"US and Chinese military forces in the Special Region. Pray tell, who authorized such an operation?"
Yuki was on a holo call with both the Japanese and Chinese Prime ministers. She didn't give them holoprojectors, instead hacking into their security mainframe and holding a holographic call that way. Morita was already informed of the ERS, but this was his first time meeting with the commander. The Chinese prime minister, Dong Dechou, appeared unimpressed, but this was merely his poker face.
"Whether you answer or not is irrelevant. But I do want you to see these."
She showed them several images, footage of a recently sunken Chinese naval strike force in the Sea of Japan.
"It was out of self defense. After all, they wouldn't reply when we tried to hail them. If they hadn't taken action, who knows what would've happened to my soldiers."
A large ship sailed in front. The footage zoomed out to show a much larger ERS naval armada.
"The 21st century has no need for battleships anymore, but as you can see, they're still effective."
A Shogun Battleship adorned with several naval signals was the lead ship, followed by more Shogun Battleships and Naginata Cruisers.
"As for the Americans…"
They were then shown footage of slaughtered groups in the Special Region, all with US insignia.
"Again, they were suspicious characters. My men feared for their lives, so they had no choice."
Dong slammed his desk.
"You think this is funny? This footage is evidence that you've waged war against two major superpowers."
"And what will you do about it?"
He scoffed.
"It seems that a trade embargo and cyber attack weren't enough. Perhaps you'll change your tune when your prime minister accepts our demands, and you'll be powerless to stop it."
Yuki grinned.
"It's comforting to know that the Premier is the same in any world. In any case, how will international opinion react to your actions?"
The call ended abruptly, leaving both leaders to contemplate their next move now that they're being watched under the careful eye of the ERS. Dong was not informed about the ERS and that it was a separate entity from the JSDF. Morita, knowing this, was more concerned than ever about the situation.
"People can be so gullible."
Yuki said as she stretched her arms. She made the call from her command center, the ERS now at full combat alert.
It seems that a trade embargo and cyber attack weren't enough.
Dong's audio was played back.
"With this, the Chinese shouldn't have any more leverage for the time being."
The audio, along with several key files of backdoor involvement were compiled into a folder named TAKEOUT.
"As for the Americans…"
Yuki's hologram appeared before the US president in the Oval Office. Two Secret Service agents aimed their guns at her.
"Greetings, Mr. President."
The president was astonished. Not just at Yuki's sudden appearance, but at the level of technology that Japan possessed to be able to pull off such a feat. Again, the American president was not informed of the ERS.
"To cut to the chase, I'd like you to cease involvement with the Chinese and any operations involving the Special Region."
"I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about. The Chinese? Operations? Sure, we may have sour relations with the Japanese for hogging the Gate all to themselves, but I would never authorize operations involving the Special Region."
"I see. Putting that aside, what should I do with the CIA agents captured during the Ginza protest?"
"What?"
She showed him images of several captured men, tied up and surrounded by several armed soldiers.
"You see, there were armed soldiers during the commotion that killed some police officers, so I assumed these guys were affiliated with them. But since you said you're not involved, what should be done about these guys?"
He tried to laugh it off.
"You can at least untie them. They're not soldiers, but this isn't humane treatment."
"You're right, it's unlike us."
Yuki connected to the footage.
"Captain, it appears that they're just ghosts."
Affirmative.
The president was shocked to witness the soldiers gun down the captured men.
"You see, we have a very loose policy regarding prisoners of war. For the life of me, I can't remember what that was. As the commanding officer, I assumed this to be the best course of action."
"You…"
"No need to be so angry, you let this happen. You see, I don't condone liars. Especially when they threaten the lives of my soldiers. If you wish to do proper business next time we meet, please be honest. I can't promise what will happen if you don't heed my expectations. Actually, there might be one thing."
She ended the call with a clip from Independence day with the White House blowing up.
"This is why I don't like dealing with politicians."
In the Sea of Japan, the Chinese naval strike force was unharmed and patrolling the area. Chinese Special Forces in the Special Region were last seen retreating towards the Gate. CIA agents had escaped during the Ginza riot and reported back with little casualties.
At the Ginza Gate, several armed individuals were reported running out from the Gate, all hysterical from witnessing a monster. Any questioning about said monster only led to further severe breakdown of the affected.