Chapter 203: Tokyo Tv Top-level Decision Meeting! President Shimazu Arrives! About The Tokyo City Election!
When Tokyo Television officially announced that the live-action drama “Late-night Diner,” personally adapted by Hiroshi Nohara, would officially broadcast this Friday at 9 PM in the late prime time slot.
The entire media landscape of Japan was like a depth charge with its fuse lit, shattering all calmness and inertia in an instant, creating colossal waves.
The newspapers, still warm with the aroma of ink from the printing press, almost simultaneously thrust this news, with the most eye-catching and imaginative headlines, before the eyes of tens of millions of Tokyo citizens.
The culture section’s front page of “Tokyo Daily” carried a headline that was measured and peaceful, yet every word was a gem, filled with anticipation for the upcoming ratings battle:
“Late-night Diner” to be adapted into a live-action drama, can Hiroshi Nohara’s “healing” new chapter continue the ratings legend?
“As ‘The Tale of Hachiko’ swept across the big screen with its heartwarming story, and its box office performance soared, Tokyo Television’s ace producer, Hiroshi Nohara, once again demonstrated his astonishing creative energy and market insight.
His personally created manga “Late-night Diner,” which had already achieved legendary status among urban white-collar workers, has been confirmed to be adapted into a live-action television drama, scheduled to air this Friday at 9 PM.
This move is widely seen by the industry as another important strategic move by Tokyo Television in the emerging ‘warm and healing’ content sector.
Film critic Kazuma Kurosawa expressed cautious optimism: ‘Hiroshi Nohara’s cinematic language always has a magical power to transform the mundane. He excels at unearthing the most touching emotional resonance points in the most ordinary daily life. However, adapting a manga into a live-action drama, especially a work like “Late-night Diner” with a large and loyal readership, is as difficult as walking a tightrope. Any deviation in detail could trigger a backlash from original fans. Hiroshi Nohara has undoubtedly chosen a highly challenging self-imposed test this time.'”
…
In contrast, the editorial in “Yomiuri Shimbun” was more direct, pointing the finger squarely at the other party in this confrontation, full of gunpowder:
“Sharp Sword vs. New Shield: Tokyo Television’s “Late-night Diner” Faces Off Against Tokyo City Television’s Heartwarming Project, Factional Struggle Surfaces!”
“It is worth noting that the scheduling of “Late-night Diner” is not an isolated program arrangement.
Just a few days ago, ‘Tokyo City Television,’ initiated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Publicity Department and jointly funded by several real estate giants including Kirin Group, high-profilely announced the launch of a heartwarming drama titled ‘Nan Dao A Feng and His Beloved Dog,’ starring popular idol Shunsuke Kamiki.
Two works with similar themes and overlapping target audiences colliding head-on at the same time, the deeper meaning is self-evident.
Professor Taro Yamada, a social observer, pointed out: ‘This has gone beyond simple commercial competition; it is a direct power struggle between two major political and cultural factions. Tokyo Television, as an important public opinion base for Governor Koike’s re-election, its influence is undeniable. And the newly established Tokyo City Television, behind it stands another force that differs from Governor Koike in their urban development philosophy. The outcome of this ratings battle may have a subtle yet far-reaching impact on the future political landscape of the Tokyo Metropolis.'”
…
The most professional film review magazine, “Eiga Shunpo,” however, from an artistic creation perspective, made a calm yet ruthless prediction about this upcoming confrontation:
“Perfectly Rendered” or “Ruined in Spirit and Form”? The Casting Paradox of “Late-night Diner” Live-Action Adaptation
“Setting aside all commercial and political distractions, let’s return to the work itself. The success or failure of the live-action adaptation of “Late-night Diner” depends ninety percent on the casting of ‘the Boss,’ the soul of the character. He must be a collection of contradictions, an ‘outsider’ living in the world of everyday life. Can Hiroshi Nohara find the one who can carry the fantasies of countless readers? This will be the decisive factor in determining the ultimate fate of this drama.
Meanwhile, its rival, “Nan Dao A Feng and His Beloved Dog,” has chosen a completely different path. They hold Shunsuke Kamiki, a ‘beauty ace’ with absolute appeal among young audiences.
This is undoubtedly a direct clash between ‘acting skills’ and ‘appearance,’ ‘substance’ and ‘traffic.’ Will Hiroshi Nohara’s deep healing resonate more deeply, or will Shunsuke Kamiki’s idol aura capture more attention? This Friday night, we wait and see.”
…
Suddenly, newspapers, magazines, television… all media spotlights were focused on this Friday night.
A war without visible smoke had already begun.
And the ordinary citizens caught in the vortex of public opinion, their discussions seemed more direct and filled with the flavor of life.
“Hey, did you hear? This Friday night, Tokyo Television and that… Tokyo City Television are going head-to-head!”
In the crowded subway car in the early morning, two young men in suits, holding onto the handrails, were chatting excitedly about gossip.
“Tokyo City Television? What’s that? Newly established? Why does its name sound so similar to Tokyo Television? Someone who doesn’t know might think it’s a fake!”
“Who knows! Anyway, I heard it’s something the City Government is behind, with strong backing! They’ve hired Shunsuke Kamiki to film a drama about a dog, called ‘Nan Dao A Feng and His Beloved Dog.’ It sounds like it’s also in the warm and healing category.”
“Shunsuke Kamiki? The pretty boy who acted in ‘Tokyo Love Story’? He can act? I always thought he was good for nothing except looking good?”
“Hahahaha! Don’t let your female colleagues at the office hear you say that, or you won’t even get your lunch box today! But seriously, my girlfriend really likes him. She’s always at home shouting ‘Shunsuke-kun is so handsome,’ it’s driving me crazy.”
“Tch, can good looks feed you? I’m still more looking forward to Minister Nohara’s ‘Late-night Diner’! I’ve followed that manga from beginning to end! It’s my spiritual food! If the drama can capture even half the flavor of the manga, I’ll be satisfied!”
“Half? You’re underestimating Minister Nohara too much! I’m telling you, anything he films will never disappoint! I bet five hundred yen that ‘Late-night Diner’ will completely crush that ‘Nan Dao A Feng’!”
“Deal! It’s a bet! But speaking of which, the names of these two television stations are too similar. We’ll have to watch carefully when we watch programs, don’t want to accidentally contribute ratings to the competitor!”
“Haha, that’s true!”
Similar conversations were happening all over Tokyo.
People’s curiosity had been fully ignited, they were filled with questions about this newly emerging “Tokyo City Television” and also filled with anticipation for this upcoming “king’s duel.”
…
Tokyo City Television, Headquarters Building.
This recently completed building, constructed entirely of glass curtain walls and steel structures, shimmered with an icy, modern glow in the sunlight, forming a stark contrast with the historically imposing Tokyo Television Building visible in the distance, separated by a district.
In the top-floor conference room, the atmosphere was solemn and oppressive.
Mayor of Tokyo City, Mikami Tanaka, was seated at the head of the table.
He wore a dark, high-quality kimono, and his face, etched with the furrows of time, was calm, but his sharp, hawk-like eyes scanned everyone present like the most precise radar.
To his left sat the portly Kirin Group Chairman, Tokugawa Sato, whose physique resembled a small mountain, along with several other magnates who held sway in Tokyo’s real estate industry.
They were the largest investors in this television station and Mikami Tanaka’s most steadfast “moneybags.”
To his right were his core campaign team members, and the station manager, Takahashi, who had resigned from the Tokyo Metropolis publicity system to join them.
“Everyone,” Mikami Tanaka’s voice, as steady and powerful as an ancient bell, immediately commanded the solemn atmosphere of the conference room, “In less than two hours, our Tokyo City Television will officially launch. Our first battle is the decisive battle. This shot must be fired, and it must be fired beautifully.”
He paused, casting his sharp gaze at Takahashi beside him, “Mr. Takahashi, are all the publicity arrangements in place? I want every citizen of Tokyo to know that tonight belongs to us, Tokyo City Television.”
“Yes! Mayor!” Takahashi bowed immediately in response, his efficiency and composure clearly honed by years in politics. “All publicity channels have been fully deployed. Whether it’s newspapers, magazines, or outdoor billboards, it’s already our “Nan Dao A Feng and His Beloved Dog” everywhere. Furthermore, we have conducted in-depth cooperation with Shunsuke Kamiki’s fan club, and they have organized large-scale online support activities to ensure tonight’s ratings skyrocket!”
“Excellent,” Mikami Tanaka nodded with satisfaction, yet the solemnity in his brow did not dissipate.
He seemed to recall something else, a barely perceptible shadow flashing in his sharp eyes.
“However, I heard some not-so-good news this morning,” he said slowly, his voice seeming to lower the temperature in the entire conference room.
Everyone’s heart leaped.
“The former station manager of Tokyo Television, Shimazu… he is coming out of retirement to participate in this mayoral election.”
“What?!” Tokugawa Sato was the first to exclaim, disbelief etched on his plump face. “Shimazu? Didn’t that old guy go into the ICU from exhaustion after losing the last election? How dare he show up again?!”
“Yes! Mr. Mayor!” another real estate magnate chimed in, a deep disdain appearing on his face, which usually wore a gentle smile. “He already lost to you last time! Coming out again this time is just like a mantis trying to stop a chariot, seeking his own humiliation! We don’t need to pay him any mind at all!”
“Exactly! What can an old guy whose health is failing possibly do?”
“Indeed! How can he compete with us? In terms of financial resources, we can crush him! In terms of influence, we have Shunsuke Kamiki as our ace! What does he have?”
The conference room was instantly filled with voices of contempt and mockery.
In their eyes, Shimazu’s comeback was merely the final struggle of a loser unwilling to accept defeat, nothing to fear.
However, Mikami Tanaka simply shook his head slowly, and the solemnity on his wrinkled face deepened.
“You still underestimate him,” he said in a deep voice, his words like the coldest reality, shattering everyone’s fantasies. “Last night, I received a call from within the Liberal Democratic Party. The person on the phone told me that old Shimazu is not sick at all! His so-called ‘heart failure’ last time was just a ruse he staged! It was all to deliver a fatal blow to us when we least expect it!”
“What?! Pretending to be sick?!” Tokugawa Sato’s eyes widened instantly.
“This… this is impossible, right?! Does that old guy have that much depth?”
“Most importantly!” Mikami Tanaka’s voice became even more serious, his jealousy and unwillingness almost erupting from his body. “The person on the phone also said that last month, old Shimazu secretly traveled to the United States with the Liberal Democratic Party’s publicity department!”
“The United States?!”
This word exploded in the conference room like a nuclear bomb!
Everyone stood frozen, their faces devoid of contempt and mockery, replaced by a fear that went bone-deep!
“What… what did he go to the United States for?!” Takahashi’s voice trembled slightly.
“What else could he be doing?” Mikami Tanaka sneered, his voice filled with self-deprecation and… anger. “Shimazu, having been the station manager of Tokyo Television for twenty years, has unimaginable connections and influence internationally, especially in the United States! His trip to the United States this time is clearly to fetch reinforcements! He wants to use American power to interfere with our Tokyo City elections!”
He slammed his fist on the table, his hawk-like sharp eyes burning with rage. “That old guy, for power, he’s not even hesitant to… invite a wolf into the house!”
“But, Mayor!” the real estate magnate said, still somewhat unwillingly, “Even if he has American backing, so what? Times have changed! You are now the Mayor of Tokyo City! You have contributed so much to Tokyo City’s development over the years! The citizens’ eyes are sharp! They will never cast their votes for a traitor who colludes with foreign forces!”
“Yes! Mr. Mayor! Please don’t worry! We will wholeheartedly support you!”
“That’s right! We have money! We have land! We have people! We will definitely not lose to that old guy!”
The conference room was once again filled with impassioned declarations.
However, in Mikami Tanaka’s heart, the unease remained like a lingering shadow.
“Better safe than sorry,” he sighed, a trace of fatigue in his breath.
He looked at Tokugawa Sato, his gaze filled with warning and expectation.
“Mr. Sato, tonight’s battle is crucial. This “Nan Dao A Feng and His Beloved Dog” from your Kirin Entertainment Agency is not just a drama; it is our… bugle call to launch the first counterattack!”
“Success is the only option, failure is not! Do you understand?!”
“Yes! Mr. Mayor! Please rest assured!” Tokugawa Sato bowed again, his attitude respectful yet full of confidence. “Shunsuke Kamiki’s charm is enough to drive all the women in Japan crazy! Tonight, we are guaranteed to win!”
“Mmm,” Mikami Tanaka nodded slowly, relieved.
However, just as he was about to pick up his tea cup to calm himself, his heart suddenly skipped a beat for no reason.
It felt as if an invisible hand had tightly gripped him, causing a sense of inexplicable panic.
He subconsciously glanced out the window.
In the distance, the historically imposing Tokyo Television Building stood quietly in the night.
It was like a silent giant, staring at them coldly with eyes full of mockery and disdain.
That gaze sent a chilling sensation through Mikami Tanaka.
He suddenly felt a lack of confidence.
…
Tokyo Television, Production Bureau.
However, just as Hiroshi Nohara finished his call with his elder brother and was about to enjoy a moment of peace, the red internal telephone on his desk abruptly shattered the office’s tranquility with its urgent ringing.
Hiroshi Nohara’s eyebrows slightly raised, and he picked up the phone.
“Hello, it’s me.”
“Minister! It’s me, Kitagawa!” On the other end, Yō Kitagawa’s voice carried an undercurrent of barely suppressed tension. “Director Sakata has just issued a top-level meeting notice! All bureau chiefs, deputy directors, and department heads above the ministerial level from the Production Bureau, Programming Bureau, Reporting Bureau, Business Bureau… are required to attend a meeting in conference room seventeen on the top floor immediately! No one is allowed to be absent!”
Hearing this, a barely perceptible surprise flashed in Hiroshi Nohara’s usually calm eyes.
All bureau heads and key ministers attending?
This was not an ordinary departmental meeting, but the highest-level decision-making meeting for the entire Tokyo Television.
“I understand,” he simply replied calmly, then hung up the phone.
He stood up, tidied his simple white t-shirt, and then walked out of the office.
In the vast office area of the Independent Production Department, discussions were already rife with speculation and unease.
“Hey, hey, did you hear? The director suddenly summoned all senior executives for a meeting! This is the highest-level meeting!”
“Something big must have happened! I just saw Director Fujita of the Programming Bureau with a pale face!”
“I heard that even those first-class directors who are usually out filming on location have been urgently recalled!”
When Hiroshi Nohara’s tall and upright figure appeared in their sight, all the murmurs instantly ceased.
Everyone subconsciously stood up and bowed respectfully to him.
“Minister!”
Hiroshi Nohara simply nodded lightly in acknowledgment and then walked directly towards the elevator.
The elevator slowly ascended, the numbers on the red LCD screen ticking by.
It stopped on the seventeenth floor, and the elevator doors opened slowly.
The corridor was already crowded with people.
These people were, without exception, the power brokers of Tokyo Television’s various departments, the core individuals who truly controlled the operations of this massive media machine.
They gathered in twos and threes, lowering their voices, yet unable to conceal their anxiety as they exchanged the intelligence they had obtained.
However, when they saw Hiroshi Nohara emerge from the elevator, all conversations, as if by tacit understanding, stopped again.
A stream of complex and reflective gazes, all at once, focused on this extraordinarily young man.
“Oh my, oh my! Hiroshi-kun! You’re finally here!”
Director Fujita of the Programming Bureau, a man in his fifties with a slightly plump build, was the first to greet him with a wide smile.
He enthusiastically patted Hiroshi Nohara on the shoulder, his eyes, always glinting with shrewdness, now filled with genuine admiration. “I just read your manga, “Late-night Diner,” this morning. It’s… amazing! I dare say this drama you’ve adapted will create another ratings legend!”
“Director Fujita, you flatter me,” Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly, his humility and composure perfectly balanced.
“Hiroshi-kun, don’t be so modest!” Director Kuroki of the Reporting Bureau chimed in, a hint of admiration appearing on his usually stern face. “My daughter, who is still in college, is a die-hard fan of your manga! She told me last night that if the drama isn’t good, she’ll organize fans to protest in front of our television station! Hahaha!”
“Hahahaha!”
The corridor instantly erupted in good-natured laughter.
These powerful figures, usually aloof and strategic, now generously expressed their goodwill and recognition towards Hiroshi Nohara.
They knew that this young man before them was no longer a junior they needed to mentor.
He had grown into someone who could stand as an equal, or even… someone they needed to look up to.
“Alright, alright, let’s not stand in the hallway anymore.”
Just then, Asumi’s characteristic voice rang out. He strode over from the other end of the corridor, followed by the calm Shunsuke Takada.
“Hiroshi-kun, come here!” Asumi waved at Hiroshi Nohara, their closeness evident.
Hiroshi Nohara smiled and nodded, weaving through the crowd to stand beside them.
“Deputy Director Asumi, Managing Director Takada.”
“Mmm,” Shunsuke Takada nodded lightly, but a barely perceptible seriousness flashed in his deep eyes.
“Hiroshi-kun, do you know why this meeting is being held today?” Asumi lowered his voice, looking as mysterious as a spy with a world-shattering secret.
“No,” Hiroshi Nohara shook his head.
“Let me tell you, this sudden meeting must mean something huge has happened!” Asumi’s face was full of excitement and gossip. “I heard this is our Tokyo Television’s highest-level meeting! Apart from the time when Director Sakata was announced to fully take charge of the station’s operations, there has never been such a grand meeting!”
Hearing this, a flicker of curiosity also appeared in Hiroshi Nohara’s usually calm eyes.
Just then, the thick wooden door of the conference room was slowly pushed open from the inside.
Nobuhiko Sakata’s secretary stood at the doorway with a stern expression.
“Everyone, please come in.”
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately composed their expressions and entered with steady steps.
Around the large oval conference table, people were already seated.
Nearly thirty top leaders from Tokyo Television’s core departments were sitting in attendance, their expressions solemn.
The invisible pressure seemed to freeze the air in the entire conference room.
Hiroshi Nohara sat down in the designated seat for the Production Bureau, alongside Shunsuke Takada and Asumi.
“Hiroshi-kun,” Shunsuke Takada suddenly leaned in, speaking in a voice only they could hear, softly but with absolute clarity. “Pay attention in a moment. Today… Station Manager Shimazu has returned.”
Station Manager Shimazu?
Hiroshi Nohara’s body tensed imperceptibly.
He naturally knew the name.
Yoshihiro Shimazu, President of Tokyo Broadcasting System Holdings, the nominal highest leader of Tokyo Television.
A legendary figure, rumored to have been “recuperating in the hospital” due to exhaustion after losing the last mayoral election.
He… he’s actually back?
Just as Hiroshi Nohara’s thoughts were racing, the meeting room door was pushed open again.
Everyone instinctively turned their gaze towards the doorway.
Director Nobuhiko Sakata was respectfully escorting a man, slightly stout, looking to be in his sixties, with graying hair but an exceptionally vigorous spirit, slowly walking in.
The man was wearing a simple gray suit, with a gentle smile on his face, but his eyes were as sharp as a falcon’s, as if they could see through all illusions in the world.
“Whoosh—”
Almost at the same time, everyone in the meeting room abruptly stood up from their seats, and then, with deep respect, bowed profoundly to the old man.
“President Shimazu!”
The voices were uniform, filled with awe and surrender from the very depths of their beings.
Hiroshi Nohara also stood up, and bowed slightly to the legendary “supreme leader.”
“Oh my, oh my! Everyone, everyone, please sit down, please sit down!” President Shimazu waved his hand with a smile, his voice gentle and full of warmth, instantly diffusing some of the solemn atmosphere in the meeting room. “Long time no see, is everyone doing well?”
As he spoke, with Nobuhiko Sakata’s assistance, he slowly sat down in the main seat.
“Thanks to you, President, we are all well!” everyone responded in unison.
“That’s good, that’s good.” President Shimazu nodded with a smile, his sharp, falcon-like gaze slowly swept over everyone present, finally landing on Nobuhiko Sakata beside him.
“Sakata-kun,” he said with a smile, his voice filled with the admiration and gratification of an elder towards a junior. “You’ve worked hard during my absence. You’ve done very well, and you haven’t disappointed my expectations. Tokyo Television Station is more vibrant and energetic now than when I was here.”
“You flatter me, President.” Nobuhiko Sakata quickly bowed, his attitude humble and full of respect. “This is all thanks to the good foundation you laid for us. I have merely followed in your footsteps.”
“Hahahahaha!” President Shimazu couldn’t help but laugh out loud at this. He looked at Nobuhiko Sakata, his eyes filled with undisguised satisfaction.
He didn’t exchange any more pleasantries but turned his gaze to everyone present, his gentle demeanor gradually being replaced by an authority befitting a superior.
“Alright, everyone, let’s get down to business,” he said in a deep voice, a voice that seemed to quiet the entire meeting room by several decibels.
He first listened to brief reports from each department regarding recent work.
When he heard that the news programs at Tokyo Television Station now held the number one ratings in the Kanto Region, he nodded with satisfaction.
When he heard that Tokyo Television Station’s overall ratings had surpassed Kanto Television Station, making it the undisputed “Number One in Kanto,” a genuine smile appeared on his face.
However, when the report reached the Production Bureau, and Nobuhiko Sakata began to recount the “glorious deeds” of a young man named Hiroshi Nohara, one by one, even President Shimazu, who had witnessed many ups and downs in life, couldn’t help but show a trace of indescribable shock in his sharp, falcon-like eyes.
“An Shizhi… World of the Strange… Super Change Change Change… Seven Samurai… The Tale of Hachiko… and the upcoming Late-night Diner…”
President Shimazu murmured these names repeatedly. He looked at the personal resume of Hiroshi Nohara in his hand, and a smile of uncontrollable amazement finally appeared on his usually calm face.
“These… these phenomenal works, were they all created by the hand of one young man, only twenty-three years old?” He looked up, his sharp gaze fixed on Hiroshi Nohara, who was sitting not far away, his eyes filled with disbelief and inquiry.
“Yes, President.” Nobuhiko Sakata nodded, looking at Hiroshi Nohara with a sense of shared pride. “Hiroshi-kun is a once-in-a-century genius for Tokyo Television Station, and indeed for the entire neon television industry. The outside world calls him a monster.”
“A monster?” President Shimazu chuckled at the remark. He looked at Hiroshi Nohara, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration. “I think that word is used well! Young people should be like young people! They should be like monsters, to charge, to strive, to break those old rules!”
He paused and then gently beckoned Hiroshi Nohara.
“Nohara-kun, come here.”
Hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara stood up from his seat and, with steady steps, walked to President Shimazu’s side.
“President,” he said, bowing slightly. His composed demeanor, neither servile nor overbearing, made President Shimazu increasingly satisfied.
“Nohara-kun, I’ve read your resume and heard Sakata-kun’s report,” President Shimazu said with a smile, his voice full of the expectations of an elder towards a junior. “You’ve done very well, exceptionally well. You’ve brought unprecedented honor to our Tokyo Television Station with your talent. On behalf of Tokyo Television Station, I thank you.”
“You’re too kind, President,” Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly. “It’s all thanks to the opportunities and platform the television station has given me.”
“Hahahahaha! Good! Well said, not arrogant, not impatient!” President Shimazu laughed heartily. He patted Hiroshi Nohara on the shoulder, a closeness that made everyone present feel both envious and jealous.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, President Shimazu once again turned his gaze to everyone present, his gentle demeanor gradually being replaced by a more profound authority.
“Alright, everyone,” he said in a deep voice, a voice that struck every heart in the room like the most precise hammer blow. “I’ve called you all here today mainly to announce one thing.”
He paused, his gaze sweeping over Nobuhiko Sakata beside him, his sharp eyes filled with undeniable affirmation.
“Starting next month, I will officially resign from all my positions as President of Tokyo Broadcasting System Holdings and Station Manager of Tokyo Television Station.”
“Boom—!”
The words exploded in the meeting room like a nuclear bomb!
“What?!”
“President! You… you’re resigning?!”
“This… how is this possible?!”
“President! Please, you can’t leave!”
Everyone was too excited to speak coherently. They scrambled to stand up, their faces filled with incredulous horror!
However, President Shimazu simply smiled and gently pressed his hand downwards.
His composure and confidence seemed to silence the entire noisy space in an instant.
“Everyone, everyone, please calm down,” he said with a smile, his sharp eyes twinkling with a profound understanding of the world. “I am old, and my health is failing. It’s time to hand over this position to someone younger and more capable.”
He paused, casting a gaze filled with expectation and trust towards Nobuhiko Sakata beside him.
“Starting next month, Nobuhiko Sakata-kun will officially succeed me as the new President of Tokyo Broadcasting System Holdings and the new Station Manager of Tokyo Television Station. I hope you will all support him and assist him, just as you have supported me, to lead our Tokyo Television Station towards an even more glorious future!”
His words were sonorous, each one filled with power.
The meeting room fell into a deathly silence.
Everyone stared blankly at Nobuhiko Sakata, their faces a mixture of shock, envy, and a deep, bone-marrow-felt… surrender.
They knew that from this moment on, Tokyo Television Station would officially enter the era of Nobuhiko Sakata.
The meeting, filled with a transfer of power and personnel changes, lasted for a full two hours.
As the meeting concluded and everyone was still immersed in the immense shock and excitement and preparing to leave, President Shimazu’s gentle yet powerful voice rang out again.
“Nohara-kun, and everyone from the Production Bureau, please stay behind.”
The voice was not loud, but like the most precise musical note, it instantly froze everyone in their tracks.
They exchanged glances, seeing the same confusion and curiosity in each other’s eyes.
They knew that the real show of this meeting might… just be beginning.
But they wouldn’t be part of it.
And when they saw that even Hiroshi Nohara was asked to stay, they exchanged looks of even greater surprise.
However, no one said anything more, and they quickly left the meeting room.
The heavy wooden door slowly closed, as if sealing off an era.
The excitement and agitation from the power transfer in the meeting room quickly dissipated like a receding tide, replaced by a deeper, more solemn silence.
President Shimazu, who had been so vigorous and cheerful moments before, now leaned back in the large leather seat as if his bones had been drained away, looking utterly exhausted.
He slowly unbuttoned the top button of his suit and let out a long sigh, a sigh tinged with an undeniable weariness and age.
His sharp, falcon-like eyes retracted all their sharpness, leaving only a calm, world-weary gaze as he slowly swept over the four people before him.
“Kōike’s election campaign, you all helped from behind the scenes, didn’t you.” President Shimazu’s voice was soft, but like the most precise drumbeat, it struck each person’s heart. “That production, The Tale of Hachiko, was very good, and very successful. I watched it, and I cried.”
Upon hearing this, Sakata, Asumi, and Takada all stiffened, instinctively straightening their backs.
Only Hiroshi Nohara remained seated calmly, as if what President Shimazu was saying was a trivial matter that had nothing to do with him.
“So…” President Shimazu’s gaze finally settled on Sakata, and beneath that calmness, a plea that could not be refused lay hidden. “I’d like to ask you all to help me one more time.”
Sakata’s body trembled violently. He looked at President Shimazu’s weary face, and his shrewd eyes instantly filled with incredulous horror!
“President!” His voice had an imperceptible tremor. “You… you’re going to participate in the election again?!”
“Why not?” A self-mocking curve appeared on President Shimazu’s lips, and beneath that self-mockery lay an unwillingness and anger ready to erupt like a volcano. “I’ve only resigned from my television station positions, I haven’t said I’m leaving politics! I’m just not willing to accept this! Why… why should I lose to Mikami Tanaka!”
“But, President, your health…” Asumi finally couldn’t help but speak, his usually cheerful face now etched with worry. “Didn’t the doctor say you need rest and shouldn’t overexert yourself anymore?”
“Yes, President,” Toshihide Takada chimed in, a rare look of concern appearing on his usually grim face. “Elections are mentally taxing and physically draining, and a single misstep could lead to…”
“Death?” President Shimazu sneered. He slowly straightened up in his seat, and a burning fire reignited in his clouded eyes. “I’d rather die on the battlefield than lie in a hospital bed and watch that guy lord it over our Tokyo Television Station’s territory!”
He slammed the table fiercely, his sharp, falcon-like eyes filled with an undeniable dominance. “Do you think he established that damned ‘Tokyo City Television’ for what reason?! That’s a declaration of war against us! It’s an insult to all of us at Tokyo Television Station! I must avenge this! I will crush him, along with his so-called television station, completely into dust!”
He paused, casting a gaze filled with expectation and pressure at everyone present.
“So, tell me, do you have any good ideas?”
His gaze finally fell upon the young man who had remained silent from beginning to end.
“Nohara-kun.”
President Shimazu’s voice became unprecedentedly solemn.
“What about you? What are your thoughts, you monster?”
PS: Today’s two updates are here. My cousin is getting married tomorrow and the day after, so I’ll need to help out, and updates might be inconsistent. Just a heads-up!
