Mutsu City in Aomori Prefecture, at the northernmost tip of Japan's Honshu Island, lay just across the shallow Tsugaru Strait from Hokkaido.
Inside the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency's Shimokita Test Site, near the coastal Sarugamori Sand Dunes northeast of Mutsu City, a young member of the Self-Defense Forces sat in the duty room, holding his phone and exclaiming with delight at what he watched.
"That ape beast at Yellowstone Volcano is incredible! Who the hell could stop a blast like that, apart from Lord Uchiha?"
Completely absorbed, the young serviceman failed to notice a man's long, donkey-like face appear outside the window behind him, frowning and giving him a death stare.
"Ahem."
"Major Ejima! When did you get here?"
The young serviceman sprang to his feet in fright and scrambled to hide his phone, only to let it slip. Before it hit the floor, a hand caught it.
The screen was playing footage even more spectacular than a Hollywood effects blockbuster that burned through its budget.
The monstrous Four-Tails, as enormous as a moving volcano, was destruction and disaster incarnate. He spat out a black Tailed Beast Bomb, and a vast fireball like a nuclear explosion devoured everything.
"Watching videos of the monster in the United States, just as I thought."
The older man wearing the rank of major looked away from the screen and sternly told the young man,
"These are extraordinary times. Self-Defense Forces bases nationwide are now on emergency footing. Don't slack off on duty."
"Yes, yes, sir." The young serviceman could only nod repeatedly like a chick pecking at grain, not daring to say anything else.
"Don't let it happen again."
The major switched off the phone and set it on the desk, then clasped his hands behind his back and spoke expressionlessly.
The young