I became Hokage in Tokyo

Chapters 336 and 337: The ship of the new era does not carry the dregs of the old.

It was late at night, past midnight.

Despite the Asakusa Incident the night before and the press conference announcing the arrival of a new era during the day, which were unprecedented changes, the Minato Ward night market remained brightly lit and extravagantly luxurious.

Countless Tokyo residents drank heartily on this dark night, venting their fear of surviving the ordeal and their trembling excitement.

"Haha, monsters have appeared in South Korea too! This is fantastic news for our country!"

"That's right, let's have another drink to celebrate!"

Inside the Huzhong Temple in the Bafangyuan area of ​​the port district, several well-dressed dignitaries were celebrating their newfound official positions.

Wearing black-rimmed glasses and dressed in a black suit, Uchiha Senmon sat upright with his back straight, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.

He didn't say anything, but looked out from the restaurant and saw a serene Japanese landscape garden.

Just two months ago, the Prime Minister hosted a banquet for the President at this 400-year-old temple in the Pot.

Uchiha Senmon withdrew his gaze and looked at the dishes and drinks on the table. The high standard and extravagance of the food and drinks were even several levels higher than the banquet that had been held to entertain the Grand Commander.

After all, if a high-profile diplomatic banquet is decorated too extravagantly, it will draw criticism from taxpayers.

Private banquets, on the other hand, don't have as many formalities.

Having prepared themselves mentally, Uchiha Senmon accepted the Superintendent General's invitation and together they rushed to the Kokuchu-an, where the true identity of the master was revealed.

The three were the Deputy Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, along with several other unfamiliar middle-aged men.

These pampered old men, after introducing themselves, all had very famous surnames; they were all tycoon leaders who supported this cabinet behind the scenes.

Uchiha Senmon showed little interest in the latter, instead using a subtle and cold gaze to survey the three cabinet ministers.

Which one is possessed?

You can't tell at all.

Or is it one of the three who weren't present?

"The appearance of the Han River monster means that instability is also beginning in other countries and regions."

As the banquet drew to a close, someone from the Ministry of Public Security urgently delivered intelligence about the appearance of monsters on the island across the sea, which immediately delighted the bigwigs of the Pot-in-the-Nest.

For these superior individuals, it's certainly not because of cheap reasons like nationalist sentiments or the joy of seeing their historical enemies' countries suffer.

Rather, it was because the appearance of a yokai (supernatural creature) in a country outside of Japan was of great significance and closely related to their interests.

"Lord Jiraiya was right to say that the mysterious resurgence would spread to other regions."

The Deputy Prime Minister took a sip of sake and said with a beaming smile:

"Other countries will also experience supernatural phenomena such as monsters and evil spirits, but they don't have Japan's extensive experience in dealing with crises over the years..."

"And the extraordinary! And the protection of the Lord of Mount Tai!"

The finance minister, his face flushed, eagerly chimed in:

"Other countries will be scrambling to keep up, and international capital will be in a state of panic. Our country, with its team of extraordinary individuals and the blessing of the Lord of Mount Tai, is a unique safe haven."

Following the Sapporo Super Battle and the eruption of Mount Fuji, the Nikkei index plummeted, even more disastrously than being halved. The Finance Minister suffered several heart attacks and nearly had to be taken to the hospital.

However, following the daytime press conference, the sluggish Japanese stock market suddenly surged.

Capital has the keenest sense of smell.

It's conceivable that as news of the Han River monster spreads further, the stock market will recover further.

The finance minister has even started daydreaming.

If monsters and evil spirits flourish all over the world, but Japan stands out, then riding this wave, the Japanese economy might be able to escape the stagnation of the past thirty years—no, the past thirty years.

"Thanks to you guys for leaking the information before the press conference, I was able to make a small profit. Tonight's dinner is on me."

A tycoon raised his glass to thank the Deputy Prime Minister and the Finance Minister.

"You call this a small profit? You're the most ruthless one among us." Another old man joked with a laugh, "Tonight's banquet is less than ten million yen, how stingy!"

"I lost so much money during the previous big plunge, I only recovered a little bit this time."

The chaebol leader who had spoken earlier was filled with grievances and cried out.

"Well, all in all, the most difficult days are over, and things will get better soon."

The Superintendent General glanced at the silent Uchiha Senmon, coughed, and said:

"The economic recovery is a great joy for all of Japan, a nation of 100 million people."

"By holding the Taishan Fujun Festival, we can showcase our achievements to the world and greatly enhance our international standing. We can even leverage our first-mover advantage to become an international leader in dealing with paranormal issues."

He picked up a piece of tuna belly with his chopsticks, dipped it in wasabi, put it in his mouth, chewed a few times, and then spoke again:

"Japan is leading the way in this new era and is at the forefront, while we have all successfully boarded the ship of this new era."

"I'm so happy today!"

Unable to contain his joy, the Deputy Prime Minister put down his chopsticks, stood up, and drunkenly raised his glass high.

"This cup is a toast to Lord Taishan!"

Everyone raised their glasses as well.

"Congratulations to the Lord of Mount Tai!"

Uchiha Senmon is a teetotaler. To perform such a dangerous job, he must maintain a calm mind and must not be numbed by alcohol.

However, as the main character of tonight's banquet, he was frequently urged to drink by others.

The support of the Deputy Prime Minister and others is crucial to the next step of the Uchiha Sage's plan. He has no choice but to play along, and he has been unable to taste anything, even the sake that costs tens of thousands of yen a bottle cannot taste its sweetness.

However, this cup of wine was to express gratitude to Lord Taishan, and the Uchiha Immortal Sect did so with a touch of sincerity.

The cold liquor slid down his throat, and Uchiha Senmon's eyes also turned cold.

The Prime Minister's Office spokesperson made extravagant claims, openly and covertly asserting connections with numerous powerful figures, even causing the Lord of Mount Tai to view Japan in a new light.

However, as extraordinary beings who had personally experienced the situation, how could the Uchiha Immortal Sect not know the inside story?

This is entirely wishful thinking on the part of Japan's top officials.

If it were just a case of using the prestige of Mount Tai to plunder international capital and boast about Japan's national strength, that would be one thing. But the way these people talk at night gives the impression that it's already a fait accompli.

Whether the general public or the international community believes it or not, we believe it.

What is this?

Self-deception?

Moreover, the Toad Sage clearly stated that the Absolute Heavenly Connection can only intercept Kage-level powerhouses descending to the mortal realm, and it is not a one-time solution to all problems.

The appearance of the Han River monster was a harbinger of a worsening situation.

Even during the three years of the "Severed Link" period, Japan still faced the most severe challenges, yet now they are applauding their meager gains that have spread to neighboring countries.

That's really short-sighted.

How can we possibly handle the upcoming crisis if we get mixed up with these insects?!

Although the Uchiha Sage Sect looked down on these incompetent and useless people, they didn't show it on their faces.

"Uchiha, I also graduated from the University of Tokyo. We are close fellow students."

The deputy prime minister, half-drunk, picked up a bottle of sake, reached over the table, and poured sake into the Uchiha Senmon's cup.

"I'm a few years older, so I'll take the liberty of calling you 'brother'."

The deputy prime minister, who was a full twenty years older than Uchiha Senmon, shamelessly addressed him as a brother.

"You're too kind."

Uchiha Senmon, unperturbed by praise or criticism, picked up his wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.

Seeing that the Uchiha Sage Sect was so understanding and sensible, the Deputy Prime Minister nodded in satisfaction and playfully scolded the Superintendent General of Police, who was sitting to the right of the Uchiha Sage Sect:

"The director really doesn't know talent. A young talent like Brother Uchiha is only a lowly police inspector."

The Superintendent General of Police snorted inwardly.

If it weren't for that mess with Section Chief Akagi, it would have been a certainty that Uchiha would be promoted to the position of Section Chief of the Fourth Division.

How many police superintendents in the entire Metropolitan Police Department are there who are under forty years old?

Even graduates of the University of Tokyo from ordinary backgrounds can only hold the rank of Superintendent General before retirement.

Above that, it's all one radish and one pit; there aren't enough spots for people without connections.

Among the rigid and conservative leadership of the Metropolitan Police Department, he was considered quite open-minded.

Therefore, the Superintendent General of Police declined to comment on the Deputy Prime Minister's drunken remarks.

"He's no longer a police inspector; he should be called Minister, Minister Uchiha!"

"Yes, yes, yes!"

The Deputy Prime Minister was delighted and raised his glass once more.

"Hahaha, this time, let's drink this cup to the Uchiha Minister!"

"For Minister Uchiha!"

This time, the sake that Uchiha Senmon drank was not tasteless like before; instead, it had a nauseatingly astringent taste.

"Minister Uchiha, where do you live now?"

The old man sitting on the other side of the Uchiha Sage Sect asked with a kind smile.

Uchiha Senmon frowned slightly, but still replied to him.

"Yayoi-cho, Nakano Ward, that's too far from the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters. It will affect Chief Uchiha's work."

The old man slammed his hand down, his face showing an expression of empathy for the Uchiha Sage.

"I have a penthouse apartment in Roppongi, Minato Ward. It's not big, only 500 square meters. How about I give it to Minister Uchiha for him to live in?"

In Roppongi, where land is incredibly valuable, a penthouse apartment costs at least 300 to 500 million yen, but judging from the old man's nonchalant tone, it was as if he were simply handing out a common fruit basket.

"This is too valuable, I cannot accept it."

Uchiha Senmon declined without even thinking.

"And I don't need it."

The old man was taken aback, his eyes changed slightly, and he seemed about to say something more.

Just then, the Superintendent General of Police stepped in to smooth things over, saying:

"The Uchiha were hardworking and dedicated, and it was common for them to live in the Metropolitan Police Department's staff apartment for months on end to work overtime."

"I see. With a pillar like Minister Uchiha holding the important position of Minister of the Supernatural Countermeasures Department, we can rest easy."

The old man spoke with a pleased expression, but in his heart he was not convinced.

Come to think of it, a commoner must have had some incredible luck to become an extraordinary being and suddenly rise to a high position. At first, he must have been apprehensive and cautious, feeling that the gift he was given was too hot to handle.

But after a long time, having seen the real world's temptations, how could anyone remain pure and virtuous?

I was too hasty.

We must proceed gradually, like boiling a frog in lukewarm water.

However, once the paranormal countermeasures department releases its information, it's easy to imagine that this kid will soon become the hottest star in all of Japan. It's best to get him on board as soon as possible.

Only a seasoned veteran like myself can grasp the right balance.

After a flurry of drinks and several rounds of toasts, it was already past two o'clock.

Since the decision regarding Uchiha Senmon's appointment as department head had already been finalized, the news about the Han River Monster was merely a minor matter.

After finishing discussing important matters, and given that it was already this late, even these men in their sixties and seventies couldn't hold on any longer.

"Since the crisis has just passed, it's not appropriate to celebrate in a big way. We'll hold a grand promotion banquet for Minister Uchiha after the Taishan Fujun Festival."

One by one, the bigwigs emerged from the Huzhong Temple and boarded their respective luxury cars to leave.

"Uchiha, you're going back to the Metropolitan Police Department too, right? Want to ride in my car?"

"Then I'll trouble you, Director."

Uchiha Senmon and the Superintendent General of Police sat in the back of the car, each lost in their own thoughts, remaining silent.

Speechless all the way.

Upon arriving at the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters, Senmon Uchiha was the first to open the door and get out of the car, while the Superintendent General remained seated inside.

"Director?"

"I have to go somewhere else, you should go back first."

That being said, the black sedan did not drive away immediately; the window was rolled down, revealing the serious face of the Superintendent General of Police.

The Superintendent General looked at Uchiha Senmon, whose expression remained unchanged, a complex look on his face. After hesitating for a moment, he slowly said:

What I'm showing you tonight might make you uncomfortable.

"Chief, I'm not a fresh college graduate. I've been with the Metropolitan Police Department for over ten years."

Uchiha Senmon remained calm, showing no sign of dissatisfaction whatsoever.

"I am already extremely grateful that they supported me in serving as the head of the Paranormal Countermeasures Department."

"It's so good that you think that way."

It's hard to say whether the Superintendent General of Police believed or not what the Uchiha Sagemon said; he remarked meaningfully:

"But at least we locals are better off than the other group. After all, the meat still needs to rot in the pot."

Watching the Superintendent General of Police speed away in his black sedan, Uchiha Senmon turned his gaze away and returned alone to his residence in the staff apartment.

Still smelling of alcohol, Uchiha Senmon took off his glasses, went into the bathroom, and turned on the shower.

"Splash!"

These powerful and influential people harbor ulterior motives, but aren't they also harboring their own?

Which person in the cabinet is it?

Uchiha Senmon stood in front of the mirror, his wet black bangs swept back, revealing two tomoe in his eyes.

Better to kill a thousand innocent people than let one guilty person go free.

Why not just kill all twenty-one members of the cabinet?

(End of this chapter)