Chapter 381: The Choice Is Yours

Grumbling, Jessica pulled a thick stack of papers from her bag and placed it on the table.

"I didn't even realize there was a group called the Dae Dong-hui. There's no record rd in the CIA, but the NSA has some information on it."

Naturally, it made sense for the NSA to manage the Dae Dong-hui, which emerged whilhile handling post-war issues after the Pacific War.

Still, there's no way the CIA wouldn't know about it.

"The documents from the NSA are only accessible to high-level officials. I did enough to earn my keep, right?"

"So you're saying the CIA has no clue about the Dae Dong-hui at all?"l?"

"I haven't dug that deep. They might catch on if I go too far alone. It's better to tread lightly than to get caught, after all."

Nodding slightly, I reached for the papers on the table.

But Jessica pulled them closer to her, evading my grasp.

"Why the theatrics? You need to hand me the information first."

Her aloof tone made me chuckle. Looking at the paper again, I realized it was from Han Gyeong-yeong.

"If Charlie's intel turns out to be false, it'll be my head on the chopping block. I could end up in handcuffs later."

She dramatically mimicked putting on handcuffs with both hands.

"So hand over the information already."

Jessica had a point. Since it was done without anyone's knowledge, the stakes were significant. I subtly nodded to Manager Ma.

Manager Ma opened the suitcase he brought, rummaged through it for a moment, and pulled out a paper bag as he walked toward the table.

I took the bag and smiled at Jessica.

"Everything you need is in here."

Jessica's eyes lit up. She reached out with urgency.

"Hurry up and give it to me!"

"Isn't the weight of the information different though?"

I teased by shaking the bag, which made Jessica's expression darken.

"We agreed on a deal. I really stretched myself thin this time."

"If this intel is solid and you can prevent a terror attack and catch Al-Qaeda operatives, it could skyrocket your position, right?"

Jessica nodded in agreement.

"Info on Al-Qaeda is invaluable. Charlie knows this too. They can't even locate Bin Laden at this point. We're already aware of the terror risk in Southeast Asia. But we can't just declare places like Bali off-limits without evidence. If this information is reliable, it would certainly outweigh what I'm providing."

Jessica's honest response made me smirk.

Still useful for now. I felt it would remain handy until the truth came out.

"So you owe me now?"

"Hah…"

With a deep sigh, Jessica stretched out her hand.

"Fine. If there's ever a chance to help again, I will."

Only then did I hand the paper bag to Jessica.

She quickly seized it, tearing it open right there and flipping through the contents.

With each document she checked, Jessica's expression shifted.

I patiently waited for her to examine the materials.

Han Gyeong-yeong shrugged at Jessica, and I smiled quietly while lifting my coffee cup.

After taking her time reading through the information, Jessica finally spoke up.

"…Is this all true?"

"Yes. They plan to execute it before the year ends. Have you heard of a group called Jemaah Islamiyah? The U.S. is already aware of them, right?"

"Yes. Jemaah Islamiyah is an Islamist militant group operating in Indonesia and the southern Philippines, and I had no idea they were linked to Al-Qaeda."

"There are likely secret camps for Al-Qaeda in Indonesia. I can't pinpoint their exact locations, though."

I reiterated what was already in the documents.

"With this much information, you should be able to track them down. This is the U.S. we're talking about."

As she gently placed the documents back into the bag, Jessica replied.

"Of course. We are the U.S. after all."

Pride for her country dripped from Jessica's tone.

"Anyway, several members have trained at Al-Qaeda's secret camps. The man named Ham Bali is the ringleader."

"Thanks."

"I hope for a positive outcome."

Finally, Jessica handed over the materials she brought.

I received it, twisting the sealed thread to open it.

Beginning to read the documents slowly, I scanned through the content.

During moments of my review, Jessica provided clarification.

"I can't fathom how such a group could arise after the war. The early members could be considered war criminals without a doubt."

Listening to Jessica's explanation, I started reading the materials.

The Far East International Military Tribunal initiated in 1946 was a series of trials the U.S. conducted to hold Japan accountable.

Interestingly, among the declared A-class war criminals, there were several who were not indicted.

Among them were the names Kishin Nobusuke, Godama Yoshio, and Japan's last Prime Minister Abe Nobuyuki.

There were others who would not face execution, all connected to this group.

Most of them had died, but still, their spirits managed to sway Japan even in death.

All thanks to their malevolent offspring.

Having finished going through the documents, I slammed the papers down on the table.

"The U.S. funded the establishment of the Dae Dong-hui."y."

"It was an unavoidable choice. With the Korean War erupting and Japan acting as a military base, they needed this organization's help."

That's the kind of country America is.

A nation that would sell its soul to the devil for its own benefit.

"But after the Korean War, they severed ties with them."

"Officially, of course. After they consolidated power, it didn't matter if they had U.S. backing or not. Interestingly, it states here that the second chairman, Godama Yoshio, confessed to being a CIA informant?"

"…"

It was clear the CIA couldn't be completely unaware of the Dae Dong-hui.ty.

Yet, for Jessica to claim the CIA couldn't retrieve information, it must be something only directors could access.

"But claiming the CIA couldn't get any information…"

"There wasn't a single record relating to the Dae Dong-hui at the clearance le level I could access."

"So it's acceptable to assume there's still a link between the CIA and the Dae Dong-hui? Otherwise, there'de'd be no reason to conceal it so strongly."

"…"

"Jessica, you think the same way, don't you? That's why you won't answer me."

Jessica averted her gaze, mumbling under her breath.

"Well, that's not the important part. I plan to eliminate the Dae Dong-hui."y."

"…Are you for real?"

"Yes. They plan to mobilize the Self-Defense Forces to invade Dokdo."

"What?"

Jessica's eyes widened in shock as she responded with alarm.

I began explaining all the knowledge I had about the situation to Jessica.

"That's everything I know up to this point."

"…That's an absurd plan. Washington won't just sit back and let it happen."

"Is that so? The U.S. is a country that will ally with dictators as long as their interests aren't threatened. They'll surely offer mediation if they don't want Japan and Korea to go to war. But if that's not the case, it becomes a problem. If a coup happens in Korea and the military takes power, it would ease the reconciliation between Japan and Korea."

Jessica understood as well. Watching her lips purse, I let out a cold chuckle.

"So, I intend to stop it. Don't even think about going back to the U.S. to report this. "

"…I have to report on this."

"Don't. If anything interferes with what I'm doing…"

I looked at Jessica with a cold expression.

"I won't forgive you, Jessica."

"…"

"The choice is yours."

Without answering, Jessica closed her eyes tightly.

When she opened them again, her voice was firm.

"Alright. I won't report it. But please be cautious. If you plunge us into chaos, it might reveal that I was involved with you."

"Understood. I'll just make sure to keep attention away from elsewhere."

Of course, I didn't intend to stop there, but there was no reason to disclose everything.

I forced a gentle smile, speaking softly.

"Things were about to get complicated, but thanks to the information you provided, it should be a bit easier now. Thank you, Jessica."

Jessica responded with a bright smile. Although her lips quivered, I ignored it.

"Thanks? It was a good deal."

It was indeed a good deal for both of us.

At that moment, my phone vibrated in my pocket. Checking the caller ID, I saw it was a call from Korea.

"Hello?"

—Hey! Mu-hyeok!

It was Myeong-su.

"Oh. What's going on?"

—We're at war. War!

Myeong-su's urgent voice made my heart sink.

"What? War?"

—Yeah, there's been a skirmish with North Korean troops in the West Sea.

The Second Yeonpyeong Sea Battle happened today.

I had missed this. It seems with everything going on, I had unconsciously pushed it from my mind.

I didn't think that a situation like this would arise with the North's political dynamics shifting.

It's true that some things stay the same despite changes.

—Our navy won, but the Defense Ministry believes it was retribution for the previous Yeonpyeong incident. But that crazy little shit, why is he acting up all of a sudden?

It seemed that the successful hosting of the World Cup and the good performance of the Korean national team had made Kim Jong-il uneasy.

Launching a provocation on the day a semifinal was held, when the world was focused on us, seemed to fit this reasoning.

Korea is not safe. He probably wanted to demonstrate that.

Instigating fears among foreign investors to create economic issues, it was probably part of a plan to make his existence known.

"So what's the situation in Korea right now?"

—For now, only politicians are paying attention to the situation due to the World Cup, and ordinary citizens aren't really aware.

I gestured to Manager Ma to turn on the TV.

"So has the skirmish ended for now?"

—Yeah, but I hope it doesn't escalate into full-blown war.

As Manager Ma turned on the TV, a news ticker briefly mentioned the Second Yeonpyeong Sea Battle.

"That's not going to happen. It's probably just a show of strength to affirm his presence in the international community."

—Got it. I'll call you back if anything arises. I need to meet with Chairman Yoon to discuss strategies.

"Okay. Talk to you later."

I hung up. Hearing the urgency in Myeong-su's voice, Han Gyeong-yeong asked.

"What's going on? A war?"

"There was a confrontation in the West Sea with North Korean troops."

"What!"

Han Gyeong-yeong jumped up in alarm.

Jessica, who had been watching us speak in Korean with a puzzled expression, interjected.

"Charlie, what's happening?"

She seemed to have only memorized greetings in Korean and didn't truly understand the language.

"There was a skirmish between South Korean and North Korean troops. It ended in a victory for South Korea for now."

"What did you say?"

"I don't know all the details myself."

Jessica also stood up in shock, exclaiming.

"I should head to the Japanese embassy now. I'll contact you later, Charlie."

She embraced the paper bag containing terror information and turned away.

After she left, Han Gyeong-yeong asked seriously.

"This is going to lead to a plunge in the Korean stock market, isn't it?"

It could seem that way at first. But in reality, it probably wouldn't drop significantly. I shook my head.

"Since it's a local skirmish, it shouldn't have a big impact. Let's just observe for now. I'll organize things shortly."

I raised my hand for their understanding and leaned back comfortably in my chair.

I let out a soft sigh as I tried to recall memories from my past life.

'There won't be any further provocations either.'

As I gathered my thoughts, I remembered President Kim Hak-gwon's scheduled visit to Japan for the closing ceremony.

It was intended to include a summit that was missed at the opening ceremony.

Kim Hak-gwon could not leave Korea at this critical moment.

With the military's actions unknown, it would be a blunder for the President to leave.

If I wasn't aware of Chairman Choi Seon-man's plans, it would be one thing, but knowing them, I needed to prevent it at all costs.

I picked up my phone and called the Secretary.

I called twice but got no answer, so I set my phone down and instructed Manager Ma.

"Do we have someone in the Blue House?"

"Yes."

"They're likely in an emergency meeting at the Blue House. Can anyone attend that meeting?"

"Yes, the chief economic adviser is one of ours."

"Then immediately contact them and make it possible for President Kim Hak-gwon to speak with me."

"Understood, Boss."

I had to cancel Kim Hak-gwon's schedule.