Summoner in One Piece

The journey from Kanyou back to Tonryuu City, now enhanced by the prestige of Alex's new rank and his granted castle, Chì Bǎo (赤堡), felt different. The triumphant cheers of the capital slowly faded into the familiar, welcoming sights of his burgeoning fief. News of his promotion to 2000 Men Commander, coupled with the increase in social rank for the Blaze Family and the acquisition of Chì Bǎo, had preceded him, ensuring a celebratory reception from his people.

Upon his return, Alex wasted no time. The immediate strategic focus was clear: consolidating and developing Tonryuu. The newly acquired castle of Chì Bǎo was immediately surveyed, its defenses assessed, and plans for its integration into Tonryuu's overall security laid out. The surrounding lands, now part of his domain, were earmarked for agricultural and resource development.

The next two months became a whirlwind of focused activity. Alex, with Erza, Akane, and Kaelen at his side, poured his energy into strengthening every facet of his fief. New infrastructure projects were initiated, roads improved, and the economy stimulated through fostering trade with neighboring regions, leveraging the Blaze Family's newfound influence.

Crucially, this period also saw an intense drive to strengthen Alex's military capabilities. He laid out an ambitious plan to bolster Tonryuu's defense significantly. The goal was to increase the number of men directly under Tonryuu's command from its current 5,700 to an impressive 15,000. Furthermore, the formidable Chì Bǎo itself would be garrisoned with a dedicated force of 10,000 men, transforming it into an unassailable bastion. To oversee the management of Chì Bǎo and its growing garrison, Alex entrusted the command to Seki Shou, one of the loyal Shou brothers. Seki Shou would act as the castle's managing commander, responsible for its defense and development, though the fief itself remained solely under Alex's dominion. Koku Shou would remain by Seki Shou's side to assist in managing the burgeoning forces and fief development.

The 317 Warriors were seamlessly integrated into the existing military structure of Tonryuu, their "specialized mountain corps" cover story solidified through rigorous, visible training alongside the Xuanjia Heavy Cavalry and Imperial Sentinels. They were put through the paces of the Dragon Knight Training Manual, their unique abilities refined under Alex's direct supervision.

During these two months, while Qin continued to consolidate its gains from the Keiyou Campaign and engaged in minor border skirmishes to solidify its new territories, Alex and his core commanders were not idle. They personally led several smaller, crucial engagements and undertook high-stakes missions that directly contributed to Qin's regional stability and allowed them to put the Dragon Knight Training Manual's principles into practice.

Through these concentrated efforts and pivotal victories, a significant advancement was achieved: Alex, Erza, Akane, Kaelen, and the original 17 Warriors all successfully achieved the rank of Knight. For Alex, this meant a substantial increase in all his combat-related stats, a significant growth in his own Dragon Mana pool, enhanced durability, and a much deeper, innate connection to the Dragon Element. He could now wield the powerful Dragonheart Strike. Similarly, Erza, Akane, and Kaelen, having already possessed exceptional martial prowess, found their abilities amplified, their strikes infused with raw dragon power, making them even more formidable. The 17 original Warriors, now Knights, demonstrated a new level of strength and resilience, capable of devastating individual attacks.

As these two months passed swiftly, bringing the total time Alex had spent in the Qin world to six months since his arrival, a subtle shift began to occur within him. While the Qin world offered immense power and influence, the call of their true mission, their original purpose, grew stronger. The six-month grace period during which time in the One Piece world had been frozen was now at its absolute end. The preparations for their departure, long a quiet undercurrent, now became paramount. Alex knew they needed to ensure their holdings were perfectly stable before the transition. He delegated authority and specific responsibilities to key, loyal administrators within Tonryuu and at Chì Bǎo, ensuring the ambitious recruitment and development plans would continue smoothly in his absence.

In a private conversation, Alex spoke with Tsunade and Olvia. "Tsunade, Olvia," he began, his voice gentle, "The time for our next step has arrived. The portal will reactivate very soon." He paused, his gaze softening. "Given your condition, Tsunade, and the paramount importance of solidifying our foundation here, I need you to stay in this world. You are pregnant, and your medical expertise, coupled with your strategic mind and formidable strength, will be indispensable in managing Tonryuu and our new territories, overseeing the growth to 15,000 men and the full garrisoning of Chì Bǎo, also establish religion for Afureia in our fiefs. This is our anchor here, our base of operations for whatever comes next, and it will be in your capable hands."

Tsunade, though a flicker of longing for adventure crossed her eyes, nodded with understanding. "I understand, Alex. My place is here now, with our growing family and our burgeoning territory. You can trust me to handle things. This fief will be a strong foundation for your return." Her medical knowledge would also be crucial in healing the lingering wounds of war across Tonryuu and its newly acquired lands, ensuring the health of the swelling population.

"Olvia," Alex continued, turning to his meticulous territorial manager, "Your skills in administration and resource management are irreplaceable here. You will remain with Tsunade, providing the crucial oversight needed for Tonryuu's continued prosperity and the massive logistical undertaking of expanding our forces. Your sharp mind will ensure our economic and administrative systems run flawlessly."

Olvia nodded firmly, her expression resolute. "Understood. Tonryuu will be a fortress and a granary awaiting your return. You can rely on us."

With all holdings stabilized and the delegation complete, Alex began final preparations. His core group for the transition – Alex himself, Erza, Akane, and Kaelen – would be accompanied by a select, formidable portion of his summoned forces: the 17 original Warriors (now Knights), and an additional 20 newly summoned Warriors (now Pages/Squires, specifically brought forth for this journey, keeping their total at 37). This brought the immediate traveling contingent to 42 individuals. The rest of Alex's powerful Qin units, including the Xuanjia Heavy Cavalry, Imperial Sentinels, and Trained Soldiers, would remain in the Qin world under Tsunade's and Seki Shou's command, forming the backbone of Tonryuu's expanded defenses.

The farewell with Tsunade and Olvia was heartfelt, a quiet promise of return. Alex looked back at Tonryuu, at the proud walls of Chì Bǎo, knowing that a significant chapter was closing. The Qin world had been a crucible of growth and power, preparing them for the unknown dangers and opportunities that awaited them in the world of pirates and grand adventures. The countdown had truly begun, and now it was over.