CH 115

Chapter 115. [Escape Or Struggle]

<<What do you mean nuclear weapons are being scattered around!?>>

I couldn’t help but raise my voice.

The words Angu Ogu’s mother spoke over the phone were beyond belief.

<<But because you won the election, the future where retaliation against Russia through nuclear means would occur was avoided, right? The Third World War won’t happen, right!?>>

<<Yes, the likelihood of America launching a nuclear attack on Russia has been largely avoided. However, triggered by their defeat in the election, they initiated another operation.>>

Angu Ogu’s mother added, “To be precise, it was already progressing secretly.”.

I felt a slight sense of unease with her statement.

<<Another… ‘operation’? So, it’s not just about scattering nuclear weapons?>>

<<Yes, that’s right. They realized they couldn’t trigger the war themselves and decided to ‘make others trigger it instead.>>

<<What does that mean?>>

She must have sensed that I didn’t fully grasp the situation.

Angu Ogu’s mother continued, saying, “Shall I explain it more clearly?”.

<<They are smuggling nuclear weapons to small countries in conflict-ridden regions like Ukraine, allowing themselves to retaliate—or rather, seek revenge with their own hands.>>

<<What?!>>

<<Of course, it’s all just a pretext. The ones that get targeted are used for their benefit. However, they don’t care about that. Existing nuclear-armed countries have already begun preparations for that moment as well.>>

For some reason, I had a gut feeling.

If things continued as they were, they would pull the trigger.

There were reasons from a strategic standpoint, where they had no choice but to use them, as it would be advantageous.

But more than that, vengeance, hatred, anger… the transcended reason and logic.

Indeed, America is sharing nuclear weapons with other countries.

However, there’s no way something like “nuclear sharing” would be so naive.

<<The source of the nuclear weapons is believed to be Russia and several other nuclear-armed countries. We detected it as well and immediately took action with the current president at the center, but there’s a high possibility that we won’t make it in time if things continue.>>

<<Oh, no.>>

<<Iroha-san, please come to America and seek refuge.>>

<<…Huh?>>

<<Let’s fulfill the promise we made. I will repay the debt to Iroha-san for saving my daughter. Didn’t I say, ‘I’ll express my gratitude another time’?>>

Those are the words she said when I woke up at Angu Ogu’s parents’ house.

I never expected her to remember.

At the same time, I understood.

Was this confidential information revealed for the sake of this invitation?

Of course, there must have been a sense of gratitude toward the person who saved the world, but that’s probably not the main reason.

<<In the future, Japan will be pushed into a difficult situation. It’s inevitable.>>

Japan is a neighboring country of Russia.

Geographically, it’s in a precarious position.

In a world where it’s acceptable to use nuclear weapons, countries without them will be unilaterally targeted.

And despite its wealth, Japan is a country that doesn’t possess nuclear weapons.

If a nuclear war escalates, it wouldn’t be surprising if Japan became a primary target.

After all, Japan has incurred resentment from various countries throughout its history.

That’s why she’s telling me to abandon Japan and come to America.

Because it can be protected within America.

<<Especially since Japan lacks nuclear shelters.>>

Come to think of it, when Anngogue was invited with the words, “Why don’t you come to America instead of returning to Japan?”

He mentioned that Japan has an unusually low number of nuclear shelters.

The nuclear shelter adoption rate per capita in America is 82%.

In contrast, Japan is 0.02%.

Countries like Switzerland and Israel have a 100% rate in the world.

<<We have arranged a charter flight, so please come to the designated location immediately. Soon, America will be preoccupied with its affairs, so it’s better to act before that. However, please handle this matter with utmost secrecy…>>

Angu Ogu’s mother’s words flew over my head.

My mind wasn’t functioning properly. I couldn’t fully comprehend what was being said.

Instead, thoughts of regret and confusion kept swirling in my head.

Why, how did it come to this?

Weren’t we the ones who saved the world, 757?

<<Get a hold of yourself! Listen carefully. This situation is not your fault, without a doubt.>>

Angu Ogu’s mother scolded me.

<<You undoubtedly saved the world. It’s our fault that we wasted your efforts. You are not to blame. Besides, who would burden a child with the responsibility of war?>>

<<But…>>

<<We were careless. We didn’t realize how desperate and unscrupulous our opponents had become. That’s why… you are free to escape without feeling any guilt.>>

I was aghast when I heard those words.

……”To whom”?

<<W-Wait a minute! If we escape, then what will happen to ‘everyone’?>>

<<Are you referring to your mother? Your family can come along too, and a few close individuals can join you. It will be a new life in an unfamiliar America, but I will provide maximum support.>>

<<No, that’s not it!>>

When I say ‘everyone,’ I’m referring to VTubers from all over Japan and the world!

Ah, yes… That’s it!

I can never escape.

If I choose to run away, I won’t be able to save all of them!

<<I can’t leave everyone behind!>>

<<But she’ll be sad.>>

<<!>>

<<I haven’t been able to be a proper mother all this time. As compensation, I want to do everything I can for that child. Isn’t it wrong for me to try to help her most precious friend, you?>>

<<…But!>>

I stared straight ahead, focusing on the computer monitor. There must still be something I can do. And…

<<Angu Ogu wouldn’t run away from here, would she?>>

<<It would be unforgivable to disappoint her fans, right?>>

At least, from what I know, VTubers don’t run away.

I’m sure if I were Anngogue, I would make the same choice.

But I don’t dare to go that far, so I added a playful tone.

<<Besides, I have so many collectibles gathered here. I can’t bear to throw them away.” Anngogue’s mother responded with just a simple “Yes”.>>

It was a voice that seemed to have witnessed something brilliant.