Unlimited Ambition

Kagura quickly calmed down, took a deep breath, and said, "It was my rudeness. I hope you will forgive me for the sake of the millions of Japanese people."

"You're quite arrogant," I rolled my eyes and said, "You keep talking about the hundreds of millions of Japanese people, but I have some doubts. You're just a fourteen-year-old girl, with no military power and no money... Can you really represent the hundreds of millions of Japanese people?"

Kagura thought to herself, "That's exactly what I've been waiting for," and then said, "The Japanese Emperor is of an unbroken lineage, a descendant of Amaterasu Omikami, who governs the territories of Japan's sixty-six provinces. This is an eternal truth. Now that the imperial bloodline has dwindled, leaving only me, I am naturally the only candidate to become the next Emperor. Therefore, I am qualified to represent the hundreds of millions of Japanese people."

Hearing him say that, I couldn't help but burst into laughter, as if I had heard some hilarious joke. That laugh instantly wiped out the sense of superiority that Kagura had managed to cultivate.

"What if the entire Imperial Family were to die out?" I abruptly stopped laughing and asked this question.

Kagura was at a loss.

"In my script, Todo and Katase control the eastern and western sides of Japan, establishing separate countries and governments. However, there is no Emperor involved."

You can't—

"Why can't I?"

Kagura couldn't answer. She couldn't think of a reason why I couldn't.

"However, to be honest, I don't have any specific demands regarding Japan..."

When Kagura heard what I said, hope rose in her heart again.

"Because I don't care at all. Whether it's Japan's barren land or its incompetent people, I don't care about any of it—even if it's all destroyed, I won't blink an eye! All I want is Mount Fuji, and the cherry blossom mine at its foot! That's all I want! That's my capital for conquering the world! Do you understand?! You barbarian from the frontier! What I want is this world!! This world!!!"

For some reason, Kaguya wasn't scared by me at all; in fact, her voice was even louder than mine: "You've gone mad! I must have been blind to think you were Japan's hope! You're a lunatic!! You're nothing but a slave to your own ambition, you're just a slave!! A slave to your own ambition!!"

Hearing her words, I chuckled softly, my expression returning to normal: "A slave to ambition? Sounds good. Are there any free people in the world who aren't slaves? Greed makes one a slave to money; lust makes one a slave to power; chasing after beauty makes one a slave to lust... As for you, Miss Kaguya, aren't you a slave? You've schemed and plotted for the Japanese Imperial Family, maneuvering between various forces, even becoming that clown Black's fiancée—you are a slave to the Japanese Imperial Family."

After hearing my words, Kaguya seemed to collapse, falling to the ground and muttering to herself, "Am I also a slave? A slave of the Japanese Imperial Family?"

I chuckled, squatted down, and looked at her. "So, what's wrong with being a slave to ambition? At least ambition is a pretty good master. Much better than your demanding Japanese imperial family. Power, money, beautiful women—ambition can provide all these things to me. Just like now..." I reached out and lightly lifted Kaguya's chin.

“My master said that you are the prize I received as a slave.” I chuckled and moved closer.

"You want me to be your woman?" Kagura asked.

Hearing him say that, I burst out laughing again: "No, no, that's not it, lovely girl—you are Black's woman. Although he will never be able to touch you again, your virginity, your body, and even your soul all belong to me. But you are Black's woman... Hahaha, hahahahahahaha..."

Chapter Twenty-Five: Shengen Island

Kamine Island, hmm, Kamine, that name just doesn't sound right. It was originally just a desolate island. Nothing special. But lately, things have changed.

"You mean... the Prime Minister of Brittany, the Second Prince Schneider, that guy traveled all the way to this godforsaken island just for scientific research? Do you really believe that?" I rolled my eyes as I talked to Cheng Yu, thinking to myself, when did this guy lose his mind?

Cheng Yu wasn't stupid. On the contrary, his IQ was at least 90+. While forcing a smile, he thought to himself: "My lord's temper has become increasingly erratic lately. Can I not play dumb and pretend to be stupid?" He replied, "Yes, yes, my lord is wise."

"Keep pretending! I really don't believe it. Cheng Yu, Cheng Zhongde's IQ could drop by half overnight!"

Of course, I really couldn't say that. My temper has been flaring up these past few days, but there's nothing I can do about it. After all, I'm a spirited seventeen-year-old man, and it's a time when I'm bursting with energy and have nowhere to vent it.

Today was great, wasn't it? I felt refreshed after waking up this morning. My back doesn't ache... well, it is a little sore... but I'm in a great mood. The most important thing is your mood, right? You NTR'd me with a CC (Cheat Code). I'll return the favor with a Kagura (a powerful, protective charm). Isn't that like ginseng?

Especially if you're still alive.

Mao was truly a tragic figure. Abandoned by CC, abused by me, and then killed by Black. Oh, I misspoke, it was Shirley who killed him. The reason, apparently, was love.

This is truly... unbelievable. After bearing the burden of avenging her father's death and being persuaded and educated by me using Geass for so long, this girl still chose Black. This, this, this... Teenage girls are truly incomprehensible.

Thinking about this, I suddenly felt a chill run down my spine. It seems that among the women around me, both Karen and Kagura have had contact with Black. If... I mean, what if... well, that adds another reason to kill him.

Oh, by the way, Shirley seems to have been brainwashed by Black. She doesn't remember anything about him.

※※※

So the main events of the last two days have been Schneider and Kage Island. This time, there's no need to sneak around. We can just find a legitimate reason to interfere—

I remember a long time ago, this was disputed territory between Korea and Japan. But after Korea was incorporated into the Chinese Federation, it was somehow transferred to Japan—how could that be? It's territory, it's territory!

Back in the day, Modu Chanyu was willing to give away his wife, but when people brought up the issue of territory, he suddenly panicked. He immediately dispatched troops and launched a sweeping invasion. Of course, some say he used his wife to lull the enemy into a false sense of security. After all, barbarians have different customs. I immediately pointed at the head of the person who said that and slammed it down.

"Is Mongolia now part of our family?"

The man replied, "Yes, after you assassinated those princes and lamas, you incorporated them into the Northeast Military Region."

I continued, "That's it then. Modu Chanyu used to live in the Hetao region of Mongolia. They were one of the ancestors of the Chinese nation. How could our ancestors have made any mistakes? The mistakes are all due to the fact that later generations don't understand. Go down and copy the 'Biography of the Xiongnu' in the Records of the Grand Historian a hundred times over. Then fly to the Mongolian Plateau and burn it. Don't come back if you can't do it."

Thus, Schünell set foot on Shengen Island on his first day. The second day's news broadcast focused on Brittany's violation of my country's territorial integrity, repeatedly declaring that Shengen Island is an inherent part of the Chinese Federation. The Chinese Federation possesses indisputable sovereignty over Shengen Island. Any actions that infringe upon my country's sovereignty and territorial integrity are unacceptable.

Immediately following was a tiny news item published in the local third-rate tabloid: The North Sea Fleet is on high alert, ready to annihilate the invading enemy.

Schneider was conflicted at the time.

※※※

Meanwhile, the brother-complex also received the news and became interested in Kaminoshima—of course, he didn't want to meet his second brother. What he was truly interested in was his best friend, Kuchiki Suzaku.

Ever since they risked their lives to save Suzaku Kuchiki last time, Suzaku has looked down on the Black Knights, a small business, and returned to Brittany without a word to continue living as a third-class citizen.

At the time, I didn't feel anything special about being a sister-obsessed person. I thought to myself, "Once I've made something of myself, you'll definitely come back to me."

Unexpectedly, Suzaku shamelessly managed to get close to the Vice Governor of Area 11, the "vase princess" Euphemia. Surprisingly, at her insistence, he became her personal knight. The sister-complex guy was immediately conflicted—especially after seeing the video of Suzaku displaying his divine power, single-handedly taking on three hundred people before ultimately losing.

Of course, if he knew that the main force on that side was Hua Lian, he would probably be in even more pain.

Regardless, the siscon has made up his mind: even if it means forcing himself, he'll take his best friend back from his sister. After that, he'll do all sorts of things with him—don't get me wrong, I mean together we'll reshape the world and create a better future.

So, the brother-complex gave orders to the few remaining members of the Black Knights: "Our target is Kageshiro Island. Our target is my best friend, I mean, the Prime Minister of Brittany, Schneider." Everyone looked at him with a "Are you crazy?" expression.

Yu Tang quietly nudged the fan and whispered, "I think Black is finished. Two more members left today."

Fan whispered back, "Why don't you tell Zero?"

Yu Tang said, "Hey, why tell him? Come to think of it, you should be our leader. How could you be so irresponsible as to drive away that scoundrel Black?"

After hearing this, Fan hesitated: "But Zero saved us when we were in our most difficult time."

Yu Tang rolled his eyes: "He saved us only so that we would work for him. Can't you see that in his eyes we are all just pawns?"

It has to be said that Shan is a complete incompetent good-for-nothing, and he doesn't even have as much courage as Yutang.

Yu Tang, unable to bear it any longer, said, "If you continue like this, we'll all die at Black's hands sooner or later. Alright, I won't say any more. Good morning."

Shan said, "Come back? Where have you been? There's a meeting going on here."

Yu Tang said, "If they don't want me here, there are plenty of other places that will—I'm going to join the Japanese Liberation Front. With my qualifications, I should be able to become a squad leader or something. Maybe even a company commander."

Seeing his best friend about to leave him, Fan finally couldn't hold back any longer. He gritted his teeth and said, "Fine, I'll listen to you, expel Black... but this matter needs further consideration, further consideration..."

Black, standing on the platform, probably had a mixer and a hearing aid in his helmet. In any case, he overheard Yutang and Shan's conversation.

"Damn it, how could you do this?!" The sister-complex gritted his teeth and turned on the switch on his helmet, revealing his Geass.

"You forced me to this! In the name of Lelouch vi Britannia! Members of the Black Knights, become my slaves!"

Thus, this coup attempt vanished without a trace.

※※※

Ideals are beautiful, but reality is cruel. What I didn't expect was that the North Sea Fleet, which I had invested heavily in building, would break down at such a critical moment.

"What the hell was wrong with you guys?! Huh?! The operating system malfunctioned during routine training?! Are you idiots?! You sank four battleships because of this!!! Holy crap!!! Is there anyone more idiotic than you in this world?!"

That's pretty much what happened. During a routine training exercise, the gun system of the super battleship *Giryu* suddenly malfunctioned, and twelve massive three-ton shells were fired simultaneously, almost as if preordained, striking the four escorting battleships directly. Suffering such close-range fire, the escorting battleships immediately and decisively bore several large holes and tumbled into the water.

This is simply, absolutely the biggest joke in world military history. I couldn't help but be furious. I summoned Yu Jin, the commander of the North Sea Fleet, and his deputy, Mao Jie, and gave them a thorough dressing-down.

Yu Jin and Mao Jie exchanged a glance, thinking: How innocent I am! A graduate of the army academy assigned to oversee the navy… But they also knew that besides this mistake, their future prospects were ruined. They awaited my final judgment with trepidation.

I took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, barely managing to calm myself. I waved my hand and said, "Investigate. Find out the truth about this... Until then, the entire North Sea Fleet is in port. Don't come out again."

The two unfortunate souls exchanged bewildered glances, surprised that I would lift it high and then gently lower it. It sounded like there was no punishment at all…

"Also, from now on, you two are suspended from your duties. Until the truth is revealed, you won't receive a single penny of salary or bonus. After the matter is clarified, you'll get back to the army and start as battalion commanders."

The unlucky guy thought to himself: Well, the good things don't come true, but the bad things do. Look at my own jinx.

Damn it, how could something like this happen... Pray that I don't find out who it was. Otherwise, I'll make sure you suffer the consequences too.

The North Sea Fleet is unusable, but I'm unwilling to let Schneider off the hook so easily... Wait, Schneider? Could it be his doing?!

With this thought in mind, my gaze gradually turned cold, and I dialed Xiahou Dun's number again: "Prepare five hundred Wave Mechs, and go with me to meet that Schneider."

Chapter Twenty-Six: Getting Shot While Lying Down

The Sea Wolf mech is a special-purpose mech for naval warfare. Its entire body is streamlined, without any sharp edges. It can dive to a depth of 200 meters and is equipped with high-explosive guided torpedoes, high-frequency particle vibration blades, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles. While it has a poor close-range combat capability, its firepower is stronger than the Frost Giant Wolf.

That's it. The elite naval combat special mech developed under the leadership of Lakshata belongs to the sixth generation of humanoid mechs.

As for my ride, the Killer Wolf, the seventh-generation mecha is capable of anything, whether it's flying or diving, so what am I afraid of?

On the same day, the special task force of the Chinese Federation, together with the Black puppet army, arrived at Shengen Island.

Schneider felt helpless. He had thought that after suffering such a great loss, he should obediently stay within the Chinese Federation. He had initially thought the Northern Wolves were something special. But alas, a first-rate army and a mediocre navy. What could such a crippled force possibly accomplish? A joke, a complete joke.

But when we met, Schneider's smile vanished. To be honest, the sight of hundreds of mechs emerging from the water simultaneously was quite awe-inspiring. What's more, that famous mech named Killer Wolf had flown all the way here. Judging by its appearance, it was no slower than a typical jet aircraft, perhaps even faster. Thank goodness, the speed of Brittany's newly developed Mirage Tower couldn't match that of Killer Wolf.

Just kidding, my "Kill the Wolf" is a melee specialist. Don't compare it to those mobile turret-like things.

At this moment, upon seeing the silvery-gray sheen of the Killing Wolf sword, Cornelia's expression changed. She said to her elder brother, "I'm not feeling well, I'll head back first." After saying that, she turned to walk away.

However, Schneider grabbed her arm and earnestly advised, "Little sister, you're already so old. What more do you want? Do you think it's easy to end up with someone who's blind? Hurry up, take this opportunity, I'll put in a good word for you, and you should make up."

Cornelia was greatly embarrassed by these words. Normally, with her fighting skills, breaking free from Schneider, a mere civil official, would have been incredibly easy. But for some reason, she just couldn't break free.

Seeing his sister like this, Schneider thought to himself: There's a chance. Then he thought about what his father was up to, sending him to such a godforsaken place to conduct some kind of scientific research.

As the Prime Minister of Britannia, I have so many important matters to attend to every day. You should have let the boss do this easy job. He spends all his time in orphanages and welfare homes anyway. He has absolutely no important work to do.

It would have been better if he hadn't come; his arrival has brought his cheap brother-in-law with him. The wolf of the far north is a ravenous wolf that eats people without spitting out bones. He might accidentally chop you up.

When Cornelia was about to leave, Schneider panicked. He had been thinking of using his sister as a shield. How could he let her get away?

And so, Cornelia and I met again several months after our last argument.

The talks proceeded in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with both sides discussing a range of issues including the EU war, the Sakuraishi trade, the 11th District riots, and the sovereignty dispute over Kaminoshima Island. They exchanged views extensively…

However, when the topic of being separated by a narrow strip of water came up, Schneider felt it was somewhat inappropriate. He said, "We Britannia and the Chinese Federation are by no means separated by a narrow strip of water; we are separated by the entire Pacific Ocean. We can't even be considered as being separated by a sea."

I chuckled and said, "The mainland might be a bit far, but the Bering Strait in the Northeast Military Region is easily crossed by boat. At worst, I can fly my Killer Wolf and reach San Francisco in half a day."

Schneider was taken aback. But then he heard a guy nearby snort coldly, seemingly dissatisfied with his subtle way of threatening me.

The two who had been chatting so amiably just moments before suddenly stopped talking and looked towards the source of the sound. Oh, who is it? That scumbag Suzaku! Seeing Euphemia beside him acting like a demure little bird, I felt a pang of resentment. I thought to myself, "What a waste of a beautiful vase with a stray weed stuck in it." Really…