Brothers Charged Side by Side

Half an hour earlier.

Shatterdome Base, Siberia, Nation E.

"Commander! An urgent message from headquarters—General Jonathan wants to speak with you!"

"Activate the holographic projection."

"Yes, Commander!"

General Jonathan looked at Kabrovsky, the hulking man once labeled "the enemy," with somewhat gloomy eyes.

The people of Nation E were generally tall and powerfully built, and Kabrovsky was no exception. Nearly two meters tall and broad-shouldered, he was the perfect embodiment of the phrase "built like a bear."

Jonathan could not help feeling troubled. Every Kaiju attack was a major test for the PPDC, and a test for humanity as well.

If they passed, everyone rejoiced. If they failed, it became a crisis of life and death for humanity.

One Kaiju was already enough to give Jonathan a headache. Now two had appeared at once, and in different places no less. Who would not worry?

"Commander Kabrovsky, we are facing an enormous test now. It could also be called a crisis of survival, one concerning the strength of the entire Pan-Pacific Defense Line, even the future fate of humanity."

"I need your help."

"In the name of PPDC headquarters, I have already requested support from Mr. Pudi of your nation. But I need you to help persuade him."

"Though there have been many frictions between us before, and we could be said to have been unfriendly—perhaps even hostile—at this moment, we must put aside all prejudice. Everything, for humanity!"

"I understand. Rest assured, keeping the Pan-Pacific Defense Line unbreached is our shared conviction. Mr. Pudi will not stand idly by."

Seeing the firm sincerity in Kabrovsky's eyes, Jonathan relaxed slightly.

"I'm counting on you!"

Kabrovsky shut off the holographic projection and sighed softly.

It was not for Jonathan, but for humanity, so beset by misfortune.

"Heh, is this the punishment for humanity's excessive exploitation and abuse of resources?"

Kabrovsky shook his head and stopped his useless brooding. This was not the time for repentance.

"Connect me to Mr. Pudi. Emergency channel, immediately!"

"Yes, Commander!"

Kabrovsky said to the secretary beside him.

"Commander, Mr. Pudi has approved your communication request."

Before long, a reply came through.

Kabrovsky straightened the wrinkles on his collar.

Mr. Pudi's projection appeared.

He was still seated at his desk, vigorously reviewing documents.

Pudi raised his head slightly, revealing a face that was imposing and stern without losing its warmth. His hairline had receded, and though he looked rather advanced in years, he still gave off the feeling that old age had not diminished his ability to fight.

It seemed the leaders of every nation were alike: imposing yet approachable, except for Chuanpu.

"Jonathan sent me a request for aid. I was just about to contact you."

Kabrovsky was not surprised by this. All he cared about was Pudi's attitude.

"Then have you seen their speculations regarding the Kaiju?"

"Oh, those documents? I haven't read them. They're sitting right on my desk."

"Then what do you mean?"

Kabrovsky was somewhat puzzled. Based on what he knew of Mr. Pudi, he should not have stood idly by at a time like this.

Yet he had ignored the Kaiju assessment documents sent by PPDC headquarters, leaving Kabrovsky unable to make heads or tails of his intentions.

"Haha, there's no need to make things so complicated. It's a fact that The U.S. has deployed Wanderer, isn't it? And it's also a fact that Nation Z has deployed Mount Tai, isn't it?"

"Yes, sir. Wanderer is fighting the Kaiju codenamed Stegosaurus on The U.S.'s west coast. Mount Tai is being airlifted to the Hawaii battlefield and should be close to arriving by now."

"Since that is the case, what are we hesitating for? If it were only The U.S., I would indeed have reservations."

"But when it comes to soldiers like you, stationed on the front lines, I trust you."

"Besides, our brothers in Nation Z have already acted. As the big brother, we cannot willingly lag behind."

"Go. Even if Nation Z is heading into a dragon's pool and tiger's den, we'll go have a run through it with them!"

"Yes, sir. I understand."

After ending the communication, Kabrovsky looked toward the steel giant standing in the base hall.

"Give Cherno Alpha its final inspection. Prepare for airlift!"

"Yes!"

"Commander, what is this?"

The deputy commander, who had been practically invisible until now, came over and asked.

"Our brothers are waiting for us!"