I planted a sacred tree in Tokyo.

Chapter 209 Living in Fengdu is no easy feat

Tokyo,

Chiyoda,
Prime Minister's Residence.

“Mr. Special Envoy, please believe me, this matter has nothing to do with our government.”

"Shit—irrelevant? Do you think the great America would accept such an excuse?!"

The American diplomat slammed his hands on the table, his face turning purplish-red with anger, prompting inward grumbling from the island nation's side.

I'd heard that this American diplomat was a former swimmer; and now I see it's true.
"3421nd!"

"3421 brave American soldiers!"

The American diplomat, his face flushed purple, slammed his fist on the table and roared, spitting as he spoke.

"Overnight, so many great young men are lying in body bags! This enormous loss exceeds the total casualties of all of America's military operations over the past fifty years! And this is blatant provocation, a declaration of war."

"Special Envoy!"

The newly appointed island's foreign minister suddenly raised his voice, interrupting the American diplomat's rant.

“I have already said it,”

"This matter has nothing to do with the island nation's government."

"The superhumans under the government's command have just experienced a 'great victory on the islands' and are almost all resting."

"And the attack on your military base was carried out by more than fifty extraordinary assassins."

The new Foreign Minister raised his head and looked directly into the other person's eyes.

"We have neither the reason nor the ability to do so!"

Bang!
"Then go check it out!"

The American diplomat, his face flushed with rage, slammed his fist on the table again, leaning forward and roaring.

"Three days! You only have three days!"

"America must be given an explanation for this!"

"No way,"

The island nation's new foreign minister is also getting angry.
"Sir Envoy, this is a covert operation by an 'unknown supernatural' force. What can they find out in three days?"

In fact, as a newly appointed cabinet official, and one of the dozen or so most powerful people in the island nation, the Foreign Minister vaguely knew the truth: the number of forces in the island nation capable of deploying so many superhumans for 'assassination' is extremely limited.

If we exclude those that have no conflict with America, the answer becomes obvious.

Those lone wolf samurai bastards!

Even if they are cursing inwardly, they will definitely appear 'unaware' on the surface.

“I’ll say it again,”

"This matter has nothing to do with the island nation's government!"

"Or perhaps, are all the people in your military base infants? If you can't even protect yourselves, then go ahead and investigate the murderer!"

The Foreign Minister, who had lost patience, raised his hand and gestured for the door to open.

"We also need to deal with the extraordinary disaster of the 'Yellow Springs Evil Spirits'."

"You————"

The American diplomat, his face ashen like Thanos, pointed a trembling finger at the other side, but deep down he already knew: the time for a complete break had come.

"it is good,"

He lowered his finger, and the anger on his purple face transformed into undisguised hatred.

"The sanctions against America will come soon."

"please,"

The island's foreign minister didn't waste any words and pointed to the gate.

The fact that they didn't directly tell me to "get lost" is already the last vestige of "reserved" manners from the island nation.

"The negotiations broke down,"

After the American diplomats left, the new Foreign Minister went to the adjacent large conference room, where the island nation's Prime Minister, other cabinet officials, and Director Takeya sat in a circle, working overtime to discuss various matters.

While the public outside was celebrating the "victory of crossing the islands," those at the top had countless tasks to handle.

The cleansing out of the remaining "demons" in Wakayama Prefecture, the reconstruction of the "Kōyasan Esoteric Buddhism," the cooperation with the Russian Empire, and the confrontation with America—

Sanctions?

Upon hearing the new Foreign Minister's report, no one in the conference room was surprised.

Rather, the fact that they didn't directly 'declare war' left them both puzzled and relieved.

"America is weakening."

"If this were before, the aircraft carrier fleet would have already entered Tokyo Bay, right?"

"Heh, do you think America's carrier strike group would dare to set foot in these waters now?"

Although the island nation suffered millions of deaths and injuries due to the extraordinary disaster, which can be said to be no less than most of the 'wars of annihilation' in history, the existence of the 'sea serpent' also made the warships of all countries avoid it, which in a way can be considered as 'protecting' the island nation?

Although this "protection" caused heavy losses to the island nation itself, with its naval self-defense force almost crippled.

You should know that the headquarters of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force is located in Yokosuka! Back then, the "Sea Roar" not only destroyed the American Seventh Fleet, but also took down most of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force's warships.

"This is also why the JMSDF is preparing for transformation; however, we will inevitably face large-scale sanctions from the United States in the future."

As the Defense Minister spoke, his gaze fell on the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

"Start rebuilding the production line now,"

"Within five years, we can achieve self-sufficiency in most parts. But raw materials..."

"The raw materials are imported from Russia, as well as from other countries."

The Minister of Reconstruction took over the conversation.
"Not all countries are willing to obey America's orders."

"We possess extraordinary resources, and trading partners will always come to us!"

The island nation is a major importer and exporter, importing approximately 2400 million tons of food annually; it is also heavily reliant on imports for oil, natural gas, coal, and a large quantity of high-tech chips, components, and so on.
Previously, many of them were imported from America, but now that things have fallen out, they are definitely no longer available.

Fortunately, island nations have always had an excessive sense of crisis and have stored up large amounts of food and energy, so people won't starve to death on the spot.

"The situation in the island nation will be very difficult for some time to come."

"I urge you all to work hard and live up to the trust placed in you by the people."

The Prime Minister summarized that with the departure of the supernatural disaster, the island nation immediately needs to face 'internal and external troubles': externally, there is the shock brought about by the split in America, and internally, there are the forces represented by various top supernatural beings. Under these circumstances, even if the cabinet knows that the 'culprit' is the samurai family led by Yagyu, it will turn a deaf ear.

Putting aside the strength of these samurai families themselves, just the fact that Yagyu Onoda was Shio Hoshino's good brother meant that no one in the entire island nation dared to utter a word against him.

Apart from the cabinet, the entire island nation's media and news industry also remained tight-lipped!
What? An assassination attempt at an American military base?

That's not true!
Anyone who dares to speak nonsense will be granted a private room in Tokyo Bay!
"Next, we will deepen our cooperation with Russia."

The Nine-Tails' forces have left, but for this group of high-ranking officials, things have become more complicated and numerous. Maintaining this situation is their job.

"Foreign Minister, please take this opportunity to help."

"Yes, Prime Minister."

The newly appointed Foreign Minister nodded, inwardly sighing.

I knew this position wouldn't be easy, but I never expected that I'd have to deal with America and Russia so soon after taking office.
Perhaps, like my ex, closing my eyes would be more relaxing?

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

A hazy, dim fog enveloped everything, making it difficult to see more than ten meters ahead.

Beneath my feet lay endless stones, and as far as the eye could see, desolation reigned.

"Hiss, it's so cold."

Just as the new foreign minister was 'envying' his predecessor, his predecessor was:

"Gentlemen, we can't keep wandering around like this."

The former Foreign Minister was a woman in her sixties. As a pure civil servant, she didn't even drink any supernatural potions; she was just an ordinary person—no, now we should say, an ordinary spirit.

"Ms. Kamikawa, what do you suggest we do?"

General Sergei, dressed in military uniform and sporting a standard Slavic mustache, looked around with a helpless expression.

"We've been wandering around here for who knows how long; all we see are evil spirits."

There are also some dilapidated buildings from various eras of the island nation, but:
Those buildings constructed to provide shelter from the wind and rain are often the 'nests' of evil spirits.

In this boundless and desolate world, the three 'spirits' could only wander aimlessly.

"The world we live in now is undoubtedly the 'Yellow Springs'."

The third man, with his well-developed muscles that made his uniform bulge, was none other than Brigadier General Thomas!

Compared to the other two, as a superhuman, he was equally powerful after death, and all the 'evil spirits' he encountered along the way were scattered by him with just a few punches and kicks.

but--

"If this continues, Ms. Kamikawa will soon become an evil spirit."

It must be said that the 'Sea Ninja' truly kept his promise: he said he would send them to the underworld, and he did. The three of them had been wandering in the underworld for several days. The body of the island nation's 'former Foreign Minister', Ms. Kamikawa, had begun to show signs of decay and transparency, and her mind was becoming confused, looking as if she could turn into an evil spirit at any moment.

General Sergei seems to be able to hold on, but it's only a matter of time before something unexpected happens.

As for Brigadier General Thomas, he also clearly felt the loss of 'psychic energy': if this continued, he would sooner or later become one of those mindless evil spirits wandering around.

"I wonder what the real world is like now."

"Relax, ma'am."

Everyone has fallen into hell, or rather, the underworld; past grudges are temporarily set aside.

Brigadier General Thomas offered words of comfort to the former island foreign minister.

"The fact that we did not encounter a large number of 'fresh spirits' indicates that there was no mass death in the island nation during this period."

"Mr. Thomas has a point."

While this consolation is incredibly disheartening, upon closer reflection, if the island nation had truly experienced a mass extinction, they should have encountered at least a few [people who died at some point].
In other words, the present world has survived?
"There's movement!"

Thomas, the former superhuman, suddenly turned his head and assumed a stance towards a misty area.

Don't be nervous~~

With a crisp sound, a little girl in a white robe skipped and hopped out of the mist.

"I'm 'White Child,' and I'm in charge, aren't I?"

The little girl stopped introducing herself and looked the three people up and down.

"Are you high-ranking officials dressed like that?"

"Ahem, Ms. Kamikawa."

The two generals' eyes fell on the island nation's 'former foreign minister'. Their appearance and attire clearly indicated that they were 'foreign military officers'. This kind of communication with the 'local hell' should naturally be left to the locals.

"Little girl, I am..."

"Wow, the Foreign Minister, that's amazing!"

After hearing the explanation, the little girl blinked her big eyes, her face full of innocent amazement.

Abbreviation: Mysterious but impressive.

this--

While the three remained silent, the little girl looked them over again.

"Although your spiritual strength is somewhat..."

"Never mind, come with me."

The little girl turned around and waved to the three of them.

“I will take you to Fengdu, and then I will have the senior staff member from the Ministry of Personnel assign you jobs.”

Work?

All three of them were taken aback.
They were all top-ranking officials, so they were somewhat unaccustomed to the sudden news of being "assigned jobs".

but:

"Let's go,"

Brigadier General Thomas tilted his chin at the little girl's retreating figure before striding away.

Russian General Sergei and Japanese former Foreign Minister Kamikawa followed suit without much hesitation.

Without a doubt, they are all dead. This is the 'Yellow Springs,' and the evil spirits encountered here can attest to it: if you don't want to become like that, following this little girl to the 'Fengdu' she speaks of is currently the only way.

"That is?!"

"The Divine Tree—"

When he saw the towering golden tree in the distance, bathed in the golden light through the mist, former Foreign Minister Kamikawa was stunned, as if he had returned to the present world.

No, that's not it~~

"That tree is called the 'Salix Tree,' and it was planted by an adult."

Thomas's eyes flickered slightly upon hearing the words of the little girl leading the way, 'White Child'.

Despite his blond hair, blue eyes, muscular physique, and classic American "tough guy" look, how could someone who has risen to the rank of brigadier general and managed extraordinary affairs in America be just a simple brute?

In Buddhist mythology, the 'World Honored One Shakyamuni' attained Nirvana and enlightenment under the twin Sala trees.

This tree is also a Zen metaphor, implying that it represents the 'Alaya-vijnana' (storehouse consciousness).

The owner here.
"my body?"

As the three of them moved forward under the guidance of 'White Child', the former Foreign Minister Kamikawa was surprised to find that his tattered and transparent body had solidified again!

“Under the illumination of the twin Sal trees, all spirits will receive continuous replenishment.”

The little girl in front explained as she walked:
"However, we in the underworld don't support idlers."

“Everyone needs to work. If they don’t work, they will be driven out of Fengdu and eventually wander in the wilderness as evil spirits.”

? !
These words sent a chill down the spines of the three of them.
I never imagined I'd have to work even after I'm dead. It's a bittersweet feeling.

"Little Dove, you're back."

Just as they stepped into the city, an old man outside a blacksmith's shop raised his hand in greeting, his gaze sweeping over the little girl in white behind him:

"Wow, they even brought three 'big shots'?"

The sarcastic tone made the three former high-ranking officials feel uneasy.

"Grandpa Tsukate, I'm at work: please call me 'Hakudoshi'."

"Okay, Kobato."

"follow me,"

As for the old man, 'White Child' Kobato had lost the will to argue with him: as she said, she was at work right now.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"Name,"

"Age of death,"

What are your special skills?

Led by the little girl, the three former high-ranking officials arrived at an antique-style office.

A female clerk meticulously began registering and creating records for them.

"Commanding the army?"

"I'm sorry, there is no army for you to command here: the captains of the Six Ministries, apart from you, do not need anyone else to command them."

After rejecting General Sergei's offer outright, the clerk's gaze fell upon Ms. Kamikawa.

"I am the Foreign Minister of the island."

"Sorry, our Underworld does not have 'diplomatic' business at the moment."

"I am a superhuman, capable of fighting."

Brigadier General Thomas stepped forward, his muscular physique and confident aura unmistakable.

The female clerk nodded and began writing and drawing on the three people's forms.

“Mr. Thomas, with this document, you can go to the blacksmith shop to collect a spirit knife.”

"As long as you hunt ten evil spirits outside the city, you will pass the test. At that time, all six departments and twelve teams will definitely welcome a warrior like you to join."

As for the other two, after they left the building:
"Moving stone?"

Holding his 'recommendation document', General Hilly was speechless.

"I never thought I'd have a day like this?"

"This is simply..."

The former Foreign Minister Kamikawa standing next to him had an even more interesting expression, because the "recommendation document" in her hand was:

"A cleaner?"

As for the salaries of the three, they were vastly different.

"It seems that the afterlife is in its 'early stages of development'."

Thomas seemed to be deep in thought. From the conversation with the clerk, it was clear that what was most needed here were combat personnel, followed by technicians related to melee combat, and finally, various service industries.
"Next, I will have to take a break for a while."

With a wave of the documents in his hand, Brigadier General Thomas was about to head to the blacksmith's shop to collect weapons to hunt down evil spirits.

"I hope that both of you can have new developments in this world."

Moving stones, sweeping the streets.
We must find a way to improve our strength and become a member of the 'Sixth Division'!

The thought flashed through the minds of General Sergei and Foreign Minister Kamikawa. As former high-ranking officials, even though they had fallen on hard times, their experience and vision remained.

This afterlife is clearly in its early stages of development. If we can seize the opportunity, we might be able to reach new heights, or even go further!
After all, this is the afterlife, the extraordinary world!
Immortality and such
It’s not impossible!

Thinking about it this way fills me with energy and enthusiasm.

(End of this chapter)