Summoner in One Piece

Alex and his contingent stood at the gates of Tonryuu, the echoes of Ho Kaku's overly cordial welcome still hanging in the air. The temporary manager's words painted a picture of a thriving, loyal city, but the subtle observations of Alex and his companions told a very different story. The stage was set for a dangerous game of deception.

As Ho Kaku finished his lengthy, saccharine speech, his smile never faltering, he made his first move. "Now, Count Alex," he began, adding the title with a practiced flourish, gesturing with a plump hand towards a small, heavily bound cart nearby, "I understand a man of your ambition will be eager to grasp the reins of Tonryuu immediately. I have here a collection of the most urgent administrative reports and financial ledgers – truly vital matters that require your immediate attention to ensure the city's continued prosperity." He presented a stack of thick scrolls and heavy tomes, clearly intending to bury Alex under a mountain of paperwork.

Before Alex could fully respond, Ho Kaku smoothly added, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "Of course, a true understanding of Tonryuu's unique situation cannot be gleaned from documents alone. I have prepared a private chamber for us to discuss the true state of affairs in the city, away from prying ears. Just you and I, Count, to ensure a truly seamless transition." His eyes flickered, a clear attempt to isolate Alex and feed him a carefully crafted narrative.

Alex, maintaining his facade of youthful eagerness, bowed slightly. "Ah, Ho Kaku, your foresight is truly commendable! Such dedication to the city's well-being is inspiring." He turned to the stack of documents. "These will be invaluable. My territorial manager, Olvia, possesses a keen mind for administration and will begin reviewing these at once. Her insights will be crucial in ensuring I grasp the intricacies of Tonryuu's governance swiftly." He gestured for Olvia to step forward, who, with a polite but firm nod, accepted the documents, her eyes already scanning the bindings. This subtly ensured the "urgent" papers would be scrutinized by a loyal and capable ally, not just gather dust on Alex's desk.

Then, addressing the offer of a private meeting, Alex smiled. "And a private discussion, of course, is precisely what is needed for matters of such gravity. I am eager to hear your insights, Ho Kaku." As he spoke, he subtly caught Tsunade's eye. Her expression remained neutral, but the slight, almost imperceptible shift in her posture indicated she understood her task: find a way to be within earshot, or at least observe the meeting, without being detected. With his initial counter-moves set, Alex allowed Ho Kaku to lead them into the city. The heavy documents were now in Olvia's capable hands, and the promise of a "private" briefing hung in the air, unbeknownst to Ho Kaku, already compromised by Tsunade's stealth.

Ho Kaku, with a grand sweep of his hand, directed Alex's contingent deeper into Tonryuu. "First, to your new residence, Count Alex! The Lord's Mansion awaits you." He led them through streets that, despite Ho Kaku's earlier pronouncements, seemed quieter than they should be, with fewer citizens bustling about. The mansion itself was impressive, a sprawling complex of courtyards and elegant buildings, though a faint scent of disuse hung in the air.

"Your personal quarters have been prepared," Ho Kaku announced, ushering Alex and his companions into the main hall. "Take your time to settle in. Once you are refreshed, we shall proceed to the administrative office for the formal handover of duties and our private discussion." He gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod to one of his own guards, who then subtly positioned himself near the entrance to Alex's new quarters.

Alex, playing the part of the slightly overwhelmed but eager young noble, graciously accepted the hospitality. "Thank you, Ho Kaku. Your consideration is much appreciated." While his companions dispersed to secure their new lodgings and subtly begin their observations, Alex made a show of inspecting his personal chambers.

After a brief, calculated interval, Ho Kaku reappeared, guiding Alex to a large, well-appointed office within the mansion's administrative wing. It was here, surrounded by imposing bookshelves and a massive wooden desk, that the true "handover tasks" would begin. Ho Kaku gestured to a comfortable chair opposite the desk. "Please, Count. Let us begin."

As Alex settled into the chair, Ho Kaku leaned forward, his voice dropping to a confidential tone. "Now, Count Alex, there are certain… nuances to Tonryuu's current situation that are best discussed between us, man to man, without unnecessary alarm." He paused, as if expecting Alex to nod in agreement to this false intimacy.

"You may have noticed," Ho Kaku continued, a practiced sigh escaping his lips, "that our city's defense force, while formidable, is not entirely... present within the walls at this very moment." He chuckled, a sound like dry leaves. "A necessary measure, I assure you, for the greater security of Qin itself. The vast majority of our soldiers, some seven hundred men, are currently engaged in vital, long-term training exercises in the remote mountain passes. These are highly specialized drills, personally ordered by a most esteemed, high-ranking official in Kanyou – a General Ren, if you must know – to prepare for potential threats along the northern borders. Their absence is a testament to their dedication and our foresight in national defense." He gestured vaguely towards the window. "Another hundred or so are on extended border patrols, maintaining vigilance in the most distant reaches of our territory. It is a demanding duty, but crucial. Thus, while you may see only a fraction of our full strength within the city, rest assured, Count, Tonryuu's defenses are merely... strategically dispersed."

General Ren? Never heard of him. A fabricated name, no doubt. And 'strategically dispersed' is a convenient lie for 'deliberately weakened.' Tsunade's report was spot on. He's trying to make me believe the city is secure, but the sparse guards at the gate told a different story. I need to play along, but every word he speaks is a thread I can pull later.

Outwardly, Alex maintained his composed, almost naive demeanor. He nodded slowly, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "General Ren, you say? A wise move indeed, Ho Kaku. National security is paramount. It's reassuring to know such foresight has been applied." He even offered a small, appreciative smile. "Such extensive training and patrols must require considerable logistical support. I look forward to reviewing the detailed reports on these deployments and their effectiveness."

Hidden within the office, perhaps behind a loose panel in the wall or perched silently on a high beam, Tsunade's senses were fully engaged. She noted the subtle shift in Ho Kaku's eyes when he mentioned "General Ren," a fleeting flicker of something that wasn't quite sincerity. She committed the fabricated name to memory, knowing it was a thread to pull later. The lack of specific details in Ho Kaku's explanation was a common tell for a fabricated story. Her mind was already racing, planning how to verify these "training exercises" and "border patrols."

With his first major lie seemingly accepted, Ho Kaku shifted gears, his smile widening. "Now, Count, a city is only as strong as its administration. I have taken great pains to cultivate a team of the most dedicated and loyal officials, truly the backbone of Tonryuu's prosperity." He clapped his hands, and a moment later, three men entered the office. They were plump, well-dressed, and wore expressions of practiced deference. Ho Kaku introduced them with effusive praise: "This is Chief Administrator Jin, whose meticulous record-keeping ensures every coin is accounted for. And this is Commander Bao, head of our city guard, a man of unwavering loyalty and courage. Lastly, Tax Master Song, our esteemed tax collector, whose efficiency ensures the city's coffers remain robust." He spoke of their "years of dedicated service" and "unblemished records."

As he praised these men, Ho Kaku subtly, almost imperceptibly, cast a dismissive glance towards the empty chairs in the room, or perhaps sighed faintly when mentioning the "challenges" of finding truly "reliable" talent. "Of course," he added, with a slight shrug, "not all officials possess such… exemplary qualities. Some are simply too inexperienced, or perhaps lack the necessary 'vision' for Tonryuu's future. But rest assured, Count, the vital positions are in the hands of the most capable." He was clearly attempting to present his cronies as the only trustworthy individuals, while subtly discrediting anyone outside his circle.

Alex rose to greet each man with a polite, firm handshake, his gaze direct and assessing. "A pleasure to meet such pillars of Tonryuu," he stated, his voice carrying a genuine ring of respect, yet his mind was already dissecting Ho Kaku's words. To Chief Administrator Jin, he said, "Chief Administrator Jin, I am particularly eager to see your meticulous records. My territorial manager, Olvia, has already begun reviewing the initial documents, and I'm sure she will find your system most impressive." This was a subtle reminder that the documents were already being scrutinized.

To Commander Bao, Alex offered a firm nod. "Commander, your courage is undoubtedly vital. I look forward to discussing the city's defense strategies in detail, perhaps even inspecting the training grounds when time permits." This was a direct, yet polite, challenge to Ho Kaku's earlier lie about the "dispersed" forces.

And to Tax Master Song, Alex smiled. "Tax Master Song, a robust treasury is the lifeblood of any city. I trust your records will reflect the prosperity Ho Kaku has so eloquently described." Another subtle hint that financial transparency would be expected.

Alex's demeanor remained outwardly gracious and eager to learn, but each compliment was carefully laced with an expectation of detailed accountability, subtly signaling that he wouldn't be easily fooled.

Back in the mansion, Olvia was already deep into the "urgent" documents Ho Kaku had provided. Her sharp mind was quickly identifying inconsistencies, inflated figures, and suspicious entries, beginning to map out the true financial and administrative state of Tonryuu, directly contradicting Ho Kaku's claims. She also began to identify patterns, looking for names that weren't mentioned by Ho Kaku, or departments that seemed suspiciously quiet. One name, in particular, kept surfacing in older, less corrupted records: Chief Scholar Yuan, known for his integrity and deep knowledge of Tonryuu's history. This Yuan... he might be the key to unlocking the true loyalists, she mused, making a mental note.

While Alex was in the office, Erza was inspecting the mansion's defenses with Kaelen. "The guards here are sloppy, Kaelen," she murmured, testing the latch on a window that should have been secured. "And the few city guards we saw at the gate... they looked like they hadn't seen a proper drill in months. Ho Kaku's 'robust defenses' are a joke. Our seventeen men are worth more than his entire visible force." Kaelen nodded grimly, tightening the straps on his poleaxe. "He's left the city vulnerable. It's a calculated risk on his part, believing his political maneuvering is enough."

Akane, meanwhile, was already moving through the mansion's shadows, mapping out its hidden passages and observing the movements of Ho Kaku's personal guards. She noted their routines, their numbers, and their favored positions. She also kept an eye on the officials Ho Kaku had introduced, observing their interactions with the mansion staff. They carry themselves with false confidence, she thought, like dogs who know their master is near.

Ho Kaku, having introduced his inner circle, then shifted to the topic of regional security. "And finally, Count, a minor point of concern: the occasional, isolated bandit activity in the outlying areas. Nothing truly significant, I assure you," he waved a dismissive hand. "Mere petty thieves, easily handled by our diligent city guard. The reports you may have heard from any... travelers... are likely exaggerations, born of fear rather than fact. Tonryuu and its surrounding villages are perfectly secure under our protection." He gave a reassuring, yet utterly false, smile, dismissing the very real threat of 'The Iron Hand' and the captive villagers.

Alex nodded gravely, maintaining his facade. "Of course, Ho Kaku. Security is paramount. I trust Commander Bao's men are well-equipped to manage such minor disturbances. Perhaps a joint patrol with my own elite soldiers could help familiarize them with the terrain, once we are settled?" This was another subtle probe, offering a "helpful" suggestion that would allow Erza and his men to gather direct intelligence on the city guard's true capabilities and deployment.

A day, then two, passed in this delicate dance. Ho Kaku, believing he had successfully contained the young Count, kept Alex occupied with endless formal meetings, ceremonial introductions to minor officials, and tours of carefully selected, well-maintained areas of the city. He tried to drown Alex in pleasantries and bureaucratic minutiae, ensuring he had no real influence or opportunity to investigate deeper.

However, Ho Kaku's efforts were of no use. While he played his game of superficial control, Alex's team was working tirelessly in the shadows. Olvia's office, once a place of quiet accounting, became a hub of covert investigation, unearthing financial discrepancies and administrative irregularities that painted a damning picture of Ho Kaku's corruption. She also discovered the true state of the city's defense force: out of a nominal 2000 men, only 1000 remained, with 700 "sent away" and 100 "missing," leaving a paltry 200 active. Tsunade's nightly forays confirmed the bandit stronghold's continued existence and the plight of the captives, while also identifying key weak points in Ho Kaku's internal security. Erza, through "joint patrols" with the few available city guards, quickly confirmed the abysmal state of Tonryuu's military, and Akane began to map out the movements of Ho Kaku's personal guard and the suspected loyalists. Kaelen maintained a vigilant watch over Alex's quarters, ensuring no unexpected "accidents" occurred.

The time for subtle probing was over. The pieces were in place. Alex had seen enough. The game of deception was about to end.