Summoner in One Piece

As Ren's soldiers began to file into the barracks, directed by Erza and Kaelen's men, Alex led General Ren to a private chamber within the barracks administrative building. "Manager Ho Kaku wished this to be delivered to you personally, General," Alex said, handing him the parchment Olvia had meticulously forged.

Ren took the scroll, his brow furrowing as he broke the familiar seal. His eyes scanned the characters, and a subtle, knowing smirk began to play on his lips. The message, crafted with Olvia's cunning, acknowledged Alex's arrival but framed it as a temporary inconvenience. It hinted at a larger plan by Ho Kaku to consolidate power, instructing Ren to feign cooperation with Alex, especially regarding any proposals for joint patrols, as a means to subtly isolate Alex's forces and ultimately place the new Count under house arrest. Ren's eyes, when they met Alex's, now held a glint of shared, secret understanding, a false camaraderie that Alex expertly mirrored.

"This is... most illuminating, Count Alex," Ren stated, his voice even, yet with an undercurrent of smug satisfaction. "Manager Ho Kaku's foresight is truly unmatched. I shall cooperate fully with your directives, as per his instructions."

"Excellent," Alex said, matching his smile. "And now, General, about those patrols we discussed. Given the reports of Zhao activity, I believe it's imperative we establish two strong patrol units immediately. I was hoping your seasoned men could lead them."

General Ren, believing he was now executing Ho Kaku's secret counter-coup, played his sly game perfectly. When Alex proposed the patrols, emphasizing the need for large, veteran units due to the 'Zhao army' threat, Ren feigned concern. "Count Alex," he began, his voice laced with false sincerity, "it is wise to be cautious. A Zhao army of 500 men roaming this area is indeed a grave concern. It would not be wise to send units less than 400, and since they are veterans, we should not send less than 500. However, my 400 units are already tired from the march. I can spare only 100 men for these patrols." He was clearly trying to keep the bulk of his forces in the city while pushing Alex to deploy his less experienced men, as per Ho Kaku's supposed instructions.

Alex acted desperate, his face etched with feigned worry. "General Ren, I understand your men's fatigue. But we cannot leave our borders vulnerable. All I have are newly recruited units, still in training. Their immediate deployment in such numbers would be... a grave risk. Please, General, we need your hardened troops more than mine on the front lines." He pressed, using every ounce of his persuasive ability, appealing to Ren's ego and his supposed responsibility, all while playing into the 'secret' plan.

After a tense negotiation, General Ren, grumbling but seeing no easy way out without revealing his hand, finally conceded, but held firm on his numbers. "Very well, Count. I will send 100 of my men to lead these patrols, divided equally between the two groups. But they must be supplemented heavily by your forces to reach the required strength."

"Excellent, General!" Alex exclaimed, his relief feigned but convincing. He then returned his attention to Ren, adding, "And General, could you assign capable commanders to lead these two armies of 400? Fifty of your men, three hundred and fifty of mine in each."

Ren, still believing he was manipulating Alex and following Ho Kaku's orders, readily agreed, assigning two of his most trusted lieutenants to command the patrols.

As the patrol orders were finalized, Erza and Akane, who had been discreetly waiting, were given their final instructions. "Erza, Akane," Alex's voice was low and firm, "you will each lead one of these patrol groups. Take our most experienced soldiers and mix them with our newly recruited units to bolster their ranks. Specifically, each of your 350-man contingents will consist of 136 of our seasoned Prefecture soldiers, 114 of our trained regulars, and 100 of our fresh recruits. This will give you a strong core while utilizing our full available manpower."

The trap was set. Alex's plan was audacious: to have Erza and Akane, leading the large patrol groups, subdue Ren's lieutenants in the field and take over their soldiers. Crucially, only after these patrols had departed would Tsunade administer the poison to all other soldiers (Ren's remaining 300 and Alex's remaining 172) within the city barracks. This would prevent any alarm from being raised and ensure Erza and Akane's forces remained fresh. By the time the incapacitated soldiers were discovered, Erza and Akane would return in full force, with their now-loyal patrol units, to capture all remaining enemy soldiers and subdue General Ren in one fell swoop. The fate of Tonryuu now rested on the precision of this multi-layered deception.