Chapter 76: A Gentle Deception
It seems there is no problem here.
Mizuki stood quietly in the shade, the delicate parasol in his hand dipping slightly as he observed the distant scene. Ahead, BlackGatomon had just wrapped up her masterful negotiation, successfully reeling in three Megadramon and five Monodramon.
Mizuki analyzed the tactical situation in his mind. Monodramon might not boast the highest offensive output among Champion-level Digimon, but their defensive scales and sheer endurance made them notoriously stubborn opponents. Couple that with three Megadramon—whose exact combat parameters remained a dangerous unknown—and the situation could have easily spiraled out of control.
Even with the formidable strength of their special Greymon, locking down three Megadramon simultaneously would have been a grueling tactical nightmare. If a brawl had broken out, the stray Monodramon would have undoubtedly slipped past the vanguard, inflicting catastrophic damage on the Agumon and Gazimon who were still stuck in their vulnerable Rookie stages.
Fortunately, the worst-case scenario remained a mere hypothetical.
Just as Mizuki let out a quiet breath of relief, a gruff but eager voice spoke up from beside his leg.
That is exactly why you absolutely do not need to worry about Boss BlackGatomon, Great King Mizuki!
One of the Dobermon sat at attention, its tail thumping rhythmically against the dirt. You have to remember, even back when she was just a Rookie herself, most of Etemon's Champion-level enforcers and grunts were tricked... I mean, recruited by her! Pulling off a stunt like this is a total walk in the park for her.
Is that so... Mizuki murmured, a faint, amused smile touching his lips as he nodded.
He turned his attention to the two Dobermon, as well as the remaining Gazimon and Agumon lingering nearby. I understand the situation now. Next, I need you all to take the Agumon and Gazimon and move out to assist BlackGatomon's group.
Us? Go assist Boss BlackGatomon?
The two Dobermon exchanged a bewildered glance before shaking their heads vigorously, their spiked collars rattling. How can we do that? We swore to Boss BlackGatomon that we would stay right here and protect you, Great King Mizuki!
Mizu does not need your protection!
Before Mizuki could formulate a reply, Belle chimed in, her voice ringing with absolute confidence. She stepped forward, puffing out her chest proudly. It is more than enough that I am here to protect Mizu!
Had she been in her mature, statuesque form, the gesture would have exuded a stunning, commanding presence. Unfortunately for Belle's intimidating image, she had currently adjusted her data to take on a petite, child-like form. Instead of looking like a fierce guardian, the proud posture only amplified her overwhelming cuteness.
Hee hee~ I am right, aren't I, Mizu?
Completely oblivious to how adorable she looked, Belle beamed up at him, her bright eyes sparkling with the absolute certainty that she appeared incredibly reliable and powerful.
Faced with such an impossibly endearing partner, Mizuki felt his heart soften. He reached out, intending to gently pat her head, but Belle was faster. She eagerly caught his hand mid-air and pressed his palm directly against her soft, squishy cheek, leaning into his touch with a contented hum.
Ehehe~ Mizu's petting me~
Allowing himself a brief moment of warmth with his partner, Mizuki did not let himself forget the loyal Digimon still awaiting his orders.
Dobermon, Mizuki began, his tone softening with genuine appreciation. I know you are worried about me. Thank you. I am truly happy to have your loyalty.
The two hound Digimon, who had been drooping with slight disappointment, immediately perked up at the praise. Their docked tails began to wag furiously, blurring the line between fearsome digital beasts and ordinary, eager-to-please puppies.
However, their joy was short-lived as Mizuki's next words dropped a heavy anchor into the conversation.
However, I believe BlackGatomon needs your help far more than I do right now.
The Dobermon tilted their heads, their ears twitching in confusion. Um... Great King Mizuki, what do you mean by that? If we remember correctly, Etemon's pyramid is only supposed to be guarded by some Rookie-level Gazimon, right? The truly troublesome guys have already been recruited by Boss BlackGatomon.
That is only how it appears on the surface, Mizuki replied, slowly shaking his head.
Under their puzzled gazes, he offered a calm, calculating smile. Let me give you a small hint. Do you really think a guy like Etemon—someone whose entire head is stuffed with nothing but arrogance, bragging, and showmanship—could independently establish and maintain a massive, complex communication network covering this entire region?
???
The two Dobermon stared blankly for a moment. While they did not possess BlackGatomon's razor-sharp cunning, they were far from stupid. They were clever enough to have survived and schemed against powerful foes in the past.
As Mizuki's prompt settled in their minds, the gears clicked into place.
Great King Mizuki, do you mean—
Exactly. I am thinking...
Mizuki's gaze drifted past the Dobermon, his eyes narrowing slightly as if piercing through the very fabric of space, locking onto the dark, buried depths beneath the distant pyramid.
...that the one truly capable of managing all of this must be another incredibly powerful Digimon.
In reality, Mizuki knew it was an Ultimate-level Digimon. Having retained the memories of the original plot, he knew exactly what nightmare lay imprisoned beneath the stone structure: Datamon.
The reason he did not state the name explicitly was simple; he wanted to cultivate his companions' tactical awareness and critical thinking.
The Dobermon did not disappoint. The realization hit them, and their eager expressions instantly morphed into masks of grave seriousness.
That idiot Etemon actually let a guy like that hide underground? one Dobermon growled, its hackles raising.
No, it is probably just a twisted form of exploitation, the other muttered, pacing anxiously. Maybe Etemon thinks that unidentified guy is nothing to worry about, but that might not be the case for Boss BlackGatomon and the others!
Realizing the hidden danger, they looked back at Mizuki, who offered them a reassuring, confident smile.
Go now, Dobermon, Mizuki commanded gently. And do not forget to take the Agumon and Gazimon with you. Even if they cannot necessarily hold the line in a direct fight, there are always crucial tasks they can handle on the periphery.
Great King Mizuki...
Hearing that Mizuki's words carried absolutely no disdain for their current weakness, the Rookie-level Gazimon and Agumon looked up at him, their eyes shining with deep gratitude.
After bowing respectfully and pledging their unwavering loyalty, the group mobilized. Guided by the two Dobermon, they dashed off into the wasteland, kicking up dust as they rushed toward BlackGatomon's coordinates.
Watching their retreating silhouettes shrink against the horizon, Belle tugged lightly at Mizuki's sleeve. Mizu, is this really okay?
Hmm?
If there really is an Ultimate-level Digimon down there, even if it is in a weakened state, it is definitely not something a bunch of Champion-level Digimon can handle on their own, right?
That is entirely true, Mizuki agreed, a sly, almost mischievous curve appearing at the corner of his mouth. That is exactly why I plan to sneak over there and observe the situation myself now that they are gone.
He chuckled softly, adjusting his grip on the parasol. After all, if I had directly suggested going into the danger zone myself, those good kids would have worried themselves sick and nagged me to death.
Mizu...
Looking up at Mizuki's calm, gentle profile, Belle's eyes widened in realization. He had not hidden the truth initially to deceive them; he had done it to protect their morale and enthusiasm. And he had only explained the true danger later out of genuine concern for their safety, ensuring they would not walk into a trap unprepared.
A deep flush of affection colored Belle's cheeks. Overwhelmed by a surge of happiness, she threw her arms wide and launched herself directly into his chest.
As expected, Mizu is just so wonderfully gentle~ she mumbled, burying her face deeply into his shirt, greedily inhaling his scent.
Caught off guard by the sudden impact, Mizuki stumbled back a half-step, a helpless laugh escaping his lips.
Hey, hey, Belle, take it easy. I have worked up a bit of a sweat standing out here.
It does not matter! Not a single part of Mizu could ever be dirty!
It would have been better if Mizuki had not said anything at all. The moment the words left his mouth, Belle only pressed closer, sniffing his shirt with even more enthusiastic dedication. Sniff, sniff~
Looking down at his hopelessly affectionate partner, Mizuki let out a soft sigh of surrender. Despite his feigned helplessness, his eyes were warm as he raised his hand, gently and rhythmically patting her head just as he always did.
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