— Headquarters, Final Confirmation
"It seems you've all achieved your goals! How many talents did you… recruit?"
Takumi, already sprawled lazily across a cushion like a pampered cat, looked at Kagaya Ubuyashiki with bright, expectant eyes.
Kagaya bowed slightly.
"Haha, Lord Takumi, we managed to recruit one thousand talented individuals. All leaders in their respective fields."
Takumi sat up instantly.
"One. Thousand?!"
He stared at Kagaya.
"What were you all, some kind of recruitment gods?! You had what—one hundred people? How did you multiply yourselves into recruiting a thousand elites?!"
Kanae Kocho, gently fanning Takumi from the side, smiled.
"Takumi, you still underestimate the Ubuyashiki family."
Kagaya chuckled lightly.
"It wasn't difficult. Most were hired with generous salaries under my family's name. We also offered employment for their families. A very tempting offer."
Takumi narrowed his eyes.
"…And what about those who didn't want to go to another world?"
A tiny, dangerous glint flickered in Kagaya's eyes.
"I handled that."
Takumi stared.
The gentle, smiling Kagaya suddenly seemed like an underworld boss.
Truly, the hearts of rich people are terrifying.
(But since he's my subordinate, it's fine.)
A Demon Slayer Corps member knelt.
"Lord Takumi! Lord Kagaya! All personnel have returned!"
Takumi nodded.
"Good. It's time to go home—and begin preparations for the New World."
He stood.
"Everyone, pack up. We're leaving."
Dimensional Gate — Departure Back to Jura Forest
As Takumi stepped out into the courtyard, Shizue appeared with a bright smile.
"You're in a great mood, Shizue."
Shizue nodded proudly.
"We recruited so many good teachers. I personally interviewed each one. They're all truly excellent."
Takumi snorted.
"Of course. Any suspicious people would've been tossed into the sea by the Demon Slayer Corps."
He used his Eye of Identification.
Loyalty: 50+ across the board.
Acceptable.
The thousands gathered saluted.
"Lord Takumi!"
Takumi raised a hand.
"Rise."
He waved casually—
WHOOOM—
The Dimensional Gate opened.
Everyone from the Demon Slayer world froze for half a second.
Takumi blinked.
"…Why aren't any of them panicking?"
Kagaya answered calmly.
"Ah, just in case, I had the Demon Slayer Corps demonstrate some abnormal phenomena to them. They're mentally prepared."
"Right. That makes sense."
Takumi clapped his hands.
"Alright! Everyone—return home!"
Great Jura Forest — The Reinforcements Arrive
Rimuru's jaw dropped as wave after wave of people emerged from the Dimensional Gate.
"Takumi! How many did you plunder?!"
Takumi puffed up proudly.
"Not many! Including their families, only four thousand!"
"ONLY?!" Rimuru sputtered.
Takumi waved the shock aside.
"Kagaya, Rigurd—handle the new arrivals. Benimaru!"
Benimaru rushed forward.
"Your subordinate is here!"
"How are the troops?"
"Thirty-thousand Orc soldiers fully assembled! Five-thousand Garrison members ready to mobilize! All preparations complete!"
Takumi grinned.
"Remember—we're dealing with human weaponry. Bring more healing medicine."
"All prepared! We've also stockpiled food for the children."
Takumi nodded.
"Good. Excellent work."
He stepped forward and shouted:
"Everyone, rest for one day! Tomorrow morning—we depart!"
"YES!"
Night — Takumi's Home
Takumi stretched.
"System, sign in!"
Ding! Congratulations Host for obtaining: Dragon Ball Universal Capsule Manufacturing Technology! (Gold)
Takumi froze.
"…NANI?! Bulma's family's Capsules?!"
"Yes."
Takumi's mind exploded with possibilities.
"Buildings… vehicles… weapons… factories… all in tiny capsules… This is S-Tier loot!"
He clenched his fist.
"It's a pity there's no time to produce them now. Otherwise, I'd just store entire skyscrapers from Black Bullet world and solve our housing crisis instantly."
He sighed, wrapping himself like a caterpillar.
"Oh well. Later then."
Great Jura Forest — Town Entrance, Dawn
Takumi stood on a platform, addressing the massive army assembled.
"This time—our mission is to rescue children who have suffered unimaginable cruelty!"
His voice boomed.
"If anyone obstructs us—take down one if one comes, take two if two come! Understood?!"
"UNDERSTOOD!"
The roar shook the earth.
Takumi continued.
"Kurut!"
Kurut stepped forward.
"Lord Takumi!"
"You Orcs might scare the children. Remember—gentleness. Understood?"
Kurut nodded firmly.
"Lord Benimaru has arranged for human Garrison members to accompany each squad to ease the children's fears!"
Takumi gave a thumbs-up.
"Good! Excellent coordination!"
He raised his arm.
"No more words—DEPART!"
"YES!"
The Dimensional Gate opened.
Thirty-five thousand elite troops marched through.
Toward the world of Black Bullet.
Toward the suffering children.
Toward their greatest mission.
And thus—
Operation Dawnfall began.