.
Seeing this, Walter walked over to take it, pulling a handkerchief from his pocket to carefully wipe away the dust.
"This model is based on the Kalashnikov Model 47 automatic rifle. It is the finest individual rifle produced by the Soviet Union—7.62 caliber, 30-round capacity, capable of switching between semi-automatic and full-automatic modes."
Ren looked confused.
Walter added, "Its most familiar name is the AK-47."
"Oh, the AK-47."
Once Walter put it that way, Ren understood.
"So, can this weapon be deployed for combat now?"
In life, Nobunaga was a world-renowned unifier, so his abilities went without saying. His understanding of firearms was particularly deep.
Among those around Ren, Nobunaga was the leader in both familiarity with war and the utilization of firearms.
Even with a modern soul, Ren couldn't compare.
After all, guns were far removed from the peaceful society of his past life.
Nobunaga laughed freely. "I've been testing various weapons here for the past few days. The completion level of each one exceeds my expectations. Mass production is entirely possible!"
"With weapons like these and those Kido warheads, our army's combat power will skyrocket!"
Ren nodded slightly and turned to the person in charge.
"Doctor, what about the other weapons?"
"Yes, right this way."
The Doctor was prepared. He waved to the nearby soldiers.
The soldiers hauled a massive wooden crate onto the platform and lined it up before Ren.
Walter began to introduce them one by one.
"These models are the most common revolvers—simple in design yet extremely practical."
"This is an anti-tank sniper rifle..."
"Then there are various types of grenades: smoke, flash, explosive, defensive fragmentation grenades, and armor-piercing shells..."
"In addition, we have special grenades inscribed with Kido, each marked with a Kido number."
"This is a handheld 30mm long-barreled cannon. Besides ordinary shells, it can be loaded with Number 63 Hado warheads. It's perfect for the larger fellows in the army."
While Walter explained, another squad of soldiers pushed two large carts forward. The carts held tall piles covered tightly by cloth.
The Doctor walked over and yanked the covers off, revealing steel bodies with long barrels pointed into the distance.
"My lord, this is the main battle artillery I designed. As long as it has sufficient charge, it can fire compressed, high-concentration Reishi attacks with power comparable to a Menos Grande's Cero."
Speaking of this, the Doctor adjusted his glasses, a hint of difficulty appearing on his face.
"Manufacturing the weapons isn't a problem for us, nor are the ordinary shells. The only drawback is the Kido warheads."
"Whether it's these firearms or the artillery shells, they require the Kido Corps to manufacture. We can't mass-produce them at our current level."
"The Kido Corps?"
Ren had seen this issue in the reports submitted earlier. For him, it wasn't actually a difficult hurdle.
"No matter."
"I will have Central 46 issue an order for Tessai Tsukabishi to bring the Kido Corps here to handle production."
That would temporarily solve the production issue for the Kido warheads.
Ren thought for a moment before continuing, "As for weapon production, move it to the City of the Underworld. The factories are already built there."
"Doctor, send people there to provide guidance. Set up the production lines on-site."
The Doctor bowed. "Understood."
He then pulled the cloth off the other cart, revealing a heap of iron blocks. The steel surfaces were etched with dense black patterns. Although bulky, one could vaguely see the shape of plate armor.
"This is the newly developed Barrier Armor. It was intended to arm the soldiers, but we haven't achieved useful results yet."
"It's too heavy. Soldiers can't move at all once they put it on. They're basically unmoving targets."
Looking at the armor on the cart, Ren rubbed his chin. "Still no good?"
His mastery of Kido was limited, so he couldn't offer much help.
After a moment's thought, he said, "If all else fails, grant Tessai Tsukabishi more clearance and let him get involved."
"With his skill, he should be able to solve it."
Walter asked worriedly, "Is this Grand Kido Chief trustworthy?"
"Just leave it to him. He's a sensible man," Ren affirmed.
"Heh heh, Ren, seeing these preparations, it looks like you've decided to make a big move."
Nobunaga grinned and walked over to Ren, stroking his chin with an interested expression.
Shimazu Toyohisa blinked and asked, "Who is the enemy this time? The Seireitei?"
"You didn't call us for the battle in the Ninja World last time. Don't forget us this time."
Patting the tachi at his waist, Shimazu Toyohisa flashed a high-spirited smile.
"It's been so long since I've had a decent fight. I've been itching for one."
"The enemy this time... isn't the Seireitei."
Ren shook his head and looked up.
Then he looked back at the two men, his voice calm.
"But they are similar to the Seireitei."
"The enemy is hidden within the shadows of the Seireitei."
At those words, everyone was shocked.
"In the... shadows of the Seireitei?"
"Exactly what kind of enemy is this?"
Mayuri Kurotsuchi frowned, his strange face displaying disbelief.
To think someone was hiding in the shadows of the Seireitei and the Gotei 13 hadn't noticed at all!
It was almost inconceivable!
Nobunaga frowned. "Shadows?"
Ren said to Nobunaga, "I've written a detailed intelligence report on the enemy. I'll give it to you when we return to the surface."
"Lord Nobunaga, the enemy this time is no small matter. They aren't some miscellaneous faction from the past, but a massive empire. We need to be fully prepared."
"I'm putting you in charge of coordinating and commanding this war."
Nobunaga nodded, his expression becoming even more animated.
"A grand empire hidden in the shadows!"
"Haha, this is exactly the kind of war I wanted."
He thumped his chest, his voice full of confidence.
"Leave it to me!"
Ren said solemnly, "This enemy is our trial. Once we defeat this empire in the dark and seize those shadows, that will be the time for our total conquest of the Seireitei!"
"This is a grave matter. I ask that none of you leak this."
Everyone nodded in succession.
Given such a massive strategic plan, everyone present was intelligent and served as Ren's trusted confidants. Their fortunes were tied together; naturally, they wouldn't breathe a word.
Seeing the solemn expressions on everyone's faces, Ren nodded inwardly.
As his gaze swept over the group, he suddenly paused.
"Where is Yoichi?"
"Grandfather, why isn't he with you?"
Shimazu Toyohisa scratched his head. "A while ago, your adopted daughter brought back a group of souls from another world. Among them was a samurai with six eyes whose martial arts are quite extraordinary."
"Yoichi is trying to persuade him to join our side. After these past few days, the man has finally started to relent."
The adopted daughter Shimazu Toyohisa referred to was naturally Amanai Riko.
Ren remembered that Riko had opened a portal to a new world—a world with man-eating demons and people who hunted them.
He hadn't expected Riko to quietly bring back that world's big boss.
Hearing about the six-eyed samurai, Ren realized who it was.
"Where is he? Take me to see him."
"He's in the training hall on the other side."
The group then made their way in a grand procession toward the other side of the vast underground space.
Along the way, Mayuri Kurotsuchi showed his yellow teeth, a wide, excited grin on his bizarre face.
"Miss Riko really did bring back something incredible."
"Even though only a brain remains, it can continue to survive, freely change its body structure, and prey on others for energy and healing."
"Its only weakness is sunlight, but we've already obtained the seeds for the Blue Spider Lily that can compensate for that."
Once he thoroughly researched the structure of this miraculous creature, he would be one step closer to his ideal of perfection.
The thought alone made his heart dance.
The Doctor muttered with a look of dissatisfaction.
"You're really too much. You took the Demon King for yourself and gave me the one ranked second..."
In life, he had conducted deep research on vampires. Seeing a similar existence now, he had hoped to recreate his research results, but the most important specimen was snatched by Mayuri.
He'd had to beg shamelessly just to get the remaining demon.
Though the Doctor's voice was quiet, everyone heard him.
Mayuri snapped irritably, "What? Do you have some complaint?"
"What kind of results could a commoner's intellect like yours produce? How could it compare to my genius mind?"
"Giving you one specimen was already an act of mercy. If you keep complaining, I'll take that one back too!"
The Doctor twitched his lips unhappily.
Ren, walking in front, soothed them. "That's enough, Mayuri. You already have the highest-level Demon King. Let the Doctor have the other one."
"Hmph, since you've put it that way..."
Mayuri gave a prideful huff and glanced at the Doctor, his voice turning sinister again.
"In deference to our Commander-in-Chief, that specimen is yours."
"Be grateful."
"Yes..." the Doctor said softly, looking at Ren with gratitude. "Thank you, my lord."
The underground training hall was used by Onmitsukido personnel for daily training. It was built on a massive scale, complete with pavilions and courtyards.
Led by the guards at the entrance, Ren's group arrived at one of the practice rooms.
As they walked down the corridor, before even entering, they heard Nasu no Yoichi's hearty laughter from inside.
"Lord Michikatsu, your martial arts are truly superb—simply transcendent."
Then, another low, solemn voice spoke.
"Lord Yoichi, your archery is even better. You are indeed someone who followed that legendary general. You far surpass ordinary mortals."
"Hmm? Someone is coming."
Slide!
The wooden door slid open, and Ren stepped in first, scanning the room.
On the polished wooden floor, two figures sat kneeling on one side of the room. Small tables were set before them, and the scent of sake filled the air.
Both men in the room turned toward the door simultaneously.
"Oh, Ren, you've arrived."
Nasu no Yoichi's cheeks were flushed. He held a sake cup in his hand and his eyes were slightly hazy; clearly, he was enjoying a drink.
Seeing the newcomers, Yoichi put down his cup and stood up steadily.
The man opposite Yoichi also stood up as the group entered.
Ren nodded slightly, his gaze passing over Yoichi and landing on the other man.
The man wore luxurious purple snake-patterned clothing, with deep red hair tied high in a ponytail. But the most startling thing was the man's bizarre face.
Red markings were on the man's left forehead and right cheek. Besides his original pair of eyes, two more pairs were on his forehead and cheeks. The sclera were a gruesome red, and the golden irises held a sharp, piercing light, yet were crisscrossed with cracks.
If one ignored the extra four eyes, the man would undoubtedly be considered a handsome man with a dignified appearance by human standards.
But now, with six eyes, he inspired a sense of dread in anyone who saw him.
"Kokushibo..."
Ren's face remained calm as he stared at the man.
He naturally knew who this was.
Looking at Kokushibo's eyes, the original 'Upper Rank One' characters had disappeared, leaving only the golden irises.
"Or rather, Michikatsu Tsugikuni."
Nasu no Yoichi walked over, breathing sake fumes, a proud smile on his face.
"Ren, listen to this. After days of effort—fighting and heart-to-heart talks—I've finally convinced this guy."
"Don't underestimate him. In terms of martial arts alone, he's the most refined among us."
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]