New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (1/3 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 104

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

In Japan, an unthinkable strike by the Self-Defense Forces had occurred. The core of this action was carried out by none other than the famed unit, known as the “Imperial Bushido”. As a result, the eyes of the world were once more fixed upon Japan. The statement released was simple and clear.

“We are granted the freedom of profession, or at least we should be as residents of Japan. We are subjected to unjust treatment. We assert our rights as Japanese, and if they are not acknowledged, we shall seek asylum in another nation.”

At first glance, this may sound selfish. Yet they were declaring, through the Self-Defense Forces, that the nation itself had forsaken them. They were saying that this country held no worth of protection. The unit had become internationally renowned, and their choice of asylum would be virtually unrestricted. With recent ease in crossing language barriers, there was no hesitation on their part.

Kasumigaseki trembled. Were this dealt with under antiquated law, national defense would falter, and the country would tumble toward ruin. Yet if this lawlessness were tolerated, the foundation of the nation itself would begin to shake.

Elderly officials, clinging to precedent, shouted for punishment. Those living in the modern age called for the removal of the obstinate elders. It became a space where the words spoken were far from the deliberation of a legislative body deciding the nation’s future, a place of ugly discourse.

Yet, compared to the usual trivialities, catching each other’s words, impeding one another, this session was, at least, somewhat worth watching. Ultimately, the future of Japan was entrusted to the Prime Minister. In short, the others wished neither to assume responsibility nor to correct failures above them. Instead, he pretended to act, giving the impression of work done.

“Since this negotiation has been entrusted to me, I shall stake my life on it. Of course, not a resignation, but a literal life. Having entrusted this to me, I expect an equal resolve from all of you. Well, if the negotiation fails, the outcome will be as such in any case. Prepare yourselves accordingly.” (Prime Minister Asou)

Prime Minister Asou left the chamber with these words to the lawmakers, who had made the most noise, departing with elegance. How the public would judge the disgrace of the remaining legislators required no further consideration.

“O-o-o, this is absurd! How can such major events occur consecutively in the same month!?” (Kouta)

“This is indeed a formidable opponent.” (Mira)

“Mira, is the dungeon-streaming ranking no longer enough for you?” (Haruka)

“Emilia! You return from the seventh floor and immediately a strike! At worst, it could overlap with the same framework!” (Mira)

“I do not think that is likely, though.” (Emilia)

“Hmm, I do not think so either. Yet certainty is impossible.” (Mira)

At our school cafeteria, the high school closest to the dungeon, this topic dominated naturally.
For us, active in the dungeon, and for many other students, it had critically important implications.

Firstly, we could not convert loot to currency, could not upgrade equipment, nor appraise it. We could not even register. The situation was far harsher than one might imagine. However, so long as one merely entered the dungeon, it remained possible. Monsters would still appear, and drops would still fall. Yet, with the military and Self-Defense Forces active, the public order that had been barely maintained would likely deteriorate rapidly.

Might the Japanese government request support from countries such as the Netherlands or Germany? The odds of that were slim.

At that moment, my smartphone rang. The number was unfamiliar. I considered ignoring it, but it rang so long that I answered.

“Hello? Who is this? Perhaps you have the wrong number?” (Kouta)

“Yoo-hoo! Kouta-kun, are you well?” (Suzuki)

“Onee-san!? How did you get this number?” (Kouta)

“Huh? I asked to speak with you, and a colleague connected me.” (Suzuki)

A colleague, you say! I understood the Self-Defense Forces’ technical ability, but this was extreme. Abuse of authority? Perhaps something else entirely.

“I watched the video, Kouta-kun. You looked quite impressive! Your center of gravity shifted so much more smoothly.” (Suzuki)

“Thank you very much!” (Kouta)

Ah, she contacted me for this reason! Perhaps she has spare time due to the strike. In any case, it is most appreciated.

“But that last part was unacceptable.” (Suzuki)

“Yes.” (Kouta)

Where had I gone wrong? That would be a task for improvement.

“You need to wrap him in a firm embrace and kiss her! Kyaa♡ Kyaa♡” (Suzuki)

“Ah, Onee-san, I have class, so I must hang up now.” (Kouta)

She absolutely called just to pass the time. Nonetheless, I would at least register the number for safety.

 

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(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)