章節 423: Surprising news
On September 12, 2001, a somber mood enveloped the United States. It was the day after the catastrophic and unprecedented attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon had violently shaken the nation to its core. Citizens across the country found themselves grappling with a maelstrom of emotions: shock at the scale of the devastation, profound mourning for the staggering loss of life, and confusion about how such a tragedy could have unfolded on their soil.
In the midst of this national trauma, the rescue teams, bolstered by the altruistic efforts of the KiShin Foundation's own rescue squads, embarked on a relentless quest through the debris. Their mission was singular and sacred— to find and save any souls miraculously still alive beneath the twisted metal and smoldering ruins. Their dedication shone as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of those early, uncertain hours.
Their efforts were concentrated at Ground Zero, the site of the World Trade Center, where the iconic Twin Towers once stood as symbols of American prosperity and strength but now lay in ruins. Simultaneously, a similar scene of determined search and rescue operations unfolded at the Pentagon, which had also suffered grievous wounds from the impact of Flight 77. These sites became the focal points of a nation's grief and a global outpouring of support.
In an unprecedented display of international solidarity, many countries around the world extended their deepest sympathies and condolences to the United States. They offered whatever aid they could to assist in the aftermath of such a monumental tragedy, underscoring the shared sense of vulnerability and the universal desire for peace.
Meanwhile, the skies over America fell silent as the nation's airspace was closed to all but military and emergency flights. This drastic measure, never before seen in peacetime, caused widespread disruption, affecting thousands of flights globally. Many international travelers found themselves unexpectedly rerouted to Canada in what came to be known as Operation Yellow Ribbon, a testament to Canada's hospitality and the global community's willingness to come together in times of crisis.
Back on American soil, the ripple effects of the attacks prompted a sweeping enhancement of security measures. Airports, landmarks, government buildings, and public spaces across the United States and indeed, around the world, saw an immediate and significant increase in security protocols. These measures reflected a collective determination to protect citizens and prevent any future acts of terror, signaling the onset of a new era in global security consciousness.
The New York Stock Exchange, Nasdaq, and other pivotal U.S. financial markets took the unprecedented step of halting operations. This decision, aimed at forestalling a widespread panic and potential financial meltdown, was a historic one. Not since the dark days of the Great Depression had the U.S. witnessed a closure of its financial heartbeats for reasons not attributed to the whims of nature. This pause in the financial world's relentless rhythm was a somber acknowledgment of the tragedy's magnitude and its profound impact on the national psyche.
Meanwhile, President George W. Bush and his administration were swiftly mobilizing to confront the aftermath of the attacks, launching a comprehensive effort to uncover those behind the heinous acts. In a dramatic return to the White House from Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska—a move necessitated by concerns for his safety—President Bush stood before a nation in mourning. With a resolve that sought to match the gravity of the moment, he addressed his fellow Americans, committing to a relentless pursuit of justice against those who had dared to assail American soil.
Amidst these national endeavors, an unprecedented show of international solidarity emerged. For the first time since its inception, NATO invoked Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, a profound declaration that an attack on one member was an attack on all. This historic decision signaled the beginning of a unified international stance against terrorism, showcasing the collective resolve of NATO countries to stand shoulder to shoulder in the face of shared threats.
Back at USA, the United States' military might was being galvanized. The Department of Defense declared Threatcon Delta, the highest state of military alert, signaling a full-scale mobilization of U.S. forces around the globe. This swift escalation to peak readiness underscored the seriousness with which the U.S. viewed the threat and its readiness to respond with overwhelming force.
From this cascade of responses, a complex picture emerged on the global stage. While the attacks had momentarily exposed vulnerabilities within the world's preeminent superpower, the robust and coordinated reaction that followed served as a powerful reminder of the United States' enduring strength and leadership. In the face of adversity, the nation's capacity to unite, both internally and with allies around the globe, reaffirmed its status as a formidable force on the world stage.
On September 13, 2001, in the wake of an already shaken world, a piece of news emerged that caught everyone by surprise, not least the Suzuki family. The U.S. government, in a move that echoed through the corridors of power and industry alike, reached out to KiShin for partnerships and consultations. The focal point of their interest was the groundbreaking airline and aerospace technologies KiShin had boldly invested in. This unexpected pivot towards KiShin, signaled a potential sea change in how national security and aviation safety might evolve.
The buzz around these potential collaborations sent ripples through the business community, stirring a mix of astonishment and speculation. Meanwhile, the Japanese government, traditionally aligned with U.S. policies and directives, promptly threw its support behind the burgeoning partnership between KiShin and the U.S. national security apparatus. This move underscored the strategic importance of KiShin's investments and the technologies they were pioneering.
KiShin Finance's foray into areas like advanced surveillance systems, biometric identification technologies, and the fortification of cockpit doors had not only caught the eye of the U.S. government but had also drawn global attention. Nations around the world, now acutely aware of the paramount importance of airline and aerospace security, began to take keen interest in the innovations spurred by KiShin Finance's investments. The landscape of global security was on the cusp of transformation, with KiShin at its heart.
Without a doubt, had KiShin Finance been a publicly traded entity, or if the broader KiShin conglomerate had been open to public investment, we would likely have seen their market capitalization soar. The allure of their pioneering technologies and strategic investments would have drawn in a multitude of eager investors, each vying for a stake in their future successes. However, much to the disappointment of those investors, every branch of the KiShin empire remains steadfastly private, keeping its groundbreaking advancements and potential windfalls just beyond their reach.
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Upon hearing the news that his grandson's company, KiShin, had once again taken the world by storm—this time by drawing the attention of the USA for its pioneering work in airline and aerospace security technologies—Sazama couldn't contain his delight.
"Ha! I can't wait to boast about this to Toyoda!" Sazama burst out laughing, his voice filled with triumph.
"Sazama-sama, your old rival, Toyoda, has long passed away," a middle-aged man, clad in a formal black suit, gently reminded him, thinking perhaps Sazama had let that detail slip from his memory.
"Ha! You think I've forgotten?" Sazama shot back, an amused glint in his eye as he regarded the man, who simply shook his head in response. "Well, when I meet him in the afterlife, that's when I'll have my moment to brag!" Sazama declared, his laughter echoing through the room.
The middle-aged man couldn't help but let out a chuckle at Sazama's unwavering spirit.
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Meanwhile, Shito Suzuki, the vice-chairman harboring aspirations to usurp the chairman position from his elder brother, also caught wind of the news about the USA's interest in collaborating with KiShin.
"Damn... If only I had foreseen an event as catastrophic as 9/11, I would have steered our investments towards security technologies in the airline and aerospace sectors," Shito muttered to himself, a tinge of regret in his voice.
One of the main obstacles standing between Shito and his ambition was the reputation and influence of his brother Shiro, bolstered significantly by the achievements of Shiro's younger son, Shinro, and the KiShin empire under his helm.
However, Shito harbored deeper schemes. If he couldn't claim the chairman's title for himself, then perhaps his son, Shuichi, could ascend to that position. He was well aware that Shiko, Shiro's son, was the presumed heir to the Suzuki Group. Yet, Shito was plotting to drive a wedge between Shiko and Seki, Shiko's third brother. By sowing discord within the family, Shito and Shuichi hoped to maneuver themselves into a position where they could wrest control of the company from Shiro's lineage.
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