Chapter 134: Relatives Drop By! Ginnosuke Nohara Showing Off!
The night sky, like spilled thick ink, dyed the sky over Omagari City a deep darkness.
In the Nohara family home’s old house, lights blazed, warm orange glow spilling from behind the paper sliding door, casting a hazy poetic light on the aged maple trees in the courtyard.
The family banquet was still going on.
The remnants of food and overturned wine bottles on the table silently told of the banquet’s fervor and indulgence.
Alcohol was the catalyst for the atmosphere.
“…Let me tell you, Tokyo looks prosperous, but human relations there are very thin.”
Hiroshi Nohara leaned on Misae, his handsome face, always carrying a hint of strategic planning, now flushed with lazy drunkenness: “In our television station, factional struggles are more dramatic than in TV dramas. Today you trip me up, tomorrow I set a trap for you. Everyone’s shrewd, you can’t tell friend from foe on their faces, but if you don’t have strength, you’ll really get stepped on!”
His words stunned Hiroshi Nohara and Ikuna, their honest eyes filled with awe at the “treachery” of the big city.
“But anyway.” Hiroshi Nohara changed tack, a cunning curve at his lips: “No matter how they fight, they can’t beat me, because I don’t play those shady games. I let my work speak for itself.”
After all, strength was on his side!
She looked at Hiroshi Nohara beside her, who wore a branded suit yet still seemed as honest as a bear, then at her younger brother who could toy with the entire Tokyo Television world in casual conversation, but her young girl’s heart still simply felt Hiroshi Nohara was more reassuring!
After all, Hiroshi Nohara matched her rural background perfectly in personality!
“Things are fun on my end too!” Misae seized the chance to show off, raising her sake cup, her flushed little face full of pride: “Our Future Manga Company is now Shueisha’s strategic partner! Editor-in-Chief Torishima treats me with respect, calling me ‘President Nohara’! And our new manga assistants are all top graduates from Tokyo University of the Arts—they draw fast and well, and they all worship me!”
As she spoke, she puffed out her already ample little chest, her “praise me, praise me” cuteness drawing a round of kind laughter from everyone.
“Yes, yes, our President Misae is the best.” Hiroshi Nohara smilingly pinched her soft little face, his heartfelt indulgence so sweet it nearly overflowed.
“What about you, big brother? Any news from Nohara Agricultural Corporation?” Hiroshi Nohara tossed the topic to the man who’d been chuckling foolishly since earlier.
“Me?” Hiroshi Nohara’s dark face lit up with pride: “Great! So great! Hiroshi, you wouldn’t know, but now in Omagari City, I’m a celebrity! The agricultural cooperative director offers me cigarettes on sight; government leaders invite me to speak on ‘returning home to start a business’ at meetings. Even that Suzuki guy from the next village who used to butt heads with me now respectfully calls me ‘President Nohara’!”
He paused, glancing at Ikuna gazing at him worshipfully, his honest heart filled with immense satisfaction, his voice booming louder:
“And Ikuna’s helped me a lot! She not only sorted the company accounts crystal clear but used knowledge from her coffee shop job to design a beautiful packaging bag with our ‘Nohara Farm’ logo! Now, our family’s rice sells great in the city’s upscale supermarkets!”
This husband-and-wife showboating made Ikuna’s face flush red instantly; she shyly lowered her head, murmuring like a mosquito: “I… I’m not that great… It’s all Mr. Hiroshi’s ability.”
Her shy, girlish demeanor deepened the laugh lines around Tsuru Nohara and Ginnosuke Nohara’s eyes.
Watching this harmonious scene, a warm current surged in Hiroshi Nohara’s heart.
The grand plan he’d personally set in motion, enough to change the family’s entire destiny, was blooming and bearing fruit faster than he imagined.
Yet amid this warm, joyful atmosphere, Ikuna seemed to suddenly remember something; she glanced at the wall clock, a restless unease appearing in her usually gentle, clear eyes, clashing with the merriment.
It was… almost ten o’clock.
Her home was still a good distance away.
Though Mr. Hiroshi driving made it convenient now, so late, for a girl it was still…
“Oh my, it’s this late already.”
Tsuru Nohara, the most perceptive mother, noticed the girl’s unease almost immediately.
She set down her sake cup, concern and elder authority on her warm, smiling face.
“Hiroshi.” She eyed her eldest son, still bragging to his father about his newfound status, in a tone brooking no argument: “It’s late. Take Ikuna home. It’s not safe for a girl to walk at night.”
“Ah? Oh!” Hiroshi Nohara snapped to, seeing the girl’s grateful gaze; his honest heart instantly understood.
He shot up, manly responsibility flashing on his alcohol-flushed dark face.
“Right! I’ll just…”
But before he finished, his hand reaching for the car keys froze midair.
He scratched his head, a helpless embarrassment on his rugged face.
“Um… Mom…” His voice weakened with guilt. “I… I drank earlier, can’t… can’t drive.”
“…”
The room plunged into eerie, pin-drop silence.
Ikuna’s already flushed face turned red-hot like a branding iron, the heat nearly consuming her.
She instinctively bowed her head, her girlish heart pounding wildly, nearly leaping from her throat.
She knew exactly what this meant.
Hiroshi Nohara and Misae exchanged glances, seeing shared mischievous amusement.
Watching their seemingly honest but slyly opportunistic big brother at the key moment, both thought the same four words—
Well played!
Yet amid the ambiguous, romantic air, Tsuru Nohara’s authoritative voice thundered again.
“Can’t drive? Then don’t.”
Her face stern, her usually gentle eyes now flashed with traditional matriarchal sternness.
“Tonight, you two stay here.”
She paused under their stunned gazes, delivering the final verdict: “Ikuna, sleep with me. Hiroshi, sleep with Father.”
“Ah?!”
Hiroshi Nohara and Ikuna exclaimed in disbelief simultaneously.
Hiroshi Nohara seized the chance to shine, raising his hand like a schoolboy, innocent smile on: “Then… what about me? Can I sleep with Misae?”
Misae blushed, snuggling into his arms shyly, her girlish bashfulness saying it all.
The stark contrast stabbed like the sharpest knife into Hiroshi Nohara and Ikuna’s fragile hearts.
They both ducked their heads, faces blood-red nearly buried in their chests, their frustrated embarrassment making Hiroshi Nohara and Misae nearby cover their mouths in trembling laughter.
“Outrageous!”
Then Ginnosuke Nohara’s roar, full of “what a disappointment” frustration, finally burst out!
He pointed at his still-dazed eldest son, bushy eyebrows knotted: “Look at you! Such a golden opportunity…”
“Shut your mouth!”
But Tsuru Nohara’s murderous snap cut him off!
She glared fiercely at her trouble-stirring husband, her warning gaze enough to freeze Siberian chills.
Ginnosuke Nohara jolted, his smug face frozen; he hastily lifted his tea cup, pretending he’d said nothing, just a tea ceremony enthusiast.
Watching this dramatic scene, Hiroshi Nohara and Ikuna felt a twinge of small disappointment.
Ikuna had even wanted to say she was fine…
But Tsuru Nohara held Ikuna’s hand like her own daughter, her gentle face full of gratification as she said:
“Ikuna, Aunt does this for your own good. You two get along well, but you’re not officially engaged yet. A girl’s reputation is everything. We’re proper folk in the Nohara family—no one will gossip behind your back.”
These heartfelt words instantly reddened Ikuna’s eyes.
She knew this was her future mother-in-law’s sincerest care.
“Aunt… I… I understand.” She nodded, her voice choked with emotion.
“In that case…” Tsuru Nohara, delighted by her sensible obedience, grew fonder.
As if resolved, she clapped sharply, determination on her face:
“No time like the present! With Hiroshi and Misae here, the Nohara family is all together. Ikuna, when are your parents free? We’ll visit. Our two families dine together, and we’ll formally settle your marriage! What do you think?”
“Eh?!”
The sudden marriage push exploded like a real atomic bomb in Ikuna’s already fluttering heart!
She looked up instinctively at the equally dazed man beside her, stunned by the abrupt happiness; wordless, she shyly nodded.
“Great! So great!” Hiroshi Nohara couldn’t hold back, unleashing a beast-like roar of ecstatic joy!
Like a child with his favorite toy, he paced excitedly in the small Japanese-style room, his honest silliness drawing another round of kind laughter from the room.
“However…”
Amid the festive air, Tsuru Nohara suddenly recalled something; she turned to Misae, apologetic tenderness on her gentle face.
“Misae, sorry. It seems your brother Hiroshi should marry you first. But by countryside rules, the elder brother goes first. You’ll have to wait a bit, you and Hiroshi.”
“Aunt, don’t say that.” Misae waved hastily, sincerity and understanding on her delicate face: “I get it. Big Brother finding happiness makes Hiroshi-kun and me happier than anyone. We’re… not in a rush.”
Her words respected elders’ traditions while perfectly showing her poise.
Tsuru Nohara, seeing these two sensible, caring future daughters-in-law, felt overwhelming happiness.
She knew her life’s greatest fortune wasn’t her successful sons, but meeting these girls worthy of her sons’ lifelong entrustment.
Only Hiroshi Nohara, watching this warm traditional scene, inwardly griped.
‘Traditional, huh…’ He lifted his sake cup, the clear liquid reflecting his speechless gaze.
‘In my previous world’s lifetime, this “Hiroshi Nohara” married the twenty-something Misae near thirty. Big Brother was worse—forty, wedding a divorced Ikuna with two kids.’
He sipped sake, the sharp liquid clearing his transmigrator’s mind.
‘Now, because of me, it’s all advanced. Big Brother meets his fated love at twenty-eight; I, at twenty-three, have already secured the little woman who should’ve appeared later, firmly by my side.’
‘In a few years, when the nationwide economic crisis hits, and low birthrate-aging waves shatter the last traditional barriers, “elder before younger” and “traditional etiquette” will be laughable history.’
‘Then, grasping present happiness will be a grand luxury.’
Thinking this, Hiroshi Nohara pursed his lips.
He could use this chance to lay groundwork early, bolstering his capital.
……
Dawn’s first sunlight, like washed golden thread, pierced thin window paper, casting mottled light and shadow on the tatami.
Outside, crisp birdsong replaced urban noise; air carried post-rain soil and grass freshness—deep breath cleared the lungs’ turbid air.
“Mmm, slept so well.” Hiroshi Nohara slowly opened his eyes.
In his arms, warm and soft, Misae Nohara curled like a lazy cat, sleeping soundly, her cute face still bearing a sweet smile.
He carefully withdrew his arm to rise when boastful bragging erupted from the courtyard.
“…Let me tell you, our Hiroshi isn’t ordinary!”
It was Ginnosuke Nohara’s magnetic voice, booming as if afraid West Omagari Village wouldn’t hear: “Know Tokyo Television Station? The biggest one! He’s now ‘Minister’ there! Manages dozens of people! Directors, screenwriters—they all respectfully call him ‘Minister Nohara’!”
Black lines visibly popped on Hiroshi Nohara’s forehead.
He helplessly held his forehead.
“Ah…” Misae woke too, rubbing sleepy eyes at the noise, giggling.
She leaned to Hiroshi Nohara’s ear, breath like orchids: “Hiroshi-kun, Uncle… brags better than you.”
“Ignore him.” Hiroshi Nohara shook his head with a wry smile; he knew his incorrigible dad, bottled up a lifetime, needed this brag or he’d burst.
They smiled at each other, dressed, and slid open the paper sliding door.
In the courtyard, Ginnosuke Nohara paced hands behind back, belly out like a reviewing general, surrounded by four or five honest rural men.
The men craned necks, faces awed and envious, eyes on a living legend.
“Hey! Hiroshi’s up!”
Sharp-eyed Ginnosuke Nohara spotted them first, waving enthusiastically, weathered face beaming pride to rival all Akita Prefecture: “Come, Hiroshi! Meet Village Chief Yamada! These are your great-uncle’s distant cousins who watched you grow!”
Hiroshi Nohara inwardly sighed but smiled warmly, bowing to the elders.
“Village Chief Yamada, uncles, good morning.”
“Oh no, no!”
Village Chief Yamada, dark-skinned and stocky middle-aged man, waved hastily, fawning smile piled on: “Hiroshi-kun, so… young and accomplished! All Omagari City is proud of you!”
Rubbing rough hands, eyes shocked and envious, voice pitched high: “Silver-san said you’re in Tokyo earning over five million yen a month?! My god! More than our village’s annual budget! Incredible!”
“Pfft—”
Hiroshi Nohara nearly spat blood.
He shot a glare at his still-smug dad, eyebrows nearly to the sky, utterly helpless.
Could you just say that?
Who knew this shameless dad made it his brag capital, spreading it everywhere!
Facing the relatives’ awed, envious stares, Hiroshi Nohara knew explanations would fall flat.
Head high, he humbly smiled: “No, no, just luck and station leaders’ favor. Compared to your hardworking farming, my achievements are nothing.”
This flattered the elders nicely.
Sure enough, the relatives’ smiles brightened, waving “no, no.”
After pleasantries, Village Chief Yamada rubbed hands, revealing the real purpose.
“Um… Hiroshi-kun.”
His tone tentative: “We heard your brother Hiroshi is acquiring idle land in the city for Nohara Agricultural Corporation. See… we’re all relatives. Our few acres lie fallow—kids in the city years now. Better sell to your company than let weeds grow. Help the Nohara family business.”
His shrewd eyes subtly scanned Hiroshi Nohara, a glint of scheming deep within.
“Of course, price-wise… we won’t ask much. But as family, could it be… slightly above market?”
The courtyard air turned subtly awkward.
Ginnosuke Nohara’s proud face showed faint embarrassment.
He loved bragging, but before real money, his farmer’s meticulous heart tightened instinctively.
He eyed his youngest hopefully yet worriedly.
He knew this beyond-his-grasp son now called the shots.
Hiroshi Nohara saw the relatives’ expectant scheming clearly.
Human nature.
The “sweet cost” of returning in glory.
No hesitation, he beamed warmer than autumn sun.
Considering these lands’ future value.
Even at a premium, so what?
“Village Chief Yamada, uncles, what are you saying?”
His voice mild: “We’re family—no two prices. Entrusting land to Nohara family is greatest trust. I, Hiroshi, won’t betray it.”
He paused amid their heated gazes, slowly raising one finger.
“Here’s the deal. I don’t know market price exactly. But I promise: on top of market, I, Hiroshi Nohara, personally subsidize one million yen per acre. As this junior’s filial gesture.”
“Boom—!”
One million!
The number exploded like an atomic bomb in their minds!
Village Chief Yamada and relatives gasped, weathered faces shocked incredulous!
They’d hoped for ten or twenty thousand extra at best.
Who knew this young man offered… one million!
Money they might not save in ten years’ toil!
“Hi… Hiroshi-kun… you… this is…” Village Chief Yamada stammered, dark face beet-red.
“Village Chief, no need to refuse.” Hiroshi Nohara waved smilingly, as if a million were a hundred yen: “Money’s trivial. Key is family harmony, mutual support. When Nohara Agricultural Corporation grows, we’ll need your help, uncles. Then we all prosper—that’s real good.”
His words rang open, grand, warming all hearts!
“Great! Great! Great!” Village Chief Yamada slapped his thigh, fat face scheming gone, only heartfelt gratitude and respect: “Hiroshi-kun, rest assured! From today, you’re West Omagari Village’s benefactor! Nohara family matters are village matters! Anyone gossips, I, Yamada, object first!”
“Exactly! Exactly!”
“Hiroshi’s the Nohara family’s prodigy!”
“Anything, Hiroshi, just say!”
Praise flooded like tides.
Relatives gazed at Hiroshi Nohara like a bodhisattva, gratitude overflowing.
Thanking profusely, carrying fate-altering promise, they left satisfied.
Courtyard fell tranquil.
Ginnosuke Nohara eyed their backs, pride turning to irrepressible heartache.
He sidled to his youngest, whispering “prodigal” tone: “Hiroshi… were you too impulsive? One million… not small change. Do we… have that much on account?”
He loved show, but money tightened his farmer’s meticulous heart.
“Dad, think long-term.”
Hiroshi Nohara just smiled: “This money buys not just land, but hearts. With relatives’ and village support, Nohara Agricultural Corporation can truly stand firm here.”
He paused at Dad’s worried face, deploying the ultimate reassurance.
“Besides, short on cash? We loan.”
“Loan?!” Ginnosuke Nohara’s eyebrows shot up, small eyes flashing traditional farmer’s debt terror: “No! Absolutely not! Nohara family always clean, never owe a yen! Loans have scary interest—if can’t repay, bankruptcy!”
“Dad, times changed.” Hiroshi Nohara shook head helplessly; explaining “capital operations” and “financial leverage” to old gen was futile.
He used simplest, direct way to ease worries.
“Relax, agricultural cooperative has low-interest loans for ag corporations like us. And with my income and credit, not just tens of millions—even billions from bank is fine.”
Billions?!
Ginnosuke Nohara froze.
Staring at his son tossing “billions” casually, his weathered heart tore by an unprecedented “generation gap” chasm.
He felt truly old.
‘Vroom vroom!’
Then a steady engine rumbled in the yard.
Hiroshi Nohara’s mighty Land Cruiser pulled up at the doorway.
He stepped out, honest dark face beaming irrepressible, foolishly happy smile.
He floated cloud-like, steps airy.
“Yo, our Nohara family Romeo returns?” Ginnosuke Nohara snapped from shock, eyeing his dazed eldest, bushy eyebrows dancing like wiggling caterpillars.
“How’s dropping future wife at work early? Any… good news?”
He seemed to guess.
“Dad!” Hiroshi Nohara flushed, glancing at his brother, face liver-colored.
Stammering long, joy won; he whispered mosquito-like: “Um… Dad… dropping Ikuna at shop… she… kissed me.”
“That’s it?” Ginnosuke Nohara pursed lips, “disappointment” disdain in eyes.
He sighed deeply, veteran weariness.
“Next time good news, just say ‘good news.’ Skip kiss, handhold details—no report needed. I… don’t wanna hear.”
Then, as if recalling, he clapped his son’s shoulder gravely.
“But Hiroshi, remember. Girl chose you—you be responsible. Nohara men can be poor, dumb, but never betray their woman. Got it?”
“Mm!” Hiroshi Nohara nodded firmly, dark face full of manly resolve.
“…” Hiroshi Nohara just helplessly turned aside.
Celebrating a kiss?
Had to say, his big brother really was an easily satisfied good man.
