Authornote-Howdy, everyone. First off, sorry for the unexpected week break. I put a notice up on my blog but forgot to put the same message on my profile here on FFNet. Everything is alright, just had some personal issues that had to take front seat and it pushed back my editing and such back till where there was no point posting this week. I rarely will allow such a thing to happen unannounced though it's amazing how one fender bender can result in so much trouble in such a short amount of time. Upside, it seems my little break allowed me to miss out on the headaches some other authors who post here had last week due to the site screwing up story content as TFALokiwriter mentioned on Wattpad. She posts on multiple sites though Wattpad is her main base. However, now lets get on with the show. Oh, if anyone can get the game reference I put in this chapter, I will give kudos to you next chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Log Horizon. This is a fanfiction used to help with my writing skills and the fact I enjoy writing stories like these. All I own is the ideas and sub-plots used to make this fanfiction and explore Log Horizon and Naruto in a different way. Also, don't own any of the games and anime I make reference to in this story, but still got to give homage to video games since this is technically a video game fanfiction as well.
Shiroe smirked, adjusting his glasses while standing up before the twelve people before him, all seated at a round table or the one chibi sitting on the table. The operation went better than expected, now I can focus purely on the meeting. Thankfully, everyone arrived. "Thank you all for taking the time to come today." Shiroe said with a slight bow. "I'm Shiroe of the guild Log Horizon."
"No need for big introductions, Shiroe of the Tea Party," Isaac of the Black Sword Knights chuckled, "Though, can you explain why Las Boss is sitting on the table? Isn't that a bit rude?"
"Dum daa daa daa!" Las Boss chimed, snapping his finger for several screens to appear showing Sandaime Hokage sitting at a desk with an old woman and man behind them. "We have video conference up, through smart way for a low tech selfie, Old Man." Boss said as Shiroe realized the Hokage was using a mirror to reflect what he was seeing as his eyes were recording what was showing on the windows.
Good, with what Boss told me, Konoha might end up a part of Akiba if the two worlds really do combine. Hence we need it to be a part of this. Shiroe thought, though sweating with seeing the Hokage talking but no sound.
"Ah, it's just an Earth trend, I think something about taking a picture of yourself. I don't get it either." Boss sighed, sheepishly scratching his head, "Well, sorry for that. Just this really takes a lot out of me, so I wanted to only turn it on once everyone was here. Everyone here knows me as Las Boss and I am Log Horizon's second in command. Though I am a part of this meeting, I will also be also communicating for Sarutobi Hiruzen or Sandaime Hokage to many of you. This is so all members of the Hidden Leaf Trade Alliance will be present for this meeting."
"Hidden Leaf Trade Alliance?" William of the Silver Sword asked, "Why are we here, exactly? And what is this alliance you speak up."
"I will explain the Hidden Leaf Trade Alliance first." Shiroe said, "The Hidden Leaf Trade Alliance is a trade agreement between the guilds Grandeur, Radio Market, West Wind Brigade, Crescent Moon Alliance, and Log Horizon along with the village Konohagakure of Fire Country in the Noosphere server."
"Wait, isn't the expansion called Homesteading the Noosphere?" Krusty of D.D.D. asked, adjusting his glasses.
"Correct. Part of the expansion includes new cities and content through a series of events that seems possibly to be true. Hence why we formed an alliance with Konohagakure's current Hokage to ensure them a seat at this conference. From Boss's knowledge as part of the director that server is that Konohagakure would end up as Akiba's neighbor if what Log Horizon's exploration discovery is confirmed. This is also the reason I have brought you all here for input and aid over Akihabara's current state." Shiroe took a deep breath.
"As you know, ever since the Catastrophe, we have been trapped in this world. As far as we know, there is no known means to return to our old world at the moment. Hence I wish to keep the situation of Akihabara from getting any worse. My only goal is to improve the situation here in Akihabara and Konohagakure."
"Then I am out." William said, standing up. "We are a combat guild. We do not care for the state of the city. It is just a hub for us to sell and gain items." William walked away from the table, heading to the doors where two of his guilds members were waiting. "Let those who care about the city solve its issues. I don't believe there's anything wrong with this discussion. I just think it is a waste of time. Regardless, we aren't interested," William said, fully exiting the room before the doors closed behind him.
That's one out. Shiroe thought, frowning. Boss, what's going on with the Hokage's side?
The naggers that are the Old Man's advisors are confused by Silver Sword withdrawing, though the Old Man understands the situation. Shiroe listened to Las Boss's voice in his head. However, amaze only Silver Sword left, but best block off the exit before we lose too many.
Right, Shiroe looked over the eleven people before him. "Let's me continue. I've gathered you here to help create a council to discuss Akihabara's problems. Konohagakure is a purely military settlement, hence wishes the assistance through a council due to its lack of understand of guild politics and adjusting to this world just as we are. Basically, a round table conference."
And the Old Man wonders why I hate politic meetings like this. The naggers are already blasts my ears off with questions of what is going on and being damn war hawks. Shiroe frowned, keeping a straight face. No questions from the Old Man, though wishing for some aspirin like me.
I might join in on that as well. Shiroe focused back on the people before him. "Our immediate goal will be to improve the city's atmosphere and safety along with establishing a relationship with Konohagakure to help improve both cities. In the long term, I'd like us to be capable of addressing different types of problems as well as possibly establish a formal council between Akihabara and Konohagakure."
"Before we get to that, can you tell us how you chose those you invited today?" Krusty asked, adjusting his glasses.
"Certainly. First, the Black Sword Knights, Honesty, West Wind Brigades, and D.D.D. were chosen as the largest or most notable of the combat guilds. Same for Silver Sword that left us. Oceanic System, Roderick Firm, and 8th Shopping District were chosen to represent the crafting guilds. Crescent Moon Alliance, Grandeur, and Radio Market not only represent their guilds, but the smaller guilds and players who are not with a guild." Shiroe said, looking over everyone. "Sandaime Hokage of Log Horizon is represent his village of Konohagakure, which is a ninja village with its population vastly growing due to the changes on the server."
"Indeed. Around 6,000 players in the guilds are represented here." Eins of the battle guild Honesty said. "That also means 9,000 players in the city are either in a smaller guild or don't belong in one."
"And you?" Krusty asked, looking at Shiroe.
"Las Boss and I am here as meeting organizers and the ones who came up with the proposal. Las Boss also is serving as the representative of the current Hidden Leaf Trade Alliance due to being the only one not directly in the meeting as a guild master or village leader like in the Hokage's case. Las Boss serves as treasurer for both Log Horizon and the Hidden Leaf Trade Alliance."
"In other words, you put this meeting together and invited us to ensure you had a right to be here." Krusty said, frowning at Shiroe.
"That is correct." Shiroe answered, adjusting his glasses.
"Even if we form this council you're talking about, how will we keep the peace?" Isaac said, shrugging at everyone before leaning forward. "No, what do you mean, exactly, by the city being unsafe?"
"Shiroe, may I?" Shiroe looked at Las Boss and nodded, "Vocal harassment, kidnapping, protection extortion, rape, and several other such acts. Though Log Horizon's own investigation, we have managed to discover various guilds using various means to keep low level players under control for various things. In Akiba, thankfully, it has been only to take beginners EXP Pots and putting them into force labor. However, Susukino has already spiraled out of control, with human trafficking and sexual assault being commonplace."
"But that isn't-"
"Illegal?" Las Boss interrupted Isaac, "Yes, there is no laws. But try saying that again to the man before you whose wife was raped before he could save her from Susukino when Brigandia decided to throw all morals out the window?" Isaac as well as other members at the table went pale. "Also, before you tell me there is laws, the No Combat Zones are simply zones with rules. It is a broken defense system that is failing due to players having figured out how to keep their actions from being combat based. It is not law, but should not be abused either as the Royal Guard is more than just a defense system."
"Correct. Laws are what people create and others recognize." Maryelle said before sheepishly smiling. "Well, that's what Henrietta said," Ayaneka looked at Maryelle with shock.
"As Las Boss said, Log Horizon went to Susukino." Shiroe said with a stern tone. "A guild there was using brute force to control the city and threatening NPCs and other players. However, the means they done this is just the simplest means of control over a city, though they are not illegal. But, does that make it right? Is that all that the law is?" Shiroe frowned, watching as several of the members whispered to each other.
Old Man is still keeping up with us, though his advisors are shock we been living in a lawless space and amazed war has yet to break out. Shiroe looked at Las Boss who was frowning and crossing his arms. Should I be the one to break the ice? Considering we should use your prize as the cherry on the top?
Go ahead. Make your trolling powers shine. Shiroe smirked slightly.
Don't be a jackass right now. I am already forming a headache just from the meeting, let alone how many links I have open. Las Boss shot a quick glare at Shiroe.
"But, what will you do if a group appears that refuses to recognize this Round Table?" Eins asked, "A group that goes against anything we decide?"
"We fight them, of course." Las Boss grinned, "Though banishment or disbanding their guild. Though, there is a possible means of a death sentence as well, but even I rather not resort to that as it may mean permadeath."
"Permadeath?" Krusty asked, everyone whispering at the table.
"Hey, how is that, Las?" Isaac asked, glaring at the childlike sage. "Kill someone and they revive in the Cathedral, just like always."
"That is true. As long as you're not blacklisted from the Cathedral and manage to get to another one without dying." Las Boss let out an evil chuckled. "I believe some of you may have noticed, but every building in Akiba along with the city itself went on sale after the Catastrophe, correct?"
"Zones outside the city as well." Krusty said, adjusting his glasses. "D.D.D. purchased a small zone for training outside the city and can control the settings. However, buildings like the Cathedral cost far too much for a guild to purchase."
"Plus, if a battle guild or major guild goes against this table, that means war." Isaac chuckled, putting his finger to the table. "You have no means of stopping-"
"All major facilities outside the Guild Hall Building of the city of Akihabara was purchased by me the instant I returned from Susukino." Las Boss said, silence filling the room. "Konohagakure and its major facilities are also now owned by Sandaime Hokage with using his bank accounts I have amassed. Four hours ago, Shiroe bought the Guild Hall Building, hence technically all of Konohagakure and Akihabara are owned by Log Horizon, mostly through me due to being purchased with the restricted funds I have from working for Elder Tales for in-game currency and controlling Log Horizon's funds. Due to also now being the owner of Akiba, I have control over the Royal Guard as well."
"W-What?" Isaac asked, in utter shock. "What did you just say?"
Shiroe felt a chill go down his spine when Naruto chuckled, "Shiroe and I both agree we rather not attempt permadeath with using the Cathedral as punishment, but what do you think guilds like Bringandia would do if they gotten a hold of such a precious building? Though, even without the Cathedral, being blacklisted from the Trade Building and Guild Hall Building alone is easily enough to ensure financial ruin within this city due to your assets frozen and being unable to trade loot for money or buy new items unless from an outside shop. Oh, this is not blackmail. This is just a statement. I made an agreement with buying the city that none of my purchased zones shall not be used for blacklisting against players living in the city. Shiroe, on the other hand, is under no such agreement, correct?"
"Hai. I control the settings of the building we are standing inside of this building including who can enter and leave. Though this, I can keep people from entering the Guild Hall Building through blacklisting them. This is how the council will enforce against guilds who go against us." Shiroe smirked, adjusting his glasses. And how Hamelin will be destroyed.