ALL NOVEL Chapter 181: Decision
In conflicts like this—where a private organization, or even an individual, confronts a government, especially a nation's regime—if the government concedes, it's a challenge or even a humiliation to all governments worldwide to some extent.
Blake's actions, in particular, were highly provocative. He didn't just confront Japan directly; he openly insulted certain deeply held beliefs of some within the country.
Previously, the U.S. government had bowed to Blake and the Avengers on multiple occasions, but these were handled relatively discreetly. For example, when President Ellis was kidnapped by Killian, Blake publicly revealed it to reporters, yet the confrontation itself remained private. Regardless of how much Ellis loathed the situation, he had to grin and thank the Avengers in front of the cameras.
But this time, things were different. Blake wasn't content with leveraging covert tactics behind closed doors—he made a direct, public assault and followed it up with a series of harsh demands.
It's important to note that post-World War II, Japan had rewritten its history to a significant degree, glorifying its wartime actions and the militarism of that era to its domestic audience.
Of course, the U.S. did something similar, though in a more subtle and sophisticated manner—rather than rewriting history, it anesthetized its populace, masking its actions under the guise of promoting democracy and freedom.
While more refined, both strategies serve the same purpose, akin to celebrities crafting a public persona. Once such a narrative is established, it cannot be allowed to collapse. Otherwise, the resulting blow to the government's credibility and the ruling elite's authority would be catastrophic.
Even if people understand the truth, the final veneer—the metaphorical fig leaf—cannot be completely stripped away. This is the ultimate bottom line in politics.
It's like a karaoke bar in a city that everyone knows employs illegal workers, yet the authorities never raid them. Every city has them, every official knows about them, but they aren't openly acknowledged. It's not necessarily about corruption but rather a form of political tact.
But let's get back to Japan's current predicament. Blake is not a politician, and he doesn't need to abide by the rules of diplomacy or subtlety. If you provoke him, he retaliates in the most direct and discomforting way possible.
And, as it turns out, Blake's methods are incredibly effective.
Whether it's the so-called Emperor or the cabinet officials, they are now caught in a difficult bind.
If they comply with Blake's demands, it would be tantamount to delivering a stinging slap to their own faces in front of the entire world. Admitting to wartime atrocities or having the Emperor apologize to other nations would trample upon the pride that Japan, as a nation, has carefully cultivated to cover its deeply ingrained inferiority complex.
If they refuse?
Blake will simply crush them entirely, trampling not only their superficial pride but also their innermost vulnerabilities.
And there's no doubt—Blake has the power to do so.
While the upper echelons are caught in this no-win situation, the government's lower ranks and the general populace are largely split into two camps.
One camp supports agreeing to Blake's demands. Among them are those who genuinely believe the government's forced revision of history was wrong and see this as an opportunity to correct it. Others are simply ordinary citizens who want the crisis resolved so they can get back to their lives.
As for right and wrong? History? Please. They're just ordinary people trying to survive—juggling car loans, mortgages, and baby expenses. They don't have the luxury to care about the quarrels of the powerful.
The other camp consists of traditional right-wing nationalists. These individuals view Japan's wartime invasions as a source of pride and believe the nation should maintain that glory. To them, the so-called Class A war criminals were heroes of their nation.
These ultranationalists are scattered across all sectors of Japan—soldiers, corporate tycoons, and even high-ranking officials in the government and military. They are filled with fervent militarism and chauvinism, convinced that the Yamato people are the most superior race in the world. Some of them even fantasize about reigniting wars, invading Asia, and marching through Europe to restore the so-called "glory" of the Yamato.
The recent attack on the Sky Base undeniably had the fingerprints of these ultranationalist factions all over it.
In fact, this group has become the most troublesome element for the Japanese government in the wake of Blake's public threats.
Large crowds of fanatics have gathered in front of the Prime Minister's residence and the Imperial Palace, dressed in WWII-era military uniforms and wielding samurai swords. Like a bizarre cult, they are demanding the government and the Emperor issue an order to declare total war on the Avengers, using threats of seppuku to coerce them.
Regarding the nuclear warheads Blake displayed, they are shouting slogans such as "The Yamato people are at a life-or-death crossroads; destruction is the prelude to rebirth!"
Beyond these demonstrations, when Blake appeared on television standing in front of JG Shrine, this same group immediately began mobilizing to confront him in a life-or-death battle.
If not for the Japanese Prime Minister's level-headedness, who promptly deployed a large police force and gendarmerie to lock down the area, the entrance to the JG Shrine might already be awash in blood.
Of course, it would have been Blake causing that bloodshed.
Inside the Imperial Palace, the Emperor's face was even more grim than the night before.
Though the Emperor normally has no authority over state affairs, at this critical moment, all the cabinet ministers had gathered at the palace, waiting for his orders.
Anyone with a shred of political awareness could tell that whichever decision the Emperor made, his political legacy would be utterly ruined.
If they chose to confront Blake head-on, they'd only invite disaster.
If they surrendered, not only would they face tremendous domestic backlash, but the humiliation Blake would bring upon them would be even greater than that of the Emperor's WWII-era surrender.
The Emperor clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles audibly cracking. Unlike his predecessors, he had no ambition to lead Japan or its people to glory. He simply wanted to live out his life in peace. But now, Blake had forced him into an impossible dilemma.
Still, when considering the root cause of this mess, it all led back to Shunsuke. Wasn't it obvious what kind of person his son was? Getting away with lawlessness at home was one thing, but to publicly provoke an Avenger—especially Blake, known for his "madman" reputation—was sheer folly. Being killed was only what he deserved, and yet, Shunsuke had the audacity to retaliate against the entire Avengers team.
"Your Majesty, it's best to make a decision quickly. This situation cannot drag on, and Blake is known to follow through on his threats," a cabinet minister quietly reminded him.
The Emperor didn't immediately respond, and the minister, showing remarkable patience, simply stood by, waiting for him to speak.
After a long silence, the Emperor seemed to come to a decision. He let out a deep sigh, then straightened up, his demeanor visibly firming.
He issued what would become one of the most significant and influential orders of his reign.
"Shunsuke did indeed attack the Avengers. We are at fault for this incident. Send someone to escort Shunsuke and all involved parties to the Avengers for judgment."
"As for Blake's demands, issue orders to the gendarmerie and the police to disperse all right-wing extremists. Anyone who causes trouble or threatens the government or the Emperor—kill them!"
"Prepare my attire and the motorcade. I will meet this Blake personally!"
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