Chapter 191: The Influence Of The Akita Dog! Everyone Wants A Silly And Cute Akita Dog!
Inside a highly guarded private club in the suburbs of Tokyo, the air was filled with the rich aroma of premium cigars mixed with aged whiskey, like the scent of power itself, intangible yet omnipresent.
This was Ryuichi Koike’s “war room.”
Outside the massive floor-to-ceiling windows lay a meticulously manicured Japanese garden, tranquil and elegant.
But inside, the atmosphere was starkly different.
Koike Ryuichi sat at the head of the table, a large map of Tokyo Metropolis spread before him, with various colored markers indicating the power distribution and public opinion trends in each electoral district.
Several of his core campaign staff, along with the Minister of Publicity, Tadashi Hattori, were now seated in formal posture, their expressions solemn, as if about to embark on a war without bloodshed.
And Nobuhiko Sakata, the de facto head of Tokyo Television Station and Koike Ryuichi’s most trusted “media mouthpiece,” was also present.
He sat to Koike Ryuichi’s left, and on his usually refined and steady face, there was now a hint of solemnity.
What they were discussing was the re-election campaign plan, crucial for Koike Ryuichi’s political future and the very direction of Tokyo Metropolis.
“…According to the latest polls, our support in Minato Ward and Chiyoda Ward has slightly declined. Although the drop is not significant, it must be taken seriously,” a shrewd and competent campaign consultant, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, pointed to the two core areas on the map and analyzed in a grave tone.
“It’s those construction companies causing trouble behind the scenes.”
Another, older campaign manager, snorted, his perpetually serious face filled with disdain: “They’re unhappy with our regulation of the real estate market and are spreading rumors behind our backs, trying to shake our foundation.”
Koike Ryuichi listened quietly, his long fingers tapping lightly on the map, his deep eyes showing no ripple of emotion.
Just then, a sudden mobile phone ringtone broke the solemn silence in the meeting room.
All eyes turned in unison to Nobuhiko Sakata.
Their gazes held dissatisfaction.
A look of apology immediately appeared on Nobuhiko Sakata’s face.
He glanced at the flashing name on his phone screen—【Toshihide Takada】—and his brow twitched almost imperceptibly.
He knew that if it weren’t an emergency of the highest order, Toshihide Takada would not interrupt such an important meeting.
“I am truly sorry, Your Excellency the Governor, everyone.”
Nobuhiko Sakata quickly stood up, bowed slightly to everyone, and said apologetically: “It’s a call from the Production Bureau, there might be some urgent situation. I’ll step out to take it.”
“Mm,” Koike Ryuichi simply nodded with a smile, signaling him to proceed.
Nobuhiko Sakata quickly walked out of the meeting room and into a secluded corridor before pressing the answer button.
“Hello, Mr. Takada, it’s me,” he said in a low voice.
From the other end of the line, Takada Toshihide’s voice, slightly agitated but forcefully suppressed, immediately came through: “Director! It’s me, Takada! The opening day box office for 《The Tale of Hachiko》… is out!”
Nobuhiko Sakata’s heart leaped. He instinctively tightened his grip on the phone, and his usual composure as a superior wavered slightly at that moment.
“How much?” he asked in a deep voice.
On the other end of the line, Takada Toshihide took a deep breath, then slowly spoke the number that would drive anyone to madness.
“Director… the opening day box office… twenty-one billion yen!”
“…”
Nobuhiko Sakata’s body trembled violently.
He stood frozen in place, his shrewd eyes widening instantly, his face etched with disbelief and shock!
He even wondered if he was hallucinating due to recent stress.
Twenty-one billion yen?!
Opening day box office?!
How… how could this be possible?!
In his decades of experience, he had never seen a Japanese film achieve such a terrifying box office performance on its opening day!
This was simply… a miracle!
“Are… are you sure?! Mr. Takada!” Nobuhiko Sakata’s voice trembled uncontrollably as he instinctively pressed for confirmation: “You didn’t misread?! It’s really twenty-one billion yen?!”
“Yes! Director! Absolutely certain!” On the other end, Takada Toshihide’s voice also became impassioned; the shock from the bottom of his heart made it impossible for him to remain calm: “I personally confirmed it three times! It’s twenty-one billion yen! Not a yen more, not a yen less!”
Nobuhiko Sakata took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the ecstasy in his heart.
His weathered heart, however, felt as if a depth charge had been dropped into it, creating a colossal wave.
“Then… then if it continues at this pace…” Nobuhiko Sakata’s voice trembled again, he dared not even imagine the final figure, “Won’t the final box office… won’t it reach ten billion yen?!”
“Yes! Director! You are correct!” Takada Toshihide’s voice was affirmative: “According to our distribution department’s preliminary estimate, if the word-of-mouth continues to spread, the final box office is absolutely expected to reach the ten billion yen mark! It might even surpass ten billion yen, creating an unprecedented historical record!”
Nobuhiko Sakata’s face instantly turned red, the ecstasy almost bursting out of him.
He clenched his fists tightly; the excitement from the bottom of his heart made even him, a seasoned politician, somewhat lose control.
“Good! Good! Good!” Nobuhiko Sakata said “good” three times in a row, his voice filled with irrepressible excitement.
Hiroshi Nohara had created another miracle!
A miracle that could change the entire history of Japanese cinema!
He took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the excitement in his heart, and his tone became solemn: “Mr. Takada, listen carefully. During this period, you must keep a close eye on things! Whether it’s movie promotion or public opinion guidance, there can be no slackening! We absolutely cannot let any negative news affect the movie’s box office!”
He paused, his tone carrying an unquestionable command: “Also, have Mr. Asumi pay close attention! During this period, the two of them will be solely responsible for the publicity of 《The Tale of Hachiko》! Ensure that there are no mistakes!”
“Yes! Director! Please rest assured!” Takada Toshihide responded firmly, his tone resolute: “I will do my utmost and will not fail your expectations!”
Nobuhiko Sakata gave a few more instructions before hanging up the phone.
He stood in the corridor and let out a long breath, a breath filled with emotion, satisfaction, and infinite longing for the future.
He tidied his appearance, and the composure and confidence of a superior reappeared on his face as he then strode back into the meeting room with firm steps.
The moment he pushed open the door, all eyes in the meeting room turned to him once again.
The Minister of Publicity, Tadashi Hattori, saw Nobuhiko Sakata’s flushed face, on which he was forcefully suppressing excitement, and a knowing smile appeared on his lips.
“Mr. Sakata, judging by your expression, it seems you have some incredibly good news?” Tadashi Hattori asked with a light laugh, his tone carrying a hint of well-placed teasing.
Everyone’s gaze was filled with curiosity and scrutiny.
Koike Ryuichi also seemed to have an idea, a glint flashing in his deep eyes.
“Mr. Sakata,” Koike Ryuichi’s voice was calm and powerful: “Has the opening day box office for 《The Tale of Hachiko》 been released?”
Upon hearing this, the excitement Nobuhiko Sakata had been forcefully suppressing could no longer be hidden.
He nodded vigorously, his shrewd eyes sparkling with a brilliance akin to the stars.
“Yes! Your Excellency the Governor!” Nobuhiko Sakata’s voice trembled slightly, a sign of extreme excitement: “The opening day box office for 《The Tale of Hachiko》—twenty-one billion yen!”
Boom—!
The number exploded in the meeting room like a nuclear bomb!
“What?!”
“Twenty-one billion yen?! Opening day box office?!”
“My goodness! This… this is simply a miracle!”
“Mr. Sakata! You… you’re not joking, are you?!”
Everyone was so excited they were incoherent. They scrambled to their feet, their faces etched with disbelief and shock!
“Twenty-one billion yen… What… what is the concept of this?!”
A minister in charge of the economy spoke with a slight tremor in his voice, his usually calm eyes now filled with astonishment: “This… this is the box office performance of a top Hollywood blockbuster! A Japanese film can actually reach such heights?!”
“Yes! It’s incredible!”
The shrewd and competent campaign consultant’s face was also flushed with excitement. He couldn’t help but wave his fist, his voice filled with irrepressible fervor: “If it continues at this pace, won’t the final box office really break ten billion yen?! Ten billion yen! This… this is an achievement never before seen in the history of Japanese cinema!”
“Breaking ten billion? I think even more!”
The elderly campaign manager, now also incoherent with excitement, had tears streaming down his usually serious face: “I even feel that this movie, it won’t just break ten billion yen! It might even surpass those Hollywood blockbusters and become the highest-grossing film in our Japanese film market this year, or even in the next few years!”
“That’s right! Absolutely!”
A young secretary’s face was also flushed with excitement. He couldn’t help but wave his fist, his voice filled with irrepressible fervor: “I heard that during this Golden Week, a big movie was released in the United States called 《Super Defense Robot》! I heard it had an investment of over a hundred million dollars and the special effects were amazing! But, I believe our 《The Tale of Hachiko》 will definitely suppress it!”
“Suppress it? Far more than just suppress it!”
Another secretary chimed in, his young face filled with a sense of shared pride: “I even feel that our 《The Tale of Hachiko》 won’t just suppress 《Super Defense Robot》! It will even break the cultural hegemony of American films in our Japanese film market! It will become our Japanese culture’s… first shot to go global and conquer the world!”
“Yes! Japan can finally make movies that surpass those of Americans!”
“Hiroshi Nohara, he is truly Japan’s pride!”
“He is the one who can truly represent Japanese culture to the world and conquer America!”
For a moment, the meeting room was filled with various intense discussions.
Everyone was stunned by these astonishing numbers, their eyes filled with expectation and fanaticism.
The heartfelt excitement, the pride in their country and nation, made even these seasoned politicians somewhat lose control.
After all, Japanese people really longed to surpass the United States!
However, amidst this atmosphere of fanaticism and passion, Koike Ryuichi suddenly cleared his throat.
Though the sound was not loud, it was like a morning bell or a Buddha drum, instantly quieting the commotion in the meeting room.
All eyes turned in unison to Koike Ryuichi.
The shrewd and competent secretary beside him immediately understood.
He stood up abruptly, his young face now filled with seriousness and solemnity.
“Everyone! Please mind your words!”
The secretary’s voice, with its authority, instantly cooled down the fervent atmosphere in the meeting room: “The United States is our ally! The relationship between us and the United States is complementary! What we should do is learn from each other and progress together, not attack or denigrate each other!”
His words were resonant, each syllable filled with power.
The meeting room fell into a deathly silence.
Everyone stood frozen, all fanaticism gone from their faces, replaced by an appropriate “fear” and “cooperation.”
“Yes! We understand!”
“Indeed, we misspoke just now!”
“The United States is our ally, we should respect them!”
Everyone nodded, their voices filled with respect and obedience.
However, deep in their eyes, a hint of imperceptible mockery and amusement flickered.
They exchanged glances, seeing the same “tacit understanding” in each other’s eyes.
They knew that the secretary’s words were merely official platitudes, said for “invisible” ears to hear.
They also knew that speaking against the United States in such a context was absolutely forbidden.
This was the deepest “unspoken rule” in Japanese politics.
But, in their hearts, their dislike and hostility towards the United States had never changed.
They yearned to surpass the United States, to break free from American control, to make Japan a truly independent and autonomous nation.
And Hiroshi Nohara, along with his 《The Tale of Hachiko》, had given them a glimpse of this possibility.
They saw Japanese culture rising and soaring in an unprecedented manner.
They saw a future for Japan filled with infinite hope.
Koike Ryuichi watched their “tacit understanding” expressions, and the seriousness and solemnity on his face gradually gave way to a heartfelt joy.
He rubbed his chin with his long fingers again, a hint of smugness flashing in his deep eyes.
He was also happy to defeat the United States.
It was just that his current position was too sensitive; if it were known, he would surely be forced to apologize or even resign.
The United States would not allow politicians with anti-American sentiments to hold high positions in Japan.
This was very clear.
But now, Koike Ryuichi was truly happy, so he slowly raised his glass, his voice as steady and powerful as an ancient bell.
“Everyone, let us raise our glasses together!”
Koike Ryuichi said with a smile: “To the rise of Japanese culture, to the future of Japan, and also to the great success achieved by Tokyo Television Station and Mr. Hiroshi Nohara… Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
Everyone responded in unison, their voices filled with fighting spirit and passion.
…
“Honestly, Your Excellency the Governor.”
The shrewd and competent campaign consultant’s professional calmness had long since vanished.
Holding his wine glass, a near-fanatical light flickered in his eyes: “I even feel that our previous campaign strategy was too conservative! We should immediately adjust our direction and make ‘loyalty’ and ‘familial affection’ the core concepts of this election! This is simply… tailor-made for your image!”
As soon as he finished speaking, it was met with a chorus of agreement.
“Mr. Yamamoto is right!” another young staff member in charge of public opinion analysis said, his cheeks flushed with excitement: “I’ve already had my subordinates collect initial feedback from people in various regions! The discussions about 《The Tale of Hachiko》 are now overwhelming! Everyone is discussing Hachiko’s loyalty, everyone is discussing Professor Ueno’s kindness! In fact, some people have already spontaneously organized to go to the Hachiko statue at Shibuya Station to lay flowers!”
He paused, his tone becoming even more excited: “Most importantly, when people discuss these things, they unconsciously mention you, Your Excellency the Governor! They all say that you adopted Hachi, that you are also a caring and responsible person! They all say that you are like Professor Ueno in the movie, warm and reliable!”
“Yes! Your Excellency the Governor!” a woman in her forties, who appeared steady and composed, couldn’t help but speak: “I also received calls from a few female friends earlier. They never had any interest in politics before! But after watching the movie, they cried for a long time on the phone! They also said that they will definitely vote for you in this election! Because they feel that someone who can be moved by a dog’s loyalty, someone who is willing to adopt a stray dog, must be a trustworthy leader!”
“I even think we should immediately contact some pet stores and launch ‘Hachiko look-alike’ Akita dogs!” A consultant in charge of business cooperation, now incoherent with excitement, his shrewd eyes flashing with the characteristic gleam of a businessman: “Then, we can collaborate with pet stores for a ‘Adopt, Don’t Buy’ charity event! This will greatly enhance your approachable image and your sense of social responsibility!”
“That’s a great idea!”
“Exactly! We can even leverage this heat to promote the animal protection bill in Tokyo Metropolis! This is tangible political achievement!”
“Yes! Then, we can collaborate with Tokyo Television Station to produce a documentary about caring for stray animals! The effect would be unimaginable!”
For a moment, the meeting room was filled with various intense discussions.
These usually calm and rational, strategizing political elites, were now seemingly ignited by 《The Tale of Hachiko》, their minds bursting with countless creative and passionate campaign proposals.
Koike Ryuichi listened quietly to their discussion, the deep smile on his face growing more intense, and finally nodded with a smile and said, “Well, let’s do that. You draft a plan.”
Tying his political image to The Tale of Hachiko, Koike Ryuichi now realized he had indeed made the right choice!
…
Meanwhile, in West Omagari Village, Omagari City, Akita Prefecture, far from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.
Night had long since fallen, and sparse stars dotted the dark blue velvet sky, enveloping the quiet countryside in peace.
In the old house of the Nohara family, the lights were bright, and warm orange glows emanated from the windows, dispelling some of the chill in the yard.
Inside, a “war” belonging to Ginnosuke Nohara was raging.
“No! Absolutely not!”
Tsuru Nohara stood with her hands on her hips, her eyebrows raised, her well-maintained face showing unwavering resolve.
She glared at the bald old man before her, who was holding a wine bottle with a shameless expression, her voice clear and strong: “You’ve already had three cups! And you said yourself that was the last one! A great man keeps his word!”
“Oh, Tsuru-chan! Don’t be so stingy!”
Ginnosuke Nohara, the “old rogue” of the Nohara family, was now like a child who hadn’t gotten his candy, pouting and shaking the wine bottle in his hand. His eyes, always full of vitality, were now filled with grievance and longing.
What he held was that expensive top-grade sake—Juyondai.
The crystal-clear liquor sloshed gently in the bottle, exuding a rich aroma of rice that was enough to make one’s mouth water just by smelling it.
“This is from my son Hiroshi, who specifically brought it back for me from Tokyo! It’s to honor me, his father!”
Ginnosuke Nohara proclaimed righteously, his voice so loud it nearly shook the roof: “What’s wrong with me having another drink? I’m drinking my son’s sake, it’s only natural! You, as the mother, can’t deprive me of my right to enjoy family bliss!”
His twisted logic was presented so convincingly, as if he were the one in the right.
Tsuru Nohara was exasperated to the point of not knowing whether to laugh or cry. She poked his forehead with her finger, saying crossly, “How dare you! Hiroshi bought you such good sake for you to savor, not to drink like water! Look at you, in just a few days, you’ve nearly finished a whole bottle! If Hiroshi found out, he’d think I, as the mother, hadn’t kept a good eye on you, you old drunkard!”
“How am I an old drunkard?!” Ginnosuke Nohara retorted stubbornly, puffing out his chest, looking like a rooster that had lost a fight: “This is… this is savoring life! Savoring my son’s filial piety towards me! You wouldn’t understand!”
“I’m too lazy to talk to you!” Tsuru Nohara shot him a glance, but a hint of fond amusement couldn’t be hidden in her eyes.
Watching her husband’s childish antics, she felt both annoyed and amused. In the end, she sighed helplessly and took the wine bottle from his hand.
“Just a small cup! It’s really the last one!” she said, picking up a small sake cup and carefully pouring him a drink.
The clear liquor shimmered under the light, like the finest nectar.
“Hehehehe! Tsuru-chan, you’re the best!” Ginnosuke Nohara’s face lit up instantly. He took the cup with the utmost care, as if holding a rare treasure, his shifty eyes gleaming with pride.
He brought the cup to his nose tip, inhaling deeply the rich aroma of the sake, and a look of intoxication spread across his face.
“Mmm! Delicious! It’s truly delicious!” He smacked his lips and took a small sip, his satisfaction as if he owned the world.
Tsuru Nohara shook her head, unable to help herself, as she watched his self-satisfied expression, but her face beamed with a happy smile.
She knew that this old man, though sharp-tongued, loved this family and their two sons more than anyone.
“Alright, you’ve had your drink, let’s talk business.” Tsuru Nohara sat down next to her husband, her tone becoming serious. “I just heard from Hiroshi that Hiroshi called him again. He said we should prepare to sell Akita dogs during this period. You, as the father, should also go to the base and keep an eye on things, so those young people don’t mess it up.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, got it, got it.” Ginnosuke Nohara waved his hand dismissively. He was currently immersed in the deliciousness of Juyondai and couldn’t hear anything else.
He pouted, his tone tinged with disdain: “Hiroshi is the big president now! He manages over eighty people! The Akita dog breeding base alone has over thirty people! Do I, an old man, need to supervise them? If they can’t even handle this small matter, they might as well close shop early!”
He paused and then muttered in a low voice, “Besides, it’s just selling a few Akita dogs, what’s there to make such a fuss about. Our Akita Prefecture is full of Akita dogs, what kind of gimmick can we come up with?”
Tsuru Nohara let out a long sigh upon hearing this.
She knew that her husband, while skilled at farming, was completely clueless when it came to business acumen.
“What do you know!” Tsuru Nohara shot him a cross look, her tone laced with the frustration of someone who couldn’t make their charge live up to their potential: “This isn’t just selling dogs! This is a grand strategy laid out by our Hiroshi!”
She paused, her tone becoming solemn, and a light flickered in her usually gentle eyes: “Hiroshi said that what we’re selling now isn’t the Akita dogs themselves, but… the qualifications for ‘bloodline’ and ‘grading’ of future Akita dogs!”
“‘Bloodline? Grading?'” Ginnosuke Nohara’s face showed confusion at this. He scratched his thinning hair, his eyes full of bewilderment.
“Yes, bloodline and grading.” Tsuru Nohara nodded. Although she didn’t quite understand these business dealings, Hiroshi had explained it clearly to her on the phone.
“Hiroshi said that as long as we control the authority to assess Akita dog bloodlines and categorize them, then the entire Neon Akita dog market will be controlled by our Nohara Family! If we say a dog has a pure bloodline, it’s worth a fortune! If we say a dog is a mongrel, it’s worthless!”
“At that time, what we’ll be selling won’t just be dogs, but a standard, an authority, a… intangible power that can control the entire market!”
As Tsuru Nohara spoke, a proud smile appeared on her face.
She felt a genuine sense of pride in having a son with such far-reaching plans.
However, after hearing this, Ginnosuke Nohara simply stood there blankly, looking at his wife and then at the wine glass in his hand, feeling as if his brain, already numbed by alcohol, had completely shut down.
“You… what you’re saying… I… I don’t understand a single word!” Ginnosuke Nohara felt like he was listening to gibberish.
Just then, the door to the inner room was pushed open.
Hiroshi Nohara, the eldest son of the Nohara family, walked in with a simple smile.
His dark face carried an air of sincerity and honesty.
“Dad, Mom, what are you talking about?” he asked with a smile.
“We’re talking about your brother’s ‘grand plan’.” Tsuru Nohara said with a smile. She glanced at her husband, who was still in a state of bewilderment, and her tone held a hint of helplessness: “Your dad, he just doesn’t understand.”
“Hehe, Mom, don’t make Dad feel bad.” Hiroshi Nohara chuckled innocently. He scratched his head, a sheepish smile appearing on his face: “To be honest, even I don’t quite understand what Hiroshi is saying.”
He paused, but his tone became exceptionally firm: “However, I understand one thing. That is, as long as it’s arranged by Hiroshi, and we follow it, we absolutely won’t go wrong!”
“Yes! That’s right! Hiroshi is right!”
Ginnosuke Nohara slapped his thigh loudly upon hearing this, as if he had found a kindred spirit. His shifty eyes once again gleamed with pride: “Our Hiroshi is a genius! What he says must be right! We just need to listen to him, and we’ll definitely get rich!”
Tsuru Nohara looked at the two men before her, who were filled with blind trust in Hiroshi, and a helpless yet happy smile spread across her face.
She knew that this home, though simple, was filled with the most sincere family affection and trust.
“Alright, alright, I know you both trust Hiroshi.” Tsuru Nohara sighed lightly. She looked at Ginnosuke Nohara, her tone a reminder: “However, you, as the father-in-law, should also pay attention to your image. Fortunately, Miss Ikuna didn’t come today; otherwise, seeing you drunk like this, she’d think our Nohara family has no rules.”
“Oh! You old woman, you’re so nagging!” Ginnosuke Nohara waved his hand impatiently, pouting with disdain: “In a while, I’ll buy Hiroshi a piece of land, and let him and Ikuna build their own house and move out! Then, the two old folks will live our own good lives! No one will bother anyone!”
As he spoke, he winked at Tsuru Nohara.
His roguish demeanor made Tsuru Nohara’s cheeks blush crimson.
“You… what nonsense are you spouting!” Tsuru Nohara glared at him angrily, her voice betraying a hint of unspoken flirtation: “Hiroshi is still here! You… you’re truly disrespectful for your age!”
Hiroshi Nohara stood to the side, watching his parents’ “flirtatious banter” with a helpless wry smile.
He knew that his father was simply that kind of person.
He quickly took out a thick stack of newspapers from his briefcase, trying to change the subject.
“Dad, Mom, look quickly!” Hiroshi Nohara said with a simple smile, handing the newspapers to his parents, his tone full of pride: “These are all newspapers I bought from the city today! They’re all about Hiroshi, about his 《The Tale of Hachiko》!”
“Oh?!”
Ginnosuke Nohara’s eyes lit up instantly. He snatched the newspapers, his shifty eyes gleaming with excitement.
He looked at the eye-catching headlines, the handsome photos of Hiroshi Nohara, and the text filled with praise and amazement, his pride now impossible to hide.
“Hahaha! I knew it! Our Hiroshi is a genius!”
Ginnosuke Nohara burst into laughter, his voice wanting to carry across the entire village: “Look! Look! Everything written here is praising our Hiroshi! ‘Cultural Monster,’ ‘Pride of Neon,’ ‘Conquering the World’! Hahaha! My son, Ginnosuke Nohara’s son, is awesome!”
As he spoke, he carefully folded the newspapers and put them in his embrace, looking like a squirrel hoarding a full granary.
“Hehehe, that’s great, tomorrow I’ll have something to brag about at the village head’s place!” He chuckled slyly, his pride practically bursting out of him.
Tsuru Nohara watched her husband’s self-satisfied expression with a helpless yet happy smile.
She knew this old man was going to go to the village and “throw his weight around” again.
However, at that moment, a sudden phone ringtone broke the warm and lively atmosphere in the room.
Hiroshi Nohara took out his mobile phone and glanced at the caller ID. A look of surprise flashed across his honest face.
“It’s Mayor Kenji Ito of Omagari City,” he said softly, a hint of nervousness in his tone.
As soon as he finished speaking, the room, which had been filled with family warmth and the playful bickering of an old couple, seemed to have its air instantly sucked out, falling into a peculiar silence.
Ginnosuke Nohara’s old face, flushed with pride and alcohol, instantly returned to normal. He even subconsciously straightened his back, and his usually darting shifty eyes became serious, all trace of mischief gone.
He glanced at the mobile phone in his son’s hand, his eyes looking at it like a hot potato that could explode at any moment.
Tsuru Nohara reacted even faster. Without a moment’s hesitation, she reached out and pinched the soft flesh on the waist of the still-dazed old man, not too hard, not too light.
“Hiss—”
Ginnosuke Nohara gasped, all the alcohol leaving him instantly. He clamped his mouth shut, his expression like a naughty student caught daydreaming in class.
Tsuru Nohara then withdrew her hand with satisfaction. She gave her elder son, Hiroshi Nohara, an encouraging and somewhat urging look, signaling him to answer the phone quickly.
The mistress of the Nohara household was always calm and reliable at critical moments.
Hiroshi Nohara took a deep breath, suppressing all the surprise and nervousness in his heart. He knew that this call was not just a greeting from the mayor, but an invisible “test” for him and the entire Nohara Family Co., Ltd.
He pressed the answer button, and a perfectly appropriate look of respect and composure appeared on his honest face.
“Moshi moshi （Hello）, Mayor Ito, good evening. This is Hiroshi Nohara.” His voice was steady and strong, without any panic. His composure indeed had a hint of a mature president’s demeanor.
“Oh my! Hiroshi-kun! Good evening, good evening!” Kenji Ito’s voice came from the other end of the line, full of enthusiasm and closeness, as if it weren’t the mayor calling a businessman from a subordinate region, but a close elder greeting a junior: “I’m so sorry to bother you so late!”
“Mayor, you are too kind.” Hiroshi Nohara’s tone was respectful: “Please give me any instructions.”
“Instructions, not really, not really!” Kenji Ito laughed heartily on the phone, his voice tinged with the politician’s characteristic smoothness and bitterness: “Hiroshi-kun, I’m actually calling you because… I have a personal matter, and I’d like to ask for your help.”
“Help?” Hiroshi Nohara’s heart stirred slightly at the words. He knew the main point was coming.
“Yes, help.” Kenji Ito sighed deeply, his voice filled with helplessness and a headache: “Hiroshi-kun, your brother Hiroshi-kun’s 《The Tale of Hachiko》 is really… too popular now! Incredibly popular!”
He paused, his tone becoming even more bitter: “My old friends in Tokyo are all acting like crazy people, calling me every day! They all say Akita dogs are so cute and loyal! They all want to raise one! And they insist that I, the mayor of Omagari City, get them a few Akita dogs with the purest bloodline and the best appearance!”
“You see, how could I, as the mayor, refuse? But I don’t have any Akita dogs on hand! I can’t just go around and grab a few from the street, can I? So, Hiroshi-kun, that’s why I’ve shamelessly called you. Can you… help me with this favor?”
Kenji Ito’s words were sincere and flawless.
He cleverly packaged his “selfishness” as a “helpless” “favor,” preserving his own dignity while subtly shifting the pressure onto Hiroshi Nohara.
Hiroshi Nohara listened quietly, his honest face showing no reaction.
However, in his mind, the words his younger brother Hiroshi had said on the phone instantly resurfaced—
“Big brother, our Akita dogs should take a high-end route. If ordinary people want to buy them, that’s fine, but it should be limited, to create a sense of scarcity. However, for those important figures, like the mayor, like the Agricultural Association President, we should not only sell to them but also gift them! What we’re gifting isn’t dogs, but human relations, connections, and the foundation for our Nohara Family Co., Ltd. to establish itself in Omagari City, Akita Prefecture, and even all of Neon in the future!”
With this thought, Hiroshi Nohara instantly made his decision.
He knew this wasn’t just a “favor,” but an opportunity.
A golden opportunity to deeply bind the Nohara Family Co., Ltd. with the highest authority in Omagari City!
“Mayor, you jest.” Hiroshi Nohara’s voice rang out again, his composure and confidence causing even Kenji Ito on the other end of the line to feel a subtle hint of surprise: “This is hardly a favor, this is clearly a recognition of our Nohara Family Co., Ltd.!”
He paused, his tone becoming more sincere: “Mayor, please rest assured. I happen to have a batch of excellent, pure-blooded Akita dogs. How about this, I’ll set aside twenty heads for you, no, twenty-five heads! What do you say? These twenty-five Akita dogs, consider them a New Year’s gift from me, Hiroshi Nohara, on behalf of our Nohara Family Co., Ltd.!”
“What?! Gift… gift to me?!”
Kenji Ito’s voice instantly rose an octave, his tone filled with disbelief and ecstasy!
He had initially expected that Hiroshi Nohara would at most agree to sell him a few, or perhaps even use this opportunity to negotiate some conditions and ask for policy support.
But he never expected that Hiroshi Nohara would be so… so “on the ball”!
Not only did he agree to twenty-five heads at once, but he was giving them away for free!
This… this was like pie falling from the sky!
He knew that his old friends in Tokyo were of much higher status and rank than himself.
To call them friends.
It was bragging on his part.
Now, receiving twenty-five top-blooded Akita dogs would also be a huge help to his political career!
“Yes, Mayor.”
Hiroshi Nohara’s voice remained calm and composed, as if what he had just given away wasn’t “scarce resources” worth over twenty million yen, but just a few worthless radishes: “You are the mayor of our Omagari City, and you work tirelessly for the development of Omagari City. We entrepreneurs are honored to be able to share your burdens.”
“Oh my! Hiroshi-kun! You… you are really… too kind!”
Kenji Ito laughed excitedly, he even couldn’t help but stand up from his seat, his face, which always wore an official smile, now etched with genuine gratitude, “Hiroshi-kun! This time, you have truly… helped me a great deal! I, Kenji Ito, will remember this favor!”
