At the Chiba Prefecture Governor's Office, Madam Yukinoshita was meeting with Governor Morita.
Madam Yukinoshita wore a traditional Japanese kimono. She sat on the reception sofa with a reserved smile and impeccable manners, appearing mature and elegant.
Across from her, Governor Morita wore a professional smile and said warmly, "Madam Yukinoshita, you came in such a hurry to see me. May I ask what this is about?"
He gestured for his secretary to pour two cups of tea.
Seeing his warm expression, Madam Yukinoshita felt her request might succeed. After exchanging a few polite words, she went straight to the point.
"Governor, to be honest, I came this time to ask for your help."
"Oh? What kind of help does Madam Yukinoshita need?"
Governor Morita chuckled. "The Yukinoshita family is an old family in Chiba. Most local real estate developers source their building materials from you, and you also have close ties with major construction companies in other regions."
"Your husband is also a member of the Chiba Prefecture Assembly. If there's something your family cannot handle, it would be even harder for me."
Madam Yukinoshita maintained her polite smile, though she inwardly cursed this old fox.
His words sounded like praise, but they carried hidden meaning.
Moreover, while others might not know the details of the Yukinoshita family, how could the governor not? Their family also cooperated with the prefectural government.
Keeping her expression calm, she said respectfully, "Governor, you are joking. Our family is just an ordinary one in Chiba, nothing like a long-established noble house."
"Our company has encountered some difficulties and urgently needs funds. As a long-standing enterprise in Chiba, we have contributed greatly to the prefecture's tax revenue over the years. This time, we hope to receive official support."
Governor Morita showed a troubled expression. "Madam, I think you may have come to the wrong person. I know your company is facing financial issues, but we are the government, not a bank."
"You should go to a bank for a loan."
Madam Yukinoshita persisted. "Chiba Prefecture has a special fund, and you have the authority to allocate it. I came to request access to that fund."
"The Yukinoshita family is willing to take it as a loan and use our company as collateral. You don't need to worry."
This was her true purpose. That special fund carried almost no interest. If she could borrow it and repay it over several years, it would greatly ease the company's pressure.
Governor Morita sighed. "Madam, it's not that I don't want to help, but as you know, that fund is meant for startups and requires strict review."
"It can only be given to new companies. Your family's business does not meet the requirements. I have no choice. I hope you understand."
Madam Yukinoshita subconsciously clenched her fists.
This was clearly a refusal.
Saying he had no choice was just an excuse. If he truly wanted to help, he could.
As for qualifications, it would be easy to solve. The Yukinoshita family could simply establish a new company to apply.
Since he said this, it meant he did not want to lend it.
Governor Morita then stood up. "Excuse me, Madam, I have another meeting soon and may not have time to continue receiving you."
She understood immediately. This was a dismissal.
Not wanting to tear their relationship apart, she stood up and politely said goodbye.
After she left, Governor Morita did not attend any meeting but sat back down.
His secretary asked, "Governor, why didn't you help the Yukinoshita family? They seem to have a close relationship with Fujiwara-kun, and they need funds. Helping them now would be a good opportunity."
Governor Morita took a sip of tea and frowned. "Idiot. Think more."
"Tell me, does the Fujiwara family lack money?"
The secretary replied quickly, "Of course not. Although they are not known for business, as an old family, their wealth is considerable."
Governor Morita continued, "Then do you think the amount Yukinoshita needs is significant for the Fujiwara family?"
"...Not really. That fund is a very small amount to them."
"Then why didn't Madam Yukinoshita go to the Fujiwara family and instead came to us?"
Governor Morita sneered.
"...Her daughter married Chairman Fujiwara, and she hinted that they have a close relationship with Fujiwara-kun."
"If the relationship were truly that close, such a small matter could be solved with a single word. Why take such a roundabout way?"
"So there are only two possibilities. Either their relationship with Fujiwara is not as close as they claim, or there is some reason they dare not approach him."
"No matter which it is, if I refuse, I only offend the Yukinoshita family. If I agree, I might offend Fujiwara, or even Fujiwara-kun."
"I am not a fool. Even if it is just a possibility, I will not take that risk at this critical moment."
"Shimura has always been at odds with the Yukinoshita family. By refusing them, I am indirectly helping Shimura and gaining his goodwill. It benefits me either way."
The secretary suddenly understood and looked at him with admiration.
As expected of the governor, he saw everything clearly and chose the safest and most beneficial path.
In the end, offending the Yukinoshita family did not matter. The Fujiwara family was untouchable.
"You need to watch, listen, and learn more. You still have a long way to go."
Governor Morita took another sip of tea.
"You're right. I still have much to learn."
...
After the second day of the preliminary competition ended, Toru did not stay out late and returned to the Yukinoshita residence.
Madam Yukinoshita remained as enthusiastic as ever, personally preparing a lavish meal to entertain him.
This time, they did not drink. After dinner, Toru sat with Madam Yukinoshita and her two daughters, watching a prime-time TV drama while chatting casually.
It was past nine before they returned to their rooms.
After washing up, Toru walked to the window in his pajamas.
Chiba was not like Tokyo. Even in central areas, the night was dim, with fewer bright lights.
He took out his phone, about to call someone, when the other party called first, as if sensing his thoughts.
He answered with a smile. "I was just about to call you, and you called me first. We really are in sync."
Mary, who was staying in a hotel in Tokyo, paused slightly. "Did you call me because you need something?"
"Can't it just be because I miss you?"
"Heh. In terms of age, I could almost be your grandmother. No need for such sweet talk. With your personality, you wouldn't contact me without a reason."
Mary sneered.
Toru acted wronged. "How could you say that? At most, you're like Madam Yukinoshita. And with your current appearance, you look more like a younger sister."
Mary ignored his teasing. "Say what you need to say. No need to circle around it."
"You called me first, so you must have something too. You go first."
Mary did not refuse.
"I have intelligence that someone has been secretly investigating me in Japan recently. If I'm not mistaken, it's MI6."
"And?"
"They have found Mashiro and are tracking her."
"So you want me to help you deal with them?"
"I will act with you. I won't let you handle it alone. If I take that medicine and return to my original appearance, I am confident I can handle them myself."
After a pause, she added,
"...But we don't have enough data on that medicine. If its effect fails during combat, I will be in danger. I came to you to be safe."
Toru said, "Alright, I'll help you deal with them."
Mary had already expected this. Their cooperation was still in a close phase, and for someone like Toru, killing was as routine as eating.
"Alright. Now tell me what you wanted."
"The Organization approached me. They want me to join."
Mary's expression shifted slightly. "...And?"
"Help me contact Shuichi. I want to meet him privately."
Mary immediately understood. "No problem. I'll arrange it. It seems you're very confident."
"Because I know Rum's identity. Do you want to work with me and take control of the Organization?"
Mary was tempted.
Her body had shrunk, and it was uncertain when her niece could develop an antidote.
To MI6, she was now a traitor, and they would hunt her relentlessly.
She needed a powerful organization to face that threat.
If the Black Organization could be controlled.
Mary hesitated.
After hanging up, Toru was certain she would agree.
Someone like her always made rational choices.
Once we control the Organization, we'll integrate all the agents under Mary's command, then recruit agents and traitors from intelligence agencies around the world."
"What Black Organization? We'll call it SPECTRE."
Toru could already picture it, an organization composed of agents from across the world, hidden in the shadows like a ghost.
At that moment, he paused slightly.
From next door, it sounded like Madam Yukinoshita and her daughter were arguing.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)