Summoner in One Piece

After three months of relentless dedication, Tonryuu City had transformed from a beleaguered outpost into a thriving bastion under Count Alex. His personal life, too, had blossomed with his marriage to Tsunade, her pregnancy, and deepening bonds with Akane, Erza, and Olvia, establishing the Blaze Family. The city's defenses were stronger, its economy robust, and its army, now over 5700 strong with formidable Elite units and upgraded gear, was a force to be reckoned with. Yet, the shadows of Ryo Fui's vast conspiracy still loomed, a reminder that Tonryuu was but one piece in a larger, treacherous game. Alex, with his core team, knew that their work was far from over.

Alex's first immediate strategic priority was to formally report his immense success and the grave dangers he had uncovered to the Qin capital. He spent days meticulously compiling a comprehensive report. It detailed Tonryuu's dramatic transformation, from the restoration of its economy and infrastructure to the significant growth and enhanced training of its military. The report didn't shy away from exposing the full extent of Ho Kaku and General Ren's corruption, their collusion with bandits, and the illicit iron mine's capture. Most critically, it laid bare the chilling intelligence gathered from their interrogations: Ryo Fui's far-reaching regional network, his "Temporary Managers" in other border fiefs, and his insidious strategy to destabilize Qin's frontiers for his own ambitions. Once finalized, Alex entrusted this vital missive to his most trusted, swift courier, dispatched under strict secrecy to King Ei Sei.

In the grand halls of Qin's capital, the arrival of Alex's detailed report caused a stir. King Ei Sei, flanked by his brilliant military strategist and Chancellor, Shou Hei Kun, reviewed the unprecedented account. Shou Hei Kun's sharp mind immediately grasped the implications. "Your Majesty," he intoned, his voice resonating with strategic foresight, "this Count Alex... he has not only rectified a grave situation but has unearthed a viper's nest that threatens the very stability of our borders. His strength is not a danger, but a shield."

Ei Sei, his eyes thoughtful, nodded. "Indeed. A strong vassal is a loyal asset. If Alex continues to grow stronger, he will serve as a formidable counter to Ryo Fui's machinations, ensuring that Ryo Fui's power within our own borders does not eclipse the strength of our loyalists, including myself." They discussed the strategic advantages of having such a competent and rapidly ascending leader on their border. The benefits of fostering Alex's growth far outweighed any perceived risks.

"Chancellor Shou Hei Kun," Ei Sei finally declared, a gleam in his eye, "in light of Count Alex's unparalleled achievements, we shall grant him double promotion in the upcoming campaign. Let his rise be a beacon of loyalty and competence."

Soon after, a royal messenger, bearing the distinctive seal of Chancellor Shou Hei Kun, arrived in Tonryuu. The message was succinct: a major campaign was imminent at the Wei border. Alex was officially invited to join, granted permission to lead his forces as an independent unit, and offered the chance to "rake in glory and benefits." The message also contained an unusual directive: Alex was to inform all citizens under his rule that they could join the infantry division, signaling an unprecedented call for widespread recruitment.

For Alex, who had been meticulously preparing his army for battle, this news was not just a summons; it was a perfect, timely test. His forces, bolstered by new recruits and superior gear from the boosted iron mine, were ready. Tonryuu was secure, and a large-scale campaign would provide invaluable combat experience and potentially further elevate his standing within Qin.

He immediately convened his core team: Erza, Akane, Kaelen, Olvia, and Tsunade. Seki Shou and Koku Shou, the newly established commanders of the Shou Family, were also present, their faces reflecting a mixture of excitement and grim determination.

"As you know," Alex began, indicating the royal missive, "Qin is mobilizing for a campaign against Wei. I have been granted permission to join with our forces as an independent unit, directly under the command of Duke Hyou, a renowned instinctual Great General." He met the eyes of his commanders. "This is our chance to prove Tonryuu's strength, gain vital experience, and significantly expand our influence within Qin."

Alex then outlined his plan for the campaign. "I will be taking our entire Field Army – the 1000 Elite soldiers – with me. Erza, Akane, Kaelen, you will be by my side, leading them. Your experience in combat and command will be invaluable." Alex himself, with his powerful sword, would lead from the front. Erza, wielding her versatile sword, spear, and shield, would be a formidable vanguard, adapting to any challenge. Akane, with her swift sword, would strike with precision, her movements fluid and deadly. Kaelen, with his imposing poleaxe, would cut through enemy lines, his strikes powerful and decisive.

He turned to Seki Shou and Koku Shou. "Brothers, your leadership will be essential. You will lead an additional 1000 of our Trained Soldiers, drawn from our City Defense ranks, as a strong supporting force. Your tactical acumen, combined with your formidable glaives, will ensure they become seasoned veterans on this campaign."

Alex then turned to Olvia and Tsunade, his gaze softening slightly. "Olvia, Tsunade, your roles here in Tonryuu will be no less critical. You will remain in the fief to oversee its continued growth and security. Olvia, continue the recruitment drives for our City Defense and Patrol Units. The royal summons allows us to recruit widely from all citizens. Integrate any new refugees who seek shelter; establish new villages or expand sections of the city if space allows, to accommodate them. We need to keep expanding our population and our base. Your sharp mind will ensure our economic prosperity continues."

"Tsunade," Alex continued, "your presence is vital for the health and welfare of our people, especially with your unique abilities. Ensure the Regeneration Zones remain active and optimized, and continue to oversee the childcare program. Your insight as an advisor to Akane's information gathering will also be missed on the front, but your strategic advice here will be crucial. Tonryuu must remain a strong, self-sufficient heartland, capable of sustaining a prolonged campaign."

Both Olvia and Tsunade nodded, their expressions resolute. They understood the importance of their roles in safeguarding the fief while Alex ventured into the brutal crucible of war. The stage was set. Alex, with his formidable Elite Field Army and the disciplined support of the Shou brothers' force, was about to step onto the grand battlefield of Qin, poised to make his mark on history.