Starting from the pirates, pushing the world.

Chapter 2435 We should thank the Lord of the Stars! (Bonus chapter of 40 for the humble reader who is a patron)

Aizen paused briefly, his gaze behind his glasses deep and probing:

"In addition, there is this meeting and conversation of consciousness that transcends the world."

"Does this Council of Stars have any other means of communication?"

"For example, transactions involving physical goods?"

Although he felt that it was unlikely to achieve such a thing in this purely conscious space.

"You may stay here for one stardial cycle."

"And to your world, it is but a fleeting moment of starlight."

“The parliament convenes normally every thirty days,” Im said, his voice calm yet certain.

"Trading of non-living things is permitted."

"You may bring the items you need into the council in advance by making physical contact with them."

"To trade, place the items on the table, select the target with your mind, and the transaction will be completed automatically."

For the first time, Aizen's gentle smile froze slightly.

It's actually possible to trade items?

He gently traced the starry tabletop in front of him with his fingertips, feeling the incomprehensible sensation.

Trans-universe material transfer within a purely conscious space?

This is by no means a simple space replacement.

It is very likely to involve a complete transformation and reconstruction of the very essence of existence.

How can consciousness space anchor and exchange entities?

The principles behind this have already touched upon the realm of the gods.

It even overturned his understanding of the three realms: the Hollow Realm, the Real World, and the Soul Society.

And to transcend one's own knowledge limits.

And that is the magic and the greatness of the star chart; Im has long since given up on exploring its principles.

Perhaps we'll understand everything in the future.

Perona laughed and said, "You can bring things in? I'll bring everyone some food next time!"

"Princess Mononoke, I think Subaru needs something more to help him overcome his predicament than food, such as a weapon."

Aizen's mention of "Princess Mononoke" immediately made Perona's eyes crinkle with a smile.

The former then turned to look at the somewhat anxious Subaru Natsuki:
"Since we have plenty of time, please begin to recount your experience."

“I know this will cause you pain, but it is an important condition for us to help you.”

"Ok!"

Natsuki Subaru nodded emphatically; he had wanted to start for a long time.

"That day I suddenly appeared in front of the fruit stand, and what caught my eye was..."

No one disturbed them for the rest of the time.

The three listened quietly to his brief yet long, magical yet painful experience.

"Finally, just before I arrived here, I died at Parker's hands."

Nearly an hour passed before Natsuki Subaru finally finished speaking with a heavy heart.

"Waaaah"

"Big brother, you're so pitiful, so miserable!"

"To think he really died so many times, he must have been in so much pain and so terrified!"

"The key is that you can't tell the truth to the people around you, because no one will understand you!"

"No wonder you're so negative and depressed, waaaaaah————"

Perona listened to Subaru Natsuki's fragmented and desperate narration.

Her big eyes were already brimming with tears, which finally fell in a steady stream.

Suddenly, her soul left her body, swept across the Starry Round Table, and floated in front of Subaru Natsuki.

Sobbing, she tried her best to comfort him in her childish, clumsy voice.

"Although I'm still young, I'll try my best to help you, so don't underestimate me!"

"Thank you. Thank you so much."

Perona's pure kindness was like a glimmer of light illuminating Subaru Natsuki's gradually darkening heart.

Looking at Aizen to the side, his eyes were calm, as if he were analyzing a complex game of chess.

He adjusted his glasses and slowly said, "I see."

"The threat of the Witch Cult, the obstruction of the White Whale, and several 'Royal Selection' contenders with very different personalities."

"There's also the pressure of time, which is indeed a very difficult predicament for you."

"Fortunately, 'Return from Death' gives you the intelligence advantage of 'precognition'."

"And your memory is quite good too."

Aizen gave Subaru Natsuki praise appropriately, and that was indeed the case.

He was able to recount almost exactly what others had said.

Priscilla, arrogant and conceited, believed that "the world revolves around her".

"Curshu, with lofty aspirations, pursues strength and national independence."

Anastasia, a businesswoman by nature, pursues profit and possibility.

“They are indeed a force you can draw upon, but you shouldn’t beg for them; you should strive for them and cooperate with them.”

Aizen looked directly into Natsuki Subaru's eyes.

The tone was highly persuasive and undeniably guiding.

"Anastasia tells you that the secret to negotiation is how much preparation you can make before you get to the negotiating table, and what you know and what the other party needs."

“Subaru, who only knows how to ask for this and that, lacks such qualities.”

"These words may be harsh, but please keep them in mind."

Natsuki Subaru nodded thoughtfully: "I...I understand, but what exactly should I do?"

"You've missed the point of the negotiation."

“When you talk to them, you always treat the Witch Cult as the main target to be dealt with.”

"Whether the Witch Cult attacked Roswaal's mansion or not has nothing to do with them."

"On the contrary, Emilia's death will reduce their competition for the 'royal selection'."

Aizen maintained a friendly smile throughout: "The outcome was destined to be a failure."

"Therefore, the key to breaking the deadlock is the white whale."

"It is a common threat to the entire kingdom, and eliminating it will benefit everyone."

"It will also bring great honor to the 'candidate for the throne'."

Subaru Natsuki listened intently, having never considered things from this perspective before.

At that moment, I felt as if the man in front of me was glowing.

Aizen continued speaking.

"Then, my suggestion is that you take with you the information about the time and place of the beluga whale's appearance, as well as intelligence about it and your own ability to attract it, and go to negotiate an alliance with them."

"In addition, you need to offer more concrete terms as a basis for the alliance."

"Otherwise, the above would likely just be castles in the air."

"The magic ore resources in Roswaal's territory that you mentioned before are quite good resources."

"The only problem is getting the other party to believe your intelligence."

"That's where the gambling element comes in."

"However, you can try to gain Anastasia's support first."

"Because the existence of beluga whales has the greatest impact on businesswomen like her."

At this point, Aizen softly reminded him, "Remember, this time you need to act like a 'collaborator,' not a 'beggar.'"

"Of course, it's always best to have a certain level of strength."

"If you're willing, I can teach you some basics of 'slashing techniques' in the coming days."

"While it can't make you a strong person immediately."

"But at least it gives you more calm courage when you hold a weapon, and the potential to show others."

Perona, who had been holding back her words but wanted to help Subaru Natsuki, suddenly brightened up.

She immediately chimed in, "And I can teach you my Moon Breathing technique too!"

"It's very simple. Even if you haven't learned the sword form, as long as you get used to the breathing rhythm, you can still have a short burst of physical strength!"

One is older than the other, one is intelligent and the other is young.

Two people from different worlds, in completely different ways.

Yet, together they outlined a path of hope for Subaru Natsuki, a path he had never imagined, leading to survival and victory, for the latter who was trapped in a desperate situation.

This made Subaru Natsuki finally unable to hold back his tears of emotion.

"Thank you, Mr. Aizen, Perona."

To everyone's surprise, Aizen pushed up his glasses and smiled.

"You should thank the Lord of the Stars who created this place."

(End of this chapter)