To possess a Digivice meant at the very least he was a Chosen Child. And he clearly was human, though his face was concealed by his outfit. Judging solely by his style, he was probably still a teenager.
And indeed, the Digimon Kaiser truly was just a kid—a boy younger even than Taichi or Koushiro, about the same age as Hikari.
Why a Chosen Child would become a commander of the Dark Army—this was probably a question best directed at the management host, though even Homeostasis likely never imagined someone would poach from their side.
But here's the real issue: the Digimon Kaiser himself wasn't particularly strong, but he could wield a Digivice, and he was human. That was the biggest problem.
Human emotions could affect Digimon, greatly accelerating their evolution. With a Digivice, this effect would multiply exponentially.
The reason Zero was so much stronger than others of his kind was precisely because he had two human partners, simultaneously benefiting from two full sets of buffs.
This power—known as "the bond between human and Digimon"—was something the Dark Army was originally unable to access.
But now, thanks to the Digimon Kaiser's existence, the Dark Army might also exploit him to become stronger, perhaps even evolving further.
Thus, Piedmon's decision to grant him the rank of Fifth Commander, equal in status to the Dark Masters themselves, wasn't unjustified.
...The Digimon Kaiser indeed possessed such qualifications, provided, of course, he could properly harness his power.
At least for now, treating all this as merely a game, bossing around Digimon like ordinary subordinates, he couldn't bring out the true potential of the Digivice.
Even negative emotional resonance required mutual understanding. At present, the Digimon Kaiser lacked such qualities.
But his current inadequacy didn't imply permanent inability. After all, this recent crushing defeat could serve as an opportunity.
"In any case, our objectives remain unchanged. Now we can confirm we've encountered three of the Dark Masters already—excluding Machinedramon, whom we've yet to face."
Machinedramon and Piedmon aside, at least MetalSeadramon and Puppetmon weren't a match for Zero, making them ideal starting points—stepping stones towards acquiring new power.
"Then our first target...will indeed be MetalSeadramon!"
...
The Digimon Kaiser opened his eyes once more, finding himself back in his base's bedroom.
The first sight to greet him was a strikingly beautiful face. On some level, this could be considered quite fortunate—though unfortunately, this beauty currently sported a swollen bruise on her cheek.
Two days had passed already, yet the wounds from her catfight with Angewomon were still quite visible.
Women really were vicious when fighting one another. But recalling LadyDevimon's ruthless feather-plucking attack on Angewomon's wings, he felt she hadn't entirely gotten the short end of the stick...
"Awake now, Ken-chan~?"
LadyDevimon smiled sweetly as she asked, receiving an irritated scolding after a brief silence.
"How many times must I tell you? Don't call me by that name! Cough—cough..."
He became agitated, triggering a violent fit of coughing. LadyDevimon shrugged helplessly.
"Yes, yes~ Still, you've learned your lesson this time, haven't you? If not for Piedmon-sama, Ken-chan's little game would've ended right there~"
At these words, the Kaiser nearly exploded, but he forcibly suppressed his emotions.
"Oh?" LadyDevimon, noticing this restraint, adopted a playful tone. "Holding it in, hmm? Good. You've grown quite a bit—seems this lesson wasn't in vain after all~"
"LadyDevimon..." The boy's voice sounded profoundly disheartened. For a moment, he reverted to that timid, insecure boy from the past. "...What must I do to become as strong as them?"
LadyDevimon immediately laughed aloud. "If I knew that, do you think I'd still be stuck here~?"
Hearing this, the boy couldn't help but chuckle bitterly. "Hah, true enough...seems I asked a stupid question."
Seeing his dispirited expression, LadyDevimon spoke again. "However, while I don't know the secret myself, I know who probably does."
The Kaiser immediately looked up, quickly guessing her meaning. "Piedmon? You're saying...I should ask Piedmon how to become stronger?"
"Precisely. If it's him, he definitely knows. Though, whether he's willing to tell you—that's another matter entirely~"
"I still need to try..." The Digimon Kaiser sat up, reaching out for his Dark D-3 Digivice. "...I finally understand. This really isn't just a simple game. Like those people said, my level of seriousness is fundamentally different from theirs."
The others truly risked their lives. Approaching this conflict with a playful attitude would only get him beaten down.
Recognizing this reality, he felt he had to do something serious—such as approaching Piedmon for advice on getting stronger.
At that very moment, within the Dark Area...
After his crushing defeat by Zero, Puppetmon simmered furiously, lacking any outlet for his anger.
And naturally, right at this inopportune moment, MetalSeadramon, whom Puppetmon had previously mocked after its own defeat, rushed over to return the favor.
Well, technically MetalSeadramon didn't arrive in person, but at least sent a communication filled with biting sarcasm.
"What happened? Weren't you boasting about beating Zero all alone, needing no help? Not only did you lose, but you even ran back with your tail tucked, saved by others!"
True, MetalSeadramon also lost—and lost half its body—but it had at least fled under its own power, preserving some dignity despite looking pathetic.
Puppetmon, on the other hand, would've perished on the spot if Piedmon hadn't intervened. By comparison, Puppetmon's loss was clearly more humiliating...
Even if it was just the pot calling the kettle black, this was enough to push Puppetmon over the edge.
Already a childish brat with no emotional control, Puppetmon immediately grabbed his weapon, intending to charge out and battle MetalSeadramon to the death.
Fortunately, Piedmon quickly intervened.
Truthfully, Piedmon felt exhausted himself. Dealing with these endlessly squabbling idiots—pulling them apart while constantly putting out fires—was genuinely draining.
But accomplishing great deeds naturally required dealing with nuisances. Besides, Piedmon himself was quite the sadist; seeing Puppetmon humiliated actually gave him considerable pleasure.
Serves you right, brat—always making trouble for me. You deserved this little beating.
Of course, having had his fun, Piedmon still had important business.
"Now you finally understand. The enemy we're facing isn't like those we've encountered before—they're trouble equal to the Four Holy Beasts themselves."
After sealing away the Four Holy Beasts, Piedmon believed the Digital World had no further obstacles. Who'd have thought a monster like Zero would suddenly emerge, handing two Dark Masters humiliating defeats—something unprecedented since the Four Holy Beasts.
"It was only carelessness this time. Next time, next time I'll definitely—"
"We don't have endless 'next times' for you to waste. Understand?"
This time, Piedmon's voice carried no humor at all. His severe tone cut off Puppetmon without mercy, silencing him completely.
When Piedmon got serious, his imposing presence immediately crushed Puppetmon into speechlessness.
"Still, you must've gained something from this fight. Even if it's insufficient to advance further, it can serve as a trigger."
"A trigger for what?" Puppetmon asked doubtfully.
Piedmon smiled once again. "Don't worry. Let's wait until our other companion arrives. He should be here shortly."
No sooner had he spoken than an Airdramon arrived carrying a certain figure into the depths of the Dark Area.
Then LadyDevimon, flying alongside, scooped up the Digimon Kaiser and landed gracefully.
"Piedmon-sama, Puppetmon-sama..." LadyDevimon greeted them respectfully. Puppetmon snorted dismissively, while Piedmon warmly opened his arms in welcome.
"Welcome. Perfect timing—we were just discussing you..."
At these words, Puppetmon suddenly realized. "Wait, the 'trigger' you mentioned...you mean this kid?"
"Exactly..." Piedmon affirmed decisively. "Isn't it obvious? The reason that ridiculous Digimon on File Island is so powerful is precisely because of humans. You've experienced it yourself, haven't you?"
"..."
Though unwilling to admit it, Puppetmon knew it was true. Humans partnering with Digimon indeed brought immense enhancements.
"Thus, if we also wield that power, how could we possibly lose?"
Puppetmon grasped at these words desperately, quickly echoing, "Exactly! How could I possibly lose to a guy like that? He was just cheating! If I had that power, he'd stand no chance!"
Expecting the prideful brat Puppetmon to genuinely concede defeat was impossible—but Piedmon easily manipulated his stubborn pride into accepting the plan.
"And as for you..." Piedmon turned toward the Digimon Kaiser. "...You seek the secret to strength, correct? Let me tell you clearly now: that secret is within yourself. Drawing it out, however, requires certain methods."
"What methods?"
The Digimon Kaiser quickly demanded, and Piedmon smiled—this was precisely what he'd wanted.
"...Come with me. But I warn you first—it will be an extremely painful process."
"No problem..." The boy raised his head, determination filling his eyes. "...I will endure it. I definitely will!"
---
T/N: HI IM BACK HAPPY 2 YEAR ANNIVERSAY ONLY UHHH 7 DAYS? 8 DAYS LATE!!!
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