Chapter 420: 415 Japan Unified, Civil War Ends, Prime Minister Appointed

The morning after the rebellion at the Defense Force headquarters.

Counselor He Zhi spotted Qi Ming at the TPC cafeteria, carrying his tray to sit across from him, carefully observing Qi Ming's expression.

Last night he had been too excited to sleep at all—thanks to Qi Ming's help, the covert struggle between TPC and the Defense Force was about to end in their victory!

At the same time, he was trying hard to recall if he had ever done anything that might make Qi Ming harbor resentment.

Aside from his subordinate Minister Yin having once directly clashed with Qi Ming and been beaten up, there seemed to be nothing else.

Beyond that, even when he didn't know Qi Ming was an Ultraman, he had still respected his skills and consistently valued his advice, cooperating fully with his actions.

He transformed in front of me—he must recognize me—but he still felt uneasy and wanted to come confirm it again.

"Morning, Counselor He." Qi Ming greeted him with his usual expression.

"Good morning, Lord Qi Ming…" Counselor He Zhi hesitated before speaking.

Qi Ming nearly spat out his food: "What the hell is 'Lord Qi Ming'?"

Counselor He Zhi glanced around and lowered his voice: "Because you're a powerful Ultraman warrior…"

Qi Ming also lowered his voice:

First, I'm just a human who wields Ultraman's power through the Star's blessing.

"Second, real Ultraman warriors wouldn't accept that title—they stand against evil not to boast their strength, but to uphold ideals and beliefs."

"Third, what's the current situation with the Defense Force?"

Yesterday, after resolving the three disasters, Qi Ming tossed the dismantled Mechanical Seven into the sea near the marine base, then went back to his room to sleep.

That act became the final straw crushing the Defense Force and Japan's political establishment—the Ultraman handed the Defense Force's own weapons to TPC; the bond between TPC and the Ultraman warriors was beyond doubt.

Counselor He Zhi: "The Defense Force's foundation has been shattered. With their current armaments and public opinion, they can no longer claim the title of 'official military.'"

Naturally, they no longer dared to pursue the deaths of Shenshan and Xitiao.

Counselor He Zhi said the Defense Force's high command would come to the base for talks, and asked if Qi Ming wanted to join and oversee the meeting.

Qi Ming said no—he trusted He Zhi and Quan Teng's abilities—and had another diplomatic engagement to attend.

"I'll take the Subterranean Pippa Tank to the Victory Sanctuary to retrieve the Victory ore the Defense Force mined." Qi Ming said.

It was no longer Qi Ming pleading for an alliance—yesterday, after they parted, Queen Chishara of the underground had personally sent an invitation through Xiang.

Counselor He Zhi's expression turned slightly odd: "An extraterrestrial civilization on Earth…?"

Qi Ming: "Are you thinking of Almar? By the way, all the Almars are dead—there's no need to keep hiding that Omega file anymore."

After Qi Ming explained the truth about the Almars, Counselor He Zhi became excited: "So humans aren't invaders—we're a civilization born naturally from Earth!"

Qi Ming: "So stop doing shady assassinations to protect that top-secret document—every civil war must end now."

Counselor He Zhi nodded awkwardly.

When Qi Ming first arrived at TPC, he thought he was just a brash, tough kid—now, recalling the warning Qi Ming had passed through Minister Yin, he felt genuine dread.

If he wanted to, he could kill me in an instant.

After breakfast, the Subterranean Pippa Tank, loaded with the mined Victory ore, drilled toward the Victory Sanctuary.

Xiang, waiting at the rendezvous, saw a massive drill bit emerge from the rock layer, then Qi Ming jumped out of the cockpit.

Xiang's expression remained uneasy—the aftermath of Qi Ming killing Shenshan and Xitiao yesterday still lingered.

But he didn't hold any negative feelings toward Qi Ming, since Qi Ming had acted to save him and Xie Xie Padun.

Queen Chishara, who witnessed everything, had said this:

"Since Earth has bestowed the Gaia power upon him, it means this decisiveness and ruthlessness is precisely what Earth needs now."

Xiang found that reasonable.

But adapting to Qi Ming's style would still take time. "All of it's here," Qi Ming guessed Xiang's hesitation but kept his warm demeanor, pointing to the loaded Victory crystals.

"Hmm…" Xiang nodded.

The Victory crystals stolen by some humans had been returned by others.

"Um… Queen Chishara wants to meet you," Xiang said.

"Alright, it's time for a proper introduction," Qi Ming nodded.

At the Victory Altar, Queen Chishara said:

"Mr. Qi Ming, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am Chishara, Queen of the Victory Sanctuary."

"Thanks to you, yesterday's events were resolved smoothly. Xiang owes you his gratitude."

Qi Ming smiled: "Allies should help each other—Xiang helped me fight the Dark Three Giants too."

After brief pleasantries, Qi Ming got to the point:

"I hope humanity and the Victory Sanctuary can become allies in protecting Earth. As long as I'm with TPC, no one will dare lay a hand on Victory ore again."

"If any cosmic invaders target the Victory ore, we won't stand idly by."

Queen Chishara nodded: "Peace is our wish too. I'll have Xiang assist you in safeguarding Earth."

Qi Ming looked at Xiang: "We'll be counting on you from now on. Here's a gift for you—it should suit your taste. Try it."

He pulled out the Ultraman cookie Xiang loved most from Ultraman Victory S.

Xiang: "This…"

Queen Chishara chuckled beside him: "Take it, Xiang."

With the Queen's command, Xiang reluctantly tore open the wrapper and bit into the cookie.

His stiff expression softened considerably.

The taste was actually quite good—this made Xiang, who had only intended to pretend, involuntarily take another bite.

Next, Qi Ming handed Xiang the PDI communicator and explained how to use it.

Thus, humanity and the Victory Sanctuary officially formed an alliance, and Ultraman Victory became a permanent combat force available for Qi Ming to summon at any time.

………………………………

Back on the surface, Counselor He Zhi reported to Qi Ming with a beaming smile.

"It's settled—Commander Saura is still pragmatic. We'll help cover up their scandals."

"The Defense Force is now a subordinate branch of TPC—TPC now officially controls the entire Japanese archipelago!"

TPC governs Japan, and Qi Ming governs TPC.

Counselor He Zhi asked: "We need to replace key positions with our own people—who do you think should be Prime Minister?"

Qi Ming thought for a moment: "Fujiwara Chihana… no, Counselor Tongshan. I trust he has the ability."

Counselor He Zhi: "Counselor Tongshan… alright."

The news quickly reached Counselor Tongshan.

Upon receiving the message, Counselor Tongshan froze—Me? Prime Minister?

Won't this seem like a direct appointment?

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Hard-won first chapter update.

Second update this afternoon.

(End of chapter)