PSA: I changed the month the gate appeared in Japan from January to June, since in the GATE anime it was during summer.
This chapter's a bit of a shorter one.
Steel and Sorcerers – Chapter 15
It was the 7th of July 2024. The midday summer sun hung over the streets of Tokyo, where despite the news that the Prime Minister was scheduled to give an important speech, life for the most part continued as usual. They had all heard the rumours, but most expected the truth to be something fairly mundane. Still, a large portion of Ginza, an economic hotspot, had been closed off, so this was clearly a significant matter. In addition, it was to be broadcast throughout the country, with translations available for those overseas.
As the clock ticked over to exactly 2pm, the televised broadcast began. A large crowd was gathered as Prime Minister Boshihide Suga stepped up to the lectern out the front of the National Diet building and began his speech, which would come to be known as the Ginza Address.
"I am Suga Boshihide, Prime minister of Japan.
I wish to address some deep-seated concerns that many of you have regarding the closing off and quarantining of the Ginza district of Tokyo, as well as the tragic events of the 23rd of June and 3rd of July. I would also like to discuss the future of Japan and how it will be affected by these events."
At this, many people were in shock. Up until now the government had been incredibly secretive about what had actually transpired on these dates. But now they might actually get a proper answer. Hundreds of thousands of people around the nation, and millions more around the world stopped what they were doing to listen in.
"I shall start from the very beginning of how this all came to be.
On the 23rd of June this year, an unusual structure appeared in the Ginza district of Tokyo. Coming from inside this structure, a number of hostile entities began attacking nearby people. Luckily, thanks to the brave actions of the local police they were driven back. To ensure something like this wouldn't happen again, a defensive barrier was set up around the structure and that area of Ginza closed off. After this, we felt confident enough to mount an expedition to investigate the structure."
Everyone watching waited with bated breath for what he would say next. Everyone following the events in Ginza knew that in the centre there was a mysterious structure closed off by a large barrier. However, no one actually knew what it was. Of course there were all kinds of crazy theories, from it leading to an secret underground lab or being a Chinese bioweapon. However, what the Prime Minister said next was beyond all reasonable expectations.
"We found that the structure functioned like a portal, leading to somewhere outside of Ginza. The exact details of the place that it leads to are still under investigation, but it seems to harbour hostile entities such as the ones that attacked Ginza on the day it first appeared."
The crowd was in an uproar. 'The structure was a portal?' 'Was that kind of thing even possible?' 'Does this prove the existence of aliens?' After a short while though there was quiet again. They all now desperately wanted to hear what else he had to say.
"This brings me to the events of the 3rd of July. A large number of hostile entities, stronger than the ones from before, attacked our defensive perimeter. There were many casualties, but thanks to the efforts of the JSDF, with US assistance, this attack was also repelled. My deepest condolences go out to the families of the soldiers who bravely sacrificed themselves to protect Japan, and it is my hope that they will be able to take solace in the fact that they fought with courage and dignity.
Due to this, we have come to realise that the existence of this structure, the gate as it has come to be known, poses an unprecedented challenge to Japan and will require the support of the people to overcome.
It is my hope however that this support will be directed towards my successor. I intend to take full responsibility for the actions of the government thus far in managing this crisis. It has become clear that in many areas better decision-making could have led to reduced damages and casualties. Thus, I will be resigning once a successor has been appointed. The list of candidates will be listed in the next few days."
The people watching were actually quite surprised about the Prime Minister's decision to resign. They were still busy processing what they had heard earlier, so weren't yet fully aware of why he would choose to do so.
"Before I conclude, I would like to re-iterate that it is Japan's responsibility to manage the gate as it lies within our sovereign borders, and that unapproved intervention will not be tolerated. In the meantime before my successor is appointed, I will continue to spare no effort to ensure the security of the gate is maintained and strengthened, and that Japan remains safe. Thank you."
At this conclusion of the speech, a spokesperson walked across the podium and announced, "There will now be 15 minutes for any questions."
President of the People's Republic of China, Bi Xinping was in his office contemplating the Japanese Prime Minister's speech. It was just the day after the Ginza address, and he was carefully considering what his country's official response would be to the news.
The response from most countries was that they hoped for joint international cooperation regarding management of the gate. This was most likely the path that he would also take. Although many details surrounding it were still shrouded in mystery, it was clear that a great deal could be learned from studying the structure itself and the entities that originate from it. Come to think of it, those creatures kind of resembled the monsters that he had seen in TV shows like Game of Bhones (yes, he's a fan of it lol).
Putting those thoughts aside for the moment, what was troubling were the responses from the USA, the UK, Australia and a couple of other select nations. These countries, rather than advocating for multinational cooperation, supported Japan's intent to monopolise the structure and the region it leads to, indicating they had some kind of agreement with each other. This was disappointing for a number of reasons. By forming their own separate coalition like this, advancements made in regard to the gate would take place at a slower pace, and the knowledge gained would likely be kept secret for some time. In other words, their selfishness would drive a wedge between themselves and other nations, and hinder the scientific progress of humanity. Still, it was possible that through espionage some secrets could at least be gleaned.
It was unlikely the UN would be of much help regarding this subject. Any proposed resolution for joint control or shared access would no doubt be vetoed by either the US or the UK. That only left more direct methods of intervention. Of course, an all-out war wouldn't be beneficial to anyone, but there were still measures that could be taken, such as implementing economic sanctions. China was a large trading partner for Japan, so it was possible that pressure could be applied this way.
As for potential allies, if large deposits of natural resources such as oil were found on the other side of the gate, it could mean increased pressure on Japan from Russia, who relied on oil exports for a large portion of its economy. Interestingly, South Korea wasn't on the list of countries that supported Japan's monopolisation of the gate, likely due to their often-strained relations. Though, they would still likely side with Japan if prompted due to their close relationship with the US.
Depending on how lucrative the gate proved to be, one would expect to see Japan become stronger in the coming years, as well as a further increasing US presence in the region to support them. This would likely become an increasing threat to China's national security, as well as a hindrance to their future plans. He would try his best to manage this new threat carefully, although he would keep in mind that only time would tell.
The throne was vacant after its master left, but the air in the Throne Room still boiled with excitement. Hearing their Supreme Overlord's orders to work as one filled everybody with incomparable motivation, especially those who had been given specific orders.
"Everyone, raise your heads."
After hearing Demiurge's calm and steady voice, the people whose heads were still lowered lifted their heads in unison.
"Everyone, please act as Ainz-sama orders. After that, I have something to announce."
The NPCs' and servants' eyes were fixed on a certain figure who now stood beside Demiurge. It was someone who didn't often make appearances in the throne room, or even anywhere outside of their own designated area.
"Nigredo, tell everyone what you heard Ainz-sama say."
"Are you referring to what he said in response to seeing Japan?"
Demiurge frowned slightly. "Yes."
"Understood. As Ainz-sama gazed upon the city in Japan, what he said was, 'What a shame'. After this, he was silent for some time, as if deep in thought."
Demiurge now spoke, "When Ainz-sama said this, he was clearly trying to convey his displeasure at seeing how far humanity had spread in that world."
"Now," Demiurge smiled, but it was filled with something other than kindness. "Does everyone remember what Ainz-sama said that time, about where his true ambition lies?"
The looks in everyone's eyes turned razor-sharp. It represented their iron will and determination.
Demiurge continued, "Understanding Ainz-sama's true intentions and preparing for them is the proof of our loyalty and the mark of excellent subordinates. Everyone must keep in mind that the final objective of the Great Underground Tomb of Nazarick is to deliver not only this chest of jewels, the world, but Earth as well, to Ainz-sama."
Then, countless voices spoke as one, their words echoing across the Throne Room. "We will render everything in these worlds unto its rightful ruler, Ainz-sama."