The Land of the Rising Sun Transfers to Another World

Chapter 68: Utopia

It's a long one again.

There is an exchange with the US Ambassador to Japan, but I don't think it is done well. Please read with that in mind m(__)m

- ワイアード

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Meanwhile

United States Embassy in Japan

In a spacious reception room, two men were seated and talking. One was Takeshi Nanbara, the Deputy Prime Minister of Japan, and the other was Jack Cruz, the US Ambassador to Japan.

"I am truly pleased that the United States Forces Japan have decided to collaborate alongside the Self-Defense Forces on this mission."

"No, no, if anything, it's long overdue... I'm rather a cautious person... I hesitated for a while, wondering just how much to involve the American troops stationed here in the conflicts of this world, especially since communication with home has been impossible. But now, I've finally made up my mind. Protecting Japan also means protecting Americans here."

"We're endlessly grateful for that... By the way, Mr. Cruz..."

"Hm?"

"You've lost weight again."

Ambassador Cruz was indeed looking rather gaunt. The suit he wore seemed to be somewhat loose, suggesting it once fit him better.

"Oh, yes... haha... being permanently separated from my family, my only emotional anchor, has taken a toll..."

In fact, the day before Japan's unexpected transference over a year ago, Cruz's family had returned home to see his elderly parents. Then the event happened, and he was forever separated from his family. The shock was so great that his interactions with the Japanese government had stalled more than anticipated.

"...In any case, I'm all right now. But, about that promise?"

"Of course... We've found land that could serve as a second America. It's about 3.000 kilometers south of Japan, a stretch of unclaimed, unexplored territory. Naturally, your nation would bear the cost of developing it."

"Oh! Then—"

"However... there's one condition for this development."

"Condition?"

Nanbara took a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Cruz, who read it and was taken aback.

"Wh-where did you get this information!?"

"...I cannot disclose that. However, providing this to our country is the condition for supporting your endeavor to create a second America. If you cannot agree to it... regrettably, we will consider the proposal off the table."

"...I understand. Desperate times call for desperate measures. But allow me to speak with each of the United States military commanders here first."

Hearing Cruz's response, Nanbara smiled warmly and extended his hand.

"Thank you. Rest assured... as long as you keep your promise, we will keep ours."

Ambassador Cruz extended his hand, and the two men shared a firm handshake. On the paper Cruz had received was written: "ARSENAL OCEAN PROJECT."

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Imperial Palace Conference Room, Hardique Empire

The day after the commotion, Prince Orion, General Bennett, Imperial Family Advisor Sonny, and Bureau Director of Military Affairs Libra were within the meeting room. A tense atmosphere hung heavily in the room. Bennett and Libra had been bickering for nearly 15 minutes.