“That’s right. I’d like an explanation. I’m sure everyone here, including myself, is seeking your explanation,”
Even the president couldn’t hide his slight dismay.
They seemed that surprised by the words “Instructor Kio working in the shadows.”
“Yes, well, first, regarding the reason for not attacking the Oni King head-on but instead having him operate from the rear… there are two reasons.”
“I’m listening.”
His demeanor was surprisingly honest, but there was no time to point that out.
Instructor Kio glared at me, as if threatening to not let me off lightly if I had a strange reason. How I would convince him, and how I would turn his anger into joy, depended on the words I was about to utter.
“The first reason is the Oni King’s appearance. In terms of creating an imposing presence, I believe he is the most suited for it among us, alongside the Dragon King.”
“That’s true, but how does that connect to operating from the shadows?”
“Yes, upon reviewing Isal’s current situation in the report, I understand that many small countries harbor various dissatisfactions towards the larger powers. The primary reason for this is that they are outmatched militarily and are forced to comply. There are also fanatical cases of willing obedience, but in those instances, the populace is often discontent. I believe it’s possible to use the Oni King’s power to establish a position as a bodyguard for such people.”
“Bodyguard?”
When I heard “operating from the shadows,” I strongly associated it with backroom deals. I thought it meant expanding one’s sphere of influence in various fields through behind-the-scenes negotiations and secret pacts.
However, I also thought there might be other ways to operate.
I took inspiration from the yakuza organizations in Japan.
They are often present behind the scenes of establishments catering to human desires, such as night clubs and izakayas.
Why is that? Because trouble often arises there.
There are quite a few establishments that find it difficult to rely on the police when trouble occurs.
In such cases, their livelihood depends on using physical intimidation to resolve issues.
While various legal regulations make such activities more difficult, they haven’t disappeared entirely.
“Lending military power when needed. And considering the post-war era, securing allied nations that can serve as a bridge between us and them. I believe the Oni King is capable of achieving this.”
“Hmm, so you’re saying we’re creating potential ‘bats’?”
“Bats” refers to beings who flip-flop between friend and foe, adept at self-preservation.
It’s not a good term, and they are generally untrustworthy.
However, if they are intentionally created and can be controlled, these “bats” can be made useful.
“I understand what you mean, but wouldn’t it be sufficient to use the Nōraifu or Lunaria, who are skilled negotiators? Their capabilities should be enough to handle it.”
“The reason I’m pushing for the Oni King as the first option is that his appearance is most important. In terms of ability, anyone can do what I’m suggesting. However, if you were to line up three generals like the Demon Lord mentioned earlier, and an ordinary person had to choose the strongest based solely on appearance, they would likely perceive the Oni King, with his muscular build, tall stature, and Oni lineage, as the most imposing. The Undead King, on the other hand, appears eerie and suspicious. As for the Tree King, I apologize, but when the opponent is male, lustful thoughts often take precedence, giving that impression a stronger color. Considering these factors, I believe the Oni King is the only one who can negotiate purely based on military might.”
“I see, so you placed importance on the first impression?”
“Yes. At the very least, the impression the opponent has of the Oni King is pure fear from a powerful being. While the Undead King and the Tree King can also inspire fear, the Undead King’s fear stems from his inscrutability, the unknown. The Tree King’s fear is mixed with having to overcome lustful thoughts due to her appearance.”
I want Instructor Kio to put that “collar” on them. To have a hidden power that makes one feel unable to resist, creating countries that outwardly obey but inwardly defy.
By placing Instructor Kio’s military power behind these small nations, they gain the military strength to wage war against larger powers.
This can instigate a certain ambition in the kings of these nations. The more they harbor grievances, the stronger the flame of that ambition will grow.
The opposing countries can borrow the Demon Lord’s Army’s power when necessary, and in exchange for their freedom, they will gradually cooperate with the larger powers. If the support for the small nations dwindles, even the greatest powers will eventually fall.
And this provides an insurance policy for self-preservation on that day.
Instructor Kio seemed to have calmed down slightly upon hearing that his role was not one of complicated schemes but of a bodyguard.
However, the president and the other generals were still not convinced.
And I didn’t expect to be convinced by this explanation alone.
“I understand the control through fear. However, with that method, I don’t see the necessity of Raidou. If I were to implement your plan, it would be Nōraifu, Lunaria, and Amili who would be operating from the shadows. And Raidou should be deployed to the front lines where he can exert his true strengths. That would be appropriate and optimal.”
Honestly, the second reason is based solely on my subjective impressions.
I understand what the president is implying, and I know the first reason is weak.
With a testing gaze, the president seemed to be asking, “What else can you show me?”
“With that in mind, Human King, let’s hear the second reason.”
“Yes.”
“Am I really going to say this?” After shaking off a moment of hesitation, I opened my mouth.
“The second reason is the Oni King’s pure, positive disposition.”
“Huh?”
“Oh?”
When I stated the second reason, Instructor Kio’s eyes widened as if asking what I was talking about, while the president’s smile deepened, as if I had started saying something interesting again.
“I have been training under him as an instructor, and we have deepened our relationship in various ways. However, if I were to face any of the generals here as an enemy on the battlefield, I believe the Oni King would be the most trustworthy opponent.”
“If I’m not interrupted, I’ll finish speaking. When I devised this plan, the most crucial aspect was how to gain the opponent’s trust. And I considered what kind of profit could lure them.
What is most important when betraying an enemy?
Vast wealth.
An unshakeable position.
Their convictions.
I thought these were the three main categories.
“And the aspect I admire most about the Oni King is his conviction: he never breaks a promise he makes, even to an enemy. While he can be rough at times, he is fundamentally loyal, welcomes challengers, and respects the strong. Conversely, he dislikes lies, despises deceit, and scorns cowardice. To an enemy, the Oni King is a being who will fight with pure military strength and defeat them fair and square. He is a warrior who does not resort to schemes and is the furthest from the word ‘cowardly.’ If one were to lose to this Oni, it would be a worthy defeat.”
Considering that, who could be a steadfast ally once won over?
I thought that his spirit, his mental fortitude, would be the best.
Money is unreliable, as they say “the end of money is the end of friendship.”
Regarding status, once granted power, one never knows what they might do.
Therefore, I should intoxicate them with my heart.
“In addition, the Oni King is a master of feasts. He is also perceptive to the subtle emotions of those involved in combat. It wouldn’t be difficult to close the distance and win them over with drinks.”
Honestly, this is based on my own experience.
At first, I thought he was a frightening and terrifying being, but Instructor Kio fundamentally dislikes anything crooked.
Although he was strict, he never made me do things I couldn’t, and he treated those close to him with sincerity.
“When you hear ‘operating from the shadows,’ it often implies trickery and using others as pawns, but I believe it’s important to make allies who can foster a healthy relationship between Isal and the Demon Lord’s Army in the post-war era. It might not be the time for such things during wartime, but conversely, achieving it during wartime could become a significant advantage for the future.”
Considering that point, I believe the instructor is good at cultivating subordinates. I also took into account that he is surprisingly fond of children.
“…Hmm, I see. You’re praising the Oni King quite a bit.”
After presenting the two reasons for my recommendation, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
Instructor Kio seemed embarrassed and looked away, while Instructor Fushio exuded a sense of dissatisfaction, as if he couldn’t agree.
Among the other generals, the Dragon King had no issues as he was recommended for a front-line deployment he preferred.
The Tree King and the Giant King seemed to accept it with a “ah, I see” kind of understanding.
“No, these are just my subjective opinions. Please consider them if they are helpful.”
If I thought about it calmly, I had simply praised Instructor Kio sincerely in front of the main executives.
Even though it was sincere, was it really necessary to go into such detail?
I won’t say it was unnecessary, but it was certainly too embarrassing.
So, wanting to conclude the discussion quickly, I bowed my head, intending to have the president move on to the next topic.
“No, Raidou’s personality, especially his straightforwardness, can be a weapon. I have served him for many years, but I never thought of using that aspect as a weapon. It’s more than just a reference; I intend to utilize it fully.”
However, instead of moving on, he delved deeper.
He was even moved, saying he hadn’t thought of that.
“Is it really that surprising?”
“Yes. To put it bluntly, war is an exchange of force against force. Setting traps, devising strategies within it. I had considered ways for you, Raidou, who dislikes such things, to participate, but I couldn’t come up with anything. Therefore, your plan, which is close to appeasement but is effectively about building relationships, truly impresses me.”
I even received applause.
Somehow, it felt like this plan was about to be finalized.
“What do you say, Raidou? If it’s your method, would you be willing to operate from the shadows?”
“…Well, if you’re going to leave the method to me, I’m not entirely against it.”
“Hahaha! I see, I see! Indeed. This alone made this meeting worthwhile. Of course, I can’t decide on it here and now, but we might use it in future operations. We’ve gained a good hand!”
Furthermore, the fact that Instructor Kio, who fundamentally dislikes schemes, didn’t reject it was the deciding factor.
As the one who proposed it, I couldn’t help but wonder if it was okay to think it might actually be used in operations.
However, the generals present here were all formidable individuals who would have voiced their opposition if they thought something was impossible or reckless. Their silence meant tacit approval.
“Mhm, mhm, that’s great! Let’s continue by hearing other opinions. It seems that listening to the Human King’s opinion has helped solidify various thoughts. Let’s keep going!”
In the end, the outcome was good.
Considering I had been evaluated positively, I followed the flow of the conversation as each general presented their proposed offensive strategies.
Frankly, all of them were more brilliant than my earlier ideas.
It made me feel that my opinion, which was only slightly better than that of an amateur, couldn’t compare.
I had originally thought I would explain my role at this meeting, but I never expected it to turn out this way.
Afterward, I was occasionally asked about what I could do, while listening to the generals’ proposals.
Today’s word:
Take responsibility for your words.
Thank you for your usual feedback and for pointing out any typos.
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Pandora Pandemic Panic: Pandora’s Box Has Been Opened Again, but We’re Fighting Back with Secret Bases and More!!
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