"Here's a suggestion," one of the Devil nobles spoke up from the assembled crowd. "We recommend that Takeyo, leader of the Peacekeeping Team and currently unranked in professional Rating Games, conduct a promotional match."
"Let the public witness the Peacekeeping Team's strength firsthand. Build a foundation of confidence and establish broad public support."
This was their final card to play.
They already knew it was impossible to trip up Takeyo this time.
First, they'd expected the other two Peacekeeping Team members to be provoked by various factions. Instead, those two didn't care about such trivial matters at all. The reason was simple, once the issues here were resolved, dealing with those provocations would be much simpler.
Second, they never expected Takeyo's ruthless enforcement style would actually be recognized by the Four Great Satans. Not only weren't the Satans angry, they seemed quite pleased with the results.
Seriously... aren't you supposed to be Devils?
Finally, they hadn't anticipated Takeyo would be this powerful. Nearly Maou-class! With all his magic and blood sealed, he'd still demolished his opponent in what amounted to a one-shot victory.
At this point, they understood they'd been set up from the start. Continuing to press the matter at this meeting served no purpose. Better to save their ammunition for next time.
What they proposed was a future match against Diehauser Belial, "The Emperor", the undisputed champion dominating first place in the professional Rating Game rankings.
If Takeyo failed, they'd have ammunition to stir up opposition from every angle once more. They clearly realized they had a severe shortage of intelligence on Takeyo and would work to collect every scrap of information about him after this.
However, if Takeyo could actually defeat the Emperor, someone whose peerage could challenge all Four Great Satans simultaneously, then their remaining schemes would be meaningless.
Faced with such a challenge, Takeyo's lips curved into a slight smile. "I agree. We'll schedule it after the Young Devils Tournament concludes."
Since they liked getting slapped in the face so much, he had no objections.
Besides, he genuinely wanted to fight Diehauser.
Apart from wanting to see if he could trigger a sign-in from him, Takeyo was curious about what kind of person Diehauser truly was.
The head of the House of Belial among the 72 Pillars, known as the Emperor and Champion. His ability rendered opponents' special traits worthless.
In the original timeline, Sairaorg's team had been coached by him. After his cousin Cleria's death, Diehauser had pretended to seek refuge with Rizevim Livan Lucifer, investigating and eventually exposing to the entire Underworld the truth about corrupt old Devil faction high-rankers who'd used King Pieces to artificially enhance noble players' strength and manipulate Rating Game results.
After being pardoned in the original story, he'd participated in international tournaments and advanced to the finals.
Whether judged by strength, character, or actions, he was a formidable man.
Dominating the professional Rating Game rankings with an undefeated record, he was regarded as equal to the Four Great Satans themselves.
Takeyo was very interested in seeing how long Diehauser could last against him.
Since the match was scheduled for three or four months from now, Takeyo was inherently invincible. What reason did he have to refuse?
Hearing Takeyo's agreement, Ajuka's furrowed brow smoothed out.
It seemed his student's current strength was truly terrifying if he had the confidence to declare his existence to the entire world in just three or four months.
If that was the case, Ajuka could rest easy.
After that, they discussed various miscellaneous matters, the order of battles for upcoming tournaments, which pantheons required diplomatic engagement, how impressive today's professional games had been, and yes, apparently Governor Azazel had visited a Devil custom shop yesterday evening.
Well... one strange topic had slipped in there, but that was basically how it went.
After the meeting concluded, Takeyo waved his hand and headed for the exit.
Ajuka had given him a meaningful look earlier. His teacher probably had something to tell him.
"Yo! You really are the boss! Handled everything so simply and decisively. You're a great example for the rest of us!"
Tobio's behavior was uncharacteristically cheerful. Usually, he was absolutely serious and professional.
"Giving guilty people their natural punishment, this too is the Lord's guidance. Amen."
Dulio smiled and offered a prayer.
"What are you two still hanging around for? Everything here's been resolved. Why haven't you gone back to complete your unfinished tasks?"
Takeyo glared at them both with righteous indignation, delivering a metaphorical Three Thousand Thunderbolt Strike.
Sure, I asked you to come make an appearance this time, but you shouldn't be so obvious about it. Don't you know that as Sacred Gear users, having me attract all the hatred means someone definitely wants to target you guys next?
What are you looking at? I'm talking to you, Slash Dog!
Is your shadow storage function only used for storing snacks?
As your boss, I work this hard, can't you at least bring something to honor your superior?
And you, Dulio! Stop letting your eyes drift around. If you want me to deal with someone, just say something like "This is God's punishment! Amen!" Do you even know what position you're in?
"You're both heading back to work this afternoon. Got it?"
Takeyo's tone left no room for argument.
Do you realize your jobs basically have no holidays? Don't treat flexible working hours as if they mean unlimited vacation time!
"Hehe... whatever the boss says."
"The Lord's guidance... the Lord's guidance... Amen, amen..."
Both their expressions froze. Dulio's prayer speed suddenly accelerated like a Buddhist monk's chanting, though it wasn't exactly the same method, it served a similar purpose.
"Although things should settle down after a while, until the newcomers are properly trained, you two better not slack off."
Takeyo's tone turned serious.
"Newcomers? Who are the newcomers? Sairaorg? Shouldn't you be training Sairaorg yourself, boss?"
Tobio spread his hands questioningly. Why would I need to train newcomers?
"I'll bring Vali back soon. You'll teach him the rules then."
Takeyo gazed into the distance.
As for Vali, he should be pursuing Fenrir's trail about now. They'd probably meet soon enough.
"Well, there's no helping it with Vali staying among terrorists. Let me see if I can contact Lavinia and have her call Vali out."
Tobio nodded.
Vali was like his brother, and Lavinia didn't want Vali causing trouble either.
Being a terrorist wasn't good. What if one day some transcendent god or Buddha with nothing better to do just killed him?
"And you, Dulio, what are you laughing about? In a few days, a girl named Lint will come to your place for an internship. She inherited the Longinus Incinerate Anthem. Remember to mentor the newcomer properly."
"Ah... okay. This too is the Lord's guidance."
Dulio's face froze first, then he spoke helplessly.
He'd thought he could continue coasting along.
"Wait... Your Excellency Takeyo, I believe Vali is the host of the Longinus Divine Dividing, correct? And this Lint you mentioned, she inherited Incinerate Anthem, which belonged to one of the terrorist leaders?"
Sairaorg swallowed hard.
He understood what this meant.
Woc?!
Counting Takeyo's newly discovered Sacred Gear, this team would have six Longinus users. Wasn't that a bit excessive?
Actually, there were things that would surprise him even more. For instance, Issei Hyoudou, host of Boosted Gear, was also under Takeyo's wing, as was Lavinia, who Tobio had just mentioned contacting, the host of Absolute Demise.
"There are many things that should surprise you, Sairaorg. Come find me tomorrow, and I'll take you to get some proper experience."
Takeyo shook his head. As my subordinate, how can you have such limited knowledge?
"Experience... Is this Your Excellency Takeyo's test? I'll do my absolute best to complete it!"
Sairaorg's tone turned deadly serious.
Takeyo appreciated exactly this about Sairaorg, his unique character and earnest personality. He'd definitely become an excellent team member in the future. How could he compare to these two slackers?
"Well, your task is to wrestle with Issei."
Takeyo's lips curved mischievously.
Ahem... Issei, a muscle-bound guy came to wrestle with you. Let's see if you can handle it.
"Issei? Your Excellency Takeyo, I've never heard that name before."
Sairaorg asked with genuine confusion.
That was normal. Currently, Issei was participating in battles against Kokabiel as the Red Dragon Emperor. The credit for those deeds had been entirely attributed to Takeyo. Very little information about Issei had been released, so it made sense Sairaorg hadn't heard of him.
"Issei Hyoudou, the current Red Dragon Emperor, user of Boosted Gear. He's already achieved Balance Breaker."
"Right now, he's in Dragon King Tannin's territory, wrestling with the highest-ranking dragons under Tannin's command. Occasionally, he even wrestles with Tannin himself. Interested in participating?"
Takeyo asked with a smile.
He'd previously sent Issei to train with Governor Azazel of the Fallen Angels. Since Azazel had come to the Underworld for peace negotiations this time, Issei had followed along to continue training in the Underworld.
Having evolved into a draconic being, Issei was naturally best suited to wrestle with dragons.
"The current Red Dragon Emperor? He sounds like an exciting sparring partner! Please let me participate!"
Sairaorg's enthusiasm ignited.
Fighting dragons? That's truly thrilling! Only through this kind of training can my touki reach Your Excellency Takeyo's level, right?
"Alright, alright. Just come to the Gremory estate tomorrow."
Takeyo shook his head.
Sure enough... Sairaorg has the potential to be quite the meathead.
"Yes! Your Excellency Takeyo, I understand!" Sairaorg's voice rang out heartily.
"Well, that's settled. My teacher has something to discuss with me, so I'll head over first. You all handle your own affairs."
Seeing the green-haired Maou in the distance repeatedly glancing his way, Takeyo addressed everyone.
After giving a few more instructions, Takeyo made his way to the green-haired Maou's side.
Earlier, when he'd been talking to the three of them, Ajuka had winked at him.
"Teacher? What's the matter?"
Takeyo sighed.
Don't be so anxious. Let's take everything slowly.
"Boy, when exactly did you thoroughly study the Grand Formation of the Underworld? How could you use it privately without my consent?"
Ajuka's tone was extremely serious.
He knew this matter was grave.
The Underworld Formation was still under construction, yet Takeyo had already used it.
Therefore, Ajuka had to officially acknowledge that he'd granted Takeyo the authority, that the Four Great Satans had jointly granted Takeyo access. Otherwise, if others discovered Takeyo had used it without authorization, other Devil families would definitely oppose continuing the formation's development.
Theoretically, the Four Great Satans could only utilize part of its power. Only when the Four Satans and the Great Duke families agreed together could they exert more than sixty percent of its capabilities.
Only with the agreement of all Devil families could they unleash one hundred percent, or even one hundred twenty percent, of its power.
Having witnessed it work against Vishnu's hands directly, Ajuka was determined to complete its cultivation.
The current power level could only resist transcendent beings, the strategic significance really wasn't that impressive.
Faced with Ajuka's question, Takeyo felt genuinely helpless.
"Ah, well... who told this Underworld Formation to be so easy to crack? But... cough... it is quite useful."
Takeyo coughed.
It's not my fault! The security measures on this formation are just too poor.
Besides, shouldn't you as the teacher feel happy that your disciple is so capable?
Hearing Takeyo's response, Ajuka fell silent for several seconds, just to make absolutely certain he hadn't misunderstood Takeyo's meaning.
After confirming he'd understood correctly, Ajuka nearly coughed up blood.
So you're saying it's MY fault?
You're saying I designed it too poorly, so you had "no choice" but to "accidentally" break into it?
Ajuka's face twitched as he struggled to breathe. He felt he could no longer discuss this topic with Takeyo.