The aristocratic clans of Japan are nothing short of the final bastion of conservatism.
Naturally, members of these aristocratic families often lean towards a right-wing political orientation.
Yet, just because they aren’t right-wing doesn’t mean they lean towards the left either.
They simply pursue their own benefits, or are comfortably settled in their current state.
In short, it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to say that those with favorable feelings towards Korea are exceedingly rare.
However, an opinion emerged during a gathering that left even these individuals bewildered.
It was a remark made by a council member.
“Why should we bow down to Korea out of fear? Let’s deal with it simply. If a child is clinging to a possession and throwing a tantrum, why must we appease them? An adult should just take that item away from the child, right?”
The council member spat out extreme statements as if they held a personal grudge against Korea.
The problem was that this outrageous statement was… so extreme it was hard for others to accept.
“Uh, umm, armed force? That’s… really…”
“Are you suggesting we go to war?”
“Well, do we really need to go that far…?”
After all, a small flame can be engulfed by a larger fire, and a fake madness will kneel before true madness.
The others at the gathering couldn’t hide their bewilderment.
‘Wait, are they really talking about war…?’
‘Isn’t that person just a second-tier member?’
‘Yeah. Just the second tier.’
‘How can someone in such a position casually bring up war…? Are they a warmonger?’
‘Well, it doesn’t seem like that…’
They were so taken aback they began whispering to each other, trying to grasp the situation.
“Everyone. Let’s think this through. I’m not saying we should rob others. I’m just suggesting we give a little lesson to a child who’s sneaking around with our things. I’m not talking about harsh punishment or anything. Just a light tap on the head to reclaim my item. What’s so difficult about that?”
“Uh, wait. Let’s all calm down for a moment.”
The council member shouted with fervent eyes.
Naturally, it was as if that was how it should be done.
And in an effort to stop the council member, an elderly man stepped forward and tried to dissuade him.
He was from an aristocratic family that held the Count title and was the honorary chairman of a world-renowned company.
Also, he was the oldest among those gathered.
“Is there really a need to be so extreme? Especially in the current situation.”
He opened his mouth to soothe the agitated council member.
“Right now, we are at a point where we must observe the situation. All we know is that a divine object inscribed with the Emperor’s name was discovered in Korea, which the government is currently safeguarding, while the media remains silent… That’s about it, isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“In other words, nothing has been properly determined. We should question whether the object truly bears the Emperor’s name and if the government is aware of it… It’s the time to doubt everything.”
“….”
“Moreover, it just so happens that the situation in Korea isn’t exactly ideal, is it? Shouldn’t we also question whether that divine object really exists?”
The old man sharply pointed out the council member.
He suggested doubting even the existence of the divine object.
“When the nation is confused internally, it’s normal to direct blades outward. You must know this well.”
“Of course. It’s common sense for governing a country….”
“Even the great leader from the Sengoku period, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, quelled internal dissent using that strategy, successfully extinguishing the embers of a civil war that might reignite.”
Hearing the old man’s words, another person spoke up.
“So, elder, are you suggesting that Korea is using a similar method?”
“I can’t assert that. Just that it could be a possibility. The political situation in Korea is quite tumultuous, right?”
The old man spoke softly.
“To be honest, it does seem they are suffering divine punishment… But those people likely think differently. Divine punishment could be said to be a reflection of the leader’s incompetence, right? Besides, look at the personality of the Koreans. Unlike us Japanese who are full of loyalty, they are filled with rebelliousness, aren’t they? Perhaps their leaders are feeling uncertain?”
The old man muddied the waters like that.
He completely overturned the idea of ‘using armed force to take it’ vs ‘armed force is excessive. We should bring it another way’ and planted the notion that ‘since its existence is unclear, it would be better to observe for a while.’
It was a display of evolving the game itself.
Such cunning prowess labeled him as an old fox.
“….”
The council member shut his mouth when the game was turned upside down.
Partly because the old man had some valid points, and partly because of his formidable authority.
“Alright. Then shall we move on to another topic? Lately, it seems the global political situation is unstable, which has increased the demand for safe assets. For instance, gold prices are rising, and foreign investors are increasing their investments in yen…”
And thus, the gathering continued under the old man’s lead.
As always, just ordinarily.
And amid the ordinary flow of things, the council member, quietly seated in a corner, was gazing blankly at the void.
『 Adults do not genuinely get angry with children. This is because adults hold an obvious upper hand over children. Power, physique, experience—all are vastly superior to those of a child. 』
『 Thus, the anger a child expresses towards an adult is merely a tantrum, and an adult should lightly admonish that tantrum. Naturally, since there isn’t any genuine fury behind that admonition, the level of punishment should be much lighter than what would be meted out to an adult, and acts that could lead to future troubles should be completely excluded. 』
『 The relationship between Korea and Japan is just like this. 』
He thought of what he’d heard at the gathering.
He had just had a meeting at a villa not long ago.
And there, he had a deep conversation with someone who was to be the next Shinto priest.
A capable individual who could use ‘blessings’ and was irreplaceable.
And surprisingly, he possessed wisdom that belied his age.
Was it because of the blessing?
Or was he inherently that remarkable?
Upon meeting the next Shinto priest, he felt an immediate sense of affinity.
And as they conversed, that favor only grew.
『 Korea? From Japan’s standpoint, it can be a bit irksome. Growing rapidly like bamboo and closely trailing behind, it’s understandable to be annoyed. But consider this carefully. Japan is a giant— a giant not forged in a short span, but one shaped through an extensive tradition. 』
『 Once, Japan could even buy America with money. But Korea? Hmm… Frankly, their stature doesn’t match. 』
『 The sound of something chasing from behind can create urgency. If you don’t feel urgency when something is tailing you, would that be normal? And as the figure chasing from behind gets closer, the shadow becomes visible, and that itself induces more anxiety. 』
『 Yet, from there, it’s necessary to turn your gaze. To look away and face the reality head-on. Just turn your head and look back. You’ll see a young child huffing and puffing, trying to catch up. 』
The next Shinto priest was indeed an extremely compatible conversational partner.
His insights were broad, and his way of speaking was easy to understand, making conversations flow effortlessly.
Moreover, he had a knack for clarifying what had only been vaguely outlined in the mind.
The more they spoke, the more enjoyable their conversations became.
How could one not like such a person?
The next Shinto priest wasn’t just an asset because of ‘blessings’; he was worth befriending simply as a person.
Regardless of age or rank, he was an individual worth being close to.
『 Shadows are not always proportional to the size of the object. A massive mountain can be reduced to a handful, while a slightly larger stone can cast an enormous shadow. But when you see the substance behind it… you’ll realize the emptiness of that shadow’s grandeur. 』
『 This is the same. 』
The council member deeply resonated with the next Shinto priest during their conversation.
Korea?
It is impressive, indeed.
Honestly, that a country reduced to ashes could rise to such a level is remarkable, without a doubt.
But that’s just about it.
It’s merely admirable.
Bamboo grows quickly?
Sure, that’s possible.
But is the inside of the bamboo solid?
Not at all.
The inside of the bamboo is completely hollow.
No matter how fast it grows, the inside remains empty.
Even if the bamboo reaches heights comparable to other trees, its value is not comparable to that of an ancient tree that has stood firm and grown for centuries.
Look at the ancient tree.
With deep roots, a thick, solid trunk, and branches stretching out in all directions like it owns its territory.
How can this sturdy ancient tree be compared to the value of bamboo?
‘Korea is below Japan. This is certain. But like nouveau riche, those without roots who suddenly succeed often possess nothing but pride, and Korea is likely the same.’
Therefore, the council member shouted.
Autonomously.
He shouted, pouring his thoughts into it.
Let’s solve it with armed force.
To make them feel overwhelming might like an adult teaching a lesson to a child.
That was his claim.
Yes.
He advocated for that.
But…
“Tsk. That old man…”
Of all people, the most authoritative figure at the gathering overturned the board.
“So… there will be another chance, right?”
However, the council member didn’t feel disappointed.
He sensed something ominous.
It was as if, from the depths of his unconscious, something was whispering to him.
A truly remarkable opportunity would arise.
That soon, an opportunity would come.
