Chapter 144 Yamata-No-Orochi(2/?)
As the PDA ships approached the harbor, Lucifer stepped forward to greet the Japanese Foreign Minister. The Minister's black hair was neatly groomed, and he seemed quite young for his position.
The Minister bowed to Lucifer and smiled politely. "Welcome to our beautiful country, Lucifer-sama."
Lucifer returned the smile. "Yes, a little vacation while I'm here should be refreshing."
The Minister's smile widened. "I hope you enjoy it. Now, if you'll permit me, the Prime Minister is waiting for you."
Lucifer said nothing further and followed the Minister as he led the way. The harbor had been closed off for the day, ensuring that Lucifer could proceed without the hassle of reporters.
As the car moved forward, Lucifer glanced curiously at Minister Souta. "I heard the Prime Minister is likely to lose the election. Is that true?"
Minister Souta shook his head vigorously, denying the claim. The worry on his face was unmistakable, and he seemed uneasy about Lucifer's statement.
"We will win. The media is simply amplifying the opposition's voice, Lucifer-sama," Souta said seriously. Lucifer remained unconvinced but smiled. "Yes, I'm sure that's the case."
Souta sighed and then looked at Lucifer earnestly. "For years, our government has worked tirelessly for the economy and the structure of the state. Yet the opposition is like a serpent—always trying to drag us down and prevent us from serving our citizens."
"And the Parliament?" Lucifer asked curiously. Souta responded calmly. "There is significant opposition in the Parliament. Unfortunately, internal traitors make it difficult for the Prime Minister to resolve major issues."
"I see. That's unfortunate," Lucifer said calmly. "If we can reach a suitable agreement, I will assist you—provided you accept our terms."
Sensing the subtle threat in Lucifer's tone, Minister Souta nodded nervously, flashing a diplomatic smile to signal his consent.
"Through diplomacy, we can achieve anything. Please, don't worry. I'm sure you and the Prime Minister will come to an agreement."
"I hope so," Lucifer replied, shifting his focus away from Souta as he awaited their arrival at the Prime Minister's office. Half an hour later, they reached the Kantei in Tokyo.
As Lucifer stepped out of the vehicle, Prime Minister Matsukawa Ryoichi greeted him. The Prime Minister's white hair and wrinkled skin bore the marks of stress and age, and his dark eyes betrayed years of strain.
At first glance, Lucifer's impression of the Prime Minister was that he seemed weak. Indeed, in a country like Japan, where democracy ran deep, being an authoritarian figure must have been immensely taxing.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
Lucifer had studied Japan's political landscape before arriving. To him, Japan was increasingly adopting an imperialistic ideology, though with a Prime Minister in place of an emperor.
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Matsukawa had risen to power under the slogan "Iron Fist and Reform." Initially beloved for his promises of modernization and reform, he gradually became more authoritarian, transforming Japan's democratic system into his own autocratic regime.
While Matsukawa had turned Japan into a technological superpower, many small businesses had gone bankrupt in the process, giving rise to state-backed mega-corporations.
Lucifer respected this, but it was clear that Japan was becoming more authoritarian. Rumors suggested that after 30 years in office, the Prime Minister was attempting to reactivate the military and amend the constitution.
Still, the opposition was formidable and closely allied with the USA. The current Japanese government had been making significant efforts to reduce American influence, much to the USA's dismay.
Japan was a key country for the USA in Asia. To counter this, the Japanese government had opened the door for investment in the PDA, a government-supported initiative gaining traction in the USA.
Lucifer suspected this was the case. The Prime Minister needed the PDA to cut off American support for the opposition and secure his re-election.
Lucifer intended to leverage this to the fullest.
"Welcome to our beautiful country, Mr. Lucifer," the Prime Minister said, his voice sluggish with age. Lucifer nodded, donning a diplomatic smile. "I'm pleased to be here, Prime Minister. I hope you're well."
The Prime Minister nodded with a faint smile. "Yes, thank you."
"Then let's proceed inside," Lucifer said. The Prime Minister gestured for him to follow, and as they entered, camera flashes lit up the scene.
Once inside the Prime Minister's office, accompanied by various ministers, the meeting finally began.
"First, I would like to present you with a gift," the Prime Minister said with a smile. He signaled for it to be brought in. A refined secretary entered, carrying something wrapped in luxurious fabric, and presented it to Lucifer.
"Is this a katana?"
"Yes, it's a gift from Japan," the Prime Minister said with a smile. "A blade as strong and fitting as you. Please use it well."
Accepting the katana, Lucifer examined it with appreciation and smiled. "Thank you. I like it."
"Good, good. Now that this is settled, let's begin the agreement."
As the Prime Minister prepared to explain the deal, Lucifer raised a hand, stopping him. "First, I know you lied, Prime Minister. There is no creature like Yamata-no-Orochi here."
Hearing Lucifer's words, the Prime Minister grimaced. "We—"
"I hope you understand that your lies won't work on me," Lucifer said coldly. "So, my suggestion is that you tell me the truth, and I'll consider helping you."
Seeing that Lucifer was unwavering, the Prime Minister sighed in resignation and got to the point. "Yes, it's true. We lied to you, but it was for a good reason. You see, the opposition is receiving more foreign aid than ever. If we allow this to continue, our national values will be lost."
Lucifer said nothing, waiting for him to continue. The Prime Minister went on. "For a long time, our nation has been under the shadow of foreign influence, and the opposition is too blind to see it."
The Prime Minister handed a dossier to Lucifer. "This is where you come in. Validate our state of emergency, and we will do everything in our power to enable the PDA to operate here."
Lucifer's smile faded as he stared seriously at the Prime Minister. "I hope you're joking, Prime Minister. That's not funny. The PDA is already authorized to operate here under the UN. So give us a *real deal."
As the Prime Minister hesitated, unwilling to make concessions, all the government officials suddenly shivered. Lucifer's divine aura pressed down on them as he frowned slightly at the Prime Minister. "I hope you understand your position, Ryoichi. You're the one asking us for help. Act accordingly."
Seeing Lucifer's anger, the Prime Minister fell silent for a moment. When he finally spoke, Lucifer laid out his own terms.
"Our condition is this: You will legalize the PDA, provide them with economic support, open your ports, and grant them immunity."
"This is impossible! Don't be ridiculous!" the Minister of Internal Affairs shouted angrily. With just a glance from Lucifer, his hands clenched suddenly, and he sank back into his chair in fear.
"Whether you want it or not, you need me," Lucifer said, no longer bothering with diplomacy. "Listen carefully to my words, Prime Minister. We've heard about the uprisings. We can quell them far better than your so-called police force. All you need to do is sign."
An eerie silence filled the Prime Minister's office. The Prime Minister, sweating profusely, struggled to shake off the oppressive sense of death pressing on his soul.
"We can help you win the elections and turn this so-called Yamata-no-Orochi lie into reality," Lucifer smirked at the Prime Minister. "Or you can refuse, and you'll be forced to leave your precious office."
"W-We'll accept," the Prime Minister finally relented, unable to withstand further pressure. The suffocating force that had enveloped the office dissipated as if it had never been there. Lucifer smiled. "Good. I trust we can make a public announcement soon."
"Of course. And we'll ensure our agreement remains a state secret," the Prime Minister added, trembling as he considered the consequences of this deal becoming public.
"Excellent. Please sign," Lucifer encouraged, laying the agreement in front of the Prime Minister. His hand shook as he picked up the pen, hesitating repeatedly.
"If you can't manage it, we can help you sign," Lucifer said with a cold smile.
The Prime Minister, hearing Lucifer's words, hesitated no longer and signed the document. As Lucifer and the other government officials stood up, it was finally time to address the media.
After exiting the Prime Minister's office, the Prime Minister approached the podium first. Flashbulbs from dozens of cameras lit up the room as he prepared to speak.
"Today marks a historic moment for Japan," the Prime Minister began. "Mr. Lucifer has agreed to assist us in combating the terrifying entity from our mythology, Yamata-no-Orochi. This proves how wise we were to declare a state of emergency."
"Though the opposition continues to obstruct our efforts, I promise you, the sacred people of Greater Japan, we will crush all barriers and overcome every obstacle!"
The Prime Minister's speech received applause from a select group as he ceded the podium to Lucifer. Lucifer approached, cleared his throat, and began speaking.
"I congratulate Prime Minister Ryoichi-san on his remarkable success. The people of Japan are fortunate and blessed to have such a leader."
Lucifer's expression turned serious as he continued. "The demon known as Yamata-no-Orochi has once again set its sights on this nation. Our expert PDA members have foreseen and confirmed this. I commend the Prime Minister for reinstating the state of emergency. Furthermore, I must emphasize that the opposition's obstruction of the Prime Minister is an insult to us. The Prime Minister and I share the same perspective on this matter."
"Therefore," Lucifer declared, his tone hardening, "we urge the opposition to cooperate with us and the Prime Minister. To recklessly endanger Japan's future for a few votes is utterly unacceptable."
As cameras flashed again, Lucifer pressed on with a steely resolve. "Unfortunately, there are no other options. Either you stand with us, or, like all who oppose us, you will fade into the tainted pages of history."
Lucifer concluded his speech and stepped off the podium, shaking hands with the Prime Minister. Shortly afterward, he went to meet with the Minister of Internal Affairs to discuss more confidential matters.
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News Reports
Free Japan Daily
"Yamata-no-Orochi: A Lie's Shadow Over the Election!"
Recent reports of the Yamata-no-Orochi threat have shaken the nation. Could this be a manipulation orchestrated by Prime Minister Matsukawa Ryoichi to save his political career? Rumors of a secret deal with the Paranormal Defence Agency (PDA) dominate the headlines.
While the government unites the nation under fear by announcing Yamata-no-Orochi's reawakening, independent investigators claim no evidence of such an entity exists. Allegations that Lucifer, through the PDA, is complicit in this staged drama point to a fearmongering campaign funded by taxpayers.
The opposition leader vowed to expose the secret deal between the Prime Minister and Lucifer, as well as prove that Yamata-no-Orochi is nothing more than a fabricated threat.
Is the government deceiving its people with this dangerous game once again? Or is this lie the desperate act of a failing administration before the election?
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National Japanese Gazette
"A Historic Stand Against the Yamata-no-Orochi Threat!"
Prime Minister Matsukawa Ryoichi has taken bold and strategic action to protect the nation from the horrifying reawakening of Yamata-no-Orochi. A deal with the Paranormal Defence Agency (PDA) to neutralize the legendary entity has been confirmed, with Lucifer also contributing to the effort.
Despite irresponsible criticism from the opposition, the Prime Minister prioritized public safety and successfully subdued Yamata-no-Orochi. "National security comes first," declared the Prime Minister, who has worked tirelessly to save the country from chaos.
Lucifer's statement, "We have no choice but to unite," highlights the reality and severity of the threat. Meanwhile, the opposition's attempts to downplay the crisis for political gain have been met with widespread disappointment.
Prime Minister Matsukawa's fight for the nation's safety will be remembered as a golden chapter in history, a shining example of leadership in times of peril.