Chapter 353 – Japan Sinking? (2)

They prayed to the gods they believed in.

[May the great emperor watch over us.]

[Banzai!]

Japan was unquestionably a democracy, yet their inclinations leaned toward a monarchist government. Most people revered the imperial family as descendants of the gods, with some even praying to the emperor with their prayer beads. The entire country sought safety and protection by praying to the gods they served.

Shwak... Shwak... Shwak... Shwak...

Craspio emerged on the horizon, swimming toward the mainland with its hard spikes visible above the water. Despite the considerable distance from the mainland, the protruding spikes made the monster resemble a shark approaching the shore.

‘Gulp...!’

As people finished their prayers and braced for the worst, the sight of the monster drawing closer began to sow seeds of fear in their hearts. Panic spread not only among civilians but also within the Japan Self-Defense Forces—soldiers and sailors included.

‘D-Damn it...!’

‘I have to run away...!’

The Japan Self-Defense Forces, technically not soldiers and lacking the discipline of Korean soldiers, found it exceedingly challenging to remain composed while Craspio neared the shore. Japanese soldiers deliberated individually on whether to abandon their posts or stand their ground.

Itoshima Island stood as Japan’s final line of defense, commanded by Suzuki, the eldest Master Rank Hunter in Japan. Suzuki transmitted the command through the radio.

[All forces! Prepare for battle!]

Chwak!

The Hunters readied their weapons, poised for battle.

Yet, an abrupt change occurred in Craspio's movement.

Splash!

‘Huh?’

Suddenly, Craspio plunged beneath the water.

[W-What?]

[Where did it go?]

The Hunters focused all their senses on Craspio’s movements, making them acutely sensitive to even its smallest actions. However, Craspio's recent maneuver wasn't subtle; it vanished entirely from view, eliciting suspense among the ranks of the Hunters.

Thud...!

The intense suspense caused a few soldiers to fall backward, while some even fainted under its pressure.

‘Tsk... These incompetents...’

The Hunters grimaced and clicked their tongues. Ordinarily, they might have reprimanded the soldiers, but the urgency of the situation didn't allow for such indulgence.

[It’s coming!]

Suzuki's shout broke the tension as he sensed an immense surge of mana emanating from deep within the water.

Pshwaaaaaa!

Craspio burst forth from the water amidst a cluster of battleships. Its sudden appearance generated waves that rocked the other ships, rendering the sailors aboard incapacitated.

Splash! Splash!

Several sailors tumbled overboard, but there was no immediate aid forthcoming for them.

[All forces! ATTACK!]

[Attack!]

Boom! Boom! Boom!

At Suzuki’s command, the Japanese Hunters unleashed their most potent skills.

Despite sharing the soldiers' fear, these veteran Hunters had battled monsters for decades. Their accumulated experience and pride wouldn't permit them to flee merely because a monster seemed formidable.

***

The Japanese people fervently prayed for the same outcome as they awaited positive news.

The mana released by Craspio and the Hunters proved so powerful that all nearby cameras were destroyed. Despite twenty-four hours having elapsed since the operation began to halt the monster's advance toward the mainland, there were no images or videos of the battle. Even if a working camera remained, no cameraman dared to volunteer to film the confrontation.

Amidst their prayers for news of victory, it appeared that the gods had forsaken them.

[Operation Stop Craspio From Landing has failed. All forces have fallen in battle.]

“Oh my god...”

“The heavens have abandoned us...!”

Despair gripped the Japanese populace.

The nation’s entire navy, loyal elite Hunters, and forty percent of the army had been decimated. Craspio had effectively occupied the Western Region of Japan. Worse still, Japan lacked the means to defend against the monster should it choose to venture east or north.

While the Japan Self-Defense Forces existed, the loss of seven Master Rank Hunters, once the pride of the nation, in a brief span was unprecedented.

The remaining hope rested on the five remaining Master Rank Hunters, but none were willing to collaborate with the government. One was already an outcast, and the other four were recluses with a distaste for any government involvement.

Bam!

[W-We have a problem, sir...!]

The prime minister’s office doors swung open without a knock.

[Haa... What is it this time...?]

Under normal circumstances, Prime Minister Shinzo would have reprimanded anyone barging into his office unannounced. However, he appeared drained of energy, utterly lifeless.

With lifeless eyes, Shinzo glanced at the staffer who had entered the office. The staffer instantly realized the gravity of the situation.

‘Japan is done for!’

The staffer's conclusion wasn't solely due to the prime minister's demeanor.

[W-We have just received word that Kuroda Ichi and the five remaining Master Rank Hunters have secretly escaped overseas...!]

[I knew they would do that...]

[S-Sir...]

Departing the country without permission during a national emergency equated to treason. Shinzo was typically the type to overturn tables and demand the return of those who fled, but now he seemed resigned.

‘Haa... I already expected this to happen since those five don’t have an ounce of patriotism in them...’

Prime Minister Shinzo ranked second only to the emperor in Japan's political hierarchy and wielded significant influence. He often dined with the Master Rank Hunters, alone or in groups.

The deceased seven Master Rank Hunters had been patriotic, readily engaging in national events. Conversely, the remaining five were uncooperative, sometimes requiring threats to participate. Furthermore, the previous seven Hunters proudly showcased their Japanese affiliation, while the current five were critical of the government.

‘Japan is done... It’s over for this country...’

Hope dissipated for the nation.

The phone in Prime Minister Shinzo’s office had been incessantly ringing, bombarding him with updates that painted a bleak picture. The continuous stream of bad news compelled Shinzo to disconnect his telephone.

[So... What’s the situation like?]

[Craspio is taking its time destroying the western region. We managed to evacuate the people to the northern region. The airports are overcrowded with those attempting to leave, but we have halted—]

[Enough.]

[...]

Shinzo abruptly cut off the staffer, unable to bear the grim report any longer. He had anticipated this outcome and saw no use in dwelling on the dismal details.

[What about the international community?]

Following the initial raid's failure, Japan had sought reinforcements from the United Nations and the International Hunters’ Association. The nation had suffered irreparable blows, yet there lingered a sliver of hope for recovery as long as Craspio could be defeated or driven away. However, the current situation didn't bode well for Japan.

[The... entire world is contending with dimensional rifts, rendering them unable to send reinforcements... I apologize, sir...]

The staffer bowed, though it wasn't his fault—merely a gesture in line with Japanese culture.

[Haa... Damn it...]

Shinzo felt as though he'd aged a decade upon hearing the report. Recent global trends favored young and attractive politicians, and Japan was no exception, yearning for youthful and robust leadership. Ironically, the once youthful and robust Shinzo had visibly aged since the onset of the Craspio incident.

Bam!

He slammed his fist on the table and clenched his teeth.

[Have the gods... abandoned our great empire...?]

He couldn't fathom their nation meeting its demise at the hands of a single monster.

[Sir...]

[Haa... Yamaguchi.]

[Yes, sir!]

The staffer named Yamaguchi saluted as Shinzo addressed him.

[We will now commence mass evacuation of the people. Ensure we accept whatever terms are offered by the countries receiving them.]

[Yes, sir!]

[Additionally, utilize whatever remains of our military to aid in the civilians' evacuation.]

[Ha!]

Chwak!

Yamaguchi crisply saluted before exiting the office. As a former military officer, saluting came naturally to him.

Thud...

Shinzo slumped into his million-won chair. The luxurious seat, which had served him well until this moment, now felt excruciatingly uncomfortable and vexing.

‘Haa... Is Japan destined to meet its demise during my lifetime? How will I face my ancestors later...?’

he pondered, gazing at the portraits of past prime ministers adorning the wall.

‘Seppuku...’

The notion of committing seppuku seemed foolish to him in normal circumstances, but now, it didn't sound like such a bad idea.

***

South Korea remained unaffected by the devastation in Japan, largely due to the live broadcast of Japan's attempts to lure Craspio toward their country.

Had Craspio headed for Japan, causing widespread destruction and claiming numerous lives, public sentiment might have leaned toward supporting Japan. However, the Koreans had reached their limit with Japan.

While some residual humanitarian sentiments persisted, any online posts expressing such sentiments faced severe backlash.

[Why don’t you go help them?]

[Hey, didn’t you see what they did? It was live footage.]

[You want us to send our precious Hunters there? Are you crazy?]

[Six Master Rank Hunters died without inflicting significant damage! Adding the previously deceased Master Rank Hunter makes it seven! The remaining five Master Rank Hunters fled, and one of them is currently here in Korea!]

[Yeah, he made the right choice coming here.]

[I agree.]

[Huh? You guys want to just do nothing and watch our neighbor get destroyed?]

[Japan brought it on themselves.]

[This is an undeniable fact.]