Chapter 57 She is practically Superman

Page (1/3)

"In the primary combat zones of Edogawa and Taito wards, preliminary estimates place direct losses at over ten billion US dollars, while indirect losses are still being calculated."

"Additionally, the Tsuchigumo led a scattered horde of various yokai, and some spirits are still roaming outside; the 'Demon-Conductor' Yamada Ryo has been missing since eliminating American soldiers deployed in Edogawa; a divine miracle of the Inari God occurred at the Hanazono Shrine in Ueno Park, Taito Ward; and the Yokosuka Naval Base has strongly demanded access to the shrine and an official response regarding the killing of their soldiers by the 'Demon-Conductor'."

"Citizens are clamoring both online and offline, demanding that the government make the full picture of this incident public."

"These are all the current agenda items."

Inside the conference room, a group of high-ranking island nation officials wore grave expressions as they listened to the briefing.

The previously absent Prime Minister, Chief Cabinet Secretary, Minister of Finance, Minister of Health, and other high-ranking officials had returned to Tokyo. The modestly sized conference room was filled with the current power brokers of the island nation.

Among these heavyweights, one person stood out.

Director Hakuba sat with his hands clasped on the table, maintaining a calm and collected demeanor. He carried a natural authority, exuding an aura of utter tranquility.

Whether it was imagination or not, the high-ranking officials present always felt that this man's gaze carried a natural, lofty contempt for everyone else.

"Ahem, you are all the pillars of our island nation. Now that the nation faces such a monumental upheaval, I hope you will all speak freely and share your perspectives," the Prime Minister said, offering a slight cough to break the ice.

"I believe that whether it is Lord Minamoto or that transcendent being who commands the seas and patrols the heavens, both must be won over. They belong to our island nation's transcendent forces," the Finance Minister spoke up first.

Looking at the images of those destroyed buildings made his heart ache. Money! His precious money! Gone, all gone.

As for why Minamoto no Raikou was a woman, they had quickly adjusted their mindset after recovering from their initial shock.

So what if she was a woman? Did she eat rice out of your bowl?

She could unleash hundreds of meters of sword Qi with a single slash, cutting down everything in her path. If you could do that, your opinion counted; if you couldn't, shut up and sit down.

What? Women face difficulties getting hired or advancing in the island nation's workplace?

Baka! The island nation treats everyone equally, men and women alike! Anyone who says otherwise will be taken outside and mowed down with a machine gun!

"It's just that the Imperial Household..." someone hesitated, wearing a doubtful expression.

Everyone frowned.

Indeed, Lord Minamoto had lived off the imperial grain a millennium ago. Having awakened after a thousand years, there was no guarantee she wouldn't choose to support the Imperial Household once again.

"Tap, tap."

Page (1/3)

Page (2/3)

Knuckles rapping against the tabletop produced a crisp sound. Everyone instinctively looked toward the source. It was Director Hakuba, tapping gently.

"You need not worry, gentlemen. That noble lord currently only wishes to mentor that young girl."

Director Hakuba's words caused some to breathe sighs of relief, but immediately afterward, many eyes lit up.

Seeing this, Director Hakuba's tone turned chilling.

"You had all better think carefully. What haven't those ancient beings seen? Anyone who wishes to test whether the Spider-Cutters blade is truly sharp is welcome to submit their resignation first; I will arrange for professionals to handle their funeral arrangements."

Those who harbored ulterior motives instantly reined in their ambitions.

"What about that Lady Mizuhuchi..." The Chief Cabinet Secretary steered the conversation toward the other transcendent entity.

Mizuhuchi's display of commanding the seas and patrolling the heavens had been completely unmasked, standing proudly atop the churning waves with overwhelming momentum. With the island nation's official intelligence-gathering capabilities, it hadn't taken long to uncover her background.

First glance: Hmm, a model student.

Second glance: Well, yikes, there are a few minor issues.

Judging purely from the collected intelligence, that entity indeed possessed the potential to become a 'tyrant.'

But that was unimportant. What mattered was that power. If they could recruit that lord who ruled the seas, even America wouldn't dare to act so arrogantly anymore!

"What does Hakuba-kun think?" The Prime Minister looked at Director Hakuba, seeking his advice with modest sincerity.

Logically speaking, in a meeting packed with such heavyweights, even with Director Hakuba in command of the powerful Metropolitan Police Department, he shouldn't have been able to act so arrogantly. His expression and gaze practically broadcasted that everyone present was trash.

Yet, considering his stellar record of single-handedly keeping the MPD brass in line while coordinating operations across all fronts, they... endured it.

You're just that awesome!!

Director Hakuba pondered for a moment before speaking, "This matter must wait until we have paid our respects to the Inari God. We can only hope to glean some intelligence from that divine child."

With that, his gaze suddenly sharpened, sweeping across the crowd as he issued a warning.

"I must remind you all that from now on, no intelligence regarding Lady Mizuhuchi may be investigated without explicit permission. You have already witnessed the might of the transcendent. America's multi-million-dollar tactical nuclear warheads couldn't even scratch the roots summoned by Lady Mikagitsune, while Lady Mizuhuchi walked the seas and conversed directly with her."

"If anyone wishes to see Tokyo flattened into an ocean, don't blame me if I send them to help rebuild Tokyo Bay first!"

It was a blunt warning, completely devoid of deference to the high-ranking officials present.

Page (2/3)

Page (3/3)

Faced with the immense pressure brought by transcendent might, Director Hakuba understood better than anyone in the room what understanding that power entailed. If you want to die, don't drag me down with you!

Not a single person felt offended; they nodded repeatedly.

After all, waiting a little longer wouldn't kill them, and it was certainly better than rushing in blindly without solid intelligence. Suicidal behavior didn't look like that.

"There is one more matter. Two American major generals are attempting to enter the shrine," the Governor of Tokyo Metropolis announced.

"Let's go. Don't keep them waiting too long," Director Hakuba said, rising to his feet with a calm tone.

————

Six hundred meters away from the Inari Shrine, personnel from the Metropolitan Police Department and the American side were shouting back and forth, with a group of Shinto priests gathered further in the distance.

"I apologize, Your Excellency. The Director has given strict orders: without his permission, not even the Prime Minister may enter."

"Fak! Do you know who I am? Step aside!"

Lt. General Litar and Tara were beside themselves with anger. Japan was merely a lapdog raised by America; how dare a dog block its master? Have they completely lost their minds?

The transcendent-affairs section chief blocking their path wore an expression of agonizing difficulty.

Given that it was America, he wouldn't have dared if not for the direct order straight from the Director.

Especially since these guys were holding loaded firearms, he genuinely feared they might let their hot tempers flare and stage a little 'Free America' right in front of the Inari God's shrine.

Satoshi Tsubasa looked at the shouting and screaming pale-faced foreigners. Having just narrowly escaped death in Edogawa Ward only to be sent here to play guard, her anger flared up instantly.

"Do you brainless freaks not understand human speech? Do you know what place this is? This is the shrine of the Inari God! If you keep screaming, I'll dress up as a vampire, put on a Satan mask, drape myself in a devil's cloak, and go into Yahweh's church to pole-dance, just to see if you let me in or not!"

She was practically superhuman!

"Ahem."

A light cough sounded simultaneously with the screech of car brakes. The group of high-ranking officials stepped out of their vehicles. Director Hakuba cast an approving glance at Satoshi Tsubasa, then turned with a stern expression to face Litar and the round-faced, bearded Tara.

"Gentlemen, this is the shrine of our island nation's deity. Whatever your purpose may be, you are not permitted to make a ruckus here and disturb the rest of the deity. Please turn back."

Page (3/3)