It is Kokang and Changchun

　"I'm thinking... wouldn't it be better to fight? When the snipe and the clam quarrel, the fisherman benefits. If the US and Japan fight each other, there will definitely be a lot of casualties or even deaths among the ship girls and human armies, right? Wouldn't this be good for us?" AC disagreed with No. 1's opinion.

　Number 1 continued to argue, "That's true, but Japan's military, civilian, and infrastructure were probably bombed flat. Look at those countries and cities in Middle East and West Asia that the US military transited through. Which one of them wasn't reduced to ruins after the war?"

　A severely damaged Japan would not be in our future interests. If we were to use Japan as a bridgehead for an attack on the Korean Peninsula, then Japan, with all its destruction and needing reconstruction, would obviously not be able to serve as our main base in the Asia-Pacific region. We would then have to devote a large amount of manpower and material resources to rebuilding Japan, which would greatly divert our production capacity from other areas.

　The time it takes for us to rebuild Japan is enough for humanity to react. By then, we will most likely be trapped on the Japanese archipelago and bombed by ballistic missiles and strategic bombers. Especially when they realize that everything they did before was a divisive tactic, they will strike much harder. They may even resort to tactical nuclear weapons.

　In general, the current situation may seem favorable on the surface, but in fact, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages."

　Number 1 rambled on, causing AC to reflect. After a while, AC finally uttered the question Liu Bang often asked his civil and military officials: "What can I do about it?"

　Number 1 thought for a moment and replied, "As for what to do, Japan has to admit defeat first. As long as there's green mountains, there's no need to worry about firewood. Then we can find a way to stir up trouble, divert America's attention, and make America dispel Japan's suspicions..."

　Anyway, in general, the Yakushima incident was a serious strategic misjudgment of ours. If we make such a mistake again, we will never stop fighting with the United States.

　Even the dumbest American officials know that unless they are truly defeated, they will not give up their current status and interests."

　After saying that, No. 1 sighed.

　AC was extremely unwilling to accept this. She gritted her teeth and said, "Damn it... If everyone had shields as powerful as the last world, and they were still afraid of the United States... no... all humans and shipgirls? I'm going to go crazy!"

　Chapter 167 Find a new way

　"But...war is not just a pure competition of military and national strength, it is more of an international and domestic political game." AC said this after calming down.

　"Otherwise, why did the United States invest so much in Korea and Vietnam but fail to win?" She asked Deep Sea No. 1 after taking a bite of fish.

　Number 1 replied, "Sir, we didn't win Korea and Vietnam, but we won Iraq."

　AC: "I'm not discussing whether we can win the war. We're discussing the issue of national security that the United States cannot bring itself to intervene."

　No. 1: "Ah? Are you saying that the US's current poor economic situation and epidemic control situation will force the US to make concessions? With all due respect, this idea is really..."

　"No. 1, that's not what I meant." AC interrupted No. 1 directly.

　"So what does Lord Admiralty Code mean?"

　AC gave an example. "Let me ask you, taking the Vietnam War as an example, putting aside other objective factors and focusing solely on the United States itself, why was the United States unable to defeat Vietnam?

　Because of the massive anti-war movement and the dire economic situation in the country, the government had no choice but to make concessions in order to retain votes. Therefore, the Vietnam War came to an abrupt end.

　Number 1 disagreed with AC's opinion. "However, poor political and economic conditions can also serve as a motivation for a country to shift conflicts and launch foreign wars. You know, before such wars begin, public support is always high."

　AC: "That's right, but we can find a way to lower public support before the war. Don't we have a large number of intelligence scouts stationed in the United States? We can use this to manipulate public opinion."

　Harris is a textbook politician. If a war with Japan could significantly reduce her approval rating, I think she'd probably go home after the standoff. Furthermore, Biden's approval rating is already low, and Kamath, being birds of a feather, is about the same. If this continues, Trump will undoubtedly return to the White House in next year's election. This is something the Democrats are extremely reluctant to see.

　As a typical politician, in order to maintain his position, he probably won't risk a sharp drop in support by rashly attacking Japan."

　Deep Sea No. 1: "Master Admiralty Code, the Iraq War has proven that the United States is completely unreasonable..."

　"Japan is Japan, not Iraq," AC explained. "There are many reasons why the US attacked Iraq, but the most fundamental reason is economic. Iraq is rich in oil resources and wants to leverage the dollar's hegemony. Cutting off someone's financial resources is like killing their parents. How can the US not be anxious?"

　But what about Japan? Japan is resource-poor, and we haven't asked Japan to take advantage of the US economy. We've simply canceled military cooperation and stationed US troops, while other US-Japan business continues as usual.

　If the US is going to go to war if another country withdraws its troops, then why didn't the US, at the beginning of the Cold War when it was even more powerful than it is now, go to France? Wasn't France also quite tough on this issue at the time?

　In this matter, the United States not only failed to find any evidence to implicate Japan, but also failed to pass a resolution in the Security Council that the use of force against Japan violates international law.

　This will make the international and domestic communities more vigilant about similar incidents and not be fooled so easily.

　According to the intelligence from the United States, my speculation can be supported to a certain extent. There are already some people in the United States who do not support the use of force to deter Japan and go to war. This is not only the civilian population, but also some government officials, some generals in the military system, and some American ship girls.

　Insufficient evidence, violation of international law, severe inflation once in 40 years, and near-record low approval ratings, all these debuffs, coupled with the American tradition of democracy and freedom, provide a good breeding ground for us to manipulate public opinion in the United States.

　Another thing is that fortunately, the US president is elected by the voters and is accountable to them; otherwise, it would be a bit challenging to implement, as persuading members of Congress is much more difficult than inciting the public.

　Number 1 worriedly said, "I understand that, but the United States, with its hegemonic discourse, cannot be underestimated in its ability to distort the truth. It's also worth noting that US official propaganda has consistently linked the Yakushima Incident to Pearl Harbor to galvanize public patriotism. You yourself have said that the Yakushima Incident is the equivalent of Pearl Harbor to the United States."

　AC: "I'm saying this assuming the US knows who did it. Anyone with a discerning eye knew it was Japan that did it at Pearl Harbor. The large red maru under the wings and on the fuselages of hundreds of carrier-based bombers and attack aircraft clearly showed they were Japan's doing. But does the US know who did it at Yakushima?

　Japan has already released evidence of its innocence, and the US has sent investigators but has found no evidence of Japanese cooperation. Add to that what I've said before, and the public opinion campaign, and the likelihood of the US going to war with Japan is slim.

　Oh, and speaking of this, Trump could certainly use this to his advantage. Of course, I'm referring to not revealing our true identity and intentions, but collaborating, supporting, and exploiting us as a civil opposition group. Isn't he also currently opposing the Biden administration?

　Trump has indeed spoken out in a number of unpopular ways since leaving office, and as a businessman, he has little interest in war, preferring to resolve issues through economic means. Therefore, it is unlikely that Trump would support military deterrence or even war against Japan.

　As for the US government's propaganda machine, we are the noble deep sea, can we not even defeat humans in public opinion? The core computing power of each intelligence agency pioneer, if converted into a human CPU, would be enough to play "Hearts of Iron 4" with all DLC and a bunch of workshop mods at five speeds without any lag.

　No. 1: "That being said, there's no guarantee that Kamaz will change its mind given the violation of international law, the lack of evidence, the domestic political and economic situation, public opinion and media, and the competition among candidates."

　AC: "Nothing in this world is absolute. As long as there's a high probability of getting Kamaz to change its mind, it's considered a success. You have two things to do: first, get Japan to make some concessions, and second, implement the operations I just mentioned. If that doesn't work, I'll find another way."

　"Uh...Okay, Lord Admiralty Code." No. 1 didn't say anything else and went to act according to the order.

　After line 1 was disconnected, AC breathed a sigh of relief.

　"Damn it, the fried fish is cold!"

　----------------

　The Japanese shipgirls are also feeling uneasy, including Hibiki. Hibiki is not afraid of the United States' unreasonable behavior, but she is afraid that if a military conflict breaks out, if she is killed (or lost) in the conflict again, who will take over her revolutionary burden?

　Only then did Xiang realize the importance of cultivating successors. If an organization or a country does not do well in the power transfer system and people, it will take many detours at best, and at worst the party or the country will be destroyed.

　In fact, she is not completely without candidates in mind, but none of his current candidates are particularly suitable.

　While Ayanami's theoretical knowledge is passable, her biggest weakness is her poor communication skills. She's best suited to assisting in academic research or serving directly on the front lines.

　Harutsuki is a Shinto shrine maiden. Although she was influenced by Marxism and has her own system of "liberation theology version of Shintoism," she is still a religious person and is generally not considered. Unless there is really no one left.

　Thunder movie... Ugh! As for Thunder, Lightning, and Xiao, Thunder and Lightning's theoretical level is OK, but their personalities are a little bit incompatible.

　Although Dian is patient, she dislikes fighting and is sometimes too agreeable. While this personality is fine in everyday interactions, it can easily lead to a play-by-play mentality in political struggles.

　Lei's vocabulary was unfamiliar, and she often failed to grasp its meaning. To put it bluntly, she was clumsy with words, and her English was very poor. More importantly, she was very anxious about success, which was unacceptable if she were to take over.

　The problem with Xiao is that in some aspects, he has a bit of the ideology of the Social Revolutionary Party. For example, he tends to rely on assassination to solve problems... Of course, due to the pressure from his three younger sisters, Xiao has never actually done so.

　As for Yudachi and Shigure… given their combined abilities, these two were better suited for basic, concrete tasks, like community work. Xiang didn't expect them to master Ma Yuan in any great depth; if they could grasp 60% of the basic principles, they'd be considered victorious.

　"It's unreasonable! It's disgusting!" Xiang was worried about not having a successor. Now, what she hoped most was that the conflict between the United States and Japan would cool down.

　Harutsuki in Maizuru is also worried about the escalation of the US-Japan conflict.

　After careful consideration, she finally decided to say goodbye to Yi Shen Shiyuan who had been living in her body for a long time.

　Haruzuki flashed to Shion's cabin and said apologetically, "Shion-san, the current situation... may require me. So..."

　Chunyue was embarrassed and didn't know how to start.

　Yishen Ziyuan knew Chunyue's difficulties. She slowly stood up, held Chunyue's hand, and comforted her, "I know, Chunyue, you don't have to be like this. You helped me get out of the shadow of discouragement, and I can't thank you enough. Thank you very much for taking care of me these days. I'm sorry for causing you any trouble."

　Compared to when she first met Haruzuki, Shion looked much better and her figure was much rounder. She was no longer the skinny and gaunt girl she used to be.

　Before Chunyue could respond, Yishen Shiyuan continued, "I understand you. This isn't your fault. It's America's fault for being unreasonable and causing trouble. I'm moving out today. I sincerely wish you a safe return. Please take care of yourself."

　After saying that, Yishen Shiyuan began to pack her luggage. Shiyuan didn't have much luggage, so a large schoolbag was almost enough.

　"You're so kind. I'm glad I could be of any help to you." Chunyue replied reluctantly.

　Finally, under the cover of night and Harutsuki, Shion quietly left the Maizuru Naval Base.

　Before leaving, Chunyue also stuffed three 10,000 yen bills into his pocket as travel expenses.

　Yi Shen Shion looked at her benefactor's back and murmured softly, "Haruzuki-san, you are a kind soul god. I will repay you. We will meet again someday."

　Then, Yi Shen Shiyuan used her mobile phone to search for the country of the United States, and her brows furrowed as she looked at it.

　"Can we make this country miserable and bankrupt?"

　Chapter 168 US-Japan Confrontation

　Under the command of KAMAZ, the newly formed Seventh Fleet of the US Navy and some pre-deployed ships set sail from Guam and headed for the waters near the Kansai region of Japan.

　In response, the Maritime Self-Defense Force (including the ship girls) and the Air Self-Defense Force were dispatched together to the waters near the Kansai region to monitor the movements of the US military just in case.

　The US Navy fleet conducted a large-scale military exercise in the opposite direction of Kansai. Similarly, Japan conducted a military exercise in a certain area of ​​waters opposite the US Navy fleet. Both the US and Japan were testing each other's true intentions.

　While both the US and Japan claim they will "not take action" and "not target any country or organization," many people, both in Japan and among the governments and citizens of China and Russia, who are closely watching the situation, do not believe they will let this go.

　You have to know that both sides were brandishing real weapons and brandishing swords and guns in front of them, and their fists and feet were almost touching each other's noses.

　The F-35 was operating in the Enterprise exercise area, coordinating with other ships as usual. But at this moment, her expression was grim, as if something was on her mind.

　"I didn't mean that at all, why did I have such a dream?" Enterprise thought to himself.

　The "dream" that Enterprise was murmuring about in her heart refers to the dream she had yesterday in which she dreamed that she was forced to be sent to the edge of China's territorial waters to cause trouble, even though Enterprise herself was very unwilling.

　But this incident was different from the one in the South China Sea. Due to some unexpected circumstances, the two sides accidentally fired. The carrier-based aircraft had barely launched half of their Enterprise when they noticed something descending from the sky at Mach 10.

　"Could it be... DF21d?!" Sensing something was amiss, she raised her head in fear. Before she could react, she was engulfed in the sea of ​​fire from the explosion...

　The companies were immediately shocked awake at that time.

　Enterprise, coming back to his senses from his reminiscence, patted his forehead. "...I hope it doesn't come true. I just hope China will never follow the American path of external expansion in the future."

　The company then adjusted its status and devoted itself to the exercise.

　"Japan is lucky this time. The commander this time is not a hawk like Harris last time. Otherwise, Japan would be in great danger."

　Enterprise teased a bit. "But there are some hawks on the Japanese shipgirl side. I hope Mikasa and Nagato can suppress them. If it really comes to the point where I have to suppress them, it will probably be a replay of a famous scene from the Pacific War."

　Just as Enterprise was making fun of the Japanese ship girls in her heart, the Japanese ship girls were also having various discussions.

　"Fortunately, some of us have already done some modernization, otherwise the company would be in big trouble." Ayanami said hopefully.

　Ayanami looked at her own body. The triple 610 torpedo launcher had been replaced by an anti-ship missile launcher, and there were two more radars on the top of the bridge - a fire control radar and an early warning radar.

　Compared to the calm Ayanami, some of Masahiro seem less calm, such as Zuikaku.

　"Gray Ghost! If you dare, let's use Midway's configuration and have a fair fight. How can you be considered a hero just by relying on the generation gap?!"

　An enraged Zuikaku brandished his sword and cursed at the US Navy fleet. "I'm so pissed! If it weren't for you damned Americans getting in the way, all our carriers would be modernized and back like lightning!"

　"Zuihe! Now is not the time to say such things." Kongo called out to the angry Zuikaku and loudly accused him:

　"Navy Headquarters and Lady Mikasa Nagato have issued orders to strictly prohibit adding fuel to the fire or taking the initiative during this sensitive period. If serious or even irreversible consequences are caused, the offender will be executed on the spot!"

　Zuikaku was a mess and responded in annoyance. "Why don't you go train Akagi Kaga?

　Come here specifically to train me?"

　King Kong crossed his arms and said, "I just lectured the First Aircraft Warrior. Do you have any objections?"

　Zuikaku: “…”

　"So, Zuikaku. Anyone who is really capable should be brave enough to scold his opponent instead of keeping his anger to his own people in private~" Shokaku looked at Zuikaku, covered his mouth with his sleeves and chuckled, educating his own sister.

　Zuikaku looked at Shokaku's expression and felt something was wrong. "Why do I always feel like my sister is being mean to me..."

　On the bridge of the USS Carl Vinson, Vice Admiral William R. Motz, commander of the fleet in this standoff, was looking in the direction of the Japanese fleet through a telescope, glancing at the radar screen from time to time.

　The captain of the accompanying USS Carl Vinson asked, "Sir, do you think the Yakushima incident was really done by Japan?"

　"I'm not sure..." Lieutenant General Moz said, "There are quite a few large-scale anti-war demonstrations in the country right now, and the government can't produce any evidence. But I personally think there's more to this than meets the eye. Japan is more or less indirectly involved."

　The captain of the USS Carl Vinson said: "I am a little worried that we will bring shame upon ourselves like we did in the South China Sea."

　"Don't say things that only boost others' morale and undermine your own prestige," Moz said. "Even if it wasn't Japan, we must insist it was. This concerns our important military interests in the Asia-Pacific."

　The captain of the USS Carl Vinson sighed. "Sometimes, to protect national interests, we really have to lie..."

　"Yes, this is politics. We soldiers just have to obey orders. Congress treats us well anyway," Moz said frankly.

　"In this case, I think we can be a little more proactive. The people on the other side are the descendants of a group of warmongers." The captain of the USS Carl Vinson believes that Japan can be timid in the face of China, but it cannot be timid in the face of Japan.

　Moz said earnestly, "I'm not that crazy guy like Harris (former Pacific Fleet commander, who led the US fleet during the 16-year South China Sea standoff). Obeying orders from superiors is a basic quality of a soldier. We only act when our superiors tell us to, and don't get involved in unnecessary matters!"

　In this way, the two sides confronted each other in a chain of suspicion, each trying to figure out the other's true intentions, expecting the other side to suddenly get hot-headed and take action first.

　----------------

　The White House in Washington, D.C.

　Kamaz has been feeling very unlucky these days.

　On the day the fleet headed for the waters near Kansai, Japan, Trump and his supporters began to fiercely criticize Kamaz for sending a fleet to Japan for deterrence.

　Moreover, every word Trump said was reasonable and hit Kamathi's soft spot. For a moment, the Democratic Party, led by Kamathi, was at a loss for how to perfectly and logically refute it.

　Not only that, Kamaz also received bad news. According to recent polling agency assessments, Trump's approval rating has actually reached nearly 50%.

　When Kamath looked at her data, she couldn't believe her eyes. Kamath knew she was less popular than Biden, but she didn't expect it to be so unpopular - her approval rating fell below 34%.