334: Chapter 334 Suicide

In the streets and alleys of Tokyo, there was a buzz of discussion, filled with worry and anger...

"What criminals? I think this company directed and acted this out themselves. This is blatant terrorism, and their target is us."

"Third-Party Technology must take full responsibility. This is their space station and their technical loophole!"

"I felt something was wrong during the Atlantic Ocean Space-Based Weapons experiment. How could the various countries ignore such a major event? Well, now the retribution has fallen on our heads!"

A young man with a backpack waved his hands excitedly. "If you ask me, it's the indulgence of various countries that has allowed this company to cover the sky with one hand..."

"Don't worry too much; the government said nothing will happen."

"..."

But before long, while the clamorous discussions had yet to settle, an even more shocking scene appeared before the people of the world. A hacker organization named "Noir" actually hacked directly into global television broadcasts, publicly claiming responsibility for the hijacking and announcing that in twenty-four hours, they would launch a Space-Based Weapons strike against Tokyo and Honshu Island.

The world was horrified! Countless eyes turned to the various television programs currently airing.

They saw a black thorn pattern in the center of the screen, with a white "Noir" logo pulsing in the middle of the pattern, moving in sync with a cold electronic voice:

"Good morning, citizens of Japan. We are Noir. We apologize for meeting everyone in this manner..."

The electronic voice was devoid of emotion, yet it made those who heard it tremble with fear, especially the citizens of Japan, who felt as if their very blood was about to freeze.

"In 24 hours, a Space-Based Weapons strike will descend upon Tokyo and the core areas of the entire Honshu Island. Please, citizens, prepare your defenses."

Hearing this, the crowds on the streets of Tokyo, who had been discussing fervently, suddenly fell silent.

But the voice continued, "I know you are angry and terrified, but please understand that we are not seeking indiscriminate destruction. This city is self-expanding yet incredibly fragile, a perfect symbol of everything we must correct."

"Therefore, you should be grateful; we will allow this city to obtain a New Life..."

After speaking, a countdown appeared on the screen: 24:00,

After the people blinked, the countdown began to move.

23:59

23:57

23:55

...

The numbers of the countdown ticked away rapidly in seconds. Each tick felt like the footsteps of the Grim Reaper approaching, dragging all of Japan into unprecedented panic and chaos.

After that broadcast, the power of Space-Based Weapons was deeply ingrained in people's minds. Even the calmest person wanted to flee at this moment.

The chaos in Tokyo spiraled completely out of control. Countless vehicles sped toward the ports and airports outside of Honshu Island, and traffic was instantly paralyzed.

Supermarkets were looted clean; bread, drinking water, and emergency medicine were all snatched up. Some even came to blows over a box of instant noodles, with blood splattering on the shelves, which, along with the scattered goods, formed an apocalyptic scene.

Other cities on Honshu Island were not spared; core areas such as Osaka, Nagoya, and Kyoto also fell into panic.

In just a few short hours, Japan's economy suffered a cliff-like collapse, the severity of which far exceeded any financial crisis. Social order completely broke down.

The Japanese government could only urgently deploy the Self-Defense Force and all police forces to suppress the riots. Armored vehicles took to the streets, and soldiers with live ammunition maintained order, setting up cordons in multiple areas of intense conflict and taking forced dispersal measures against those who refused to comply. Only then did they barely manage to curb the trend of the country's self-destruction before the 24 hours were even up.

The entire world was watching the sudden change in this country. Far across the ocean in the Americas, President TP posted an update on his personal account.

"I can't believe the Japanese government actually made such a foolish move. Like the sneak attack back then, this will only anger the most dangerous enemy. May God bless Japan."

Obviously, this president knew some inside information that ordinary people did not. In the end, he whetted everyone's appetite, but when faced with the questioning of netizens from around the world, he began to play dead and stopped speaking altogether.

Many people also noticed that even with such a major event occurring, the Central Continent government, which usually stood up to say something, remained silent throughout, without making any statement.

——

At this moment, two hundred meters beneath the heart of Tokyo, in an oval-shaped circular main conference room, a group of men with small mustaches looked grimly at the countdown on the screen, some with panic that was difficult to hide deep in their eyes.

They were members of the Cabinet, the power center of this country.

"It's obvious that Noir is a pawn pushed forward by Third-Party Technology. This company is retaliating against us for attacking their scientists. Mr. Prime Minister, you authorized this. Now, not only has the plan failed, but they've also detected it. We have completely offended this company. Tell us, what should we do now!"

The speaker looked angrily at Japan's Prime Minister, Morinaka Yūichi. Ordinarily, he wouldn't have had the courage, but the current situation was already extremely dire.

"I admit, it is my fault..."

Morinaka Yūichi's face was ashen as he slowly stood up, his movements somewhat sluggish. His gaze swept over every face at the table and the Emperor, who sat nearby as the symbol of Japan.

"Kurokawa-kun is right. This operation was approved by me, and naturally, I should bear the consequences. I will use my own way to save our country from this disaster."

"Mr. Prime Minister, you..."

Someone realized what he intended to do and couldn't help but say, "This might just be an intimidation tactic by this company, just a bluff."

The man felt more certain as he spoke, stating firmly, "That's right. There are tens of millions of people here. How could they actually dare to strike? No country in the world would tolerate it."

Someone agreed, "Zorro-kun is right. We just need to reveal to the outside world that the Noir Organization is Third-Party Technology. I'm sure they wouldn't dare do anything to us..."

The group voiced their various opinions.

"Gentlemen, we cannot afford to gamble. Tokyo is too important to us. If we lose it, I'm afraid we won't be able to rise again for a hundred years. Let me apologize to this company."

Morinaka Yūichi's words silenced everyone. What made them feel sorrowful and helpless was that what he said was true.

——

At noon, a video from the official Japanese authorities shocked the world.

In the video, the well-known Japanese Prime Minister was kneeling on the ground, pointing a long blade at his abdomen, while saying to the camera, "I, Morinaka Yūichi, with the dignity of a Prime Minister and the soul of a samurai, apologize to the people of Japan. I hope my death can exchange for the peace of the nation. May Amaterasu protect Japan..."

As the low prayer fell, Morinaka Yūichi suddenly exerted force, and the long blade plunged deep into his abdomen. Blood gushed out, staining his white shirt red.

The middle-aged man's body swayed, yet he still kept his back straight. There was no trace of pain on his face, only a sense of relief-like peace.

Surely, this would finally earn the company's forgiveness.