The time had come. Alex, still in the guise of Ainz Ooal Gown, had successfully laid the groundwork for Nazarick's influence in the ninja world. His network of spies had infiltrated the key clans, and whispers of immortality and protection had already begun to weave their way through the minds of those in power. But now, for the first time since arriving in this world, he would face the ninja directly, not as an ally or shadow manipulator, but as a powerful entity that demanded their recognition—or submission.
The scouts of Nazarick had reported strange movements from a faction of rogue ninja not aligned with any of the major clans. They were operating in the shadows, disrupting trade routes and spreading chaos. The most troubling aspect was that these rogues had begun investigating Nazarick's presence, curious about the fortress and its mysterious leader. It was time to send a message.
Alex stood on the precipice of Nazarick's entrance, gazing down at the vast forest that stretched beyond the fortress's borders. Beside him were his loyal guardians: Albedo, Shalltear, and Demiurge. Each of them radiated power and anticipation, ready for whatever challenge awaited them.
"The rogue ninja have grown bold," Demiurge reported, his voice dripping with disdain. "They've been attempting to gather information on Nazarick, though they are woefully unprepared for what awaits them."
Albedo stepped forward, her golden eyes gleaming. "Shall I lead a force to wipe them out, my lord? It would be a simple task."
Alex shook his head, his skeletal face betraying no emotion. "No, Albedo. This is not about wiping out a minor threat. It's time for the ninja world to understand what they are dealing with. I will go personally. Let them see the full power of Ainz Ooal Gown."
The guardians exchanged glances, surprised but intrigued by Alex's decision. Shalltear smiled eagerly, her bloodthirsty nature stirred by the prospect of battle. "Shall I accompany you, my lord?" she asked, already anticipating the thrill of a fight.
Alex considered her offer but ultimately shook his head. "Not this time, Shalltear. I need you to remain here and monitor the situation. If this is a distraction, we must be prepared for any other threats. I will take only Demiurge."
Shalltear's expression flickered with disappointment, but she quickly masked it with a bow. "As you command, my lord."
With that settled, Alex and Demiurge set out from Nazarick, their forms vanishing into the shadows as they moved toward the location of the rogue ninja. It didn't take long for them to reach the outskirts of the forest where the rogues were hiding. Alex's aura of power radiated through the air, sending ripples of dark energy that alerted anyone nearby to his presence. He wanted them to know he was coming.
As they approached the rogue camp, Demiurge glanced at Alex. "Do you wish for me to engage them first, my lord?"
Alex shook his head. "No, Demiurge. Let them see me. I want to speak to their leader before we make any moves. These rogues are ambitious but foolish. Let us see if they can be of use."
They stepped into the clearing, and the rogue ninja, who had been in the middle of a meeting, immediately sensed the presence of the newcomers. Their leader, a tall, scarred man with cold, calculating eyes, barked orders to his men, who swiftly surrounded Alex and Demiurge, weapons drawn. The tension in the air was palpable.
The rogue leader stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of the undead lich and his demonic companion. "Who are you, and what business do you have with us?"
Alex stood tall, his crimson gaze glowing beneath his helmet. His voice, deep and commanding, echoed through the clearing. "I am Ainz Ooal Gown, ruler of the Great Tomb of Nazarick. You have been investigating my domain, and I have come to see what interest you have in my affairs."
The rogue leader sneered, clearly unimpressed by Alex's title. "Ainz Ooal Gown? Never heard of you. You're just another pretender trying to carve out a piece of this world. We've dealt with your kind before."
Demiurge chuckled darkly, stepping forward to address the leader. "You are mistaken if you think you are dealing with mere pretenders. My lord is the true ruler of this world. Your ignorance will be your undoing."
The rogue leader scowled, clearly not intimidated. "You think your title and a flashy appearance will scare us? We are the shadows of this world, the unseen hand that controls the flow of power. If you know what's good for you, you'll leave now before you make enemies you can't handle."
Alex, calm as ever, extended his skeletal hand. "Is that so? You believe you control power, yet you stand before a force you cannot comprehend. I offer you a choice—submit to Nazarick, or be destroyed."
The rogue ninja laughed, his men following suit. "Submit? To you? We've seen the likes of you before—talking big, throwing around empty threats. Let's see if you can back it up."
Without hesitation, the rogue leader signaled his men to attack. They moved swiftly, a flurry of shuriken, kunai, and jutsu aimed directly at Alex and Demiurge. For a brief moment, it looked like the rogues were in control, their movements fast and precise.
But then, Alex raised his hand, and time itself seemed to freeze.
The world around them slowed to a crawl as his overwhelming magical power surged through the clearing. The rogue ninja, still mid-attack, found themselves paralyzed, unable to move or even comprehend what was happening. Alex's crimson gaze swept over them, his voice calm and deliberate.
"I offered you a choice," he said, his voice echoing in the eerie stillness. "You chose poorly."
With a flick of his wrist, the rogue leader's men were swept away in a wave of dark energy, their bodies disintegrating into dust before they could even react. The leader, still frozen in place, watched in horror as his comrades were wiped out in an instant.
Demiurge, standing beside Alex, smiled coldly. "My lord gave you a chance. You should have taken it."
The rogue leader, now trembling, fell to his knees, his bravado shattered. "Wait… please. I… I didn't know. I didn't understand…"
Alex stepped forward, towering over the now-broken man. "You sought to control power you did not understand. But now, you will serve that power."
The rogue leader looked up, desperation in his eyes. "Yes, yes, I'll serve. I'll do whatever you ask… just spare me…"
Alex considered the man for a moment before speaking. "You will be spared. But your life now belongs to Nazarick. Fail me, and you will wish for death."
The leader nodded frantically, his loyalty bought through fear. "I won't fail. I swear it."
With the rogue leader now under his control, Alex turned and began walking away, Demiurge following closely behind. As they disappeared into the shadows once more, the leader remained kneeling in the clearing, shaken but alive, his fate now tied to the will of Ainz Ooal Gown.
As they returned to Nazarick, Demiurge glanced at Alex, a smile of satisfaction on his face. "The ninja world is beginning to understand the power of Nazarick, my lord. Soon, they will all bow to you."
Alex nodded, his mind already moving to the next phase of his plan. "Yes, Demiurge. This was just the beginning. They will know my name, and they will fear it."
The first encounter with the ninja had ended in swift victory, but Alex knew that greater challenges lay ahead. The clans would soon learn of Nazarick's power, and when they did, they would have no choice but to submit—or face annihilation.