With the press conference held, the entire world was in an uproar. Upon learning that [Julius 7] would eventually crash into Earth due to gravitational pull in a few years, panic swept through everyone, quickly followed by anger and hatred—directed at PLANT and Coordinators as outlets for their negative emotions.
Then came the announcement that Yang Hui, representing Orb, had reached an agreement with PLANT. To ensure Earth's safety, Orb and PLANT would jointly deploy a large-scale force to execute the destruction of [Julius 7] in one week. This news alleviated global panic, replaced by praise and gratitude.
Especially from Naturals, who now adopted a condescending tone, commending Coordinators for being "reasonable"—conveniently forgetting that mere minutes ago, they had been cursing PLANT and Coordinators alike.
For the higher-ups of major factions, the reaction was mixed. Earth-based forces were relieved, given the catastrophic consequences if the massive wreckage of [Julius 7] were to impact the planet. At the same time, they were displeased with Orb and Yang Hui's decision, as this historic feat—worthy of textbooks—excluded them.
The most aggrieved were the Atlantic Federation, [Blue Cosmos], and [LOGOS]. They had hoped to exploit this opportunity to spite PLANT and Coordinators while deploying forces to join Orb's fleet, salvaging the Atlantic Federation's tarnished reputation.
But now… the idea of fighting side by side with Coordinators made them sick to their stomachs, even if it served their interests. Moreover, with the entire world mobilizing, staying inactive would only worsen their already dismal public image.
In the end, over half the world's factions submitted requests to Orb after the press conference, seeking participation in the [Julius 7] destruction operation. With top powers leading by example, any nation playing dead risked being torn apart by its own citizens.
However, Yang Hui rejected their proposals for large fleet deployments. His reasoning was simple: the Orb and ZAFT fleets were sufficient for the mission, and meticulous planning had already been finalized after extensive negotiations. Introducing too many additional forces would disrupt the entire operation—or worse, delay the destruction of [Julius 7] indefinitely.
Indefinitely, indeed. Just deciding on an overall commander would spark endless debate, inevitably landing on Yang Hui—but not without friction. The Atlantic Federation, for one, would undoubtedly fight tooth and nail for the title.
Then there were the existing tensions between factions. With multiple forces mixed together, even minor disputes could escalate into conflict. While restraint might hold during the operation, what happened afterward… was anyone's guess.
To ensure the mission's success, Yang Hui denied large-scale participation but permitted each faction to send a small contingent of troops and high-profile representatives. This way, they could save face without jeopardizing the operation.
Initially, those who received this response scoffed, especially the Atlantic Federation. "Even if you say that, what can you do if we don't comply? We won't respond now, but when the operation begins, we'll just send our fleet over. What then? Try to drive us away? Do you even care about your reputation anymore?"
But then, Yang Hui issued another global announcement: To ensure the success of the [Julius 7] destruction operation and prevent anyone from exploiting the chaos, any forces arriving without prior notification would be considered enemies interfering with the entire mission.
He attached comprehensive and detailed justifications, leaving no room for argument.
...
Crash!
"Damn that Yang Hui!"
Inside an Atlantic Federation estate, several impeccably dressed individuals feigning elegance gathered. One elderly man hurled his glass to the floor, shattering it and staining the carpet with spilled liquor.
"Can't we just eliminate him?"
"Our infiltration plan in Orb also failed. Are we even safe?"
"We should be. Although that operative was part of the plan, he only had single-line contact with his handler. He doesn't know about our existence."
"That's a relief..."
"Still, we can't let our guard down. Yang Hui isn't someone to underestimate. Despite multiple internal purges, we still haven't rooted out all his people."
"Hmm... Let's prepare for both scenarios."
"Agreed."
"Now, gentlemen, what are your thoughts on this [Julius 7] destruction operation?" A silver-haired young man who had been standing silently finally spoke. His tone was deferential, but his pale, handsome face adorned with silver lipstick gave off an eerie aura.
"Don't bite off more than you can chew, Lord Djibril."
"At a time like this, with the whole world watching, anyone who tries anything underhanded will become a global enemy."
"My apologies."
Lord Djibril was a new member of [LOGOS] and the freshly appointed leader of [Blue Cosmos]. His demeanor made it clear that among those present, his status was the lowest.
Yet, Djibril secretly scorned the others. They held the power to manipulate the world but acted with such timidity. If they deployed their full strength, neither Orb nor Yang Hui would pose any threat.
"This is also his will. We must not expose ourselves until the experiments there are fully completed," an elder interjected. He knew everyone here had their own agendas, but during such a critical phase, they needed to maintain stability and avoid reckless moves. If their carelessness disrupted his plans, death would be a mercy none of them could hope for.
"I see."
"Understood."
Even Djibril abandoned his scheming upon hearing this. He truly dared not provoke or defy that one.
"Then it's settled. Keep your subordinates in check—no unauthorized actions. And prepare contingency plans in case that lunatic Yang Hui makes a move against us."
"Understood." (In unison)
...
After the press conference concluded, Yang Hui headed to Ame No Minashira to meet up with Mina. Along with Yang Hui, Setsuna, Lyle, Tieria, Natarle Badgiruel, Athrun, and others had also gathered. Except for Creuset, who needed to remain on Earth, this marked the first deployment of the entire special forces unit.
"Do you always have to make such a big scene?" Mina questioned Yang Hui.
"Just making reasonable use of public opinion. We gained reputation, eliminated threats, and prevented certain parties from exploiting the situation. Multiple benefits in one move—why not go big? It's not like we're doing anything shady."
"Hmph."
"Mina, your mindset hasn't fully shifted yet. You're now the Commander of Orb's Space Force, not the former Shadow War God."
"...That might be the first useful thing you've said today."
"...Mina..."
"Something else?"
"Tsundere is a disease—you should get it treated... I'm out of here!"
Seeing that he had struck a nerve, Yang Hui turned and bolted as Mina angrily drew her gun. He didn't doubt for a second that she was fully prepared to put a few bullets in him. In a flash, he vanished from her sight.
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