In the heart of the Fire Kingdom, a heavy tension filled the royal council chamber. King Rein and King Arthur sat across from one another, their faces grim under the flickering torchlight.
"What is our move against Jinoko?" Arthur asked, his voice sharp with impatience.
Rein stared at the maps spread across the table. "I do not know yet."
"I believe we should launch a full-scale assault," Arthur suggested, his hand tightening into a fist. "We strike before he grows any stronger."
"That is a foolish idea, Arthur," Rein countered coldly.
"And why is that?"
"Because Jinoko commands multiple Emperors within his realm," Rein explained. "His military might is staggering. A direct attack would be nothing short of suicide."
Arthur went quiet for a moment before asking, "Then what is your plan?"
"I intend to bring the Kingdom of Light under my absolute rule within the month," Rein revealed, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "That is my priority. And you? What will you do?"
Arthur shook his head gloomily. "I am undecided."
"Then I shall set aside the matter of Yui Ming for a while," Rein remarked.
"Yui Ming is growing stronger by the day," Arthur warned. "If we leave him be, he will become a monster we cannot hope to stop."
"Do not worry about him," Rein dismissed with a wave of his hand.
Arthur then shifted the topic. "There is word that Itchi is heading toward the Dark Elf Kingdom. Is this true?"
Rein raised an eyebrow. "Is it?"
"Yes, he is on his way," Arthur confirmed. He then paused, his tone turning bitter. "And what of the expedition you sent to Hell?"
Rein's expression darkened. "Every single soldier is dead. We lost our men for nothing."
Arthur sighed, leaning back. "I must focus on the stability of my own kingdom for now..."
Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of breaking glass. A shadow blurred through the window, landing gracefully in the center of the room. It was Zetsu, wearing a mocking smirk.
"Greetings, Your Majesties," Zetsu said coolly.
"Who are you?!" Rein and Arthur demanded in unison, rising from their seats.
"There is no need for fear... you idiots," Zetsu replied, his voice dripping with disdain.
Enraged, Arthur drew his sword and lunged with a lethal strike. Zetsu evaded the blade with supernatural fluidity. Before Arthur could recover, Zetsu delivered a devastating punch that sent the king flying into the stone wall, cracking the masonry.
Before Rein could even process the speed of the attack, Zetsu vanished and reappeared in front of him, landing a heavy blow that slammed the Fire King into the floor.
Zetsu stood over the two fallen monarchs, looking down at them with boredom.
"Thank you for the information," Zetsu whispered. "It was most enlightening."