Disclaimer: I do not own any Machiavelli, nor Peter's Evil Overlord List, both of which were used as references.

A/N: Combine Machiavelli's "The Prince" and the Evil Overlord List, and what do you get? And yes, I actually did read Machiavelli for a class.

"So if you were to take over the world, how would you do it?"

Ken and Izzy glanced at each other. "Well, we all know how that worked out with me," Ken said quietly, sighing. It might have been years since his time as the Digimon Emperor, but it still bothered him quite a bit.

Joe winced. "No offense to you Ken. Although you were doing a pretty good job before we came along."

"Thanks... I think?"

Izzy lounged back on the couch, looking thoughtful. "Well," he began, "first of all, I would have to hire troops that were fully loyal to me and served because they both loved and feared me, likely more on the fear side. Need to have that general respect as well as be fully self-sufficient."

"Makes sense," Ken nodded, "Hopefully no coup as a result."

"Then," Izzy held up two fingers, crossing his legs as his eyes gazed unfocused at the ceiling, " I will need to convince the leaders of each realm to join an alliance with me. I would watch over their trade routes, and by gradually taking control of the economy, be able to monitor and access whatever I needed. I would, of course, allow the leaders to continue ruling their realms, so long as they reported to me. "

Joe blinked. "So a peaceful takeover?"

"Yes. My troops would be highly trained and efficient professionals in battle, and would also be used to quell clashes or defend villages or cities, which would not only raise morale and the standards the populace has of me, but would also aid in recruitment to the troops. I would occasionally join in these battles, as well as visit the local populace to both survey the land as well as ensure that my image is that of respect and reliability."

"Like my reputation?"

"A bit. However, being highly respected by the populace is important, as well as having the benefit of being a just ruler, balanced with the right amount of kindness and cruelty, and being armed with hand-picked, wise advisors. All opinions will be taken into account, and flattery will be disallowed, as I need to know what the strengths and weaknesses of my empire are so I can address them. I suppose that since I already have a reputation for having done great things as a Digidestined, many potential allies are already willing to help me, so I have the respect of many."

Ken frowned slightly. "And what about dissenters?"

Izzy smiled almost deviously. "Well, I would immediately send low-level troops at them first, instructed to attack at once, and with conventional weaponry that they are well trained in. They would also be trained to contact others of their group if one disappears, and depending on the dissenter, to take said being captive if reasonable, else they are free to kill him. If this troop fails, then I will send my best troops, so as to take down the dissenters before they can grow gradually stronger. The same would apply for any weapons I use, that are powerful but not indestructible such that they can be used indefinitely for mass destruction. Were I to have a creature of great power, I would treat said creature with care and kindness so that it would not rebel against me. Ah yes, I will also not gloat over these dissenters, or give them time in any way to escape, their end will be as quick and final as possible. And I would build multiple of anything of great importance to me and my plans."

Ken and Joe stared at him.

"You've really thought this through, haven't you?" Ken commented, looking slightly disturbed.

Izzy shrugged. "This is all theoretical of course, I have no desire to take over the world. This is just 'if'."

"...If."