Capítulo 362: Chapter 362: Shigeru Yoshida Kneels Down and Apologizes
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That night.
The stormy waves battered the shore as Yunying's cries began. Sometimes, her chanting was soft and mournful, other times it rose to a loud, resonant song. Her voice seemed to blend resentment with admiration, weeping with complaint, the remaining notes curling like threads in the night.
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The next day.
In the bathroom, steam filled the air. Hardy lay on the bath bed, while Sayuri knelt beside him, diligently wiping him down. Japanese women are known for their attentive service, and Sayuri exemplified this with her meticulous care.
Hardy dressed, cast a final glance at Sayuri, who was kneeling on the tatami mat, and said, "You can go now. I'll call for you if needed."
Sayuri's role was clear—she was not among Hardy's primary associates but was available for his needs without any further entanglements. She understood her place and would not attempt to complicate matters.
After Hardy departed, his bodyguards followed closely. Once in the car, Hardy instructed the bodyguard captain, "Inform Duncan to investigate Sayuri thoroughly. Look into her connections with the Japanese government or any other entities."
He paused, then added, "Also, look into Fumiko Sasaki's situation."
"Understood, boss," the captain replied.
Hardy was meticulous about maintaining his privacy and avoiding any manipulations, particularly from the Japanese.
Meanwhile, Sayuri took her time dressing and reflecting on the previous night's events. The status and capabilities of men like Hardy were impressive, and she understood why they commanded such respect. She noticed a small flower on the bed sheet, which she carefully folded and took away.
After a restful morning, Sayuri headed to the TV station in the afternoon for a recording. Upon arriving at her office, she was summoned to the director's office.
In the director's office, she was greeted warmly. "Miss Yoshida, please have a seat."
"Director, what can I do for you?" Sayuri asked with respect.
"We're planning a singer contest—a talent show similar to those in the U.S., though on a smaller scale. This will be Japan's first such event, and it's expected to garner significant attention," the director explained. "The station feels you're the perfect fit to host it, and we'd like you to take on this role."
Sayuri was taken aback. Hosting such a high-profile event would elevate her career and enhance her status at the TV station.
"Thank you for the opportunity. I will do my best," Sayuri replied.
"This show was arranged by Mr. Hardy himself. You will be involved in the planning team as the first host," the director added.
Sayuri was touched, wondering if this was a reward for her hard work. "I'll give it my all," she said.
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Hardy continued his inspections of various industries, including Tobacco Company, Shimizu Construction, Toshiba Plant Construction, Daikin Industry, Toshiba, Fujitsu, Sumitomo Electric, Yokohama Rubber, Toyobo, Bang Paint, and several financial institutions like Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi, Sumitomo Bank, Japan Development Bank, Sakura Bank, Tokyo Credit Union, and Sumitomo Insurance.
Each company greeted Hardy with utmost respect, acknowledging him not just as a special economic envoy but also as a significant shareholder.
A few days later, Duncan reported back.
"Boss, regarding your inquiries, here's what we found," Duncan began.
"Go ahead," Hardy urged.
"Miss Sayuri Yoshida has shown no suspicious contacts. Her background is quite ordinary; her father is a small businessman, and her mother is a housewife. She studied in the UK for six months and has written about the awakening of Japanese women in British magazines. She's vocal about her ambitions for women's rights in Japan," Duncan explained.
"And Sasaki Fumiko?" Hardy asked.
"We discovered that Fumiko Sasaki's father is a diplomat and may be involved in intelligence work. An intelligence officer visited their home recently, and during a monitored phone conversation, Sasaki's father mentioned your name, indicating that Fumiko should contribute to the empire like Hara Setsuko did," Duncan reported.
Hardy sneered. The Japanese had tried to use Hara Setsuko to influence MacArthur, believing they could sway him with a woman. He was not easily manipulated.
He called his assistant and ordered, "Get Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida on the line. Tell him I need to speak with him."
The assistant quickly arranged the call.
Shigeru Yoshida, upon receiving the summons, hurried to meet Hardy. Hardy was practicing shooting in the courtyard, an activity he enjoyed to maintain his fitness and readiness. He had set up a small shooting range in the corner of the manor, complete with a collection of firearms.
Shigeru Yoshida approached but was ignored as Hardy focused intently on shooting. The revolver cracked repeatedly, and six glass bottles shattered in quick succession. Hardy then switched to a Winchester M1887, followed by an AK47, firing bursts at the iron plates in the distance.
Finally, Hardy turned to Shigeru Yoshida, who was visibly nervous. Hardy's demeanor was cold and unyielding.
"Prime Minister Yoshida, I want to address two matters," Hardy said.
"Yes, Mr. Hardy, please go ahead," Yoshida replied, trying to remain composed.
"I've inspected various companies and financial institutions recently. Generally, the Japanese economy is recovering well, with factories operating and financial institutions thriving. This is largely thanks to our efforts," Hardy began.
Yoshida nodded, "Indeed, the economy has improved significantly, and it's all due to your contributions, Mr. Hardy."
Hardy continued, "I propose holding an annual economic meeting to review progress, discuss future cooperation, and foster exchanges. What do you think?"
"An annual meeting sounds excellent!" Yoshida responded, clearly pleased with the idea.
"Organize it through the Japanese government and draft a list of invitees for my review," Hardy instructed.
"Certainly, I'll handle that," Yoshida agreed.
Hardy's expression grew stern as he turned to the second topic. "Prime Minister Yoshida, you attempted to influence MacArthur through Hara Setsuko. Is that correct?"
Yoshida's face paled. The revelation was shocking, and he struggled to maintain his composure.
"Mr. Hardy, Commander-in-Chief MacArthur and Ms. Harako Hara are merely acquaintances," Yoshida attempted to defend.
Hardy's gaze was cold. "I recently met Miss Sasaki Fumiko. I expect no further attempts by the Japanese government to influence or contact anyone around me. Any such behavior will be considered a provocation."
Yoshida's face turned even whiter. He realized the gravity of Hardy's warning.
"I understand. It will not happen again," Yoshida promised.
"Good. See to it," Hardy said.
Yoshida, trembling, stood up and bowed deeply before retreating. He left the manor, visibly shaken.
Back at his office, Yoshida immediately instructed the head of the intelligence department to cease all activities related to Hardy. The intelligence team, once crucial, was now ordered to stop any attempts to influence or gather information about Hardy.
The intelligence chief was taken aback by Yoshida's sudden change of directive but complied with the order, understanding the severe implications of further actions against Hardy.
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