Ultimate Firepower
Chapter 581 - 558 Closed Loop

Chapter 581: Chapter 558 Closed Loop

To ensure no one could overhear them, Gao Yi and Yuri stepped out of the room and moved outdoors.

Walking along the narrow but tidy and quiet street, the two men slowly proceeded down the pedestrian path.

After walking about a hundred meters, Yuri suddenly said, "I have nuclear bombs in my possession."

"Oh?"

Gao Yi was a bit surprised. He glanced at Yuri and said, "Something this advanced?"

"But my nuclear bombs can’t be used."

Yuri didn’t have the habit of overexplaining things, but today, Gao Yi was slightly perplexed. He didn’t understand why Yuri was saying this.

"You... you mean..."

Gao Yi let out a sigh and said, "Go ahead, keep talking."

"When the Soviet Union collapsed, its nuclear arsenal was not yet out of control, but I lacked the qualifications to manage nuclear weapons. At that time, nuclear bomb administration in Russia was relatively strict. However, as the nuclear stockpiles in the member states fell into chaos, I was arrested and thrown in prison, losing my chance to acquire nuclear warheads."

Yuri sighed with regret, but then changed his tone and continued, "However, my comrades managed to seize three nuclear warheads at the time. They dismantled them from R-36M missiles, also known as SS-18 Satan intercontinental ballistic missiles in NATO terminology—one-megaton hydrogen bombs."

Gao Yi took a sharp breath and said, "Hydrogen bombs..."

"Yes, hydrogen bombs."

Yuri tilted his head back and said wistfully, "You know, don’t you? Hydrogen bombs require stringent storage conditions. After a certain period, they must undergo life-extension procedures to remain functional. Unfortunately, the nuclear warheads we obtained lack sufficient maintenance and cannot undergo life-extension treatments. So, even though I know their storage location, they’re useless."

"Hmm, actually, with one-megaton yield, I think that’s a bit excessive."

Gao Yi glanced at Yuri and said quietly, "Are there any smaller ones? Tactical nuclear weapons, for instance—just a few kilotons would suffice."

"No! The smallest yield is still 200 kilotons."

Yuri looked at Gao Yi and then said seriously, "But I do know someone who has nuclear bombs. He has at least 100 nuclear warheads. Twenty years ago, he attempted to sell them abroad at ten billion dollars apiece, but failed. Now his price is down to one billion dollars each, but he still hasn’t managed to sell them."

"Who?"

"Andre Ivan. His father was a major arms dealer, and now Andre has inherited the business. But Andre is far less daring than his father. He won’t sell to those who would genuinely use nuclear bombs, while potential buyers who meet his risk assessment simply don’t need them."

Yuri glanced at Gao Yi, then thought for a moment before speaking softly, "Xinfeng prepared the materials for arson long ago. As for me... I’ve been in contact with Andre for quite some time. Ever since I left the forest, I started negotiating the purchase of nuclear bombs."

Gao Yi pursed his lips and said in a low voice, "Hmm, you both certainly have foresight."

"A 200-kiloton nuclear warhead weighs 106 kilograms, with the packaging box bringing it to 130 kilograms. Add a rudimentary mechanical detonation system, a fuse, and delivery to the designated location—the price of each nuclear bomb is one billion dollars."

Yuri exhaled softly and said, "But they can only deliver within Russian territory, not abroad—they don’t dare and don’t have the means. That’s the most challenging part."

"True. Importing them would be tricky. It would likely take a lot of time. So we..."

"That’s why I found a smuggling group—a Russian ship smuggling from Japan to Chao Bei. They pick up goods in Japan and deliver them to Rozin Port. Conversely, we can use this ship to transport the nuclear warheads from Zarubino Port in Russia to Hokkaido in Japan."

Gao Yi nodded and said, "You even secured the transportation route."

"Not just secured—negotiated. The nuclear bombs depart from a secret storage location in the outskirts of Minsk, airlifted to Vladivostok, then transported by land to Zarubino Port. At that point, Andre’s transaction is concluded and payment made. The bombs are loaded onto a ship at Zarubino Port, unloaded at Rozin Port, and finally, the cargo ship sails to Hokkaido, where we retrieve the goods in international waters."

Gao Yi swallowed hard and asked earnestly, "And after they reach Hokkaido?"

Yuri smiled faintly and said with a profound expression, "Land transport. Split the nuclear bombs into two parts using two small trucks. The warheads can be transported to Honshu Island easily. When we finally execute the plan, one truck will remain inside the Seikan Tunnel."

Gao Yi stared dumbfounded at Yuri before Yuri added with some exasperation, "The Seikan Tunnel remains the longest underwater tunnel in the world, connecting Hokkaido and Honshu Island. If a nuclear bomb detonates inside the tunnel... well, Japan will lose any possibility of restoring it."

Gao Yi licked his lips. Yuri continued, "To minimize casualties, I plan to drop a nuclear bomb into Mount Fuji’s volcanic crater. Logistically, this would be the simplest approach, as a single helicopter could easily carry a bomb of this weight. However... you’d need to consider the nuclear fallout from ground detonation, permanent landscape damage, and the slim possibility of triggering a volcanic eruption."

For once, Gao Yi didn’t hesitate. Resolutely, he said, "Still, it would destroy their national symbol! But let me clarify—our plan proceeds in three steps. Step one: torch the Divine Toilet. Step two: threaten Japan. If they refuse to meet our demands, then step three: bomb Mount Fuji."

Yuri nodded and agreed, "No problem. I’m on board with your steps."

Gao Yi spread his hands and said, "So here’s the question: Who’ll handle receiving the nuclear bombs, and who will be in charge of triggering them?"

Yuri paused, seemingly confused, and said, "When did I ever say it would only be two nuclear bombs?"

Gao Yi froze briefly and asked, "Not two? Then how many?"

"Twenty. But I know that’s excessive. So for the first batch, I’ve requested six bombs—six billion dollars."

Gao Yi drew a deep breath and said, "Don’t you think that’s a bit much?"

"That’s how it is."

Yuri considered carefully for a moment before finally saying, "Back at the KGB, I posed as a Chao Bei spy to establish contact with Andre. So you can tell from the transportation route I arranged. As of now, Andre still believes it’s Chao Bei purchasing his warheads."

Gao Yi stared at Yuri in silence. Yuri continued, "Chao Bei already possesses nuclear weapons, which is why Andre dares to sell to them. Moreover, Chao Bei has a genuine need for nuclear bombs. Although they’ve mastered nuclear technology, production costs are high, timelines are lengthy, and domestic resources for uranium extraction are limited. Purchasing warheads is a long-term strategy for them—you can understand that, can’t you?"

"I understand."

"That’s why the smuggling ship must first dock at Rozin Port for unloading."

A closed loop; the logic was clear.

There was nothing for Gao Yi to say, nor did he need to say anything.

Yuri continued calmly, "So the total cost is six billion dollars for the warheads, 2.4 million for transport, and 400,000 for the four personnel involved. Six billion two hundred eighty million dollars—this handles all expenses, from Europe to Japan’s Main Island. Oh, excuse me, I overlooked one detail."

Yuri paused slightly, then smiled and said, "Among the four personnel, three are Chao Bei nationals and one is Russian. The Russian has lymphoma and no more than three months left to live. He’s willing to undertake any suicide mission—as long as you pay him, he’ll press the detonation button immediately."

"What about the other three?"

"They’re just poor. But don’t worry, I guarantee they’ll sacrifice themselves when the moment calls for it."

Gao Yi checked his watch, then said gravely, "If the funds are ready, how soon can the warheads arrive? We need them in place before step one begins."

"Forty-eight hours."

Gao Yi looked at Yuri in surprise. Yuri nodded humbly, smiling.

Taking a deep breath, Gao Yi said with emotion, "It feels like I’m the only sane person in this Garden. I don’t have any vile habits; I love peace; I... I feel immense pressure being around you all."

"You’ll get used to it over time."

"Over time, I’ll just adapt, is that what you mean."

Gao Yi had long seen through Yuri’s intentions. He stopped walking, turned around, and said bluntly, "Let’s head back. No point strolling out here. How do we pay—are there accounts ready?"

"Andre has plenty of secure accounts. But honestly, that won’t matter. Once the bombs go off, everyone will know it was him who supplied them."

Yuri casually plucked a leaf from the greenery nearby, crushed it between his fingers, and said, "We must spend the money. But the world’s largest supplier of Soviet-style arms is about to fall. Once the bombs explode, both the United States and Russia will come after him. Andre is doomed."

Gao Yi couldn’t help but glance at Yuri again. Yuri said casually, "Don’t get emotional. If you’re going to ruin someone—and he’s someone with substantial power—your best bet is to eliminate him in one stroke. I won’t leave follow-up trouble for you. I’ve already planned this out. With our CIA and KGB connections, we’ll let both sides join forces to take out Andre. That way, your people can inherit his arms empire. Even if you can’t swallow the entire market, securing a portion is still advantageous."

Gao Yi took a deep breath and asked, "Does it have to be this way?"

"Essentially, yes. Otherwise, it won’t end well."

"Fine. You handle it—make the arrangements."

"I won’t cause you trouble, nor will I make you pay for my personal hobbies. I’ll get your six billion dollars back—and ensure you make even more."

Yuri looked at Gao Yi earnestly and said, "I’m not like Xinfeng, who’s simply satisfying his twisted desires. I have grand ambitions and long-term plans."