Solar and wind farms were constructed on those former plant sites, but due to the fundamental difference in energy output per unit, they could hardly cover the total deficit.
"Last spring, a paper on magic-assisted nuclear fusion power was published under the name of Taurus Silver... Prime Minister, the truth is that we have already brought magic-driven fusion power into practical operation."
"W-What did you say!?"
"We could not make a public spectacle of it. After all, even among our allies, there are factions within the USNA that view Japan with suspicion. Therefore, we quietly approached the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry regarding the export of hydrogen fuel for fuel cells, and we have already begun exporting to private entities in the Indo-Persian Federation and the Arab Alliance."
Building a full-scale fusion grid directly would result in a massive public project. Factoring in practical feasibility, cost-efficiency, and political backlash, any state-led attempt would inevitably run into fierce resistance from opposition parties backed by anti-magic sentiment.
Foreseeing that securing a government budget would take far too long, Yugen utilized a few loopholes to construct a functional Stellar Reactor power facility in just three months at the former site of the National Defense Navy Magic Research Institute on Nanto Island. With foundational experiments already completed by FLT, practical testing involving stationed magicians was wrapped up within a month. Leveraging contacts in relevant ministries, they launched private-sector exports of hydrogen fuel for fuel cells.
Out of the four main operational schemes of the Stellar Reactor, the production of hydrogen fuel and high-purity industrial hydrogen gas was commercialized as the top priority.
"Initially, we brought the proposal to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but their handling was abysmal and their officials displayed an arrogant attitude. Deciding they were impossible to reason with, I took the matter to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry instead. They grasped the situation immediately, granted the necessary permits, and even secured authorization from Foreign Affairs on our behalf."
"...I am truly sorry, Kagurazaka-sama. I will personally reprimand the ministry officials, including the Minister."
"Well, I understand recent events have kept everyone busy... but I urge you to thoroughly purge any vermin from within your ranks. There is no seat at the table for those who do not prioritize the national interest."
"Understood."
Yugen intentionally refrained from specifying whether he meant the foreign service bureaucrats or the Foreign Minister himself, holding both accountable. Still, an immediate dismissal would only make prime bait for the media, so he left the execution to the Prime Minister's discretion, even if it risked calling his appointment responsibility into question.
"To think you had already progressed this far... but I assume this is not the end of it?" Mototsugu asked.
"Indeed, Kamiizumi-dono. Power transmission cables have already been laid and connected, a large-scale energy storage facility has been established beneath the Izu Peninsula, and supply networks to the capital region are ready. By our calculations, the Stellar Reactor in the Ogasawara archipelago can comfortably cover the mainland's nighttime power demand."
Non-magical industrial operations were handled by the Kagasaka Group, while civil engineering works were contracted to companies owned by the Kamiizumi family. Non-disclosure agreements were strictly enforced, compensated by generous remuneration—showing through actions that they were nothing like certain individuals who dragged people into space under the guise of prestige and volunteer work.
Mototsugu had already been briefed during a prior meeting with Yugen, but he raised the question to help the Prime Minister grasp the current state of affairs, a intention Yugen promptly fulfilled.
"...If I may ask, how many others are aware of this?"
"If we speak of the Elder Council—which you are well familiar with, Prime Minister—only our predecessors and Todo Seiha know. Beyond that, only those associated with Taurus Silver."
The transport of hydrogen fuel for fuel-cell generation was conducted primarily by sea, handled almost exclusively by Hiryu Maritime, a company affiliated with the Kamiizumi family. Given the current global situation, there was no better candidate for the job.
The tankers used for transport were salvaged vessels that had once sunk, or pirate ships forcibly seized and repurposed for civilian use. Even the high-speed cargo ship recently used by Zhou Gongjin had been re-registered under the Japanese flag and put into service.
Pirates targeting these ships were consistently repelled. Furthermore, several regular military submarines that attempted interference were captured and handed over to the National Defense Forces. It was worth emphasizing that the opposition had struck first; neutralizing them was nothing short of self-defense. Captured military personnel were summarily deported back to their home countries without exception, given the risks of espionage.
Attempting to raise claims of excessive defense on the high seas would likely end with the accusers finding themselves at the bottom of the ocean.
"What we ask of you, Prime Minister, is to legally designate the Izu and Ogasawara Islands as a National Strategic Special Zone. We require no personnel or financial backing from the government. In fact, we explicitly decline it."
"May I ask why?"
"The primary reason is that this technology relies on methods that cannot be easily replicated by current magical standards. To ensure absolute security, we cannot allow government or ministerial personnel inside. You understand why, correct?"
"...Yes, I understand completely."
While the current Prime Minister could not be held entirely at fault, past government policies had created deep distortions within Japan's magical society. This was evident not only in the handling of the Traditionalists, but also in leaving Blanche and No-Head Dragon unchecked, as well as ungrounded legal practices restricting magicians—such as informal bans on overseas travel.
Thus, to demonstrate the pride of an independent nation, every member of parliament, including the Prime Minister, needed to pursue Japan's true national interests. Those responsible for legislation and administration needed to keep learning regardless of age to adapt to an ever-changing world.
Honestly, just like in his past life, good looks rarely correlated with actual substance. Highly educated individuals or accomplished athletes who turned to comedy seemed far more competent by comparison.
In this world, the offspring of the Ten Master Clans and Eighteen Assistant Families fit the same mold: most held corporate titles, yet their actual contributions as magicians remained obscure. While it was unpleasant to think they did nothing, the fact that so many held military-related posts showed that the rules established by Kudo Retsu had become a mere empty shell.
"Even if managed entirely by the private sector, legal restrictions will inevitably apply. Therefore, if the government provides legal incentives and exemptions, we will handle all funding and staffing ourselves. Furthermore, under the recently signed Southern Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement, tax preferences for energy-related imports and exports have already been secured. We ask that you handle the persuasion of the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry."
"...Understood."
Truthfully, Yugen had no intention of usurping duties that properly belonged to the government. However, thoroughly angered by the Foreign Ministry's negligence and arrogance, he had arranged the entire affair without them. Should they complain, he was fully prepared to leak scandal articles regarding foreign service bureaucrats to the media and initiate a thorough cleanup.
While the proverb says "Silence is golden, speech is silver," a ministry meant to lead foreign negotiations could not afford such passive complacency—especially when neighboring nations had a history of peddling lies as truth and flagrantly violating international treaties.
In the days that followed, officials affiliated with pro-Asian and pro-Soviet factions were swept away under the guise of "voluntary resignations," among whom several foreign operatives were discovered. Though the pro-Western faction remained intact, the realization that they were tying their own nooses... was a matter for the near future.
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"