CH 133

Chapter 133. The Clean Air Country

Immigration might have an impact on the future VTuber industry as well.

People can’t just ignore the conversation when someone says something like that.

[Hey, remember how we almost had a nuclear war because of the Ukraine situation? And even there’s a ceasefire… but people are still thinking that if something like that were to happen, it’s likely to be around Russia.]

<<So, are people leaving Ukraine and the areas around Russia? But isn’t it the opposite?>>

I’ve heard that many people who had evacuated are returning recently.

Both in Ukraine and Russia.

Visas are related to that.

Of course, it greatly depends on the reasons, but visas often expire within a year at most.

Also, the situation has stabilized.

As a result, there’s been a sudden increase in the number of people returning home over the past few months.

Come to think of it, I recall.

How is that kid who transferred to our elementary school doing now?

Did she return to Ukraine?

The last time we communicated was when I recommended that bilingual VTuber.

It’s been over a year, at least.

[Sure, many people have returned, but that’s just one example. In reality, the rich folks have all fled. Well, if you can buy the lives of your family and loved ones with money, it’s a small price to pay.]

<<I suppose so. So, if they’re fleeing. Where are they going?>>

[New Zealand.]

Uh, isn’t that an island nation floating in the southern hemisphere?

Am I the only one who finds that destination a bit unusual?

[There are several reasons. Firstly, they recently joined the ranks of advanced nations. Geographically being an island nation, it’s less prone to invasion. Plus, it’s located in the southern hemisphere.]

<<The first two reasons make sense, but what about the last one?>>

[“Because the air is clean”.]

<<…>>

[I’m not making fun of it or anything. It’s a true story.]

Is there such a difference between the northern and southern hemispheres?

Anticipating the sarcastic comment, Angu Ogu responds.

[Currently, if a nuclear war were to happen, the likelihood is higher in the northern hemisphere. And when the nuclear fallout occurs, many “soot” will be released into the air. Due to Earth’s rotation, the soot will circulate along the same latitude… apparently.]

Soot. I hadn’t thought about that.

A nuclear attack isn’t just a one-and-done situation.

Even modern “clean bombs” are the same.

The threat of nuclear weapons goes beyond just radiation.

<<If the sky were covered by something like that…>>

[Sunlight wouldn’t reach the surface, causing a cooling effect. Depending on simulations, a significant decrease in food production could lead to millions of deaths from starvation.]

<<Well, that’s a reason to flee.>>

[Right now, property prices in New Zealand have surged to more than 3 times their previous value. Recently, even moderately wealthy individuals are entering the market, so it’s likely to keep rising.]

<<Is this also considered a bubble?>>

[Mama used to get angry at those kinds of people, saying they lacked patriotism.]

<<I see…>>

She’s the type who could become the President of the United States.

Well, with her, patriotism is stronger than most.

[And countries like Australia and neutral Switzerland seem to be popular destinations too.]

<<I see. With things going this way, it wouldn’t be strange to see more VTubers and events in those countries, right?>>

[I just want to make sure, but you’re not considering immigrating like that, right?]

<<Um, um… well! Right now, VTubers are still mainly in Japan and the U.S.!>>

[Hey, you there!?… sigh Well, that’s just like you, Iroha.]

At that point, the tension in the air eased.

Angu Ogu said, [On that note], with a slightly resentful tone.

[Speaking of which, Iroha, you’re always talking in English as if it’s nothing.

<<Huh? What’s wrong with that?>>

[Well… it’s not a big deal, but… I mean, I’ve spent hours and hours, day after day, teaching you English, and in the end, I find out you’ve just figured it out on your own again!]

<<What??>>

[When I thought you had walked back from the hospital by yourself, you show up with a casual face and say, “Oh, I can speak English again.”. Wait a minute, what about my effort!?]

Uh-oh, I seem to have triggered something strange. I try to calm Angu Ogu down.

<<Hey, calm down. That’s a story from over a year ago. Right?>>

[Yeah, it’s been a year! Can you believe it’s been that long? After thinking about it more, it’s starting to annoy me! Back then, I was all like, “Great job.”, but I think about it, isn’t it ridiculous!?]

<<Well, um, I mean…>>

Is there any way I can defuse this situation with a single word!?

I desperately try to think.

<<Oh, right! That… It was thanks to you, Ogu! At that time, I had lost many of my language-related memories, but all the things you taught me are the triggers for my recollection!>>

[Huh?]

<<In other words, it’s thanks to you. I can talk like this again! Thank you, Ogu!>>

[…..Is that so?]

I could sense Angu Ogu’s uncertainty.

I lock onto this moment and press on.

<<Come to think of it, I never properly thanked you. I wanted to show my appreciation somehow. What kind of thing would make you happy, Ogu?>>

[W-Well? If you put it that way… I suppose I wouldn’t mind being thanked!]

I could hear Angu Ogu making a satisfied sound on the other end of the phone.

I won. This one was easy.

Alright, let’s get to the point and make a request.

[Oh, by the way, would it be okay if I asked for one more favor?]

<<Hm? What is it?>>

[Actually… I’ve got some business to attend to in Japan soon, so could you let me stay at your house again when the time comes?]