Chapter 239: Just a Bit More Struggle

The Japanese Prime Minister, his face stiffening, glared at Medvedev after receiving the report.

Seeing this, Medvedev simply smiled without offering any response.

The Chief Cabinet Secretary, who hadn't yet heard the details, looked at the Prime Minister with a bewildered expression.

"Are you suggesting we go to war?"

The Prime Minister's voice, which had been calm throughout the talks, suddenly grew louder.

"War? What on earth are you talking about, Prime Minister?"

The Chief Cabinet Secretary gasped at the mention of war.

However, instead of explaining the situation, the Prime Minister yelled at Medvedev, demanding answers.

"Tell me, do you want war?"

"I really don't understand what you mean."

"Don't play dumb. I've received reports that the Russian navy is approaching the Senkaku Islands."

The Prime Minister gritted his teeth as he spoke, but Medvedev responded casually.

"What's the problem with that? It's merely a routine exercise happening in our own territory, with no violations under 'international law.'"

"Listen here, Chairman Medvedev!"

Finally unable to hold back, the Prime Minister raised his voice.

Japan and Russia were in a territorial dispute over the Kuril Islands.

This long-standing conflict had continued since the 1950s. Given that the Prime Minister had recently made progress in talks with Putin, this situation was bewildering for him.

"What's wrong with training on your own territory with your own troops?"

"You just asked if we were being threatened under the guise of a training exercise; the U.S. won't just stand by."

"What does U.S. involvement have to do with our military exercises?"

Unlike the Prime Minister, whose face turned red with anger, Medvedev remained relaxed.

"The U.S. is our ally, bound by a mutual defense treaty."

"You said it was a completely lawful activity under 'international law.' The U.S. has no right to interfere, right?"

The emphasis Medvedev placed on the term 'international law' forced the Prime Minister to furrow his brow.

He was repeating exactly what they had argued, which had just been recently established.

An awkward silence hung in the air in the office for a moment.

Medvedev now uncrossed his fingers and leaned back in his chair, looking at the Japanese delegates.

Confidence radiated from his face.

"Hey, Chairman Medvedev, what's the reason for this? Are you willing to risk war just to protect Representative Eva?"

"Our President has already made significant concessions to Japan in this meeting. How have you responded?"

"That's… a misunderstanding."

The Chief Cabinet Secretary hurriedly explained, but Medvedev shook his head.

"No matter how weak our national power has become, we once shared global dominance with the U.S. Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the financial crisis, we are still Russia."

There was a palpable anger in Medvedev's firm statement.

While the Prime Minister sensed the underlying rage, all he could respond with was one thing. Chewing over his words, he spoke lowly.

"…Withdraw the troops."

"On what authority do you demand the withdrawal of troops from exercises taking place in your own territory?"

"Isn't this area under a territorial dispute?"

Medvedev scoffed at the Prime Minister's words.

"That's Japan's position. Isn't it your problem? With Korea, it's Dokdo; with China, it's Diaoyu; and with us, it's the Kuril Islands. Japan seems to be embroiled in territorial disputes with all its neighboring countries."

Japan was engaged in territorial disputes with all nearby nations. Medvedev was poking at Japan's Achilles' heel.

"Why are those words coming up here and now? And it's not Dokdo or Diaoyu, it's Takeshima and the Senkaku Islands."

As the Prime Minister countered, Medvedev merely shrugged with a sly smile instead of answering.

Though it was not the decorum usually displayed in diplomatic talks, Medvedev seemed unfazed.

The Prime Minister felt the flames of anger rising in his head.

"Are you truly willing to go all the way?"

"It was Japan that first suggested severing diplomatic ties with us."

"Wasn't that a misunderstanding?"

"In international relations, where is the room for misunderstanding? You must take responsibility for your words, Prime Minister."

The meeting, which was going nowhere, continued to consume time.

After glancing at the clock on the wall, Medvedev was the first to suggest ending the talks.

"Since it appears we aren't reaching any agreements, let's end the meeting here."

"Chairman Medvedev!"

The Prime Minister called out to Medvedev urgently. While Medvedev remained calm, the Japanese Prime Minister was growing anxious.

If the Russian navy did enter the Kuril Islands, it would severely impact the Prime Minister's political standing.

Only recently had they promised to relinquish two islands south of the Kuril Islands to Russia, and just like that, it could all come crashing down.

For the Japanese Prime Minister, this was a battle he could never win.

"What is it that you truly want?"

At last, the Prime Minister asked a question that sounded like a declaration of surrender. A broad smile spread across Medvedev's face.

"It's simple. Just send Representative Eva with me to Russia. It's not a difficult task, is it?"

A deep sigh escaped the Prime Minister's lips.

"Let me ask just one thing. What does Representative Eva mean to you that you would go this far? Are you ready to risk military conflict?"

Despite Kim Mu-hyeok's tremendous contriutions to the Russian economy, the Japanese Prime Minister simply could not fathom Putin's willingness to engage in military confrontation over a foreign businessman.

"Because it's Mr. Kim Mu-hyeok's request."

"He's just a businessman from Korea. Are you suggesting that you'd mobilize Russian soldiers for such a person? You expect me to believe that?"

Medvedev laughed heartily at the Prime Minister's intense disbelief.

"Prime Minister, you see Kim Mu-hyeok as just a simple buinessman. But that could lead to Japan's downfall. This is a warning. Don't let pride lead you to fight against him."

"What on earth…"

Medvedev transformed into a cool demeanor once more instead of continuing the act of courtesy and asked the Prime Minister.

"This concludes what I have to say. What will you decide, Prime Minister? Will you allow Representative Eva to leave? Or will you choose to end things here?"

This was the final notice. The Russian navy, already en route from Sakhalin, was crossing the sea toward the Kuril Islands.

The Japanese Self-Defense Forces and U.S. troops stationed in Japan were also on high alert.

This was a clear show of force from Russia.

As the Prime Minister pondered, the Chief Cabinet Secretary next to him bit his lips tightly and asked.

"Is this the official position of the Russian government, Chairman Medvedev?"

Medvedev noticed the cocky attitude that had been present before had diminished and chuckled lightly as he nodded.

"The military cannot be mobilized without President Putin's approval. Other countries may not understand, but at least Russia operates that way."

"So that means this is the official stance of the Russian government."

After hearing Medvedev's response, the Chief Cabinet Secretary spoke to the Prime Minister.

"Prime Minister, perhaps it's time to get up from your seat."

"Chief Cabinet Secretary."

"When has Japan ever bowed to such threats?"

His words, full of patriotic pride, echoed, but the Prime Minister understood that his words were mere obstinance.

"But this is unacceptable. Is it only Representative Eva that must be given up?"

"No way, Prime Minister!"

The Chief Cabinet Secretary strongly opposed him, but the Prime Minister seemed as if he had made his resolution.

"If you permit Representative Eva to leave, will you withdraw the navy from the Senkaku Islands?"

Ignoring the Chief Cabinet Secretary's urging, the Prime Minister asked Medvedev.

"Of course."

"Then I will proceed. Quickly return the navy."

For the Japanese Prime Minister, preserving his political life was paramount. He could not allow anything that would put his power at risk.

"Prime Minister!"

"Shut up!"

As he raised his voice at the Chief Cabinet Secretary, Medvedev stifled a laugh internally.

Yet despite his hidden emotions, he maintained a cold glare at the Prime Minister.

"If you're making false promises just to extinguish the urgent fire, you will pay a corresponding price."

"Don't be two-faced. Hurry up and make contact."

After receiving the Japanese Prime Minister's confirmation, a smile crept onto Medvedev's lips.

As the Prime Minister observed him pulling out his phone from his pocket, a deep worry clouded his face.

* * *

After receiving the phone call saying everything had concluded well, he turned on the TV.

The news was constantly reporting on the movements of the Russian navy.

"Seems like Putin overreached this time?"

"That seems to be the case."

From the side, Manager Ma's stiff response emerged.

Noting his serious expression, he chuckled slightly and switched the channel. Every news channel was buzzing with updates about the Russian navy.

"It certainly was a precarious situation. It could have easily escalated to war…"

This incident seemed to have posed a significant challenge even for Putin.

Behind Japan stood the U.S. Thus, if the conflict escalated, there was a high likelihood it would lead to a confrontation between the U.S. and Russia.

Under the Clinton Administration, matters might have been resolved through dialogue, but with Bush, resolution seemed difficult. He recalled Bush as someone who wouldn't hesitate to go to war.

"Medvedev says Eva will return to Russia today. Afterward, she'll head to Korea from Russia. When she returns, the shareholders' meeting of Il-sung will begin.""

"Understood, Boss."

Turning off the TV, he stood up and added.

"When Eva returns, she'll need a bit of rest before getting back to work. It's going to be hard for me to focus on that, so Manager Ma, please keep an eye on her."

"Yes, I'll prepare for that."

"I just need to swiftly check the situation regarding one of the directors before stepping out, so please ensure everything is ready for that."

Leaving Manager Ma's response behind, I exited the study and entered Han Gyeong-yeong's room.

"Hyung, how's it going?"

"Oh, you made it?"

Han Gyeong-yeong was fixated on the monitor, not even glancing back at me. I chuckled softly at his demeanor and sat beside him.

"The Japanese financial authorities have moved to defend the exchange rate. They're selling dollars and buying yen every day."

"Oh really? They're holding up for quite a while."

"It seems the dollar's value has been dropping. That's why the yen was rising. However, since we're now working to lower the yen's value, the forex dealers are being cautious."

"So, what's the current rate?"

"110 yen."

Hearing the noticeably far-from-target figure made one of my eyebrows twitch.

"When do you think the forex dealers will join in?"

"I think they'll join in soon enough."

"Also, use all the dollars Eva received from the Japanese banks."

Only then did Han Gyeong-yeong tear his gaze from the monitor and turn towards me.

"Including Eva's funds?"

"Of course. This time, we absolutely need Japan to surrender. We need to show them the power of money and what happens when I set my mind to something."

"Got it. This monetary assault is just the beginning. From tomorrow onwards, we'll intensify our attacks on the bond and stock markets, and they won't have much time to endure."

Just like Hong Kong did, Japan could dramatically raise interest rates. However, the Japanese financial authorities would find it hard to make that choice.

Hong Kong had China backing it, but Japan was in a position where it had to consider the U.S.'s viewpoint.

"Let Japan experience the suffering Korea endured."

I stood up from the chair and patted Han Gyeong-yeong on the shoulder.

"Just a bit more struggle."

"Yeah, you struggle too."

After Han Gyeong-yeong replied, he turned his attention back to the monitor, not even noticing as I left.

I couldn't help but smile slightly at how focused he was once more before walking out of the room.

"Let's go."

Together with Manager Ma, I set off to meet Myeong-su at the secret bar.

As we moved, the sun began to set, and by the time we arrived, darkness had already enveloped the world.

I arrived first at the bar, waiting for Myeong-su. He arrived shortly after.

As soon as Myeong-su entered, he tossed aside his tie and suit jacket and rolled up his dress shirt sleeves.

"Ha! I can't breathe!"

The dialect had nearly faded from Myeong-su's tone. I offered a small smile at how comfortably he complained right upon arrival.

I poured whiskey for him as he took a seat and asked.

"Rough day?"

"It's not the work that's tough, it's dealing with people and managing them that's the challenge."

Myeong-su raised his glass and downed it in one go.

"Ugh… This is the taste. I couldn't drink properly under pressure. Those old geezers…"

Shaking his head in frustration, I refilled his glass.

"What about Chairman Yoon?"

"Chairman Yoon?"

At my nod, Myeong-su's expression slightly dimmed.

"It's the same as always. When they appointed me as Secretary General, the turmoil was pretty intense. They really struggled to manage it."

The Secretary General was a key position in the party, alongside the party leader and the parliamentary representative.

Due to the significant influence over the party's financial operations, it was common for long-serving MPs from both the Conservative and Progressive Parties to be appointed.

"Considering that Chairman Yoon has gone to the Blue House, you'll need to take over his powers. That's the purpose for which the Secretary General was placed. Even if it's tough, hang in there."

"I know. That's why I'm only saying all this to you."

I gently coaxed him while raising my glass. Sighing softly, Myeong-su did the same.

The clinking sound of our glasses rang out cheerfully in the room.