Traveling Through the Tokyo Bubble Era

Chapter 1050 Haruko's Revenge

At a reception hosted by Mitsui & Co., the news of Aso's apology spread like wildfire.

What was already a hot topic of discussion among the upper class has now become a source of amusement and gossip among Tokyo's elite circles.

Through this battle, Hideki Hanyu also used his tough and domineering attitude to tell everyone that anyone who dares to provoke him will pay the price.

If anyone doesn't believe it, then compare your own strength with that of the Aso family.

Determine if you can withstand more pressure than the Aso family.

Of course, although things seem to have calmed down on the surface.

But the undercurrents beneath the surface are destined to never be quelled.

Hideki Hanyu accepted the apology, and his forces received compensation for their victory.

As for Aso's side, they were naturally unwilling to swallow this insult.

Therefore, the cessation of hostilities by both sides is merely a superficial calm.

Everyone understands that once both sides have amassed sufficient strength, a life-or-death conflict is inevitable.

However, Hideki Hanyu, the protagonist of the incident, unexpectedly kept a low profile after the Mitsui & Co. reception.

He, who has been frequently seen with Haruko Naito lately, didn't even show up at the reception held by Cloud Entertainment on December 3rd, which made many people who wanted to get close to him feel ashamed.

Especially female artists who finally managed to get tickets and wanted to make a name for themselves in the entertainment industry.

They have difficulty gaining access to other companies' receptions due to their status.

However, as an entertainment media company, Yunshang Entertainment is still willing to give them some opportunities.

These women are well aware that it is almost impossible to succeed in the entertainment industry without "paying the price".

But if it's about "giving," they naturally hope to maximize their benefits.

Hideki Hanyu, a big name in the entertainment industry and a notorious playboy, is undoubtedly the best choice.

After all, scumbags have a well-deserved reputation in this regard.

Any woman he's ever been intimate with, even if it was just a friendly match, he'd generously reward her, whether with money or resources, enough to save her at least a decade or more of hard work.

However, Hideki Hanyu did not appear, much to the women's disappointment.

Hideki Hanyu, who rarely participates in direct work, no longer enjoys hanging around various events and public occasions as much as he used to, and even attends various award ceremonies.

Despite Hideki Hanyu's high media profile, it is extremely difficult for people in the entertainment industry to actually meet him.

Missing an opportunity could mean missing it forever.

If you want to know why Hideki Hanyu didn't participate?

In fact, Hirohashi Asako had invited him, but Hideki Hanyu declined after some consideration.

The power struggle within the Naito family will be resolved tomorrow.

At this point, taking Haruko Naito around would have very little effect.

Besides, Haruko Naito, who manages Shingetsu Trading, is also very busy. She manages to squeeze out a little time, but it's all wasted on social engagements.

In Haruko Naito's opinion, Hideki Hanyu would rather waste his energy on her than on socializing.

For example, last night, the two of them didn't get much rest after they got home.

Although the girl was not very good, she was determined to squeeze every last drop out of Hideki Hanyu.

So much so that this morning I almost overslept and missed the Naito family meeting.

At nine o'clock in the morning, the two quickly packed up and left the Yorozuya, heading straight for the Naito family home.

When they arrived, almost the entire Naito family, young and old, had already arrived.

When everyone saw that Haruko Naito had brought Hideki Hanyu, no one dared to raise any objections to his face.

Not to mention that Hideki Yuzuru just dealt with Aso, and his influence is still strong.

Take Naito Haruko, who is now in charge of New Moon Trading, for example; she is no longer someone that the Naito family wants to offend.

After all, with the sudden death of Director Naito, the Naito family's power in Itochu Corporation did not transition smoothly. Now, if they want to regain control of Itochu Corporation, they will need external support.

Haruko Naito's New Moon Trading Company has already been a helpful asset.

Moreover, Hideki Hanyu stands behind Haruko Naito, a powerful figure with immense influence capable of altering the outcome.

Haruko Naito had no interest in family power, so after arriving, she casually found a corner, leaned against Hideki Hanyu, and started to catch up on sleep.

On the contrary, Hideki Hanyu's expression grew increasingly expectant as he watched more and more people fill the room.

Especially when Naito Kensaku appeared, and the two quickly exchanged a glance before separating again, Hideki Hanyu felt that what followed would definitely be very interesting.

Not long after everyone arrived, the family meeting to determine who would succeed Itochu Corporation officially began, presided over by an elder of the Naito family.

The group first paid tribute to the late Director Naito.

He then explained the current situation of the Naito family, clearly telling everyone how important the election of the chairman of Itochu Corporation in the middle of this month was to the Naito family, expressing the precarious state of the Naito family.

Then, family elders, corporate and foundation executives began to propose the candidates they wanted to nominate.

As expected, the Naito brothers, Kiyomi and Ryoichi, were nominated one after the other.

In the presence of all the important members of the family, the two brothers also made their competition declarations, as well as their respective advantages and so on.

How should we describe their performance?
Hideki Hanyu didn't know what the Naito family thought, but he certainly wanted to laugh.

Judging from the two brothers' past incompetent behavior, these words were clearly prepared for them by others and do not fit their public persona at all.

The two brothers probably put in a lot of effort to memorize their speeches.

After the two brothers finished speaking, an elder nudged their older sister, Naito Mako.

Although the eldest daughter was already married, she did not change her surname because she had recruited a son-in-law who would live with her family. Her children were still members of the Naito family.

All three siblings work at Itochu Corporation, and while their reputations are generally so-so, to be honest, Mako Naito's reputation is slightly better.

However, Mako Naito, who was nominated, did not speak up for herself as soon as she stood up, but instead stated directly.

"I withdrew from this competition because I felt that someone else was more suitable than me."

Upon hearing this, the people present were not actually too surprised.

After all, Mako Naito had announced long ago that she would not participate in the competition and would choose to support one of her younger brothers.

Now that this has been said, everyone is only concerned about one thing: who will Mako Naito support?

Although Mako Naito's support cannot determine the final outcome, her attitude can influence many people's judgment.

At that moment, Naito Kiyomi and Naito Ryoichi, who were standing nearby, were both looking at Naito Mako with eager eyes, hoping to hear their names from their older sister.

Just as everyone was waiting, Mako Naito spoke.

His gaze swept to the edge of the room, where the collateral relatives were seated, and then he said something that surprised everyone.

"If I had to choose someone to take charge of Itochu Corporation, I would say that Kensaku Naito, president of Naito Securities, would be the most suitable."

"Nani!?"

"Naito Kensaku? Why would Mako support him?"

"Do not make jokes!"

"Mako, do you know what you're saying?"

……

Naito Mako's words caused a huge uproar, instantly igniting the entire scene.

Judging from the varied expressions and murmurs of the crowd, no one expected that Naito Kensaku's name would appear on this occasion.

The Naito brothers, Kiyomi and Ryoichi, were so shocked they were speechless.

They had hoped that their older sister would support one of them.

But no one expected that Mako Naito would support an "outsider" from a collateral branch of the family.

Faced with the crowd's questions, Mako Naito coughed, attracting everyone's attention, and then pointed directly at Kensaku Naito.

"If you carefully examine the outstanding achievements Naito Securities has made under Naito Kensaku's management over the years, you won't make doubts based solely on his position."

The people we are choosing today are to help the Naito family regain control of Itochu Corporation, not to compare whose bloodline is direct or collateral.

The other directors on the board of Itochu Corporation are eyeing the Naito family like hungry wolves. You all know very well what the consequences would be if we lost the chairman election.

That's why I support Kensaku Naito—because he's exceptionally talented.

Even after Naito Mako finished speaking, the doubts of the crowd did not subside.

However, at that moment, the elder who was presiding over the meeting spoke up.

"Since Mako has nominated Naito Kensaku, let Naito Kensaku share his thoughts with everyone."

With the support of this elder, those who had been questioning him at the scene had no choice but to shut up and watch as Naito Kensaku stood up and walked step by step toward the center.

At this moment, everyone keenly noticed that Naito Kensaku, who had been sitting there and behaving with utmost modesty, gradually began to change his demeanor after standing up.

His low-key demeanor began to be replaced by confidence and composure.

When he reached the middle, his entire demeanor changed completely.

He appeared confident and in complete control, and the wisdom and calmness in his eyes reminded many of the recently deceased Director Naito.

Putting everything else aside, just in terms of this kind of temperament alone, he is far superior to the two good-for-nothing brothers, Kiyomi Naito and Ryoichi Naito.

As soon as Naito Kensaku opened his mouth, his strong and confident aura was overwhelming. "Elders of the Naito family, I know you are all eager to know why I dare to stand here and participate in the competition."

My reason is very simple.

If the Naito family chooses someone else, they will definitely lose the nomination for chairman of Itochu Corporation.

If you choose me, I will lead the Naito family to victory, defend the Naito family's rights within Itochyuki Corporation, and continue the Naito family's glory.

Upon hearing this, everyone sensed the difference between the Naito brothers, Kensaku and Kiyomi.

Hideki Hanyu, who was positioned at the edge, wore a satisfied expression.

If Naito Kensaku doesn't even have the confidence to defeat the two brothers, Naito Kiyomi and Naito Ryoichi, then he doesn't deserve his support.

After all, he wouldn't support a good-for-nothing.

After stunning everyone with his opening remarks, Naito Kensaku began to carefully introduce himself and how he would win the competition.

"I know many people don't understand me, so in the following..."

As Kensaku Naito continued speaking, the gazes of the people present gradually softened, and some even began to show a hint of approval.

"That's why I believe I can lead the Naito family to victory."

If the elders ultimately choose me, I will certainly not let them down.

After finishing his speech, Naito Kensaku knelt down and bowed to his elders. Then, amidst the angry glares between the Naito Kiyomi and Naito Ryoichi brothers, he retreated to his original seat at the edge.

"Anyone else want to be nominated?"

The elders of the Naito family asked everyone.

After a long while, no one responded.

The elder looked around and said, "Then let's begin the vote on the three nominees."

"Kiyomi Naito, please raise your hand if you support him."

Sitting in the innermost circle, among those who had the authority to make the decision, it took a long time before two people raised their hands.

Looking at this pitiful approval rating, Kiyomi Naito's face turned as black as the bottom of a pot.

Meanwhile, Naito Ryoichi, standing next to him, secretly gloated.

After all, in Naito Ryoichi's view, no matter how eloquently Naito Kensaku spoke, it could not change the fact that he came from a collateral branch of the family.

The Naito family would never allow the greatest power to fall into the hands of Naito Kensaku, a member of a collateral branch.

So if these people don't support his brother Naito Kiyomi, they must be waiting to support him.

Moreover, his daughter, Haruko Naito, brought Hideki Hanyu with her, making her his strongest ally.

If these elders want to gain external support in the upcoming election for the chairman of Itochu Corporation, they must, and can only, choose him.

Soon, the elder's voice rang out again.

“Naito Ryoichi, please raise your hand if you support him.”

After the voice fell silent, no one raised their hand.

In an instant, Naito Ryoichi's self-satisfied mindset completely collapsed.

The joy on his face was quickly replaced by disbelief and panic.

He had just been secretly mocking his brother for having only two people supporting him, but now he didn't even have a single person.

Ryoichi Naito turned his gaze to some of the elders in the middle.

Just a short time ago, when they met privately, these people swore they would support him.

Why would these people change their minds?
What happened during this period?
Ryoichi Naito was on the verge of a breakdown, but no one at the scene seemed to care about his breakdown.

Because of the line, "Naito Kensaku, raise your hand if you support him."

Those in the inner circle who were qualified to decide the outcome almost instantly raised their hands, and even one person who had just supported Naito Kiyomi raised his hand again.

Seeing that those who should have supported him had all turned to support Naito Kensaku, Naito Ryoichi completely broke down.

However, at that moment, Haruko Naito, who had been taking a nap in the corner, suddenly spoke up.

"I will do my best to support Uncle Kensaku Naito in the election of the chairman of Itochu Corporation."

Although it was only Haruko Naito who made the statement, everyone present understood that it was tantamount to Hideki Hanyu also making a statement.

Seeing that even his daughter was not supporting him, the distraught Naito Ryoichi could no longer maintain his composure and shouted at everyone on the spot.

Why? Why don't you support me?
You promised to support me, why did you lie to me? He's just a guy from a collateral branch, what right does he have to represent the Naito family?
I refuse to accept this! There must be something wrong here... Waaah..."

Before Naito Ryoichi could finish his outburst, two burly men covered his mouth and dragged him away.

Hideki Hanyu then stood up and said to everyone with feigned apology, "I've helped you all out with a small problem, so you don't need to thank me."

Clearly, those two burly men were Hideki Yuzuru's bodyguards.

Hideki Hanyu then looked at Kensaku Naito.

"Congratulations, President Naito! I wish you great success at Itochu Corporation."

At this point, Hideki Yuzuru said to everyone, "Now that things have been resolved, Haruko and I will not disturb you any longer."

After watching the excitement, Hideki Hanyu and Haruko Naito turned and left.

After all, they were going to discuss how to fight for control of Itochu Corporation, and he didn't want to stay and offer advice.

However, just as Hideki Hanyu and Haruko Naito reached the front door of the Naito family home, they were blocked by Ryoichi Naito, who appeared to be insane.

Ryoichi Naito was clearly after Haruko Naito, but before he could get close, Hideki Hanyu kicked him.

"Speak your mind, and don't get too close unless necessary."

However, after getting up, Ryoichi Naito ignored Hideki Hanyu who was speaking and instead questioned Haruko Naito.

"Why! You're my daughter, why won't you support me? Why did you lie to me! You promised you would support me!"

Haruko Naito looked at her father, her pretty face as cold as frost, and slowly answered.

"From the moment you kicked my mother out of the house, you were no longer my father."

As for why I lied to you, it was obviously to get revenge on you!
Do you really think I would support a useless piece of trash like you?

From the very beginning, my supporter has been Uncle Kensaku Naito.

Haruko Naito's attitude showed no sign of a father-daughter relationship with Ryoichi Naito.

Moreover, such mockery alone did not seem to satisfy Haruko Naito.

She spoke again in a mocking tone.

"Do you think I'm the only one lying to you? Do you think I'm the only one supporting Uncle Naito Kensaku?"

Think about it carefully. Why did Aunt Mako, and the elders you had already contacted privately, switch their support to Uncle Naito Kensaku? And who told Uncle Naito Kensaku about their plans?

"Who is it?" Naito Ryoichi demanded loudly.

"Ha ha……"

A mocking laugh rang out, and after laughing, Haruko Naito slowly revealed the truth.

"Of course it's your lover, Kawakami Nana, whom you were willing to drive my mother away to bring home."

"Besides her, who else could know so many of your secrets?"

Haruko Naito's truth caused Ryoichi Naito to cover his head with his hands and mutter frantically.

"Impossible, Naon wouldn't betray me, how could Naon betray me? I was so good to her, she loved me so much..."

"Love you? Don't fool yourself, she only loves your money."

I simply told her that I supported her conditions, that she had chosen me as her heir, and she betrayed you for the sake of her son.

And the only promise I made to her was to add her and her son to the family trust fund.

Haruko Naito, still with that mocking expression, said something that completely broke Ryoichi Naito.

Seeing Naito Ryoichi's empty eyes and his dejected state that led him to give up the struggle, Naito Haruko sneered and pulled Hanyu Hideki away.

On the way back to the Yorozuya, Naito Haruko remained silent.

Upon arriving at the Yorozuya, Hideki Hanyu finally spoke up to inquire.

How does revenge feel?

Haruko Naito murmured, "It felt great at first, but now all that's left is emptiness."

Hideki Hanyu reached out and hugged Haruko Naito. "So people can strive for revenge, but life can't be all about hatred."

Upon hearing Hideki Hanyu's words, Haruko Naito stared intently at him.

"So I still have Yuzuru-san, right?"

“That’s right,” Hideki Hanyu replied.

Haruko Naito suddenly hugged Hideki Hanyu.

"Please, Yuzuru-san, teach me a lesson I won't forget!"

Hideki Hanyu didn't understand the logic, but he still asked, "Aren't you going to rest?"

This time, Haruko Naito didn't answer at all. Her petite figure took the initiative, using actions instead of words.

(End of this chapter)