Chapter 184.1 : Shock!

"Boom!"

As Uchiha Ran's voice reverberated through the air, a collective gasp echoed among the onlookers. They watched as the sky's screen shifted once more, the perspective narrowing before expanding once again.

Holding their breath, each person seemed to silently contribute to the moment, as if participating in a global initiative to combat climate change.

Above the layer of clouds, at an even higher altitude, a meteorite, larger than the fiery one before it, hurtled down, colliding with the first flame meteorite on the brink of complete freezing.

"Crack!"

The air crackled with a dense, ominous sound.

From its zenith, the colossal flame meteorite began to fracture, pieces cascading down at speeds imperceptible to the naked eye.

The larger meteorite bore down relentlessly, pulverizing its predecessor and forging ahead toward the next expanse of icy terrain.

"Boom!"

Witnessing the ice and snow melt, the earth tremble, and the frozen sea roar, everyone recognized the sheer power at play.

"You're formidable. I concede defeat," Esdeath's voice echoed across the world.

The scene abruptly cut off, dissipating as swiftly as it had appeared, leaving no room for happy endings. Yet, its impact lingered.

"Gudu!"

Within the ninja world.

Observing the reanimated scene before them through the shimmering light curtain of the Golden List live broadcast room, the audience was spellbound.

Was this the might of the ninja world?

Was this the power capable of rending skies and shattering earth, capable of decimating a small nation?

Indeed, it seemed inevitable to yield.

"Ran, that was quite the spectacle," remarked Senju Hashirama to Uchiha Madara.

"Huh?" Madara raised an eyebrow inquisitively.

"The technique of stacking meteorites upon meteorites. I took a note from it."

"In the future, when I employ the Sage Art Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands, I'll make sure to stock up onTrue Several Thousand Hands."

"If finesse fails, resort to strength in numbers, even if it means deploying thousands of hands. Isn't that the essence?"

Hashirama gestured animatedly with his hands, eliciting a wry smile from Madara. 

"You're incorrigible," he quipped.

Despite his jest, Madara couldn't deny the effectiveness of Hashirama's strategy.

Meteorite upon meteorite?

Certainly within reach.

This kind of expression of despair, after hope comes out even more despairing.

Yes, yes, learned.

Look for opportunities to show off later.

At the same time.

On the other side,

Akame ga Kill world.

In the imperial capital, the young emperor was filled with excitement.

He had been groomed by his ministers to exhibit an overly optimistic mindset, yet he failed to grasp the gravity of the situation. All he could think about was Esdeath's "performance," which left a lasting impression on him.

Isn't it advantageous to have such strength at our disposal?

Surely, it secures the stability of the empire, doesn't it?

"Esdeath's prowess is truly remarkable and deserving of praise," the young emperor exclaimed enthusiastically.

The ministers present were left speechless.

Whether they belonged to the Royalist Faction, the Neutral Faction, or the Ministerial Faction, none of them were concerned with the clarity of the emperor's words. Instead, their minds were preoccupied with whether Esdeath had committed any past transgressions.

If not, they would find a way to fabricate them.

If so, they would attempt to rectify them.

Is such power truly of human origin?

There's nothing more perilous than a human possessing superlative strength.

Esdeath had finally unveiled her true capabilities, single-handedly capable of decimating an entire city under the watchful escort of more than a dozen imperial guards and emperors.

This is sheer dominance!

It's fortunate that she doesn't harbor any aspirations for dominion. If she did, it would be truly astounding.

"His Majesty is absolutely correct; commendations should be in order," Minister Honest muttered to himself after a momentary shock and bewilderment.

Although he reMined clueless about the source of Esdeath's power and the identity of the mysterious individual who defeated her, he reMined steadfast in his resolve.

Esdeath's authority rivaled that of the highest-ranking emperor.

Now, he could fathom how the empire's founding emperor had conquered nations far and wide.

The emperor must have exceeded even his wildest imaginations.

In this light, the restraining power of the ring on his finger seemed exceptionally potent.

Esdeath being stronger implies that the sword in his hand is sharper, doesn't it?

Within the empire, murmurs of discontent echoed, with uprisings simmering across its expanse, civilian oppression in its territories,and those old people with different political ideologies than him possessed no challenge to him.

"Everything lies within my hand," the minister mused to himself.

In contrast to Minister Honest musings, Great General Budo's troops were in a state of profound shock.

Clad in the armor-type Teigu Thunder God's Rage: Adramelech, he not only augmented the striking power of his fists but also wielded lightning, unleashing devastating assaults, aerial barrages, and transforming lightning into energy orbs for ranged strikes. Moreover, he could encase himself in thunderous armor, paralyzing anyone who dared touch it.

It was a Teigu of the same elemental manipulation type as Esdeath' Demon's Extract.

With purer elemental manipulation than Esdeath, he could also function as a formidable warrior.

Though both he and Esdeath were dubbed "the strongest" by the Empire's populace, his heart harbored the conviction that he was the stronger one.

Had it not been for his ancestors' admonition to refrain from political entanglements, he would have confronted Esdeath and cautioned Honest.

Yet now, he wavered.

He couldn't surpass her.

Was the ultimate outcome a mutual downfall?