Reisen Hiraga didn't stir up trouble, but Charles didn't believe for a second that the man was capable of patience. The only reason he'd behave was if he were planning something even bigger.

Still, the banquet continued, and Charles gradually became more acquainted with the elite Blazers of Japan.

Among them, Yakushi Kiriko—the nation's top doctor—truly impressed him.

As a water-user, Yakushi Kiriko could use her ability to perceive every structure of the human body and even accurately analyze hormone levels.

In short, she alone rivaled an entire hospital's worth of diagnostic equipment.

More importantly, perhaps due to her Blazer Technique that allowed her to completely transform her body into vapor, Kiriko had apparently touched on research related to the soul.

Her medical perspective on the connection between body and soul greatly enlightened Charles.

In turn, the knowledge Charles had accumulated from crossing through several worlds fascinated Kiriko. The two of them talked until the very end of the banquet and still didn't feel satisfied, so they agreed to continue their discussions another time.

Just as the banquet was nearing its end, Charles received a message.

He looked at the screen and frowned. After excusing himself to Stella, he made his way to a separate room.

He knocked, and a gentle voice answered. Charles pushed open the door and stepped in.

It was hard to believe that such a soft voice belonged to the man who had orchestrated the assault on Hagun Academy, publicly challenged the international alliance, and didn't hesitate to ally himself with terrorists.

Cabinet Minister of Japan—Bakuya Tsukikage. Charles was finally face-to-face with the man who held authority over an entire nation.

Surprisingly, the man in a well-tailored suit lacked any overpowering aura. On the contrary, he appeared quite mild-mannered and approachable.

The room's large windows looked out over the banquet hall. Clearly, Tsukikage had been observing the future of Japan's Blazers from this very room.

He wasn't alone. Shinguuji Kurono was also there, and it was clear now that she had sent Charles the message—hoping he would meet Tsukikage in person.

Seeing the grim look on Shinguuji Kurono's face, Charles turned to Tsukikage and said, "Mr. Tsukikage, I believe this is our first meeting. May I ask what you want from me?"

Before Tsukikage could respond, it was Kurono who spoke first, her voice cold: "The person you wanted to meet is here. Minister, don't you think it's time to explain what exactly you're trying to do?"

Charles understood then—Kurono wasn't with Tsukikage by choice. She was here to get answers.

All that talk about reclaiming control of Blazer education from the alliance? That might fool the public, but anyone with real insight knew it was a flimsy excuse.

If that had been the real goal, there were far gentler and more effective ways to achieve it.

Educational authority wasn't even a particularly sensitive issue. If Japan had simply requested it through official diplomatic channels, the alliance might well have agreed.

But Tsukikage had gone about it like a declaration of war—going as far as to cooperate with Rebellion at immense risk. No matter how one looked at it, his motives didn't add up.

Tsukikage raised a hand to calm the irritated Kurono, then turned to Charles. "Charles, the exchange student from Shenlong Temple. I've been looking forward to this meeting for quite some time. No need to be so wary—I don't bear you any ill will."

Charles actually chuckled and replied, "I'm not wary. I can tell you're not the combat type of Blazer, Mr. Tsukikage. And with the school principal here, I'm not expecting any funny business. I just don't understand why you'd want to see me. Whatever your plans or intentions are, they have nothing to do with me. I'm not interested."

Tsukikage clearly hadn't expected such bluntness. Even Kurono looked a little awkward.

But Tsukikage quickly recovered and smiled. "That's precisely why I feel comfortable telling you everything."

A vein popped on Charles's forehead.

Hold on—let him get this straight. He'd just said he wasn't interested, so why was this man insisting on talking anyway?

Had he not made himself clear? It wasn't that he disliked gossip—he just hated troublesome situations.

Whatever Tsukikage wanted to say, it was obviously going to be troublesome.

Sensing Charles's attitude, Tsukikage said, "Please hear me out to the end. This matter may be more relevant to you than you realize. I assume you have some understanding of the current global situation?"

Charles had half a mind to walk away, but Tsukikage's next words made him stop.

He sighed and asked, "So this is something that concerns the entire world?"

Tsukikage continued, "The world has maintained peace until now due to the balance between three powers—the Alliance, the Union, and Rebellion.

But that balance is about to collapse."

Charles frowned. "Collapse? Did something happen to one of the three?"

Tsukikage nodded. "Exactly. You see, while the size and reach of the three organizations are critical, each one is also propped up by a singular, transcendent Blazer—each a cornerstone of their respective faction.

For the Alliance, it's Old Man Whitebeard. For the Union, it's Superman. And for Rebellion, ever since World War II, the sovereign who's ruled the dark world—now the leader of Rebellion—The Tyrant.

But there's one thing none of them can escape, no matter how powerful: mortality."

Charles immediately understood.

Even with abilities and supernatural power, Blazers were still human—and humans had finite lifespans.

Even someone like The Tyrant couldn't escape this. His powerful ability and magic had prolonged his life, but he'd been alive for over 150 years. Now, he was little more than a candle in the wind, ready to die at any moment.

Without The Tyrant, Rebellion would lose its cohesion and deterrence. It would inevitably fall apart.

And Charles knew that among the three major powers, Rebellion was always closer to the Union. Meaning the Union might absorb Rebellion, throwing off the global balance of power against the Alliance.

And the next step in that sequence was obvious: a world war.

Charles asked, "So that's why you've done all this? You want Japan to leave the Alliance and join the Union?"

Tsukikage nodded. "The method may differ, but yes—that's essentially it. It's the only way I can protect this nation."

Charles frowned. He could understand Tsukikage's desire to protect his homeland, but that didn't mean he agreed with his methods.

After the last war, Japan hadn't lost much sovereignty. In fact, it had grown stronger post-war—and it owed that to the Alliance.

And now Tsukikage wanted to betray them?

It only confirmed what Charles already thought about this country's politics—some things never changed.

With that in mind, Charles's tone turned colder. "So what use am I to you? I'm not even an official disciple of Shenlong Temple. What could I possibly do in matters like this?"

Tsukikage shook his head. "I'm not telling you this to gamble on what-ifs. I'm telling you because I've seen something."

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