In this crossover anime, many ruthless and powerful figures reside in my territory.

Here we go again... He didn't even say a word before coming, so he felt awkward about greeting him.

If he has already achieved the goals he set, why doesn't he come and talk to him?

Lister only knew that Ban would come over every three days, but he didn't know that Ban had observed the changes in the entire team.

From the initial lifelessness to the current state where everyone is moving towards hope, this dramatic change has prompted Madara to reflect—

Can we still trust others and believe that everyone can work together to create a peaceful future?

Perhaps Liszt had already given him the answer.

It's not about believing, but about restraining, guiding, and becoming a guidepost for everyone.

Hashirama once hoped that people could eliminate war through mutual understanding, and Lister also believed that people could understand each other, but he was also very certain that understanding could not prevent war.

What we need to do is explore! Practice! Define!

As Aizen said, the strong should decide what the world should be like, not what it is like.

If peace based on mutual understanding doesn't exist, then let's explore and practice to define a new kind of peace!

Thinking of this, Madara clenched his fist, then pulled out a black object that had been sealed inside the cube's body.

He had already read the letter Liszt left him and, upon returning, captured Black Zetsu and sealed him within this cube using Yin-Yang Release.

Although there was no way to extract Black Zetsu's memories, Madara believed that Lister must have had his reasons for asking him to do so.

Now that he has regained his youth, he has a hundred years to squander and there's no need to rush.

Let's just observe from the sidelines for now.

Watching Lister gradually change these people also gave him a lot of feelings.

Strength is important, but the ideas that guide that strength are equally important.

Lister did not expect that Ban had also undergone a subtle psychological change, no longer in a hurry to immediately achieve his ideal.

He wanted to see just how far he could go by following Lister's method.

He wanted to see if Lister's brilliance could illuminate the dark world of ninjas.

Meanwhile, another person was observing Liszt.

In the villa area of ​​Red Maple Forest, Yuri, dressed in the purple military uniform of Epsilon, was sitting in the living room drinking coffee while using his [Mind's Eye] ability to communicate telepathically with the captain of the research team that was following Lister's operation from a great distance.

He can even perceive everything around him through this person's five senses.

Lord Yuri, what should we do next?

I think we could try to recruit Lister into Epsilon; he would be an exceptionally good leader.

Yuri took a sip of coffee and shook his head slightly.

He won't agree.

However, there are other ways to deeply bind him to Epsilon.

The research team leader listened with great anticipation, but did not hear any further instructions from Yuri.

“Mr. Lister, you are a smart man, but the thinking of smart people is the easiest to predict, especially someone like you who has the potential to become an outstanding leader.”

Yuri stirred the coffee with a spoon, seemingly talking to himself.

"In my world, there have always been two giants vying for supremacy."

"But in my opinion, the leaders of these two forces are just politicians who play with ideology. Everyone is fighting for their own interests. With a little trick, I made them suspicious of each other and fight each other endlessly."

"They will inevitably become Epsilon's stepping stones, and also the world's intractable disease that Epsilon will surely eliminate."

“Mr. Lister, do you know what I admire most about you?”

“You once told Yahiko that language only has power when a leader follows the ideas he puts forward.”

"That's right. Only when knowledge and action are in harmony can the soul shine with the most dazzling light."

Yuri stopped what he was doing and looked into the distance.

"Mr. Lister, how dazzling will your soul shine this time?"

"If that light is bright and powerful enough, Epsilon will regard you as its most valued ally."

"The world will also welcome a great leader."

Chapter 73 Yuri's Invitation to Cooperation (Part 1)

Half a month later, Lister successfully led more than 700 people across the snowfield back to Red Maple Territory.

Of these seven hundred people, all were young adults, with only forty or so children. Overall, there were about half men and half women, and the majority were half-orcs.

In the past two weeks, Lister has successfully built trust with everyone and gained the loyalty of the refugees.

The refugees were still somewhat dazed when they entered the outpost, but after being welcomed by many people, their panic at leaving their homes gradually subsided, and they went to their homes under the guidance of the commanders.

Kotini had already arranged for houses to be prepared for all the refugees, and they were provided on a family-by-family basis.

This is a welfare benefit provided by Red Maple Territory to the refugees.

Soon staff will contact them, and these people will be able to go to school the next day.

Fortunately, there are just enough teachers to teach literacy and writing.

When Lister saw his half-elf head steward, he embraced her warmly.

"Kortini, you've really had a tough time these past few days."

Kotini smiled slightly, put her arms around Lister's neck, and pressed her face against his.

Don't you even know who I am?

"You should get some rest now that you're back, tonight?"

Kotini blinked, her voice quite playful.

"Ahem, you've all discussed this, right? It's all fine, all fine."

"Don't overwork yourself. Train a few more assistants to share the burden."

Lister was also somewhat impulsive, mainly because his abstinence during this period had made him feel a little uncomfortable.

"I'll be back soon, let's have dinner together tonight."

Kotini pouted her pink lips at Lister, then ran away, touching her blushing face.

She is now very grateful to have shared Liszt's power. She still has plenty of energy after work every day, and her efficiency has increased a lot. In addition to training, she also has a lot of rest time.

Lister watched her departing figure, a smile lingering on his lips.

"Hey."

A sudden elbow strike made Lister clutch his back.

"Melve! What are you doing?"

Seeing his sister's self-righteous attitude, Lister was furious. She had always bullied him when they were children, and now that they were adults, she was still the same.

Melf stared intently at Lister.

"My dear brother, have you decided who to marry?"

Huh? Lister looked completely bewildered.

"I've been watching this for the past two weeks. If you're planning to marry Muzan, I won't agree."

"puff!!!"

Lister almost lost his composure.

However, Melphine was clearly serious and didn't seem to be joking.

"She's too cold. I can tell that she only cares about you and no one else."

“You are a leader, and your wife should have the same charisma and leadership qualities as you, and be able to take charge in critical moments.”

"She can't."

Liszt sighed, rubbing his forehead.

"Sister, let's put aside the fact that you've misunderstood. I want to ask you why you suddenly had this idea?"

Melf glared at Lister.

"You've always liked to cuddle and kiss your half-orc maids since you were little. They're so beautiful, I'm afraid you can't resist."

"I don't care how many lovers you have, but at least your legal wife must not be bad in character."

"...No, why are you getting involved in this?"

"Besides your retired father and mother, who else can you talk to about this topic? Your lovers?"

“My father told me before that I should help you. I don’t want you to marry an unvirtuous wife because you are obsessed with women.”

Lister suddenly understood why Melphine was in such a hurry.

In the United States, there is no concept of annulment of marriage. Unless one spouse dies, the other can remarry, so the choice of a legal wife or husband is extremely important.

Although there is no rule against annuling an engagement in Red Maple Territory, it is just as easy for a lord to cause problems if he changes wives as it is for an emperor to change empresses. Therefore, if you have chosen a wife, it is best not to change her.

But don't worry, because he has no intention of getting married at all.

Isn't it better to enjoy the service of your loved one every day? Why marry a wife who can control you?

Looking at Lister's expression, Melf knew what he was thinking.

"You're such a good lord, why can't you be a better person in terms of personal morality?"

"Finding a virtuous wife can also stabilize the people's hearts."

Lister turned his head and whistled.

Melf: "..."

"Forget it! I'm not going to bother with you anymore! You've always been very stubborn. I'm going to rest now. Remember to visit your father and the others when you have time."

Melf tossed her blonde hair and headed toward Red Maple Castle.

Lister shrugged.