Summoner in One Piece

The days of subtle observation and feigned deference were over. Alex, having allowed Ho Kaku to believe he held the upper hand, had gathered all the intelligence he needed. Olvia's meticulous review of the city's ledgers had unearthed a mountain of financial fraud and corruption, directly implicating Ho Kaku and his cronies. Tsunade's reconnaissance had confirmed the bandit leader 'The Iron Hand' was indeed connected to Ho Kaku's network, and she had identified the key loyalists within the city's administration, notably Chief Scholar Yuan. Erza and Akane, through their "joint patrols" and covert movements, had mapped out the true, abysmal state of Tonryuu's defenses and the movements of Ho Kaku's personal guard. Kaelen's vigilance had ensured Alex's safety throughout this period of calculated risk.

The time for action was now. Alex convened his trusted companions in his private chambers within the Lord's Mansion, the air thick with anticipation.

"We have enough," Alex stated, his voice low but firm, a stark contrast to the deferential tone he'd used with Ho Kaku. "Olvia, your work has given us irrefutable proof of Ho Kaku's financial treachery. More than that, your findings on the military's 'training exercises' are damning." He looked at Olvia, who nodded gravely.

"Indeed, Count Alex," Olvia affirmed. "The records, though heavily obscured, reveal that the seven hundred soldiers Ho Kaku claimed were on 'training exercises' under 'General Ren' are, in fact, operating as a rogue force. Five hundred of them, disguised as Zhao soldiers, have been systematically raiding Qin villages in the region, creating chaos and fear. The remaining two hundred are directly aiding 'The Iron Hand's' bandit stronghold, providing them with supplies and intelligence. Ho Kaku has been using Tonryuu's own military to destabilize the region for Ryo Fui's schemes."

Alex's jaw tightened. "So, the bandits are merely a part of a larger, more insidious operation. This makes our task even more urgent. Erza, Akane, you've shown us how vulnerable his 'defenses' truly are, and how his personal guard is spread thin. Tsunade, your insights into the bandit connection and the potential loyalists are invaluable."

He unrolled a map of Tonryuu City on the table, illuminated by a single oil lamp. "Ho Kaku believes he has us contained. He believes he controls this city. He is wrong. We move tonight."

Erza stepped forward, her expression grim but resolute. "Count Alex, my 'joint patrols' have yielded more than just observations. The city's remaining 200 soldiers are mostly indifferent, but I've identified five who are truly loyal to Ho Kaku. The rest, many of them, are simply opportunists, swayed by his promises of reward. I've managed to turn eighty of them to our side. They are ready to act when given the signal."

Alex nodded, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. "Excellent, Erza. And the young men from the refugees?"

"The twenty young men Olvia brought in are eager and surprisingly quick learners," Erza confirmed. "They've had basic training with Kaelen and my elite seventeen. They're not seasoned warriors, but they're motivated and will follow orders. Our combined force now stands at one hundred and seventeen loyal soldiers."

"Ho Kaku still commands roughly one hundred and twenty of the city guard, plus his own personal cronies," Kaelen added, tapping a point on the map. "It's a narrow margin, but we have surprise and superior loyalty on our side."

"Indeed," Alex affirmed. "Our first, decisive step must be to cripple his command structure and seize military control. This city's proximity to the Zhao border makes that paramount. We cannot risk any lingering instability, especially with his rogue forces operating in the countryside."

He looked at Tsunade and Akane. "Your mission, tonight, is critical. You will move silently, as only you two can. Your targets are Chief Administrator Jin, Commander Bao, and Tax Master Song. Arrest them. Secure them. Do not allow them to raise an alarm or destroy any evidence. Their capture will decapitate Ho Kaku's immediate support."

Then, he turned to Erza and Kaelen. "Immediately following the arrests, Erza, you will lead our combined force to secure the armory and the main barracks. Neutralize any resistance from Ho Kaku's remaining loyalists among the city guard. Offer them a chance to surrender, but be swift and decisive if they refuse. Kaelen, you will be with Erza, ensuring our new recruits understand their roles and hold their positions."

"Olvia," Alex continued, turning to her, "once the key locations are secured, you will immediately begin consolidating all administrative records. We need to expose the full extent of Ho Kaku's corruption and identify any remaining loyalists or hidden assets, particularly those connected to the rogue military operations."

"And Ho Kaku?" Olvia asked, her brow furrowed.

Alex's gaze hardened. "He will be isolated. Once his network is dismantled and our control established, and the full scope of his crimes, including the raids on Qin villages, is undeniable, I will confront him directly. He will have nowhere left to run, and no one to turn to."

The plan was audacious, relying on precision, speed, and the unwavering loyalty of his small, but formidable, team. As night fell over Tonryuu City, the stage was set for the young Count's coup.