1623- Amboyna Massacre- 10 members of British East India Company were killed by men of the Dutch East India Company on accusations of treason on Amboyna Island; England closes base in Hirado without notification

"You cut him off?" asked the broad man, tugging lightly at the collar of the smaller man's robe, pulling open a small space and kissing the back of his neck. "That was so quick and sudden."

"It was not of my doing," replied Japan, closing this book as Netherlands embraced him from behind, both of them sitting on the same futon.

"He just left. Without saying a thing. After all that," he sighed.

"After all what?" Netherlands asked, pulling him into a tighter embrace. Japan did not reply.

But Netherlands knew.

He knew, so he had gotten rid of England himself.

It was so easy.

So much easier than he thought it would be, and it made him laugh, even, when he got the news.

How quickly that idiot got his message.

The Asian nations, he did not care much about- they were like siblings to Japan, and posed no threat.

"You know," he whispered into Japan's ear, leaning over, aware of the tiny man jumping in surprise. "The Catholics- they are going to ruin your nation."

"The Catholics…? What do you mean?" Japan turned his head around to look up at the tall man, questioningly. "You mean those missionaries from Spain and Portugal?"

"Yes, those," Netherlands replied, smiling. He stole a small kiss from Japan's lips, enjoying his reaction- blushing and flipping his head back.

"D-d-do not taunt me, Oranda san," he stammered.

"Anyways, they'll only cause trouble for you and your people," Netherlands added. "You should get rid of them."

"But they have done no harm yet…"

"But they will. Haven't you noticed the number of converts the missionaries are creating? Those Catholics. They are nothing but trouble.

"And what are you, Oranda san?" Japan asked. He did not like to admit to confusion, but Western religions did just that.

"I'm Protestant," Netherlands replied, somewhat proudly. "I don't need to go around converting people like those Catholics. Really, Japan, they will be nothing but trouble."

Japan fell silent. The Portuguese and Spanish were great trading partners, and the losses in commerce he would have to suffer will surely be great.

"…You know I mean only best for you, right?" Netherlands pushed as he pulled Japan even closer to himself, kissing him on the crown of his head.

"…Yes…" Japan nodded slowly.

"Tomorrow…" Netherlands murmured into Japan's ear.

"Yes… Tomorrow…" Japan assented, shivering from the breath in his ear.

1624- Japan broke off all connections with Spain

"But why, Japan? I don't understand!" Spain shouted as he was led off to a ship by Japanese soldiers. "What did I do? What happened?!"

"You brought Catholic Christians into my land and polluted it with your missionaries," replied Japan, unemotionally and blankly.

Spain shot a daggering glare at Netherlands, who was standing closely behind Japan, smiling.

"It was you, wasn't it, you bastard!" he yelled, his usual cheerful face now filled with anger. "You brain washed him!"

"He did no such thing," Japan interjected, waving his statement off with his hand. "Please, leave with your people and never come back." He watched as Spain, his men, and missionaries were pushed onto deck. "…If you value your life."

"Well done," Netherlands whispered into Japan's ear. He gave a smile and glance of triumph at Spain, who was still raging on deck.

Japan's mind was blank. He did not even react to the sensation of breath on his neck.

"This was the correct thing to do," he whispered to himself.