"Mr. Blake, I used to be a fan of the Avengers, but I never expected our first meeting to be under such circumstances!"
At the entrance of the JG Shrine, all the reporters had been driven far away, leaving only the Emperor alone to speak with Blake.
Although Blake had pushed the Emperor to the brink of despair, the first thing the Emperor said was still full of politeness.
"Speak English!"
The Emperor was momentarily stunned. He had planned to use this last opportunity to ease the situation, but when he spoke Japanese, Blake's first response was this.
As the Emperor, learning Japanese culture and language was a mandatory part of his basic education in childhood.
The more outwardly arrogant someone appears, the more insecure they are on the inside. In reality, all high-level officials understand that their own written language, as well as their civilization, are built on learning Japanese culture.
"My apologies!!"
Blake waved his hand, not bothering to explain further.
"No need for pleasantries. If you agree to my terms, I'll leave; or I'll deal with it myself and destroy a third of Tokyo."
"As for the attack on the Avengers, apart from a few members of the Hishiguchi family, there were also several right-wing military figures involved in the planning. I've brought them to you. As for the terms you mentioned, we can agree, but we'll need some time to complete them. You know, there are a lot of extremists in our country, so we need some time to handle them. Please, we ask for your patience!"
The Emperor bowed deeply to Blake, using formal titles in every sentence.
"That's your problem. I've already given you enough time. If it weren't for the wanton slaughter of innocents, I could just open a portal in your major cities, say, to a certain starry sky?"
"To be honest, your attitude is decent, and I think well of you, but some things can't be solved just by having the right attitude. Some mistakes need to be corrected, and there will always be a price to pay, won't there?"
The Emperor opened his mouth to speak again, but Blake waved his hand, instantly sending him away.
"There are two hours left!"
These were Blake's final words to the Emperor.
An hour and a half later, aside from the JG Shrine where Blake was, all the shrines in Japan that worshipped war criminals who had invaded other countries during World War II were destroyed.
Blake didn't take action himself. Soon after, Hill sent Blake a video!
In the video, the Emperor's final words were that all the shrines had been destroyed, and the JG Shrine was fully under Blake's control. As for personally apologizing and such, as Japan's spiritual symbol, it was inevitable that the imperial dignity would be tarnished, but he had already discussed it with the Prime Minister. They would revise the textbooks in the coming years and gradually correct all of this!
"Please! Mr. Blake!"
At the end of the video, the Emperor stood up and slowly bowed to Blake.
He then picked up a clean white towel and slowly wrapped it around a samurai sword...
In fact, committing seppuku was a very complicated process, almost perverse.
The person committing seppuku first cuts downward through the upper abdomen, then quickly turns the blade upward to slice horizontally across the right chest.
Finally, a final cut is made across the left chest, opening the heart.
Before committing seppuku, one must not only remove their shoes but also lay down a blanket on the ground to avoid dirtying the floor.
After the final cut, they must leave one breath, place the sword beside them, and then lie face down on the ground to die.
To avoid exposing the internal organs after death, and to prevent blood from spilling onto the floor, these precautions must be followed.
Additionally, incense should be lit nearby before starting, to prevent the room from becoming overly foul with the scent of blood.
There are many proper rules for seppuku in Japan, and those interested can research the details.
As for Blake, he watched the video of the Emperor meticulously following every step of the procedure with a serious expression, carrying out the process with great care.
He sighed inwardly. The Emperor was attempting to preserve the dignity of the Japanese Imperial family, or perhaps, to protect the last shred of honor for the government.
"Has it been confirmed?" Blake asked Hill on the other end of the phone.
"It's confirmed. You've been at the shrine entrance the entire time, and all the reporters outside are too afraid to approach you. The Japanese government has temporarily sealed off the news, and they've promised to follow through on what the Emperor said. They're now waiting for your response!"
"Actually, I think it's nearly over. After all, he's already committed seppuku. This matter should be considered settled."
Hill, having watched the video, couldn't help but comment.
"I know, I watched the video—it was shocking. If this were any other situation, I might have compromised. He was sincere, even to the point of sacrificing his own life. But Hill, do you know how many people were slaughtered by military officers and soldiers during World War II?"
"These people were war criminals, executioners, and now, for decades, they've been worshipped in the shrines behind me, treated as war heroes. Perhaps if I put it another way, you might understand better. How would you feel if Germany had a museum like New York's, glorifying Hydra and Nazi figures, calling them heroes?"
"Tell them—one week! A week is enough for them to prepare and prevent a backlash from the extremists. They should be grateful to the Emperor who committed seppuku. In the critical moment, he defended the dignity of the Emperor and didn't bring shame to his country!"
In the end, Blake turned and left after the explosion at the JG Shrine.
Three days later, the government announced that the Emperor had passed away due to illness.
Five days later, the Japanese government admitted to their various massacres during World War II.
While this caused a stir in the international community, in Japan, a large number of right-wing extremists took to the streets, causing significant turmoil in the country for quite some time.
Among these extremists were prominent figures from various industries and the military, with influence far beyond that of ordinary people. Their collective action, despite the Prime Minister's preparations, severely weakened Japan.
These events happened gradually later on, and had little to do with Blake at that point.
For Blake, this incident helped to make up for some regrets from his past life.
*******************************************
You can get access to early chapters on patr*on.
If you like my work and you want to support me then you can become my patron on patre*n.
My patr*on account is S_Pandey_0170
"I don't understand. How can such a small planet like Earth have so many countries and such complex politics? You humans are really complicated. Even the other eight realms combined don't have as much going on as you do!"
The news was broadcasting recent events in Japan, discussing their impact on Japanese politics, economy, and international relations.
Thor was getting a headache just watching. Back in Asgard, politics in the other realms were simple: wars, defeating rebels, and peace. It was just that straightforward.
In comparison, Earth's complexity made his head spin.
In fact, not just the Nine Realms governed by Asgard, but even across the universe, Earth's political structure and the intricacy of relationships between its many nations were among the most complicated in existence.
"Maybe that's one of the reasons Odin sent you to Earth: to learn about its societal structure and the intelligence of humans—especially geniuses like me!"
Tony casually poured himself a drink, thinking how backward Asgard's society was. Sure, their magical energy was impressive, but a place claiming to be the realm of gods didn't even have refrigerators or telephones. It fell far short of Tony's standards for an advanced civilization.
"My father sent me to Earth to help your people and to learn how to live as an ordinary person," Thor retorted, snatching Tony's drink and downing it in one gulp to make a point.
"Oh? Learning to live as an ordinary person? Then maybe you should figure out how to use adult websites on your own instead of having JARVIS help you every time!"
Tony smirked as he spoke.
"Damn it, JARVIS! You promised not to tell anyone!"
Thor's face turned red as he crushed the bottle in his hand.
"I assure you, Thor, I have not disclosed your nightly habit of browsing adult websites to anyone," JARVIS's voice chimed in, sending the group into fits of laughter.
"Thor, don't you know Tony has access to JARVIS's entire database?" Blake said, grinning as he patted Thor's shoulder.
"But seriously, Jane's only been in Europe for a little over a week, and you're already this desperate?" Blake teased. Inwardly, he considered whether he should let the Hulk out to spar with Thor to help him burn off some of that excess energy.
Thor muttered a few curses under his breath, choosing to ignore Blake's comment.
But Tony sprang up from the couch.
"Why didn't I think of this before? Guys, I should start a company in Asgard! KTVs, shopping malls, entertainment centers—they need it all! Those poor Asgardians, they still have to go to tailors just to get decent clothes."
"The only things they do before bed are drink or huddle under their blankets to make the next generation. Their entertainment options are seriously lacking—they don't even have TVs!"
"Blake, let's go to Asgard and save them from their backwardness!"
Thor wanted to argue, perhaps by pointing out that Asgard's level of civilization was far more advanced than Earth's.
But when he thought about Earth's vast array of entertainment options, he had to admit that technology did bring more comfort and joy to the everyday lives of ordinary people compared to Asgard.
"My father likely wouldn't agree. Asgard has lived this way for hundreds of thousands of years, long before humans on Earth even knew how to make fire. But if you're serious about it, I can ask for you."
Whether Tony's idea of starting a company in Asgard would work was a matter for later, but the thought of visiting Asgard, seeing the fabled realm of the gods, and experiencing its medieval European-style civilization intrigued everyone.
The decision was made on the spot. With Blake in the group, it was easy to act quickly. Not only was he a walking portal, but also a mobile warehouse, carrying vast amounts of supplies, even military-grade weapons and spare equipment. With him around, they could venture beyond the Milky Way without worry.
Still, out of respect for Odin, they decided Thor should return first to inform him, while the Avengers would follow an hour later.
Led by Blake, the group—Captain America, Peggy, Falcon, Natasha, Hawkeye, Banner, Tony, Hill, and Blake himself—made their way to Asgard through a portal. They stepped directly onto the Rainbow Bridge near the Bifrost Gate.
The portal's appearance caused a ripple in space, making Heimdall immediately raise his sword in vigilance.
When he saw it was Blake stepping through, Heimdall lowered his weapon. He stood at the gate, silently watching as one person after another exited the portal until nearly ten people had arrived.
Heimdall's lips twitched slightly at the sight of such a large group but said nothing, turning to walk back toward the gate without greeting them.
Blake, however, wasn't the type to be deterred by Heimdall's solitary nature. He strode up to him, throwing an arm around his shoulders and calling out to the group.
"Come, come! This is Heimdall, guardian of the Bifrost and the God of Light. His eyes can see every corner of the universe, and his ears can hear sounds from anywhere."
"Take a look at his golden eyes—no, these aren't fancy contact lenses. This is godly power manifesting in his gaze. Didn't you all read about him in Norse mythology as kids? Bet you never thought you'd see him alive and in person!"
Heimdall, a quiet and reserved man by nature, was already unhappy about the unexpected intrusion. Blake's overly enthusiastic introduction only made his expression darker.
He was about to tell Blake to leave when Blake, pretending not to notice Heimdall's growing irritation, cheerfully continued.
"Anyone want to take a photo with him? It's a rare opportunity! Come on, Heimdall, we've got guests—lighten up and smile for the camera, my friend!"
Blake knew perfectly well what Heimdall was like. He was deliberately teasing the ever-serious, ever-watchful gatekeeper to get a reaction out of him.
After finishing his spiel, Blake led the group into the Bifrost Gate to look around.
Banner, ever the awkward one, pulled out his phone, walked up to Heimdall, and struck a peace-sign pose for a selfie.
"Get out!"
Heimdall raised his Guardian Sword, gesturing at Banner's neck with it.
Banner yelped, shrinking back and hurrying into the Rainbow Bridge's gate.
After teasing Heimdall, the group toured the Bifrost Gate and took a few photos of the endless seas visible from the bridge. Blake, playing the role of tour guide, pointed out sights and let the group soak in the view.
Just as they were preparing to head toward the Golden Palace, a figure flew through the air toward them.
It was Thor, and judging by his grim expression, something serious had happened.
The group assumed he'd come to greet them, but Thor's first words shattered that assumption.
"Odin is missing!"
*******************************************
You can get access to early chapters on patr*on.
If you like my work and you want to support me then you can become my patron on patre*n.
My patr*on account is S_Pandey_0170
Vous aimerez peut-être aussi
Commentaire de paragraphe
La fonction de commentaire de paragraphe est maintenant disponible sur le Web ! Déplacez la souris sur n’importe quel paragraphe et cliquez sur l’icône pour ajouter votre commentaire.
De plus, vous pouvez toujours l’activer/désactiver dans les paramètres.
OK