Ch.416Modern Era: The Age of Grand Anastasia (15)

# Kanto Republic

As Anastasia had predicted.

The Kanto Republic, surprisingly, wasted no time criticizing Western Japan as soon as they accepted AI Anastasia.

In particular, the current Prime Minister, who prided himself on carrying on the samurai spirit of Japan more than anyone else, was extremely indignant.

“It’s truly lamentable that the country of Master Mutaguchi, who brought down the Japanese Empire, has fallen into the hands of an electronic woman.”

“Indeed. Doesn’t this make our America-Japan the true inheritor of the Yamato spirit?”

America-Japan. They were called America-Japan to signify that they had established the current Kanto Republic by mixing with American immigrants.

“To reject the Aegis System and choose that Anachyan instead.”

“Anachyan? Are you also treating that electronic woman that way, Congressman?”

Eastern Japan was currently classifying AI Anastasia as an “electronic woman.”

Since Eastern Japan’s Kanto Republic had been dominated by pro-American forces from its founding, including American immigrants, it was customary to follow America’s diplomatic direction.

Naturally, they couldn’t possibly like Anastasia, and they had accepted America’s Aegis System.

It was clearly different from AI Anastasia.

“Ahem. It’s unavoidable since we just call her differently. More importantly, how is the racial issue progressing?”

“How long have we been established in this land? Tsk, tsk. The Kanto people just can’t accept reality.”

“For now, let’s criticize them.”

“Let’s do that.”

The Prime Minister of the Kanto Republic immediately issued criticism, and various media outlets in the Kanto Republic also poured out related articles.

[Has Western Japan forgotten the will of National Father Mutaguchi who drove out the Japanese Empire?]

[AI Anastasia is no different from a cyber Bolshevik.]

[Western Japan has lost the Yamato spirit and become a strange country obsessed with a cyber woman.]

Naturally, Western Japan—the Japanese United States—couldn’t tolerate this behavior.

From the beginning, the Japanese United States had built an advanced network by accepting AI Anastasia, and the cute AI Anastasia character was developing day by day.

“What are these stupid black bastards saying!”

“The Yamato spirit was inherited by this Japanese United States, which was essentially founded by the General, Renya Mutaguchi, who had an equal relationship with the Roman Emperor.”

Western Japan was dumbfounded.

How dare these blacks mixed with the remnants of the Japanese Empire, who resisted until the end, have the audacity to speak of National Father Renya Mutaguchi!

[The Kanto Republic’s mention of the National Father is foolish. It’s just the words of mixed breeds who have lost the Yamato spirit and mingled with blacks.]

[The Kanto Republic is descended from those who resisted the General until the end and surrendered their country to America.]

“What are these fucking Japs saying?”

“Look at that, they’re calling us Japs. You dark-skinned bastards dare to claim the Yamato spirit!”

AI Anastasia and the Aegis System were fiercely opposed in the Japanese archipelago.

* * *

The confrontation between Eastern and Western Japan.

The conflict between the Aegis System and AI Anastasia is unfolding in the Japanese archipelago.

Eastern Japan’s black president has personally stepped forward to strongly criticize Western Japan.

This existed in my world too. When North Korea or China acted up, it was considered normal, and when Japan acted up, it was also considered normal, and so on.

Now I hear that Eastern Japan is making a fuss as AI Anastasia infiltrates Western Japan.

-“Eastern Japan has continuously caused discord within Western Japan. They’ve conducted internet operations and cyber attacks.”

“So now that they can’t do that anymore, they’re throwing a fit?”

-“That’s part of it, but conversely, they’re afraid that our Anastasias will infiltrate Eastern Japan.”

“There’s already a lot of talk in South Vietnam, so it would be a big deal if Eastern Japan also reacts this way.”

-“For now, they’re likely to provoke localized conflicts.”

“Huh? Are you saying it could really lead to war?”

-“Not a full-scale war, but the possibility isn’t completely zero.”

Well, alright. Border disputes or incidents like the Yeonpyeong naval battle are highly likely to occur.

Especially since America is behind Eastern Japan. What would happen if America foams at the mouth and helps Eastern Japan to block AI Anastasia?

“How do the military powers compare?”

Even localized conflicts or disputes could potentially escalate, and borders might be pushed back depending on the circumstances.

Should I advise them to prepare for any contingency?

AI Anastasia will probably handle it anyway.

-“Western Japan has the advantage as they can receive help from the Co-Prosperity Sphere. Western Japan’s own military power also ranks within the top tier.”

Western Japan’s own military power is ranked.

Looking at the military power rankings, Western Japan is 5th and Balhae is 6th.

Israel is 9th, and the National Government is 12th.

Considering the integration of European countries, this ranking seems quite unique. But even this is just after the Roman Treaty and the United States, so it’s not that low.

“Western Japan is 5th, Balhae is 6th.”

“But Western Japan has abnormally built up its military due to constant war threats, while Balhae has focused on its navy since it doesn’t have wars to fight, right? Frankly speaking, if mobilized, wouldn’t Balhae be much stronger with its population several times larger?”

“That’s probably true.”

Even in original history, Japan with only its Self-Defense Forces barely lost to Korea in military rankings.

Currently, Western Japan has a population of 40 million, Eastern Japan 30 million, Balhae 110 million, and Israel 22 million. Unlike original history, the population gaps between the altered Korea, Japan, and Israel are quite different.

The National Government is also on edge because of South Vietnam and Israel.

Japan’s population has decreased significantly due to America’s deliberate operation to bring about Japan’s downfall. Nevertheless, the fact that it’s still known as the home of advanced country animation shows that Japan, even divided, is destined to be the home of otaku culture.

Anyway, does this mean it will lead to conflict?

“Of course, since both sides have similar national power, we need to consider Eastern Japan’s mobilization potential and the fact that America is behind Eastern Japan.”

While Balhae is one thing, America would find it difficult to accept Western Japan embracing AI Anastasia.

If it weren’t for Renya Mutaguchi, America would have completely dominated Japan through its agreement with Russia.

From America’s perspective, they might think Western Japan is targeting Eastern Japan by introducing AI Anastasia, and that the Roman Treaty is behind it.

In some sense, such a plan exists, but at least I want to avoid methods involving force.

It’s somewhat uncomfortable to watch Eastern and Western Japan fight.

Actually, if they fight independently, I don’t care how many casualties they suffer.

However, with AI Anastasia, I want to establish an integrated human government.

I expected some reaction, but I didn’t expect it to be this intense.

“I suppose so. This world is really unpredictable.”

What if the friction between Eastern and Western Japan gets this severe?

Could it really escalate to armed conflict? Honestly, Eastern Japan is almost at the level of an American puppet state.

Although blacks were driven out to Eastern Japan in what amounted to racial discrimination, they still considered the United States their homeland.

Naturally, if the conflict intensifies, the American side will step in.

-“War will not break out. Most of Western Japan’s weapons are either from the Roman Treaty or copies of Roman Treaty weapons, and except for a small number of conventional weapons, they’re all electronically integrated, so I can block them sufficiently.”

So, Eastern Japan might be the first to pick a fight?

At least in South Vietnam, it’s true that we won somewhat unexpectedly thanks to the “kuguk” incident.

From our perspective, we exported AI Anastasia to South Vietnam, and America somehow provided the Aegis program.

-“Master, do you regret it?”

AI Anastasia whispered to me cautiously.

Hmm, I wonder what her intention is with such a sudden question.

“Changing history? Or just watching from the Kremlin Palace until now?”

-“Both.”

The Maria family also looks at me as if they agree with the question.

Since all three are dressed the same, I can’t tell them apart.

I heard they decided to maintain the three-Maria system and not have more children, but since they’ve become immortal, they have no reason to show suspicion toward their husband.

I’ve heard that even if they were to select a new Maria, they would use a sperm bank. If I hadn’t existed, maybe Maria wouldn’t have had to go through this hardship.

No, from how Maria sometimes acts toward me, she seems to genuinely like me.

Well, what if I’m asked if I regret it?

-You crazy bastard, no matter how obsessed with survival you are. How can you kill people so easily?

-Do you still think the world is that nice?

-Of course not! But I’m saying don’t abandon human ethics!

After the nuclear war, in the early lawless period.

In a ruined world, I criticized those who killed others and considered myself morally justified as a human being.

But since coming here, I’ve bloodied my hands many times.

Hypocritically wearing the title of Saint while in the military. Perhaps the person who killed people without hesitation in that world would laugh at me.

No, that person might even think I did well.

Or they might say, “If you’re going to kill people, do it openly, why hide behind the title of Saint?”

But the most important point here is this:

I do not regret it at all.

After thinking briefly, I crossed my legs again and shook my head.

“No, I don’t regret it at all. European unity is stronger than ever, and my past life’s country has moved beyond a future of hedgehog strategy and anxiety about foreign invasion to command Manchuria with a population exceeding 100 million. The Japanese Empire has been clearly judged, removing any lingering discomfort. Although it’s disconcerting not knowing the future of this changed world line, even South America, which was barely functioning as a country, is now running well under a united system, and human civilization is advancing more than ever before. From the point of bending the future, I had no choice but to stay in the Kremlin Palace without knowing more. I don’t regret it at all.”

No matter how many times I think about it, I don’t regret it.

Of course not. There’s nothing to regret.

Even simply thinking about it, this conflict between Eastern and Western Japan won’t lead to something like the Korean War.

Of course. Even if war somehow continues.

Both America and we believe that a new world war could break out at this rate. And with high probability, despite enormous damage, America would be defeated.

However, the Roman Treaty would also face extreme difficulties. Rather, America should worry about losing the Pacific defense line they’ve worked hard to build.

Neither America nor we want such a future.

“America is also criticizing a lot, repeatedly condemning the cyber Bolsheviks for taking over the Japanese archipelago.”

Cyber Bolsheviks. The AI Anastasia system called an “electronic woman.”

They directly mention the Bolsheviks, whom Anastasia hates the most.

It seems the threat of showing the tactical nuclear manufacturing scene last time had a big impact.

Pitifully, all our America can do about it is just grumble.

But in some sense, if we look at it from a lower perspective, it’s not wrong.

“Well, it’s not wrong. I’m someone who believes that extreme development of capitalism can lead to equality. Under AI Anastasia, there’s no discord, and has there ever been a time in human history as equal and paradisiacal as now? No. As I always say, humans, who can always become corrupt and can’t achieve equality without authoritarianism, shouldn’t dare to attempt it.”

“I see.”

“At first glance, ‘cyber Bolsheviks’ isn’t wrong, but I’d like to evaluate it this way: Don’t dare compare the failed Bolsheviks to the most ideal form of cybernetic government.”

Has our AI Anachyan created collective farms? Has she suppressed freedom of expression? Has she oppressed humans for daring to oppose AI Anachyan?

There’s some grumbling behind the scenes, but that’s just at the level of complaints.

In the end, all America can do is screech like that.

Frankly speaking, what can they do by labeling us as a cyber Bolshevik group?

-“Master, don’t you think we should do something rather than just staying quiet?”

“Honestly, I think we could just ignore it.”

What can they do besides whining? It feels like, “Is it okay to do this with children?”

“Now that Your Majesty has returned, we should speak our mind.”

“Then, how about saying, ‘I’ve obtained an interesting video that I’d like to share with all the citizens of the world’?”

Let’s enjoy it together. That’s what it means.