Episode 27. The God of Battle
The God of Battle, Sato Kazuya.
Japan’s second Legendary Rank Hunter and one of the 12 Apostles who saved humanity from the worst Chaos Gate in history two years ago.
Now 23 years old, he was a strikingly handsome man with distinct features and trademark bleached blonde hair.
He wasn’t just a Hunter; he was a versatile entertainer, excelling in both singing and acting.
Every drama or movie featuring Sato Kazuya became a massive hit, and his annual music releases never failed to top the Oricon charts.
In other words, he was a top-tier celebrity and entertainer.
Moreover, there was another thing.
Traditionally, Japanese celebrities and famous figures were always cautious of the political scene.
But Sato Kazuya was different; he never hesitated to criticize the Japanese political sphere.
This included sensitive and cautious issues for the Japanese government.
Among his many statements were:
“Why is Dokdo our land? Are you out of your mind? If you’re not going to live there forever, stop talking nonsense.”
“If you’re going to apologize for the comfort women issue, do it properly! Don’t embarrass the younger generations! I mean, we were the perpetrators, so why are we acting so shamelessly? Have the old fools gone senile?”
“Those lunatics waving the Rising Sun Flag, if I ever see you, I’ll wrap you up and toss you into the middle of the Pacific. Especially during the Olympics or World Cup, I’m watching. I said it. I’m watching. Got it?”
“Please, admit your mistakes clearly, and boast about what you did right. Let’s live sensibly. Because of a few insane politicians, people might think all Japanese are like that. It’s annoying. Yes, you’re angry, right? Some politicians. Yes, I’m talking about you.”
- And so on.
There were countless other quotes from Kazuya.
People worldwide were thrilled by his words.
It was no wonder that a book titled “The God of Battle’s Quotes” became a bestseller in Japan and other countries.
However, the most famous act he committed was something else… demolishing the Yasukuni Shrine entirely.
The Yasukuni Shrine, meaning “peaceful country,” is Japan’s largest shrine located in Chiyoda, Tokyo.
It enshrines 2.46 million people who died in Japan’s major wars, including the enshrinement of Class A war criminals from World War II, which has been a source of ongoing controversy for promoting militarism. It was infamous worldwide. Well, it was.
Until it disappeared at his hands.
One night, he claimed it was an unfortunate incident while fighting an unknown opponent near the shrine, but it was never revealed why he was there at such a late hour, who he was fighting, or why everything in the shrine was thoroughly destroyed and turned to dust.
Moreover, the Yasukuni Shrine was far from his residence in Fukuoka, and he had no particular reason to be there.
In any case, after causing such a major incident, he casually apologized with,
“Well, why was it there in the first place? Anyway, I’m sorry.”
He kindly offered to build a new and different shrine with his own money, and those at the shrine had no choice but to accept it.
He spent 300 billion yen on the new shrine, and everyone praised his generosity for the country.
The name was changed to Hikari Shrine, meaning “light.”
In the end, the Yasukuni Shrine was swept away by Kazuya into the annals of history.
People began to call him a global citizen rather than just a Japanese one due to his unprecedented actions.
At this point, one might expect the Japanese government to be furious and take action, but they couldn’t do anything to Sato Kazuya.
Or rather, they didn’t even attempt to.
Unlike many celebrities, sports stars, or public figures who were socially ostracized for making political statements, Sato Kazuya’s case was entirely different.
Why?
The current Japan’s significant influence in the Great Gate era was solely due to the presence of the God of Battle.
The world’s perception of Japan changed entirely based on whether they had Sato Kazuya or not.
In other words, Sato Kazuya was Japan itself.
Thus, even the Japanese government couldn’t do anything about him.
Once, a prime minister tried to control Sato Kazuya and make him his subordinate.
Do you know what Sato Kazuya did then?
Contrary to his fiery temperament, he calmly said just one thing.
“I will leave Japan.”
Instantly, the world’s strongest countries lined up, offering incredible conditions, begging him to come to them.
Realizing the situation too late, the Japanese political scene and the public were outraged, and the prime minister’s approval rating dropped below 1% for the first time in history.
Eventually, the prime minister took responsibility for the situation and resigned.
After numerous requests from the public, Sato Kazuya tearfully reconsidered.
Since then, Sato Kazuya became an untouchable figure in Japan.
Even the Emperor of Japan was no exception.
Thus, Sato Kazuya, known as Japan’s pride and conscience, was loved even by Koreans.
Naturally, his advertisements were frequently seen in Korea.
Just like now,
[Jeans that won’t tear even if a monster pulls from both sides! The God of Battle’s favorite item! Monster Jeans!]
On top of a skyscraper with a giant billboard featuring the God of Battle’s ad.
Despite the dizzying height, two men were sipping from cans of a drink called “Morning Sunshine” through straws.
“Hey.”
“I told you, call me hyung.”
“Is that for real?”
“What is?”
“Those jeans. Can they really withstand two monsters pulling on them without tearing?”
“Yeah, that’s what they say.”
Kazuya’s indifferent response made Tae Ihyun squint his eyes.
“…Hey, conscience of Japan. Should I report this as false advertising?”
“Why does it matter if regular people find out whether jeans can withstand two monsters pulling on them or not? As long as they’re sturdy enough, it’s fine. Besides, if that happens, the person would tear before the jeans.”
“True, that’s a good point.”
Tae Ihyun nodded, quickly agreeing with the logic.
“…So, you’re back for research purposes?”
“I don’t know how many times I have to explain this. My mouth’s going to wear out.”
Kazuya chuckled at Tae Ihyun’s words.
He nudged Tae Ihyun with his elbow and said,
“Who told you to retire like that? Understand that it means people have been waiting for you. If they weren’t interested, they wouldn’t ask.”
“Is that so?”
“Exactly. By the way.”
Kazuya frowned as he held up the drink can Tae Ihyun had offered.
“What is this supposed to taste like? It’s called Morning Sunshine? It doesn’t taste like sunshine at all.”
“Why, it’s savory and delicious.”
“Fine, if you like it so much, drink a lot. Next time you come to Japan, I’ll treat you to some real natto. Heh heh.”
“Oh! I love natto. Great, great.”
“…What?”
“If I like it, send me a box to my house, okay? Deal?”
“……”
Kazuya grumbled, seemingly not getting the reaction he wanted.
“Why do you have such an old-fashioned taste for your age? It’s boring.”
“What’s the point of finding this entertaining?”
“That’s true. Anyway, I’ve seen your face, so that’s enough. Ugh.”
Kazuya stood up and stretched.
Tae Ihyun looked surprised.
“Huh? Leaving already? Not eating at home?”
“Yeah, it’s a shame, but maybe next time… I’ve been busy with a lot of noisy stuff lately.”
Noisy stuff?
Tae Ihyun briefly wondered and pointed at the giant billboard.
“Not busy with shooting ads? You’re everywhere.”
“That’s the fate of a popular person. Everyone’s looking for me. What can I do? Besides, you don’t even take ads when they come to you, right?”
“I don’t. Never.”
Tae Ihyun nodded vigorously.
He never enjoyed the attention that came with being a Hunter, so he had always rejected any ad offers without even looking at them.
Of course, Kazuya knew this well.
He didn’t understand it, but he respected it.
In any case, they were two people with completely opposite personalities.
Yet, it was surprising how well they got along and stayed friends.
“Then, work hard on your writing.”
Kazuya grinned and prepared to leave.
But then he paused and looked at Tae Ihyun.
“Oh, and by the way, you…”
“Hmm?”
“Never mind. Forget it. See you later.”
“What? What is it?”
“Nothing. Take care, brother.”
“Hey, wait!”
Kazuya then leaped off the building.
He quickly became a small dot below and disappeared.
“Hey! Hey! What is it? What were you going to say?”
Leaving someone curious like that just before parting is the worst.
What was that all about?
Kazuya left with a strange lingering feeling.
So unlike him.