I built an armada.

In fact, about 30% of the people would think that if the leader did this, it would ensure that the Eastern Wilderness would not be subject to too many sanctions and that their lives would not be affected. If so, then this is the work that the leader should do.

While 27 percent of the people felt that the matter was shameful, it was still a defeat, and the leader needed to take responsibility for the actions of the previous cabinet leader.

Less than 10 percent of people felt that this matter was none of their business.

Therefore, all things considered, most people do not hold too many negative views about Taro Kato bowing his head.

Many people are still worried that Longxia might really attack, and that Donghuang might suffer another major defeat.

There aren't many people who, with a knife to their neck, would rant and rave about wanting to die for a hundred million.

"It is said that an extremist group is organizing a rally in front of the official residence tomorrow. They... they brought your portrait and are preparing to burn it."

"What did the police say?"

“The Metropolitan Police Department has already set up a cordon, but they are concerned about potential conflict. Also,” the secretary hesitated, “the Chief of Staff called privately to inquire whether it would be necessary to increase security at the official residence?”

Self-Defense Forces… Kato’s heart sank.

To be honest, he was able to seize power with the support of reformists within the Self-Defense Forces.

But now, it seems some people aren't being honest?

It's no wonder these people are dissatisfied; in some people's eyes, they're just lucky ones who got to the top by sheer chance.

Many people were dissatisfied with themselves, some felt their current position was unworthy of their status, and others thought his proposal was too weak...

In short, all sorts of forces from all sides wanted to oust him and take his place.

To be fair, Taro Kato didn't really have much attachment to this position.

His mission was accomplished once he dealt with those extremists.

If he could, he wouldn't really want to sit in this position, because if he were to return to his ancestral home in the future, his current identity might be a huge obstacle.

On the other hand, if he performs well enough in the position of leader, he might even gain Long Xia's favor, and in that case...

After a moment's thought, Taro Kato sighed.

"Please reply to the Chief of Staff on my behalf: I appreciate his loyalty, but at this stage, please keep the Self-Defense Forces professional and stay away from politics."

"As for maintaining order... that's the police's responsibility."

Kato said slowly.

"We will deploy some police officers tomorrow to maintain order."

Kato must be wary of any sign of using the military to suppress domestic protests, as this could turn him from a savior of the nation into a dictator.

This won't affect him personally, but it might impact Long Xia's future plans.

Taro Kato must eliminate all unstable factors.

After the secretary left, Kato walked to his desk, picked up the encrypted phone, and dialed the number.

“Representative Zhang,” Kato said in Chinese.

Kato worked incredibly hard to return to his homeland, even diligently studying Chinese.

Although the language of the Eastern Wilderness differs from Chinese in pronunciation, it originates from Longxia, so there aren't many obstacles if one studies it diligently.

Taro Kato is very serious, which has led to his rapid progress in learning Chinese. Now he can even converse with Zhang Zhaoxin without any pressure, without needing a translator.

“Lord Kato,” Zhang Zhaoxin’s voice came from the other end of the line, the background was very quiet, “I guess it’s about the photos.”

"That photo made my situation in China very difficult."

Kato tried to keep his tone steady and spoke cautiously.

“Protests, plummeting approval ratings, extremists inciting violence—I need something substantial to appease the public—like… a reduction in compensation? Or something that people feel they are receiving tangible benefits.”

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a moment.

Zhang Zhaoxin said slowly, "Mr. Kato, you and I both know that international politics is not like bargaining in a vegetable market."

“We can help you, but not in this way.”

"Moreover, if we add to the deal now, everyone will think it's a premeditated performance. At that time, not only you, but even our Longxia will become an international laughing stock."

"But, but I..."

“So you have to hold on.” Zhang Zhaoxin’s voice remained calm.

"I won't give you any guarantees, and the fourth round of negotiations can be put on the agenda."

Upon hearing this, Taro Kato instantly understood.

Zhang Zhaoxin would never make him any promises in any way, not even verbal ones.

But Taro Kato understood Zhang Zhaoxin's intention in bringing up the fourth round of negotiations at this moment.

There is no doubt that Longxia will offer some favorable terms in this negotiation.

This would allow him to give an explanation to the people back home.

At the same time, this is also a good way to divert attention.

Once public attention is drawn to the new negotiations, he will face less domestic pressure.

This warmed Kato Taro's heart. See, Ryuka is still quite humane!
"As an extra reminder, regarding the Eagle Tribe's bases, Longxia will retain the aircraft carrier maintenance function of some bases. This is the core interest of the Eagle Tribe, and we don't want to force them to take desperate measures."

"We can make some concessions on this condition."

Kato's eyes lit up.

Long Xia did not want to back down, but if he let the other party speak, the terms of the negotiation would become somewhat uncontrollable.

At this time, extending a favor to the Eastern Wilderness could mislead the Eagle Tribe into believing that the Eastern Wilderness was still on their side, thus interfering with the other side's judgment.

Because of this trust, at a critical moment, the Eastern Wilderness might deliver the most fatal backstab to the Eagle Tribe!
Of course, Longxia would never put all its eggs in one basket with the Eastern Wilderness; this was merely a backup plan.

“I think I might need more, Representative Zhang.”

"For example, fisheries agreements, joint development of the East..."

“Take it one step at a time,” Zhang Zhaoxin interrupted him. “Solve the problem of survival first, then talk about development.”

"Lord Kato, I think you should remember your true self."

"So I need to remind you now that you are undoubtedly the focus of the whole world."

"The longer you hold on, the more uneasy those who doubt the Longxia model and fear the rise of Longxia will become."

"Because you are proving that a country that has the courage to face reality can find a way out, even if it has to bow its head temporarily, and you are that way out."

"Long Xia will never forget the contributions of his friends."

Kato put down the receiver, walked to the liquor cabinet, and poured himself a glass of whiskey.

The amber liquid swayed in the glass, reflecting the light from the ceiling, which made Kato slightly dizzy.

Kato examined the wine carefully before downing it in one gulp, the scalding liquid burning all the way to his stomach.

On the other end of the phone, after hanging up, Zhang Zhaoxin smiled at his secretary. "Look, he should thank us."

That's how people are sometimes. When you're weak, no matter what truth you utter, it will be taken as bullshit.

But when you become powerful, even if you just let out a fart, people will come over to smell it and praise you.

Even if you take their things and then casually toss them a couple of coins, they will still thank you for the gift.

At the same time, on the other side.

Su Dingping has just completed a 28-hour live-fire test of an electromagnetic railgun.

The test results were perfect; the projectile penetrated the target ship 300 kilometers away at a speed of Mach 6.3!

Moreover, there is still a lot of room for improvement in this data. If optimization continues, the export speed of projectiles can continue to increase.

"That's about it. We can start following up with related news reports."

……

The next day, at 10:00 AM, footage of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier battle group undergoing full-state sea trials was officially released.

There was no announcement, no pre-release hype, just a three-minute and seventeen-second aerial video.

Among these, the most eye-catching feature is undoubtedly the extremely advanced systems such as electromagnetic guns mounted on the 10,000-ton destroyer.

The camera swoops down from high above, breaking through the morning mist over the Yellow Sea.

First, an endless expanse of steel-gray sea appears, followed by a massive, shadowy formation slowly emerging from beneath the surface.

The streamlined bow cuts through the waves, leaving a white wake that extends hundreds of meters to both sides.

The flight deck was as flat as an airport runway, gleaming with a dull metallic sheen in the rising sun.

On the aircraft carrier, the rails of several electromagnetic catapults are clearly visible, making their function immediately apparent.

The turret base of the electromagnetic gun mounted on the 10,000-ton destroyer made everyone hold their breath.

boom!
Although there was no sound in the video, everyone could feel the power of that shot.

The target, some distance away, fell down in response.

Maximum range? Nobody knows!
The data released by Longxia is only 300 kilometers, but given Longxia's habit of concealing information, it is probably 400 or even 500 kilometers that may not be their limit!
The formations sailing on the sea resembled steel cities.

In just three hours, this news became a trending topic worldwide.

Countless netizens were amazed by the futuristic design of Longxia's new warship.

"This is like a sci-fi blockbuster!"

"I can't believe it, is this really a ship from this era?"

"Look at that cannon muzzle, Jesus! We're so backward, it's like we're cavemen!"

The Octagon, Office of the Secretary of Defense.

A video from the Chinese government was projected onto the entire wall, and six experts from the Naval Intelligence Agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Strategic Command sat around a table, their faces increasingly grim.

"Preliminary estimates suggest that the displacement will exceed 100,000 tons, and may even reach 110,000 tons."

"Electromagnetic catapults are almost certainly confirmed."

"The electromagnetic characteristics of the slide rail area are very obvious, and the layout of the deck surface has been redesigned. We are not yet able to analyze their design concept..."

"The key point is this diamond-shaped, angled railgun muzzle, which is highly similar in structure to the early land-based prototype of our railgun project, but... they mounted it on a ship..."

The world seems to have undergone incomprehensible changes overnight.

Just a few years ago, Longxia was still very backward.

But in such a short time, Longxia's technology has developed to an unbelievable level.

What's most disheartening isn't the vast technological gap between Longxia and them, but that Longxia so openly displays its designs, while they can't even understand the intent behind them!
As for replicating their technology, that's even more impossible!
The minister slammed his fists on the table: "I need an assessment of the Dragonxia Fleet's combat capabilities! Now! I need the worst-case scenario assessment!"

The analyst cleared his throat: "Minister, if, I mean if, the system in the video does achieve its theoretical design specifications..."

"Then there's no doubt that their combat strength is absolutely top-notch in the world!"

"In addition, electromagnetic catapults are more efficient, and the number of daily sorties for carrier-based aircraft may increase by 30%..."

"And electromagnetic guns..."

"Most importantly, its endurance is almost terrifying; I even suspect they have the capability for long-range operations!"

After reading the relevant analysis report, Harper felt terrible.

With the fourth round of negotiations just around the corner, he already had a bad feeling.

Now, his premonition has come true; Long Xia has really given him a huge job!
How can he possibly gain an advantage at the negotiating table after pulling this stunt at such a crucial juncture?
They were already no match for Longxia in coastal waters, and now Longxia seems to have the capability to conduct operations in the open ocean.

So what's the next step? Are we going to march on New Yorkshire?
Harper took off his reading glasses, wishing he could quit his job right now.

……

Eastern Wilderness, the official residence of the Cabinet Chief.

Taro Kato watched the video alone in his office, three times in total.

His face betrayed his undisguised excitement.

Sure enough, he knew that Long Xia had a backup plan!

Looking back now, it's fortunate that they invested quickly and early enough. If they had dragged it out for a few more days, this big toy might have ended up hitting them in the face.

The electromagnetic railgun alone is something that a small coastal island nation like Donghuang cannot withstand.

Fortunately, he and Long Xia are now on the same side, so he doesn't have to worry about some Mach 6 baby running up to him and singing a lullaby before he goes to sleep one night.

Just then, the phone rang. Taro Kato answered it; it was the Minister of Defense's emergency line.

"Your Excellency, we..."

The Defense Minister rambled on and on, but the core message was just one thing.

If Long Xia really intends to take action against the Eastern Wilderness tribes, then they will have no ability to resist.

"Understood." Kato's voice was very calm. "There's no need to make any panic-inducing statements."

"We are at a critical juncture in the fourth round of negotiations, and we need to stay calm and composed."

After hanging up the phone, Kato walked to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a delicious glass of wine.

To be honest, Long Xia is incredibly benevolent, practically the most benevolent person imaginable.

At this critical juncture, he showed a tough attitude towards Longxia, not only securing sufficient benefits for his own tribe, but also helping the Eagle Tribe.

He simply couldn't imagine how good his reputation would be after it all was done!
Of course, he also knew that he was just using someone else's power to intimidate him.

Long Xia has her own rhythm and won't be affected by him at all. (End of Chapter)