Charles is trapped in subspace. Britannia is rudderless.
The United States of Japan evolves into The United Federation of Nations, by merging with China's successor states.
They intend to liberate Japan and show that Britannia isn't the leading force in the world anymore.
Charles appears via broadcast, and says if it's war Zero wants, bring it on!
Zero now faces, not a headless Britannia, but a fully operational one.
Lelouch reaches out to the one friend he has who can protect his sister in the upcoming war: Suzaku.
The price is high.