Please Stop The Pope - Chapter 69

The sun had set late in the evening.

Perhaps because I solved the problem as soon as I arrived in Japan, I felt very refreshed.

The Japanese government immediately provided me with a top-class hotel in Tokyo as accommodations.

They provided an entire floor, not just one room to share with my colleagues.

They said it would be much easier for their security operation?

I refused at first, saying I wasn’t someone who needed security, but they said, “If we don’t do this, we’ll get criticized by the people.” You can’t keep refusing goodwill. So I just accepted it.

The things that happened until I arrived at this hotel were also really impressive.

After arriving in Tokyo by helicopter, on the way from the heliport to the hotel, Japanese citizens lined up and waved the Korean flag for me.

They were sincerely grateful to me.

Anyway.

I wanted to return to the hotel and rest for a bit like that, but…

“Please get out, Mr. Barbarian.”

“Didn’t we agree to be friends?”

“This won’t do. Leo? Fold this bastard and throw him out of the room.”

“I’ll try my best. But I don’t think he’ll fold well. The material is probably…”

“Fold a person? How can you say such uncivilized things to a friend!”

This cunning Barbarian is disturbing my rest.

I looked at him with a deep frown.

“Who are you calling uncivilized, you Barbarian?”

“Shi Yu. I am a gentleman.”

“Who told you to call me by my name? And the gentlemen I know don’t go around naked like you.”

“You try living naked for 20 years. It becomes more troublesome to wear something.”

“I should have just pretended to make a mistake and sent him away earlier.”

Regret always comes late.

I let out a deep sigh and then took a bite out of an apple from the basket on the table.

And I said to Aiden in a nonchalant tone,

“Are you really okay with getting crushed by me being broadcast live to the whole world?”

Then Aiden nodded as if it were a given.

“Although my honor was slightly wounded, I gained friendship with you in return. It’s not a loss.”

“Will the US think the same way?”

“They would be even happier if they could bring you to the US, but this is enough. Our president is probably talking to your president right now.”

“I don’t feel like talking about politics.”

“Irregulars are beings like that from the start. Even if you don’t want to, you can’t help but be involved in politics. Politicians naturally follow strong power. That’s the same in any world. You know that well too, right?”

It was the same in Eden.

“When I first saw you, I thought even your brain was made of muscle.”

“It’s impossible to lead a great tribe with just strength.”

By the way, Aiden said he stayed in a world called Manus for 20 years before returning.

It was a dimension with a barren environment, a dimension where tribes constantly struggled for survival.

Just looking at the scars engraved on Aiden’s body, his life in the other world probably wasn’t easy either.

“Don’t you feel wronged?”

“About what?”

“Losing to me.”

At my question, Aiden looked at me strangely. And after chugging the whiskey bottle in his hand, he wiped his mouth and replied,

“I lost because I was weaker than you. But why would that be something to feel wronged about?”

“That’s obviously because I borrowed the power of a god, right?”

“Sophistry. Regardless of whose power you borrowed, you ultimately became strong through your own will. And the smell of blood emanating from your body proves that you have gone through countless battlefields. That’s why I don’t feel wronged or sad about losing to you.”

Maybe he’s a pretty decent guy…

“By the way, when are we going to take a bath together? The traditions of the tribe must be kept.”

He’s definitely a crazy bastard.

“Leo. Just chase this guy out.”

“Yes, Your Holiness. I will do my best.”

“I think there’s a misunderstanding, I like women. Back there, I had twelve wives…”

“Chase him out quickly!”

At my order, Leo dragged Aiden out like pulling a garbage bag, and I let out a big sigh as I watched.

The return schedule is in 2 days.

It was originally a 3-day schedule, and it seemed good to take this opportunity to establish a base for our denomination in Japan.

I need to discuss with the Japanese government about placing sacred stones in the affected areas, and there are quite a lot of things to deal with here and there.

“Hmm.”

I took another bite of the apple while looking at the night view of Tokyo spread out the window.

Where should I go tomorrow?

I want to enjoy the hot springs while I’m in Japan… And I have to find an island to give to our Si-yeon.

Knock knock knock.

That’s when it happened. Someone knocked on my door, and soon Leo’s voice was heard from beyond the door.

“Your Holiness. A guest has arrived.”

Who would visit at such a late hour?

“Tell them to come in.”

“Yes, Your Holiness.”

Then, an elderly gentleman and Mr. Ryu Jin-young carefully entered the room.

The old gentleman who entered the room spoke to me in quite clumsy Korean.

“It’s nice to meet you for the first time, Awakener Kim Shi Yu. I am Sasaki Hiroto, the Prime Minister of Japan.”

Last time it was the President of Korea, and this time it’s the Prime Minister of Japan.

I guess I really have become a big shot.

I got up from my seat and held out my hand to him. And I said with a smile,

“I’m Kim Shi Yu, who leads the Limen Denomination. Feel free to speak in Japanese, I can understand.”

“Ah, is that so? It’s a truly mysterious ability. I brought our Jin-young just in case, but I’m so glad I can talk to you directly.”

“You speak Korean better than I thought.”

“My mother was Korean. So I know a little. And I’m learning Korean from Jin-young from time to time.”

At those words, Ryu Jin-young expressed disapproval and said,

“Your Excellency. It’s fine when it’s just the two of us, but here…”

“Isn’t this a private occasion? Isn’t that right, Shi Yu?”

“It’s nice to see that the Prime Minister cherishes Jin-young a lot.”

The Awakeners at the base camp earlier didn’t seem to treat Ryu Jin-young as a comrade, but Prime Minister Sasaki looked very different.

In his gaze looking at Ryu Jin-young, there was warmth, as if looking at a son.

“I’m not sure what this is about, but let’s sit comfortably and talk.”

“Hoho, shall we?”

Prime Minister Sasaki carefully sat on a chair while taking off his bowler hat at my invitation.

It would have been nice to serve him tea if I had some.

It’s just a pity.

Sitting in his seat, Prime Minister Sasaki looked at me with a benevolent smile.

“I feel heavy-hearted for disturbing your rest.”

“It’s alright. I was just thinking about what to do tomorrow while looking at the night view anyway.”

Suddenly, I remembered what President Seo told me last time.

Didn’t he say that most of the work a leader of a group does takes place in informal settings?

“On behalf of Japan, I express my gratitude for subjugating Yamata no Orochi for us.”

Prime Minister Sasaki, who began the conversation with words of gratitude, started speaking in a low voice.

Like that, 10 minutes later.

After listening to Prime Minister Sasaki’s words till the end, I nodded and said,

“Of course it’s good for us.”

[A quest has occurred.]

[Expanding Influence – Japan]

●Type: Sub – DLC

●Description: Interest in the Limen Denomination is rapidly spreading in Japan. If you build a <temple> that can serve as the center of faith for them as well, the number of believers will increase even more.

●Completion Conditions

-Construct a <temple> of the Limen Denomination within the territory of Japan.

●Reward: Trait <Overseas Mission>, 10,000 Divine Points

*This quest is not mandatory to complete.

**There is no time limit for completing the quest.

Prime Minister Sasaki’s proposal was simple.

To cut to the conclusion, he requested to build a temple of the Limen Denomination in Japan as well.

I couldn’t give an immediate answer because building a temple ultimately requires pulling a sacred artifact through sacred artifact points.

Honestly, I never even imagined that they would propose it first.

It had only been a day since I arrived in Japan.

It hadn’t even been a few hours since my name started spreading.

Nevertheless, Prime Minister Sasaki requested the construction of a temple without a moment of hesitation.

-Religion is a community that shares values that transcend borders, called faith. I think the temple of the Limen Denomination will bring a warm spring breeze to the rigid Korea-Japan relations. If there are people who share the same faith, hatred towards each other will also decrease. Don’t you think so?

Those were the words Prime Minister Sasaki left me as he departed.

As expected of a politician, he was eloquent. He wanted a warm wind to blow in Korea-Japan relations.

It was a fact I didn’t know, but after the Rising Sun Association took hold of the mainstream of Japan’s Awakener society, Korea-Japan relations seriously deteriorated.

Moreover, the incident of Mr. Ryu Jin-young crossing over to Japan added fuel to it.

Although the Former Awakeners Association’s scheme was hidden behind it, the people still don’t know the background.

Since 2010, Korea-Japan relations have steadily deteriorated, but after the Dimension Opening, the situation has become even more serious.

In such a situation, creating a reconciliatory mood through the Limen Denomination was close to a paradox.

To put it bluntly, Korea and Japan have a very deep conflict that cannot be resolved with a single denomination.

For example, historical issues or the Dokdo issue. (TN: Aka Liancourt Rocks dispute)

No matter how much the awareness of our Limen Denomination is rapidly rising these days, how can it narrow that conflict at once?

“It seems difficult for you to believe His Excellency’s words.”

The Prime Minister left first, but Mr. Ryu Jin-young, who came with the Prime Minister, stayed in my room.

Ryu Jin-young staying in my room was entirely the Prime Minister’s will.

Something about young people who will create the future together having a good conversation?

I looked at Ryu Jin-young and nodded.

“I’m not the Pope of Catholicism, and I don’t have enough influence to resolve conflicts between countries, right? Especially Korea-Japan relations, how can it be easy? You know that well too, Jin-young.”

“It will be possible.”

“The reason for your confidence?”

“Shi Yu, you are an Irregular recognized by the US. In other words, you are the first Irregular in Northeast Asia recognized by the US. On the other hand, Japan has no Irregulars. If a magic beast on the level of Yamata no Orochi appears again, they will inevitably suffer great damage.”

Ryu Jin-young’s logic was a very simple logic of power.

“Even if the US and Japan are allies, there is no guarantee that the US will always dispatch Irregulars like this time. Moreover, Irregulars are usually located within their own country’s territory. Even if they dispatch Irregulars, there is a high possibility that the damage will have accumulated a lot, like in this case. But…”

“I’m right next door.”

“That’s right.”

I got up from my seat and slowly nodded.

Of course, a friend nearby is more reliable than a friend far away.

That’s something even an elementary school student can understand. However, there are quite a few preconditions here.

“With guys like the Rising Sun Association being the mainstream of Japan’s Awakener society, can the two countries really become friends?”

“We’ll deal with that Rising Sun Association first. And regarding historical issues, His Excellency will personally apologize to Korea and the Korean people. Compensation will also be included.”

“Was that decided so easily?”

Ryu Jin-young smiled bitterly at my question and replied,

“Isn’t international politics always like that? That’s the kind of being an Irregular is.”

“Asking to build a temple of the Limen Denomination was just lip service. It seems you just needed me, an Irregular.”

“It’s not entirely for that reason. If we share the same religion, it will definitely help with the harmony between the two countries. And… if there is a temple of the Limen Denomination in Japan, Shi Yu, you won’t be able to just ignore it.”

“The latter seems to be the more important reason.”

“I think so too, but His Excellency told me to emphasize the former as much as possible.”

Ryu Jin-young smiled with difficulty. And I grinned following his smile.

“It doesn’t seem easy to deal with the Rising Sun Association guys. You said they are Japan’s Former Awakeners Association.”

“Don’t worry about that.”

He continued in a firm voice,

“The reason they were able to expand their influence until now was entirely thanks to our connivance.”

“You connived?”

“Although they are trash, it’s also true that they were solving the gate problems in some areas. Even though it led to them becoming uncontrollable… Now that they’ve become useless, of course we have to eliminate them.”

“Discarding a hunting dog that has lost its usefulness.”

A hunting dog that has lost its usefulness should be boiled.

I looked at Ryu Jin-young. He doesn’t seem like the type to make empty promises.

Eyes filled with conviction and responsibility. When these kinds of people lie, it shows.

As I quietly looked at him, personal curiosity reared its head.

“Jin-young.”

“Yes.”

“I don’t have a good relationship with the Former Awakeners Association either. If I completely get rid of them, will you come back to Korea? As for public opinion… I think they’ll understand if we explain it well.”

At my suggestion, Ryu Jin-young smiled faintly. Then he soon approached the window and gazed at the brightly shining night view of Tokyo.

“For 2 years, every Monday, there is a child who writes me a thank you letter. Thanking me for saving their family, saying they want to become like me. At first, the handwriting was so difficult to read, but as time passed, it gradually improved.”

A satisfied smile spread across his face.

And he said, looking at me,

“There are things I need to protect here as well. And Shi Yu, you are already in Korea, right? There is no reason for me to stir up controversy and return.”

He’s a solid person.

The kind of person Luna would have really liked if she saw him.

I quietly looked at Ryu Jin-young and casually asked,

“How old are you?”

“In Earth years, I’m 31. In terms of the other world’s years…”

“Since the time difference seems different, let’s just go by Earth years. I’m 27, can I comfortably call you hyung?”

“Ah, yes. If it’s comfortable…”

That’s when it happened.

Kwaang!

Someone broke down the door and entered, then soon shouted in a booming voice,

“Oh, the Japanese magician is here too. Your eyes were impressive so it was memorable.”

“Leo. Why is that bastard here again?”

“I’m sorry, Your Holiness. My strength was a bit lacking.”

“…Phew.”

“Drinking is more fun with company! Korean, Japanese, otherworlder, American! This is truly the melting pot of races, the very spirit of America. Come on, I brought plenty of whiskey. Let’s take one bottle per person first. I heard from little brother Leo that the Limen Denomination doesn’t have any abstinence doctrine? Let’s drink a lot!”

I can’t sleep tonight either.

I really should have pretended to make a mistake and sent him away earlier.

Tsk.