Building a Conglomerate in Another World-Chapter 266 : Why There is a Lot Happening in my Presidency?

The grand halls of the White House felt strangely unfamiliar as Matthew Hesh walked through them, the weight of the past weeks pressing down on him. His return had been met with relief and celebration—Amerathia's leader was back home, safe with his family. But Matthew had no time for comfort.

There was something far bigger at play.

The attack in Japan was just the first crack in what he now realized was a far deeper fracture in global politics. Orlov's words haunted him. You're already too late.

Too late for what?

As he entered the Oval Office, Collins was already waiting for him, stacks of documents spread across the desk. His expression was grim.

"You're not going to like this," Collins said, sliding a telegram across the desk.

Matthew picked it up, his eyes scanning the coded message. As he read, his blood ran cold.

Source: Amerathian Intelligence Bureau (AIB)

Intercepted Russian Communications - December 30, 1897

"Phase one successful. Tokyo destabilized. Internal fractures growing. Proceeding with phase two. Mobilization of Pacific Fleet to be finalized by February. Japan must be forced into war."

The words struck like a hammer.

Matthew lowered the paper slowly. "This… this wasn't just an attack," he murmured. "They're pushing Japan into war."

Collins nodded grimly. "It gets worse. We've decrypted further messages—this wasn't just about Japan. Russia has been feeding weapons and resources into radical factions across Asia. China, Korea, even Indochina. They want a war, but not just any war. They want Japan to strike first, to make them the aggressors, so they can justify an all-out retaliation."

Matthew clenched his jaw. It was a setup.

And he had nearly walked right into it.

Collins continued, flipping through a stack of intelligence reports. "Orlov cracked. It took some work, but we got him talking." He handed Matthew another document.

Russian operatives infiltrated radical Japanese nationalist factions over the past five years.

The attack on the Imperial Palace was meant to provoke extreme nationalists into taking over the government, forcing Emperor Yoshihito into submission.

Phase two involved Russia 'responding' by launching military strikes, claiming they were defending against aggression.

If Japan declared war first, it would weaken its standing among Western nations, isolating them diplomatically.

The ultimate goal: Control of the Pacific, neutralizing Japan as a rising power before they could fully modernize.

Matthew placed the papers down, running a hand down his face.

"This was never about revenge," he muttered. "This was about ensuring Japan never became a true world power."

Collins exhaled sharply. "And now we have another problem. Japan knows. They're preparing for war."

In the heart of Tokyo, beneath the towering shadow of the Imperial Palace, a meeting of Japan's highest military and government officials was underway.

Emperor Yoshihito sat at the head of the chamber, his normally calm expression tight with controlled fury. Across from him, General Yamagata, a veteran of Japan's modernization efforts, slammed a clenched fist onto the wooden table.

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"This is an affront to the Empire!" he roared. "They plotted in our own lands, attacked our own leaders! We cannot stand idly by while Russia moves against us!"

The other generals murmured in agreement. Minister Takamura, despite his usual diplomatic stance, looked equally shaken.

"It is clear now," Takamura said, his voice cold. "The West has their own interests, but Russia has always feared us. Their expansion into Manchuria, their maneuvering in Korea… it was only a matter of time before they moved against us directly."

Yoshihito exhaled slowly. "War," he murmured.

Silence fell.

They all knew what this meant.

Japan had spent years modernizing, following the Western example. But their navy was still growing, their army still adapting to new warfare tactics. They had strength, but could they face the full might of the Russian Empire?

"Sir," Yamagata pressed. "We have one advantage."

Yoshihito's eyes flickered up.

"We know their plan," the general continued. "They believe we will strike first. They want the world to see us as the aggressor. But what if we move… differently?"

Takamura frowned. "What are you suggesting?"

A slow, predatory smile formed on Yamagata's face. "If war is inevitable, let us not be the ones who fire the first shot. Let them come to us. Let them cross the line first."

Yoshihito leaned back in his chair, considering the weight of the words.

This was not just about revenge. It was about survival.

Finally, he nodded. "Prepare the navy. Reinforce our borders. We will not start this war… but we will finish it."

The urgency in the air was palpable as Matthew Hesh, Collins, and the Amerathian military heads gathered for an emergency briefing.

"We have direct confirmation from our contacts in Japan," an intelligence officer said. "The Emperor is preparing for war, but he won't strike first."

Matthew exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. "That means Russia still has a choice. If they realize their plan has been exposed, they might back down."

Collins shook his head. "Unlikely. The Tsar isn't the type to step away from a confrontation. His forces are already moving."

Matthew turned to General Hastings, Amerathia's top military strategist. "Can we afford to intervene?"

Hastings grimaced. "We don't have the political will to enter a war in Asia, Mr. President. We can apply pressure, offer support, maybe even threaten economic consequences, but an outright military commitment? That's not something we can promise without serious debate."

Matthew knew he was right. Amerathia had strength, but a war across the Pacific was not something the people were prepared for.

"We need to make sure this doesn't spread," Matthew muttered.

Collins looked at him carefully. "And what if it does?"

Matthew didn't answer immediately.

The dominoes were already falling. The attack in Japan had been the first push. Now, Russia was moving its pieces, and Japan was ready to strike back.

If they weren't careful…

This could be the beginning of something far worse.

Something the world wasn't ready for.

Something Matthew couldn't stop.

He finally spoke.

"If this war begins," he said, "then we need to make damn sure it doesn't become the first of many. Oh my god…why are a lot of things happening during my presidency?"

"Well at least sir if there is a war, surely there will be profit from our war machines," Collins replied.

"Yeah…selling weapons from both sides."