Chapter 94

The Bear Republic is Now Mine Chapter 94

094 The Foreign Minister's Reaction / According to Japan's Logic

The Japanese Foreign Minister, heading from Moscow Airport to the hotel, was a first-time visitor to Russia. However, he thought it wouldn't be much different from what he had known in the past. When his assistant handed him a file and asked him to read the Russia-related materials, he snickered and ignored them. After all, since the Soviet Union's collapse in 1991, Russia had suffered a massive economic blow and was still struggling. He knew that Russia had provided financial support to South Korea during the East Asian financial crisis, but he wasn't aware of the scale.

As he was thinking this, the Foreign Minister tilted his head in confusion.

'Something seems off...'

It started with the aircraft.

"Is the large plane I flew in... Russian-made?"

In response to his question, the man in the passenger seat answered proudly.

"Yes. Not only the aircraft, but they've also made new fighter jets. Didn't you know?"

"..."

He had little interest in Russia, unlike the United States or Europe. Still, it was a country that seemed to be doing well. However, after eight years, his evaluation was about to be completely overturned.

"When did the construction of Moscow Airport start?"

"It began last year and is expected to be completed by the end of this year."

He had seen many airports around the world, but the Moscow Airport under construction was different in size. The futuristic interior design was also impressive. Once completed, it would undoubtedly be more comfortable than airports in other countries.

Feeling puzzled, he looked out the window and asked about something that caught his eye.

"What is that?"

Following his chin gesture, the man smiled and replied.

"It's a bus stop."

"That's a bus stop...?"

"Yes."

"Could you stop the car for a moment?"

As the car stopped by the roadside, the Foreign Minister approached a large rectangular model. His first impression was that it was futuristic and simple. Three sides were covered, but the front was made of glass. Various advertisements were displayed on the inner and outer walls, changing continuously. It contrasted with Moscow's antique image but somehow fit well.

"Here, air conditioning operates in the summer to keep it cool, and warm air comes out in the winter. The seats also warm up. People wait for the bus inside."

"..."

"What is that?"

"That indicates the bus number, and the number next to it shows the estimated arrival time."

"Wow. To even know the bus arrival time... How is that possible?"

"Optical fibers are laid throughout Moscow. They are also being laid in other cities, so by next year, these will be available in all cities."

As he blinked in surprise, an announcement came over the speakers.

- In one minute, Bus 77 will arrive.

People who had been waiting for the bus while watching the Foreign Minister got up one by one upon hearing the announcement.

"Mom, that uncle's face is so funny."

To the 10-year-old's comment, the mother replied indifferently.

"Still, you shouldn't laugh."

Everyone boarding the bus did something unusual. Upon closer inspection, some were placing cards on a small rectangular surface, while others were using their buttocks or bags.

Ding~♬

A traffic card system.

The Foreign Minister had heard of it but had never seen it in action. Moscow felt like a whole new world. He got back into the car with a bewildered expression.

'As the saying goes, seeing one thing reveals ten.'

This was just a part of what was visible on the surface. Buses are the most basic means of transportation for the public. If they were this advanced, the rest was obvious. Lost in thought, he saw something else that amazed him.

"What are those colors on the road?"

He was referring to the pink and green lines painted on the road.

"Those are called pavement color guides. Following these lines will safely lead you to your destination. They are also useful when exiting highways to the outskirts. Heat panels are installed under the roads to prevent snow accumulation in winter."

"Wow..."

Each thing was astonishing. How could such things exist only in Russia?

He composed himself and asked with anticipation.

"Who created all these things?"

"Most of them came from the ideas of Economic Advisor Nikolai. You'll see even more amazing things if you visit later. We were also surprised when we first saw them."

"Ah, Economic Advisor Nikolai..."

The reason the Foreign Minister came here was to meet him. To connect the Trans-Siberian Railway through an underwater tunnel to Tokyo.

The man, brightening up, began to list Nikolai's achievements. The Foreign Minister's expression turned increasingly grim.

'This isn't going to work...'

* * *

The Foreign Minister saw more amazing things even at the hotel.

"Is this room so big because I'm staying here?"

"It's not just that. Most rooms in newly built hotels are this size. The building code has changed."

"..."

"Even standard rooms in hotels are quite spacious."

Japanese hotels often have ridiculously small rooms. This room was probably half the size of a typical Japanese hotel room. Despite this, Japanese people had been using them without any discomfort. But after seeing this, he couldn't help but sigh.

"Is there no key used here?"

"Yes. All new buildings are equipped with digital door locks."

The more he learned about Russia, the more he realized how much he didn't know. That evening, he was even more surprised by something else.

"TV home shopping?"

"Oh, doesn't Japan have that too?"

TV home shopping in Korea first aired in 1995, and Japan also had it.

"Yes, but considering Russia's vast territory..."

How long would it take to receive the goods?

"In Russia, it takes a maximum of 2 days and a maximum of 7 days to reach anywhere."

"How is that possible?"

"It's a system created by Black Hole Distribution. I don't know the exact details, but it works. Let me show you."

The man turned on the hotel computer and showed him a website.

"This is a shopping mall called 'Black Hole.' If you order here, it will arrive within the time you choose. There's a slight price difference. You can also order food from nearby restaurants."

"Order food through a computer?"

"Yes. All local stores are registered on the website, so you can order online."

"..."

"Minister, if you want to order something special, go ahead. It will arrive in 30 minutes at the earliest and 1 hour at the latest."

The Foreign Minister was too stunned to be surprised anymore.

"By the way, doesn't Japan have Yahoo?"

"Yes, we in Japan all use Yahoo."

"Do you know that Black Hole Investment is the major shareholder of Yahoo?"

"..."

He knew but couldn't admit it due to his pride.

"Everyone in Russia uses Yandex. In other countries, they use Google and Yahoo, which are essentially subsidiaries of Black Hole Investment."

He knew this but didn't want to acknowledge it.

'What kind of person is Nikolai...'

That evening, the Foreign Minister was amazed again by the hotel buffet. How could the variety and quality of the food be so high? This was the level of food served to ordinary guests.

"Many regular stores also have buffets. This was introduced by Economic Advisor Nikolai."

That night, the Foreign Minister stayed up almost all night researching Nikolai and reviewing the materials he had received before coming to Russia.

* * *

The next day, the Foreign Minister had red eyes from lack of sleep. He forced himself to calm his troubled stomach and entered the Kremlin. President Zakhhar greeted the Foreign Minister with a simple nod, alongside Chief of Staff Sergei and Nikolai.

"Did you not sleep well last night? You don't look well."

"Ah, yes. I think it's due to the jet lag."

Tokyo is 6 hours ahead of Moscow. When it's 9 AM in Tokyo, it's 3 AM in Moscow.

"Let's finish the discussion quickly so you can rest. You should also take some time to tour Moscow."

Now was not the time for leisurely sightseeing. A major decision for the country was at stake today. Despite his anxiousness, the three men looked as relaxed as if they were on a tour.

"No, I'm fine."

After gauging the atmosphere, the Foreign Minister brought up the main topic.

"Before coming here, I visited the Blue House in South Korea and heard that all rights to the Trans-Siberian Railway belong to Russia."

"Yes, we have them."

"Our Japan wants to connect the underwater tunnel."

"Do you mean you want the Trans-Siberian Railway to terminate in Japan instead of the Korean Peninsula?"

"Yes."

"Hmm."

Although President Zakhhar had already heard this over the phone, he showed a thoughtful expression and fell silent for a moment. Chief of Staff Sergei then asked,

"If it connects to Japan, where will it terminate?"

"We haven't decided yet, but the final destination will likely be Tokyo."

"Tokyo... That doesn't sound bad."

Sergei's positive comment made the Foreign Minister's eyes light up.

"We must prioritize Russia's interests. We need to consider where the railway should extend to maximize profitability."

"That's true."

"However, Russia uses broad gauge tracks, while Japan uses narrow gauge. Won't there be compatibility issues?"

Russia uses broad gauge tracks, South Korea and North Korea use standard gauge, and Japan uses narrow gauge.

"I know Russia has developed 'variable gauge bogies.'"

For sections expected to have high traffic, 'dual gauge' tracks are sometimes laid. The 'dual gauge' track between Russia's Hasan Station and North Korea's Rajin Station and Rajin Harbor Station allows both broad and standard gauge trains to run directly. Track changers are installed at Hasan Station and Tumen River Station.

In simple terms, the Trans-Siberian Railway can run on any type of track.

"That's true, but..."

Chief of Staff Sergei fell silent for a moment, then naturally passed the baton to Nikolai.

"Before profitability, isn't the sea between Korea and Japan unstable? Isn't Japan prone to earthquakes?"

"..."

"Our Gazprom experts have conducted extensive surveys to connect gas and oil pipelines through the Korean Peninsula. While connecting pipelines is feasible, they concluded that an underwater tunnel is too risky."

From Russia's perspective, even if they wanted to connect for profitability, it was impossible.

"What do you think about this?"

"We can ensure maximum safety. If you decide to connect, we will complete it safely no matter what."

"Japan doesn't know when an earthquake will occur. How can we take that risk?"

Nikolai, who wouldn't start anything without certainty, shook his head.

"Ensure maximum safety..."

"Such vague statements are too risky. It's not feasible."

Nikolai cut him off, and the Foreign Minister glared at him with red eyes.

'Nikolai. The Blue House said he is the final decision-maker. He is the one who has been pushing all the projects I saw at the hotel.'

Thanks to his sleepless night, he had learned a lot about Nikolai. If he could persuade Nikolai, connecting the underwater tunnel was possible. However, when Nikolai cut him off, the Foreign Minister's voice involuntarily grew louder.

"Does it have to be decided here and now?"

"Such matters should not be left open-ended. Discussing an impossible project would only waste time. Please convey this to the Prime Minister."

"Is it really that difficult?"

"It's not just difficult; it's not possible."

"..."

Russia had already made its decision. No matter what the Foreign Minister said, it wouldn't change.

He sighed inwardly and fell into thought. Nikolai then brought up another topic.

"Since you're here, I should explain Russia's position."

"..."

"The Kuril Islands."

Here it comes.

The issue he and the Prime Minister had worried about.

If he had known they would oppose so strongly, he wouldn't have come to Russia.

"If Japan again demands the return of the Kuril Islands, we will consider it an invasion of our territory and take military action. Please convey this clearly."

"Military action?"

"Exactly."

"..."

"This is not a threat. I will reiterate: we will take appropriate military measures."

Nikolai's emphasis made the Foreign Minister snap to attention.

He couldn't convey this message as is. If he returned like this, he would never be able to bring up the issue again, as Nikolai had said.

He clenched his teeth and countered.

"The Chishima Islands are our territory. The four southern islands were definitely part of Japan in the past."

"Do you really think so?"

"I have never thought otherwise."

"Then let me ask you. There is an island called Tsushima."

"Tsushima, not Daido."

"Whether it's Daido or Tsushima, that's a matter for the two countries to resolve."

The Foreign Minister's face turned red.

Nikolai was diverting the topic and exposing Japan's weakness to prevent them from bringing up the Kuril Islands issue again.

"From what I know, it was Korean territory in the past. According to Japan's logic, shouldn't it be returned to Korea?"

"Th-that..."

The Foreign Minister was speechless, not expecting such a response. The term "in the past" made the timing ambiguous.

"Japan also has territorial disputes with Korea over Dokdo. Why do you keep provoking territorial disputes with neighboring countries?"

"Dokdo is Takeshima..."

"Whether it's Dokdo or Takeshima, why do you keep provoking territorial disputes?"

"It's our land, so it's natural."

"The Kuril Islands are our land, so it's natural for us to control them. According to Japan's logic, return Daido to Korea first, then come back. Even then, it won't be possible due to the unstable seabed."

To bring up the Kuril Islands issue again, return Daido to Korea first.

Nikolai, who had no intention of giving up the Kuril Islands, had shifted the topic to Daido.

For the Foreign Minister, it was an absurd situation. Seeing no hope, he returned to Japan dejectedly.

'Japanese officials are said to be the epitome of incompetence, and this is a perfect example.'

Meanwhile, after he left, Nikolai brought up another topic.

"We should start preparing for next year's presidential election."

The presidential election was scheduled for August 2000. Unlike South Korea, Russia had a four-year re-election system, giving President Zakhhar another chance.

"We need to start preparing."

"However, there's a problem."

"Problem?"

"The opposition will likely field only one candidate."

"Unification?"

"According to my information, that's the case."

The opposition knew they couldn't beat President Zakhhar if they fielded separate candidates, so they chose this strategy. In a way, it was a wise decision.

"Hmm..."

"I'll look for a solution, so don't worry too much."

Nikolai's vision for Russia's future required President Zakhhar to serve another term. The next president also needed to be his ally.

Nikolai began planning for the election victory.

* * *

The Japanese Foreign Minister reported everything that happened in Russia to the Prime Minister. As expected, the Prime Minister flew into a rage.

"What? They will take military action?"

"He clearly said that. If you want to discuss the Chishima Islands, return Tsushima to Korea first..."

Bang!

"Are they crazy? Zakhhar has completely lost it."

"It wasn't President Zakhhar but Economic Advisor Nikolai who said it."

"It's the same! Contact the White House immediately."

"Understood."

Since Japan couldn't handle the issue alone, the Prime Minister decided to seek help from the United States. When North Korea declared the abandonment of nuclear weapons in the Gobi Desert, the United States didn't invite Japan, but he believed they would help with this issue.

However,

-We don't think we can intervene in this issue. It's a territorial dispute. Please resolve it through negotiations with Russia. Goodbye.

Beep...

Clinton ignored Japan again.

The Prime Minister let out a string of profanities.

"Damn it! Bastards!"

Japan was left out again.

* * *

A few days later, Olga was called to her father Yuri's house.