Although Phoenix refused to acknowledge this Sun Wukong from the Campione World as the genuine Monkey King from Journey to the West, the fact remained that he bore the name "Sun Wukong."
Being sealed away was bad enough, but to be confined to a mere place like Japan—it felt as if he were being kept as a pet by the Japanese.
The very idea of imprisoning such a culturally significant figure from China within Japan was simply intolerable.
As Luo Hao had said, "How disgraceful that China's peerless god should be sealed away by insignificant Japan!"
Therefore, the primary goal of Phoenix's trip to Japan was to break the seal and eliminate that monkey god. He had lost all dignity and would be better off dead.
Of course, Phoenix also coveted his Authority, which was another motivating factor. After all, there was no motivation without personal gain.
Moreover, this monkey could summon his junior brother—two more Heretic Gods for the price of one. What a steal!
Beyond that, there was an old codger lurking in the Yōsei. If he dared to emerge, Phoenix could seize yet another Authority.
And... she could also conveniently settle Luo Hao's longstanding feud with her nemesis.
The miko Phoenix intended to claim in Japan was Voban's prized toy. She was certain he would come looking for her.
Phoenix was equally certain that Voban already knew about her plans to summon Heretic Gods. Once she set foot in Japan, he would likely follow.
The next morning, Phoenix, Liliana, Erica, and Higokumaru finished breakfast and headed straight to the airport.
If it hadn't been for the King of Swords' situation, Phoenix had actually planned to visit Japan while they were still in China. After all, China and Japan were so close.
But it didn't matter; it would just mean a slightly longer flight.
Phoenix and her group soon disembarked at Tokyo Airport.
"We've arrived in modern Tokyo!" Phoenix exclaimed, clad in a casual cyan summer outfit and mimicking Fu Hua by tucking her hands into her pockets.
Her androgynous style exuded an irresistible charm that captivated the women around her, who couldn't help but stare and swoon. Even the knight beside her was affected. Phoenix's cool demeanor seemed to work its magic on both men and women.
"Milan, Rome, and London aren't so bad either!" Erica protested, her competitive spirit stirred by Phoenix's wistful remark. Why did Tokyo hold such special appeal?
"It's different," Phoenix explained. "Tokyo... especially that one sacred place... holds a special significance for me. I've always wanted to come, but this is my first time here."
Phoenix shook her head. Before transmigrating, the one place she had most longed to visit was the legendary Akihabara.
Yet, this was her first time in modern Tokyo.
(TL Note: Funny, just came back from Japan myself)
"I don't quite understand," Erica said, looking blankly at Phoenix.
Erica was dressed impeccably in the latest fashion trends. As a noble lady born in Milan, the fashion capital, her sense of style was naturally cutting-edge.
"It doesn't matter," Phoenix replied. "Since we're here, let's visit Akihabara if we have time. It'll be a way to fulfill a long-held wish."
"Whatever you decide, King," Erica said.
Neither Erica nor Liliana had any objections. As for Higokumaru, she cared even less. Though they were in Japan, it wasn't the ancient land Higokumaru remembered, so she felt no sense of homecoming.
"Your Majesty, where shall we go next?" Erica asked Phoenix.
"Wait," Phoenix said, glancing at her watch.
"Wait?" Erica and Liliana exchanged puzzled looks.
Wait for what?
They had accompanied Phoenix to Japan without notifying the local authorities to arrange for an official reception.
"We're waiting for someone. She should be arriving soon."
Hearing Phoenix's words, Erica and Liliana were filled with curiosity.
After waiting for nearly half an hour, Phoenix and her companions remained inside the airport, grabbing a quick bite to eat.
Just then, another flight arrived.
"She's here. Let's go meet her," Phoenix said, checking the time and standing up.
"Yes..."
-
"King, it's been too long!"
A woman resembling a noble princess approached Phoenix with a radiant smile.
"Alice, have you finalized the arrangements with the Wise Men's Council?" Phoenix asked, nodding slightly at Princess Alice. Before departing, Phoenix had summoned her, knowing her unique abilities would be crucial for their mission.
"Of course," Alice replied.
Princess Alice was flawlessly beautiful, her features exquisitely refined and perfectly balanced. Her natural aristocratic aura, impeccable poise, and remarkably slender figure made her resemble a lily blooming in a royal garden—a woman no man could ignore.
"Alice, what are you doing here?" Erica asked, surprised to see her.
"The King summoned me, so I came," Alice replied casually, glancing at Erica.
"..." Erica was speechless.
"Alright, now that Alice is here, we can leave," Phoenix announced.
"Yes."
The Historical Compilation Committee was Japan's largest organization, jointly established by the government and the major families of the Magical World. It served as the supreme authority overseeing order within Japan's magical society, with its Tokyo and Kyoto branches, located in the Kanto and Kansai regions respectively, wielding the greatest influence.
In an office at the Tokyo branch, a young woman who appeared to be only seventeen or eighteen years old, with short hair and an androgynous beauty, sat at the head of the table. Below her were the leaders of the branch's key departments.
The woman was Sayanomiya Kaoru, heir to the prestigious Sayaomiya Clan in Japan's Magical World. Despite being a first-year high school student, she had been promoted to Branch Director of the Tokyo Branch a year earlier and was now convening an emergency meeting.
"Director Sayanomiya," reported Amakasu Touma, a man in his late thirties and one of Kaoru's most trusted subordinates, "we have just received intelligence that Lord Phoenix, the King of Italy, has arrived at Tokyo Airport with his two Knights and the White Miko of London." Amakasu was the Tokyo Branch's external liaison officer.
"Mr. Amakasu, didn't the Historical Compilation Committee send someone to greet the new King at the airport?"
Sayanomiya Kaoru paused, considering the question, before turning to him.
They couldn't afford to underestimate the Seventh Campione.