A person in Tokyo becomes a demon god

Chapter 48 Reveals the 'Truth'

the next day,
Training room at the Tokyo Detention Center.

"Brother Qiuyue, how did you sleep last night?"

This place serves as both a training room and a dining hall: after the prisoners are seated, they eat together, and prison guards bring breakfast to the training room.

It's extremely rare for a prison guard to greet Akizuki Ritsu—after all, there's absolutely no 'intimacy' between prison guards and prisoners. But Akizuki Ritsu is a 'doctor'! Who would want to mess with a doctor, especially a highly skilled one?
No!

Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the four great hardships of life.

Whether it was prison guards or prisoners, everyone treated Akizuki Ritsu with great kindness and even respect.

"You slept very well, why would you ask that?"

At the entrance to the training room, Akizuki Ritsu stopped and chatted with a prison guard.

"because."

The expression on the prison guard's face could only be described as 'bizarre'.

Didn't you hear the explosion?

The Tokyo Detention Center is located in Katsushika Ward, which is separated from Minato Ward by Chuo Ward and Sumida Ward. It is not far, but not close either, only about ten kilometers away.

Last night's mushroom cloud was witnessed by most of Tokyo; the explosion resounded in all directions, and tens of millions of people stayed up all night, restless and uneasy—under these circumstances, this young man, Akizuki, actually looked refreshed and in good spirits.

"Oh,"

"I thought someone had thrown a firecracker!"

Qiuyue Ritsu stroked her chin and gave this answer.

"Who cares? No matter what happens outside, it's safe here."

"That's true."

The prison guard was speechless, but he had to admit that Qiuyue was right.

The Tokyo Detention Center was built to military standards, and its cells are known for their sturdiness.

In the modern history of the island nation, there was a prison break genius who used miso soup to corrode the door locks and climbed the smooth prison roof with his bare hands. He spent most of his life escaping from prison, and he managed to raise the level of security of the island nation's prisons several times.

At the same time, it has also greatly improved the treatment in prisons:

Because that guy repeatedly broke out of prison, simply to protest the poor conditions.

If something really happens,

This is actually the safest place on the surface of Tokyo.

Anyway, let's watch TV in a bit.

"Oh?"

"There's TV on today! Is it some news?"

Someone who knew perfectly well put on a surprised expression: The island nation's prisons provide television, but the films are all specially selected, and applications are required.

It's breakfast time now, and watching TV at this hour only results in government announcements of major news.

For example, imperial pardons have become a legitimate and legal way for the powerful and wealthy to be released from prison.

"Yes, but I don't know the specifics."

At the signal of the prison guard, Akizuki Ritsu entered the training room and began to eat breakfast.

And, wait for the training room's television broadcast.

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.

Tokyo,

Chiyoda Ward,

Nagata Town, the official residence of the Prime Minister.

The political center of the island nation, where countless orders are issued, affecting the lives of hundreds of millions of people; every day, reporters are stationed here, hoping to obtain first-hand information so that their newspapers and television stations can get ahead of the competition.

In the last century, many "deliverymen" on motorcycles set off from here to deliver all kinds of news, big and small, back to headquarters as soon as possible.

Their modified motorcycles and the newspaper 'flags' stuck on the backrests were widely imitated by bosozoku (motorcycle gangs).
It swept through an era.

Now?

Just move your finger.
Information will then travel at near the speed of light to every corner of the planet.

Journalists and deliverymen have become increasingly rare – yet today, the plaza in front of the Prime Minister's official residence is packed with journalists!

At a glance, there were no fewer than a thousand people! It was quite reminiscent of yesterday's 'protest and riot'. However, no one was worried about safety today because:
The New York Times, BBC, DAP News Agency, Reuters, AFP, Kyodo News, and Jiji Press.
Even financial news agencies like The Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg News dispatched their own reporters and a large number of cameras to create a dense barrage of long lenses, aiming at the small podium in front of the Prime Minister's residence.

The mouthpieces of most countries and forces around the world have never been so united.

Their presence here represents the vast majority of the military groups on this planet.

At this time, how could anyone possibly cause trouble?
unless--

"It's a supernatural existence,"

This word was repeatedly mentioned by everyone present.

Only a supernatural being would dare to disregard the will of most countries on this planet and act recklessly. If it really appeared, all the better. If I could capture a few photos and strike up a conversation with it, I would be willing to die for it!
For these journalists, pursuing the news is their goal, their motivation, and their belief.

And now, what news can compare to 'supernatural existence'?

Especially journalists from several major countries,
They had already gotten wind of it privately; last night, the American army fought a fierce battle with 'supernatural beings' in Tokyo's Minato Ward.

Although no battle reports have been released, given America's character, they would likely not suffer any losses;
Having suffered a great loss, they've already been making a huge fuss about it all over the world.

The island's cabinet, which has been playing dead, held a press conference this morning; there must be big news coming out!
Reporters from various newspapers and television stations rushed to the scene, crowding the area in front of the Prime Minister's residence, all eagerly awaiting the 'big news': only the reporters from the island nation were filled with anxiety.

"I'm coming!"

“Hurry, hurry!”

As the gray-haired prime minister of the island nation led his cabinet out, the entire square instantly transformed into a shimmering sea of ​​light.

Long lenses and short lenses were all turned on without regard to cost, just to better capture the old men's every move.

"Everyone,"

As he walked onto the podium, facing a dense crowd of reporters, as well as most of the island nation's population watching the live broadcast, and most countries on this planet, the island nation's prime minister rested his hands on the podium.

"First, I have something to announce."

“Supernatural beings: that is, the ‘gods,’ ‘demons,’ ‘monsters,’ and ‘demons’ in legends and myths—” Under the gaze of countless people, the island nation’s prime minister took a deep breath.

"It exists."

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.

clang,

Ding-dong,

The sound of a spoon falling echoed in the training room of the Tokyo Detention Center.

As soon as the first sound rang out, a cacophony of clanging and banging followed. Whether old men or strong men, prisoners or prison guards, everyone stared blankly at the television with their mouths agape in an "O" shape.

"Is this...is this some kind of talk show?"

quite a while,

Only then did the prisoner speak up in confusion.

However, the prison guards at the scene were equally shocked.

What the hell? The orders from above are such earth-shattering news?

Or,
Is this really a prank show?
"I know it's hard for everyone here, and for those watching on TV or in front of their phones to believe, but it's true."

The island nation's prime minister was also going all out, continuing to read from his prepared remarks.

"Through long-term archaeological work, historians from various countries generally believe that:"

"Human civilization is a development model of continuous conflict, accumulation, and ultimately, technological explosion."

"However, recent events in the island nation will overturn the above statements and severely impact our familiar worldview shaped by 'old science'."

As he spoke, the screen behind the Prime Minister began playing footage that was supposed to be 'top secret':

The 'tattooed man' whose ten fingers have turned into sharp blades is slaughtering the Yakuza;

The woman dressed as a bartender raised her hand and unleashed a wind blade.

And the ghost lanterns, drums, soldiers, oxcarts, and generals that floated out of the mist—

"Everyone, these are neither CG animations nor AI composites."

"It's reality!"

The reality that occurs in an island nation

For a moment, the entire square, which housed thousands of people, fell completely silent.

Although the reporters present had heard some rumors, the explosive images and shocking facts still left them stunned.

Big news! This is truly the biggest news of the century!

The images weren't even blurred!
It is clear,
Compared to any 'negative impact', the island nation's government faces a much greater crisis.

"Last night, at our request, the American military detonated a miniature tactical nuclear bomb in the port area."

If some things can't be hidden, then it's better not to hide them at all.

Last night's nuclear explosion was something that everyone in Tokyo, unless they were blind or sleeping like logs, couldn't possibly be unaware of.

Then just admit it openly:
As for why it was 'at the request of the island nation'?
That was, of course, the master's order.
"It's precisely to repel a 'supernatural being'!"

As the screen behind the island nation's prime minister focused on a samurai dressed in Heian period attire, the implications were self-evident.

"I want to declare here that our island nation is a peace-loving country, and our cabinet government, with an attitude of inclusiveness and equality, engages in dialogue with all supernatural beings. However..."

The fact that island nations are willing to engage in dialogue does not mean that others are obligated to respond to them.

Turning the pages of history, we find the 'exchanges' between nations.

Mostly stemming from war!
"Effective immediately, the island nation has established a new 'Paranormal Affairs Countermeasures Department,' under the leadership of the Metropolitan Police Department, which will oversee several Paranormal Affairs Countermeasures Teams."

"Every department and every citizen has an obligation to provide as much support as possible to the Paranormal Countermeasures Department."

Next, we'll discuss the island nation's response strategy.

"In addition to disaster drills such as earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, and fires, schools are now also conducting paranormal simulations."

"If members of the public discover any suspected supernatural phenomena or their existence, please do not make any contact with them rashly, and immediately call the Metropolitan Police Department's special emergency number—"

"Any form of gathering or demonstration is strictly prohibited in the near future; secret gatherings of more than five people will be severely punished by law! For everyone's safety and the future of our island nation, please be sure to comply."

After saying all this in one breath, the Prime Minister finally raised his head.

"The existence of supernatural phenomena is closely related to national interests, and some of these phenomena, once 'known,' could lead to supernatural disasters."

As he spoke, the Prime Minister looked around.

"If anyone inquires about or learns of certain secrets;"

"You will be subject to control and surveillance by the police. Please understand."

? !
simply put,
Don't ask random questions.

Otherwise, it means: You know too much.

Bang,

Does the truth matter?
Of course it’s important!

So, is life important?
Undoubtedly, more important: transcending everything.

For the general public, all they need to know is that it's a 'supernatural disaster,' but what exactly happened?
Definitely want to know the secrets behind it? Good, you've got guts! Come to the Metropolitan Police Department's 'Supernatural Countermeasures Division' and become a proud member of the Supernatural Countermeasures Division, and you'll find out.

嘀、

With the television turned off, the training room, which served as a dining hall, remained completely silent, with prisoners and guards still in shock.

"Oh dear, this is really..."

Touching his chin, Akizuki Ritsu was the first to break the silence.

"Times have changed."

Next comes the era of the 'supernatural'.

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.

P.S.: Based on crowdfunding, this book has been renamed "Becoming a Demon in Tokyo".

(End of this chapter)