As Planned

*On the Conqueror.*

Aldebaran, Leslie, Joyce, Uesugi, Mekk, and the four division commanders were gathered around a long table discussing strategy.

"Everyone, please take a look. This is a rough map of the islands where the Hall Kingdom and Bell Kingdom are located. We hope to hear your active input on how to proceed with this operation!" Leslie spread out a sheet of paper on the table and smiled.

"You can discuss it. The order His Majesty gave me was not to interfere unless facing a formidable enemy. So, feel free to do as you see fit!" Aldebaran chuckled with an honest smile.

"Same here. It's up to you to decide. Just leave me an opportunity to test the mechs. That's all I'm interested in on this trip!" Mekk chimed in. He had no interest in the discussion and had come solely to field test the mass-produced mechs and his specially made mech.

The mass-produced mechs were developed by Mekk after he arrived on Skypiea. The previous mechs required Mekk's processed super coal as fuel to operate.

The mass-produced mechs, on the other hand, were powered by Skypiea's Heat Dials. They could be produced using assembly lines throughout the body, hence the name "mass-produced mechs." Standing at ten meters tall, they had a similar appearance to Mekk's previous mechs, but the seating area featured a transparent glass canopy. Additionally, the mech's hands had transformed into cannon-shaped weapons, roughly equivalent to a Lieutenant Commander's strength.

The specially made mech, on the other hand, was custom-made by Mekk. Every material used in its construction required Mekk's devil fruit ability to process. It had a similar appearance to the mass-produced version but stood at a height of twenty meters, boasting the strength of a colonel.

"Let me start by providing information about the islands where these two kingdoms are located," Uesugi said with a smile.

Uesugi was the newly appointed commander of the First Fleet of the Navy. He had the rank of Lieutenant Commander and wielded a pair of brass knuckles. He dressed in a tuxedo and had an average appearance, always wearing a faint smile that gave people the impression he was a gentle person.

"The islands where the Hall Kingdom and Bell Kingdom are located are called Duz Island. Both countries were originally part of the Duz Kingdom for centuries. However, in a certain generation, a dispute over the throne between Prince Duz Hall and Prince Duz Bell led to their separation into two countries."

"There are a total of five ports on the islands, with three belonging to the Hall Kingdom and two to the Bell Kingdom. However, only two of them, the Eastern Duz Port and Western Duz Port, are truly usable. The other ports have fallen into disrepair due to the poverty of the two kingdoms and are mostly used by fishermen. Large ships find it difficult to dock there."

"Therefore, if we want to make a landing, we can only do so at these two ports!"

Uesugi pointed firmly at the two ports on the map, then paused before continuing,

"Recently, the war between the two kingdoms has escalated. The population on the islands has dropped from millions to around six hundred thousand. Today, they are in the midst of a decisive battle. After the battle, there will probably be just over five hundred thousand remaining."

"Due to the war, among the remaining population, there are approximately four hundred thousand women and just over a hundred thousand men. However, most of these men are elderly or children!"

"Although the remaining people have low combat capabilities, their temperament is quite ferocious. When attacking, whether it's the elderly, children, or women, showing no mercy is necessary. We must shock them with thunderous force, or it will be quite troublesome to handle them later!"

After hearing his words, everyone nodded, forming a rough image of the two kingdoms in their minds.

"Now, it's time to discuss how to capture these two kingdoms. Who wants to go first?" Leslie scanned the surroundings and smiled.

"I'll go first!" Joyce raised his hand to indicate.

Joyce was the new commander of the First Army of the Army. With a crew cut and a square face, he had an X-shaped scar on his face. He wore military attire and carried two swords on his back. His strength also stood at the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He had a straightforward personality and a straightforward approach to everything.

"Currently, the defensive forces of these two kingdoms are almost nonexistent. The majority of their troops have been deployed to the battlefield. I think we don't need to complicate matters. We can simply control the two ports and then advance towards their capital cities!" Joyce proposed his plan straightforwardly.

"Uh..." The others were speechless. It was quite in line with Joyce's style.

However, upon further consideration, Joyce's words made sense. There was no need to overcomplicate things. They held an absolute advantage at the moment, and they could simply crush the opposition with their overwhelming strength.

Only armies with inferior strength would consider tactics to compensate for their disadvantages. A powerful army always relied on their own might to overpower their enemies.

"Does anyone else have any objections?" Leslie asked.

"I agree with General Joyce's proposal!" Uesugi raised his hand in agreement.

"I agree too!"

"Agreed!"

"Agreed!"

Soon, everyone agreed.

"Alright, that's settled. However, we still need to discuss the details." Leslie nodded, also agreeing.

"Hmm!" Everyone nodded in agreement.

Then, they began their discussion.

The discussion included which division would control which port, the strategic cities that must be captured on the way to the capital, and how to manage the people within those cities.

After about an hour, they finally completed their discussion.

"Alright, now listen to my orders!" Leslie took a deep breath and issued his instructions seriously.

"The Second Division of the First Fleet of the Navy will control Eastern Duz Port, and the Third Division will control Western Duz Port. They will also take control of the nearby towns and villages!"

"The Second Division of the First Army will wait for the Navy to capture Eastern Duz Port and then land from the port to attack the capital of Bell Kingdom, Bell City. The Third Division of the First Army will wait for the Navy to capture Western Duz Port and then land from the port to attack the capital of Hall Kingdom, Hall City!"

"Master Mekk will accompany the Third Division of the First Army to attack Hall City!"

"..."

"Does everyone understand?" After finishing his instructions, Leslie glanced at everyone present and asked solemnly.

"We understand!" Everyone nodded.

"Very well, everyone, we will win this battle!!!" Leslie extended his hand, speaking in a deep voice.

"We will win!!!" Everyone extended their hands, placing them on top of Leslie's hand, and shouted with determination.

"Move!" Leslie waved his hand, commanding.

"Yes!" Everyone saluted, then left the room to arrange their subordinates.

In no time, the people on the entire deserted island began to move.

"Hurry, get on the ships!"

"Check your firearms, grenades, and daggers carefully!"

"Artillerymen, double-check the cannons!"

"Gather quickly!"

"Move fast!"

After a chaotic commotion, everyone was ready!

"Puff puff puff!"

As the ships emitted black smoke into the air, the Conqueror slowly started moving, heading towards their designated target.

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*On a merchant ship passing by Duz Island, en route to Blood Harbor Town.*

"Huh! Captain, look at that!" a lookout exclaimed in confusion.

"What?" The captain took the binoculars from the lookout and looked in the direction indicated.

In the distance, several warships emitting black smoke were heading towards Duz Island.

The captain examined them closely, then rubbed his chin as he pondered. After a while, he seemed to realize something, slapped his thigh in excitement, and exclaimed, "Wow, this is incredible! The St. Martin Kingdom is causing quite a stir!"