Tokyo Barrister: Start the law firm bankruptcy

Chapter 935 Kitahara's Opinion

“The question is whether you trust me,” Kitahara said. “For both lawyers and clients, the most important thing is that the client must trust their lawyer. If from the beginning the client is wary of their lawyer and unwilling to trust them, then what is the point of me offering my opinion at this moment?”

Aso couldn't help but chuckle.

This young man is quite interesting.

Aso seemed to be beginning to understand why the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications, Terada, had recommended this young man to him.

The young man in front of me has indeed grasped an important issue.

trust.

I am someone who has navigated the ups and downs of the financial world.

How can someone who deals with desires and money every day truly trust others?

The young man in front of me was an interesting exception.

“I don’t trust people, but I do trust interests and exchanges,” Aso said. “Attorney Kitahara, you need my help. So, I trust you.”

Aso hit the nail on the head.

Which of those top lawyers at well-known law firms doesn't engage in collusion and dealings with upper management?

Aso was certainly aware of these things.

Therefore, he did not particularly trust those top lawyers.

That might sound ironic.

Having spent half his life in the financial industry and fought on numerous battlefields, he can be considered a semi-legendary figure.

However, in the end, what can be believed—

But it was this young man in front of him.

"So, what's your opinion? Am I really going to spend the rest of my life in prison?"

Aso suddenly began to mutter to himself. After all, Kitahara's words had indeed caused a considerable psychological impact.

“Actually, I know that,” Aso said. “This system makes it impossible to admit mistakes. Once the police arrest someone, the prosecutor’s office has to make the arrest. If they don’t, it’s as if the police are wrong. And in court, the court has to make a judgment. If they don’t, it’s as if both the police and the prosecutor’s office are wrong.”

"Power does not admit its mistakes."

"Those in power dare not admit their mistakes."

"Because admitting mistakes means the dismantling of authority."

"This means that from now on, everyone has the right to question."

Aso was perfectly aware of how this society operated. "The Tokyo High Public Prosecutors Office is full of the elite of the legal profession. Their aggressive approach must mean that the big shots behind them have already given their instructions. How this case should be judged is probably already decided."

Aso's eyes gradually lost the luster they had initially displayed.

"Based on the existing evidence, I believe that, Mr. Aso, you are not guilty of fundraising fraud," Kitahara's voice rang out.

Aso paused for a moment upon hearing Kitahara's words.

For a moment, I didn't react.

He wondered if he had heard wrongly.

This lawyer actually claims he's not guilty of fundraising fraud?!

"You're saying I'm innocent?!"

"Yes, legally, you are innocent."

Aso was stunned. This young man in front of him had such an arrogant tone.

Innocent...not guilty?!

Is this even possible?!

How could the Tokyo High Public Prosecutors Office possibly let them get away with this?!
I saw the news while I was in detention; the case had even been brought up for questioning in Congress.

How could I possibly let myself off so easily?!
“You must be joking, Attorney Kitahara,” Aso said. “I’m not in the mood for jokes right now. No one who knows they’re going to be sentenced to life imprisonment is in the mood to listen to empty boasting.”

“It’s not just about innocence,” Kitahara continued.

"There are still nearly 1280 billion yen in investor losses, and you have no legal obligation to compensate for them."

Aso doubted his ears again; had he misheard? This was utterly unbelievable!

Even if I haven't committed a crime, the money should still be returned to these investors!

However, this lawyer now says he doesn't have to pay compensation.

How can it be? !
Is Kitahara making fun of me?!

Aso looked closely at Kitahara. The young man before him had a serious and earnest expression.

"As a lawyer, I came to the above conclusion after reviewing the entire case file," said Kitahara.

"I'm sorry... I can hardly believe it right now." Aso's voice trembled slightly.

Although Aso initially pursued an academic career, he was actually not a "restless" person.

He yearns for financial innovation.

Unlike others who view finance as a monstrous beast of desire that devours people's hearts—

In Aso's view, finance is the greatest invention of modern society.

It is precisely because of the existence of finance—

Only when social funds are accumulated can they be effectively utilized.

It is precisely because of the existence of finance—

Only investment projects requiring huge capital expenditures become possible.

It is precisely because of the existence of finance—

Without relying on coercive taxation powers, sufficient funds can be collected to accomplish grand undertakings.

Strangely enough, Aso was willing to believe Kitahara's words.

Although it sounds ridiculous.

However, Aso remained rational.

He calmed himself down and said, "I don't expect to be innocent. Attorney Kitahara, you can see that things have escalated to this point. Hundreds of thousands of people in Japan are probably spitting on my photo every day. Faced with the overwhelming public opinion, even the judicial authorities would probably have to back down."

"If possible, I hope the final sentence handed down by the court will be less than seven years," Aso said. "As for the liability for compensation to investors, I hope it can also be reduced."

Aso proposed a more realistic solution.

Hoping for an acquittal is impossible.

Aso felt certain that he would go to jail.

However, the more troublesome issue lies in the fines.

After he is released from prison, he will face compensation of hundreds of billions of yen.

How could this possibly be repaid?
It's definitely not something that can be repaid.

If it were just a matter of going to jail, Aso believed he could still make a comeback.

But if I were to take on so much debt, then it would probably be truly hopeless.

"Regarding the fine, I hope Attorney Kitahara can help me make another effort." Aso sighed. "Although I know it will be difficult, public resentment is boiling over right now. I simply can't believe that the court would voluntarily reduce my compensation liability."

“I just said—” Kitahara’s voice rang out.

"Regarding liability for compensation, it's not a matter of reducing or mitigating it, but rather that there is no liability at all. I'll say it again, I believe you have no legal liability for compensation."

Aso was utterly shocked when Kitahara emphasized it a second time.

The young man in front of me was no longer joking.

And the expression on his face said it was really possible.

Does this...this lawyer possess magic?!
You should know that he is about to face off against the Tokyo High Public Prosecutors Office.

You should know that he is about to face overwhelming public anger.

"Are you really not joking?"

"As a lawyer, I will independently express my legal opinion on your case based on my professional expertise and ethics, without being influenced by others," Kitahara said.

(End of this chapter)