Chapter 698: All for My Own Benefit

After completing my schedule in North Korea, I returned to Korea.

The agreement I held in my hand was sent to the Blue House through Manager Ma.

"— Boss Kim, you've worked hard.

Yoon Chang-ho called me late at night after seeing the agreement I handed over.

"Hard work, you say? I'm just doing all this for my business.

"It's not just for you. What you've done is beneficial not only for you but for our country too. Once the oil and gas pipelines are completed, everyone will feel the difference.

Compared to other countries, Korea had lower electricity and city gas rates.

This was because the state supplied energy through the Korea Electric Power Corporation and city gas corporations.

Due to their low supplied prices compared to production costs, both public enterprises were suffering from chronic deficits.

Once the oil and gas pipelines are completed and we start receiving crude oil and natural gas cheaply through Russia, we could reduce those deficits.

That's why Yoon Chang-ho called late at night to say I'd worked hard.

"I appreciate that sentiment.

"It's good you're on my side. By the way, I hear you're going to Japan tomorrow?

"Yes. I plan to discuss North Korea's claims against Japan and the re-exploration of the Seven Islands. If I'm not careful, they might try to drag out the discussions. I just can't trust the Japanese government. I've heard Chevron already discussed the Seven Islands re-exploration when they came to Korea.

"You mentioned that before. They won't interfere, will they?

"I'm not sure. For now, I plan to reach an agreement with Japan quickly and arrange for joint exploration with Yugansk in Russia and Chevron in the U.S.

"Russia and America, huh? That means China can't meddle.

If the U.S. and Russia engage in developing the Seven Islands, it'll be tricky for China to intervene.

"Yes. I'll report back on the agreements made in Japan.

"Let the embassy know. If you need anything, feel free to ask.

"Yes, Mr. President.

"It's getting late. If you want to enter Japan tomorrow, you should sleep now. When you return, make sure to drop by the Blue House. I'll hang up now.

After ending my call with Yoon Chang-ho, I left the study and headed to the bedroom.

It felt like I'd need to stay busy tomorrow.

* * *

The next day, I arrived at Haneda Airport.

Thanks to the Japanese ambassador's help, I was able to exit the airport quickly.

Who would've thought I would visit Japan again?

It reminded me of the hardships I faced there.

"Are you heading straight to the Prime Minister's Official Residence?

The recently appointed ambassador to Japan, Han-i-bong, asked.

"Yes. I plan to go in directly.

"Have you made an appointment?

I checked my wristwatch and smiled.

"I have about two hours left.

"That's a relief. Is there anything we can assist you with?

I shook my head.

I intended to pressure Prime Minister Koizumi to obtain what I wanted.

If the Korean ambassador were there, it was highly likely that Koizumi wouldn't meet my demands due to pride.

"No, I intend to have a private meeting.

A look of unease crossed Han-i-bong's face.

"I'll share the results with you after the private meeting.

Speaking kindly seemed to lighten Han-i-bong's mood.

"Will you really?

"Of course. You're the ambassador from Korea. I should share what happens with you.

"Thank you.

"You're too kind. By the way, you've built a new Prime Minister's Official Residence, haven't you?

"Yes. The previous residence was partially destroyed during the coup incident, so we've been using a temporary one. It's not been long since we moved to the new residence.

I paused my step in front of the prepared vehicle.

"I'll contact you later.

"Yes, please do!

After shaking hands with the ambassador, I got into the vehicle, which soon set off.

I wiped the expression off my face and let out a sigh.

"I never thought I would come back to Japan.

After all the struggles I had, I dreaded stepping foot on this land again.

"That time was a bit spine-chilling, wasn't it?

In response to my question, Manager Ma said earnestly.

"I'll ensure that such an incident never happens again.

"Who would have guessed those crazy fools would pull something like that? Thankfully, I managed to escape safely thanks to support from Russia.

I recalled the incident that had occurred in Japan.

The raid aimed to capture us—or rather kill us—by the Cabinet Intelligence Agency was quite shocking to me.

Fortunately, thanks to the mercenaries' help, I was able to flee to the Russian embassy and contact the Kremlin.

Russia moved their troops at my request, applying pressure on Japan, and ultimately, everyone involved was arrested.

At that point, I decided to overturn Japan and used every possible means to drag them into a quagmire.

As a result, a coup that had never happened in Japan occurred, and the Prime Minister's Official Residence was partially destroyed. It was a huge event that I could neither forget nor erase from my mind.

"Boss, we'll be arriving soon.

Manager Ma's words brought me back to reality. After passing through the inspections of the guarding units from the Police Department, I was allowed to enter.

"They built it beautifully.

The newly constructed Prime Minister's Official Residence was a low, expansive building in contrast to the surrounding skyscrapers.

I glanced around before heading straight into the main building.

From the lobby, I could see officials bustling about. It was completely different from the Blue House.

"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok?

A man approached me.

"Yes, that's me. But who are you?

"Hello, I'm Secretary Hashimoto. I've heard a lot about you from the Prime Minister.

He wasn't the same secretary I had seen before.

"Oh, I see.

"Please, follow me. I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait a bit since they're still in a meeting.

"I arrived early, after all.

I followed him into the elevator, and we went up to the 5th floor.

As soon as I got out of the elevator, a man was waiting for me.

"Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok. Good to meet you.

"Ah, Chief Cabinet Secretary.

This was Hiroyuki Hosoda, the second-in-command of Koizumi's cabinet.

"Let's talk in my office until the Prime Minister finishes his work.

At that, Secretary Hashimoto wore a troubled expression.

"It wasn't scheduled, Chief Cabinet Secretary.

Hiroyuki chuckled derisively at such a secretary.

"Of course, it wasn't scheduled. So am I supposed to let you stop me from meeting him?

"…I'll relay this to the Prime Minister.

"That's something I'll manage myself. It's not your place to worry about it.

"… .

"Then go on.

As Hiroyuki shot a sharp glance at the secretary, his expression softened as he turned to me.

"If you don't mind, I could keep you company, Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok.

I had no reason to refuse.

"Sure. I've got about an hour left, thankfully.

"Then let's head to my office.

I gestured to Secretary Hashimoto, who was fidgeting, then followed Manager Ma and Hiroyuki.

After requesting tea from the secretary, Hiroyuki turned to me with a smile.

"Finally, I have the pleasure of meeting the famous Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok.

"Oh really? You seem quite knowledgeable about me.

"How many politicians could possibly be unaware of Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok? Whether they admire you or despise you.

His tone was odd. Given the circumstances, I merely smiled and nodded.

"Well, since I turned Japan upside down, they couldn't possibly not know.

"I had intended to contact you separately. I've been selected as the leader of the second faction of the Liberal Democratic Party.

"Really? Congratulations.

I raised my eyebrows as if hearing it for the first time. But in truth, I was already aware.

The Liberal Democratic Party, which has been in power for decades, features various factions within it.

Because it has held power for so long, one could say it's the opposition within the ruling party, as fierce infighting between factions occurred frequently.

After the disappearance of the black hand controlling the Cheongpung Group, the largest faction of the Liberal Democratic Party collapsed on its own.

Unlike my previous life, a transition to opposition power didn't happen; the factions within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party were now divided between Koizumi's faction and Hiroyuki's faction standing in front of me.

While Koizumi had already established his position firmly, Hiroyuki absorbed those opposing Koizumi to expand his faction.

With that strength, he rose to the position of Chief Cabinet Secretary under Koizumi's cabinet, displaying his ambitions.

Abe Shinzo, who had once been expected to lead the largest faction, had essentially lost all political influence.

"Haha, thank you. It's possible because of your skilled moves, Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok.

"What have I done? It was all President Koizumi's decision, wasn't it?

Hiroyuki replied with a knowing grin.

"He has many advantages, but decisiveness isn't one of them, right? I was under the impression that Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok played a large role in that.

The coup that wasn't planned caught me off guard too, but in the end, it did go according to my plan.

"Well, it was all for my own good. It wasn't for Japan's benefit.

"I know that. Still, what happened has undeniably brought significant changes to Japan's political landscape.

He's being exceptionally humble.

I didn't appreciate mind games that tried to hint at the speaker's true intentions. If it was necessary, so be it.

"Is there something you'd like to ask of me?

Instead of answering, Hiroyuki just smiled and lifted his teacup.

"Let's have a drink first. This tea's brewed from good leaves.

I also lifted my teacup and took a sip at his invitation.

"It's good. Now, please tell me your business.

I despise wasting time.

As soon as I put down my teacup, he spoke as if he couldn't help it.

"I have a connection with Han Seong-jin in Korea.

"Han Seong-jin?

Han Seong-jin… Who was that again?

"He's the one who founded the Heaven Church.

"Oh.

"Please help in securing his release.

"Do I have the authority to do that? If he's committed a crime, he ought to pay for it.

"He's not that kind of person.

They say the Heaven Church's base resides in Japan, so I've really got a fanatic here.

"If Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok stepped in, I believe you could manage to release him without any noise, whether it be bail or suspending his sentence.

"But Han Hyun-soo already assumed that position of leader of the Heaven Church, I presume.

"Han Hyun-soo doesn't fit that position.

It seemed he was rejecting Han Hyun-soo assuming the new leader's role.

"I know it's you who took him down, Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok. Isn't that right?

I nodded. It seemed he knew everything already, so there was no need to deny it.

"He intended to stab me in the back. I did put him in prison alongside Han Hyun-soo. If he hadn't committed a crime, I couldn't possibly have imprisoned him.

"Please free him.

"Is there a reason for me to do that?

"If he gets released, he plans to come to Japan to spend his remaining days. It wouldn't be right for him to languish in prison at that age.

"If I could manage it, perhaps. But honestly, I'm not inclined to. I don't see the benefit in it.

"You must do it.

Hiroyuki's eyes, which had been shining with a smile, now glimmered with intensity.

"That's why dealing with a zealot directly isn't a good idea.

"Why would I need to help someone who aims to stab me in the back? I don't see any reason to assist it without any gain.

"If you want to redo the Seven Islands exploration, then free him. Otherwise, I'll oppose it.

"What the hell are you suggesting?

"The agreement was already made between President Yoon Chang-ho and Prime Minister Koizumi. Are you saying you want to overturn that?

"I do have that sort of power. Maybe I can't stop it, but I can create enough of an inconvenience.

"Chief Cabinet Secretary, are you threatening me? Why are you revealing your ties with the Heaven Church? Do you want me to make it public?

If that happens, no matter how skilled you are, it wouldn't come out unscathed.

"There are plenty of us who share similar intentions. Just because I'm gone doesn't mean it's over.

It simply doesn't make sense.

"Is there really that many lunatics in the Japanese Diet?

"Huh…

I rubbed my forehead and let out a deep sigh. I was starting to feel a sense of futility in coming to Japan.

At that moment, the door to the office burst open.

"Hiroyuki, what's going on? Why are you meeting my guest?

Koizumi entered with a rigid expression as he opened the door.