Chapter 353 – Japan Sinking? (2)

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!

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.]