You are very strong, but my painting style is better than yours!

Because he was not a living person, his background could not be traced at all. Because he was dedicated to maintaining balance, he killed those sinners who caused a large number of innocent casualties!

Even if we get involved in the current chaos, it's all in order to quell the unrest as soon as possible and restore normal social order... I understand, I understand!

"You might find it hard to believe I'm saying this so suddenly, but I really do—"

"I believe you!" The girl with long, straight black hair said decisively and with utmost seriousness. "You've never lied about important matters, and... do you have any reason to deceive us?"

That's very clear, and although it might be a little hurtful, Iori really doesn't need to care much about their feelings.

The only one who can truly influence the overall situation is Esdeath, and Esdeath's "loyalty" to Iori is unwavering.

"I have another question."

Akame was quite excited, while Najenda had more to consider. The one-eyed female general stared straight at Iori, as if trying to probe his inner thoughts.

Why did you specifically tell us the truth?

You now possess the power to change the world, and you can shape a new order entirely according to your own will. No one can defy you. Revealing your true identity at this point... will only increase the variables, won't it?"

"Yes, as expected of you, you saw the key point right away."

Iori said calmly, "I'm revealing this secret because I have something important to entrust to you."

"...This is really something I don't want to hear," Chelsea said, looking conflicted, as if she'd been tricked. "But I don't have the right to refuse, do I?"

Iori smiled silently, which was taken as acknowledgment of her judgment.

Then, he looked around again, taking in the expressions of the four people, and slowly said, "As you can see, I am very different from ordinary people."

As the Grim Reaper, I possess an extremely long 'lifespan,' so I won't engage in reckless actions driven by short-sighted gains, nor will I squander national resources in the pursuit of immortality. Furthermore, I lack the greed of worldly emperors. For me, a nation, and even the world as a whole, maintaining long-term stability is of utmost importance.

Everyone nodded; this was in line with what Iori had said earlier about the duties of a "Grim Reaper"—to maintain the balance and order of the world.

He said this to explain to the four that if he became the supreme ruler of the empire, he would definitely prioritize restoring the nation's vitality and allowing the people to recuperate.

This policy undoubtedly resonated with Najenda and Akame, strengthening their resolve once again.

Following Iori was definitely the right choice!

"To be honest, I am not suited to be a ruler."

Iori changed the subject and said, "It's not that I lack confidence in my personal abilities, but rather that the objective conditions don't allow it."

As the 'Grim Reaper,' the area I govern is vast, and this continent where the empire is located is only a part of it. Even if I pacify this place, or even ascend the throne as emperor... I cannot remain in the empire indefinitely."

"Are you going to leave after the world is at peace?!"

Akame was the first to react, her expression unusually serious, a hint of reluctance hidden in her beautiful red eyes.

"but……"

"I'm not leaving forever, I'll just be leaving here for a while from time to time, and my return date is uncertain."

Iori spread her hands and said, "But an emperor who disappears at the drop of a hat is undoubtedly very scary for a country that has just stabilized. The people will be uneasy because of this, and all sorts of ambitious people will have inappropriate thoughts."

“Indeed.” Najenda nodded. “So? How do you plan to solve this problem?”

"First and foremost, of course, is your support!"

Iori frankly said, "Especially Esdeath and Najenda, one a warrior and the other a strategist, there shouldn't be too many problems if military matters are handled by you, that's the most important thing."

As long as the army remains stable and can suppress dissent from various regions, then various policies aimed at improving people's livelihoods can be implemented smoothly.

“I agree,” Najenda nodded. “Don’t worry, I fully support you on this issue!”

“I will obey your orders as long as you give them; that’s our agreement,” Esdeath said coldly. “After all, whether you are alive or dead, your strength is above mine.”

"Ah!"

Iori glanced at the Queen and smiled.

“I know you’ve always dreamed of surpassing me someday, but now you hear that I’m not a living person but ‘Death’.”

You doubt that you're inferior to me in terms of your life form, so you lack motivation and even feel resentful, right?

"..."

"But what if I could make you a 'Grim Reaper' too, just like me?"

"What did you say?!" Esdeath's gaze suddenly sharpened.

"This is no joke. If you can complete my orders and perform well... I can give you this opportunity."

Iori frowned: "But I must make it clear beforehand that this matter is very risky, because you are a living person in this world... not a resident of Soul Society. I cannot confirm whether your soul can undergo the same ritual, and any accidents may occur during the process."

"But if I succeed, will I be able to possess those amazing abilities like you?"

Regardless of the risks, Esdeath only asked one question: "Can you make me stronger!?"

“…Okay.” Iori nodded seriously. “I will try to preserve your physical body, without damaging your original strength, and then work hard to develop your soul power… just like I did.”

“Alright!” Esdeath exclaimed confidently. “As long as there’s a possibility of success, there’s no reason why I can’t do it—I’m going to become the ‘Grim Reaper’!”

This guy's heart for strength is so pure... If I had the chance, I'd send her to the 11th Division or Hueco Mundo.

It's a bit troublesome to take people across the world; it seems like they "must be your own possessions"?

Hmm... Her Majesty might have to make some sacrifices.

"I need another shadow warrior."

Iori turned to Chelsea: "A reliable shadow warrior who can't be found to have any flaws and won't reveal any secrets!"

"..."

Chelsea ignored Iori's expectant gaze, pretending not to hear the implied meaning, and lowered her head, feigning death.

But then Najenda blinked, pointed at Chelsea, and laughed, "Isn't there a ready-made candidate? What do you think of Chelsea?"

"Yes, she's really suitable!" Iori exclaimed in realization. "Isn't that a coincidence?"

"..."

Chelsea gave Najenda a long look and said, "We've known each other for a long time, why did you have to do this to me?"

"This is a necessary sacrifice for the better future of the people, Chelsea~"

Besides, I'm doing this for your own good!

The one-eyed female general said with a smile, "When Iori chose to bring you here, he had already made up his mind about everything... You should know what that means."

Chelsea remained silent. She was the Revolutionary Army's ace assassin; she'd seen it all and understood one thing:

When someone confides in you, even telling you things they don't want to tell you, it's not just a sign of trust, but also a way of putting you on the spot and forcing you to make a choice.

Given Iori's overwhelming military superiority, is Chelsea possibly willing to refuse?

No!

"It's okay, you can refuse at all. And please rest assured, I'm not the kind of person who would say one thing and mean another or hold a grudge later."

If you refuse, I'll erase your memory, pretend this never happened, and find another suitable shadow warrior—though none will be as good as you.”

Iori looked at Chelsea: "So, I still hope you'll agree."

"Why me?"

Chelsea was still puzzled: "Your face is hidden under a mask, and no one has ever seen it—in fact, they can't see it at all, so wouldn't it be easy to have someone impersonate you?"

I believe that many people besides myself can do it!

Her Imperial Arm, Gaia Foundation, allows her to transform into the image of another person, regardless of gender or age, instantly replicating their appearance and voice. It is the perfect choice for infiltration and assassination.

It would be easy for her to impersonate anyone; being a shadow warrior was a piece of cake for her.

The reason she hesitated was not because the mission was difficult... but rather because it was too easy, which made her uneasy.

She believed that serving as Iori's substitute did not require the aid of a Teigu; simply having someone disguise themselves and maintain the "masked man" persona would suffice.

Therefore, Chelsea couldn't understand: why choose her, the Imperial Arms user, when there were other experienced professionals who could be the Shadow Warriors?

She's a member of the revolutionary army...

"Usually, a shadow warrior is someone who temporarily replaces the real person when they need to attend certain events in order to reduce the risk of being assassinated. So as long as the appearance is consistent and they are not exposed in a short time, they can go through the motions smoothly."

But I have higher requirements for the shadow warrior. Not only must they maintain a consistent appearance, but their voice, movements, tone, habits... every detail must be perfect. They must perfectly recreate another 'Aizen Iori' while I am away from the Empire!

To do all that, you need perfect acting skills... Of all the people I know, only you can do it.

Iori said very sincerely, "I chose you not to use your Teigu [Gaia Foundation], but because I admire your superb acting skills."

I believe that if you're willing, you absolutely won't let anyone see through your disguise!

"maybe."

Chelsea couldn't help but raise her head, a hint of pride in her voice.

In order to make full use of the Gaia Foundation, she put a lot of effort into her acting skills, to the point of being almost supernatural. When she portrays a character, she not only imitates their speech and behavior, but also delves into their inner thoughts... just as if she really were that person.

This isn't a special ability of the Imperial Arms!

"Only I can do something like this."

The orange-haired girl paused, still somewhat hesitant, since agreeing meant completely betraying the Revolutionary Army and joining Iori's ranks.

"Although there are many dirty tricks within the Revolutionary Army, it is, after all, an organization that my comrades and I have worked so hard to maintain. I don't want to do anything that would harm it..."

“If I become the new emperor, but I am often away, then there will inevitably be a lot of political affairs to be handled by the Shadow Warrior. You can do what you want and benefit the people of this country—isn’t that what you’ve always dreamed of?”

The revolutionary army may promise to treat the people well, but do you trust yourself or others?

Chelsea was clearly shaken: "This..."

Iori's lips curled slightly as he offered her an irresistible condition: "Also, as a Grim Reaper, I have no material desires. Royal jewels, rare treasures, like fist-sized diamonds or pearls... well, I don't care. Whoever wants to use them can use them."

"—!"

Chelsea's eyes reddened, and she glared at Iori through gritted teeth: "You're trying to tempt me with this? Who do you think I am?"

"You do not want?"

"I mean, you have a really good eye for people!"

Chapter 79: Sheila: I am Lady Iori's dog

After revealing his true intentions to the four, the subsequent campaign to conquer the capital was unremarkable.

Iori did not directly send anyone to assassinate Bud, but kept her promise and used [Shangri-La] to divide the Revolutionary Army's suicide squad into four batches and gradually transfer them into the city.

Thus, the decisive battle was immediately ignited. The Revolutionary Army's elite forces concentrated and attacked the defenders at the North Gate with all their might. When Budo, who was at the East Gate, tried to rush to the rescue, he was stopped by the Revolutionary Army's Teigu users.

The chaos lasted for a while. Will, one of Iori's subordinates, and Brad, from Night Raid, both wearing Teigu armor, launched an attack at the agreed time, working together to break through the West Gate, which was originally under the least defensive pressure!

Iori's men quickly seized the barbican, but considering that it would be a waste to send such elite troops into street fighting, Iori simply ordered them to firmly control the west gate and simply garrison there.

Subsequently, upon receiving the news, the revolutionary army dispatched its vanguard into the capital, advancing with unstoppable momentum and quickly defeating the defending troops who came to its aid.

Once it was confirmed that it was not a trap—they clearly did not fully trust Iori—the Revolutionary Army's high command ordered a massive attack. Several legions, each with tens of thousands of men, surged in like an unstoppable, turbid flood!

Military police, garrison troops, Imperial Guards, revolutionary army, noble private armies… so many forces clashing together was far too crowded, even for the capital. In the vast, intricate streets, attackers and defenders quickly became entangled, and even officers couldn't control them, turning it into a brutal battlefield like a quagmire!

At this moment, Will, who was watching the battle from the city wall, began to admire Iori's foresight:

Although their hundreds of men were elite, even the sharpest knife can't cut through a tough nut. Once they got caught up in this chaotic battlefield, they would definitely be unable to make any progress.

"The Imperial Army is on the verge of collapse." Sheila was also observing the battlefield. Although he was a scoundrel, he had indeed received an elite education and quickly made a judgment on the situation.

As he said, although the battle situation seems very intense at present, it is obvious to anyone with eyes that the morale of the Imperial Army has collapsed after the city was breached. The reason why it has not yet turned into a one-sided defeat is simply because it is too chaotic and many soldiers do not know where to go if they want to escape.

Bud could barely control his subordinates, but it was wishful thinking to try to turn the tide under these circumstances.

He forcibly broke free from the Revolutionary Army's Imperial Arms users, and relying on his armor that could control lightning, he sped all the way to the Imperial Palace with his men, intending to take the young emperor away, escape the capital, and then make further plans. Perhaps then he could have a chance to make a comeback.

Iori watched this scene with a cold eye, knowing in his heart that it was time. He turned around and waved to summon Sheila to his side.

"My lord, do you have any instructions?"

The brown-skinned, white-haired youth waited respectfully, while Iori looked on with emotion.

She's so different from the old Sheila... It makes him feel a little sorry for her.

But Iori wasn't one to hesitate in such matters. He patted Sheila on the shoulder, and as the young man was flattered, he extended a finger and gently tapped his forehead—

Wow~

Sheila seemed to hear the sound of water, his mind a jumbled mess, his thoughts being washed over and over again by some invisible force... Gradually, his expression changed from blank to lively, his pupils suddenly contracted, and he trembled slightly with unease...