novelraw Chapter 141: Madness Before the Bubble Economy! Hiroshi Returns to Tokyo!
Chapter 141: Madness Before the Bubble Economy! Hiroshi Returns to Tokyo!
Early morning, when the first ray of sunlight pierced through the clouds, Nohara Hiroshi opened his eyes feeling refreshed and clear-headed on that tatami full of rustic flavor.
He glanced at the sleeping beauty beside him, a sweet smile lingering on the corners of her mouth in her slumber, and a gentle smile surfaced on his face.
After last night's squall and heavy rains, Nohara Hiroshi finally managed to claw back a round.
Although his waist still ached a bit.
But Nohara Hiroshi still tucked Misae in properly, then quietly dressed and walked out of the room.
First he went to the restroom and washed up.
"Phew——"
Nohara Hiroshi rubbed his waist and pulled open the sliding door. Looking at the meticulously arranged flowers and plants in the courtyard, the early morning air carried a refreshing coolness. Taking a deep breath, it felt as if it could wash away all the turbid air in his lungs.
This made Nohara Hiroshi increasingly satisfied.
And he also saw his eldest brother, Nohara Semashi, currently busy working in their vegetable garden like a tireless old ox. Even his robust figure was stretched out in the morning light into a long shadow full of power.
Seeing his younger brother come out, he grinned and revealed an honest smile.
"Awake?"
"Mhm." Nohara Hiroshi smiled and nodded. He walked to his eldest brother's side. Looking at that patch of delightfully growing tomatoes hanging with crystal-clear dewdrops, a trace of nostalgia flashed in those clear eyes.
"Big brother, do you still remember when we were young?" Nohara Hiroshi smiled: "Back then, you always liked to carry me on your back, taking me to the woods to look for bird nests and to the stream to catch fish. Every time father found out, it was always you taking the beating for me alone."
This memory full of warmth caused a warm smile to also surface on Nohara Semashi's tanned face.
"Of course I remember." He scratched the back of his head, his voice carrying an older brother's rightful pride: "I'm the big brother, isn't protecting my younger brother what I should do?"
"Yes, you are the big brother."
Nohara Hiroshi looked at him. In those calm eyes flashed a trace of a smile: "So next, big brother, you will be even more busy."
He paused, and under Nohara Semashi's puzzled gaze, voiced the plan he had been brewing for a long time: "Big brother, the matter of the Akita Inu breeding center still needs to be handed over to you to operate."
"Before I return to Tokyo, I will give you a proposal document. When the time comes, you just need to follow the procedures within the proposal document I arranged for you."
"The timeline doesn't need to be too rushed either. By the New Year this year, just breed around ten thousand Akita Inus with bright fur in time."
As Nohara Hiroshi spoke, he also strokes his chin: "Right, choosing the appearance of the Akita Inus, just pick them according to the drawing manuscripts I will draw for you when the time comes. What is an excellent-grade Akita Inu, what is a high-grade Akita Inu, what is a medium-grade Akita Inu, and what is a peerless Akita Inu—all of these will be defined according to our standards."
Saying this, Nohara Hiroshi also laughed: "Actually, it's just that we must let our Nohara Family Akita Inu Corporation become the standard and authority for grading the Akita Inu canine breed."
"I understand." Although Nohara Semashi still didn't quite understand at this moment, seeing his younger brother Nohara Hiroshi speak so solemnly, he also nodded.
From the beginning until now, Nohara Semashi had also discovered that as long as he followed his younger brother Nohara Hiroshi's arrangements.
He had never suffered a loss!
This also cultivated Nohara Semashi's limitless trust toward his younger brother Nohara Hiroshi.
And seeing Nohara Semashi trust him so much, Nohara Hiroshi also smiled. He squatted down and continued to casually chat with this eldest brother Nohara Semashi about amusing things from the past, incidentally eating tomatoes and cucumbers freshly picked in the morning. For a time, the atmosphere between the two brothers was also extremely harmonious.
...
The holiday time flew by like a white colt crossing a crevice, passing in the blink of an eye.
Saturday afternoon, the Nohara family's old house was filled with a complex atmosphere full of reluctance to part and separation.
Because after eating this meal, Nohara Hiroshi would take Misae back to Tokyo.
The dining table was fully laden with sumptuous dishes full of rustic flavor made personally by Nohara Tsuru.
That plump carp just caught from the field, simmered with the most traditional soy sauce and mirin until the bones were crisp and the meat was tender, exuded an appetizing aroma.
That plate of salad mixed with the freshest tomatoes and cucumbers from their own vegetable garden, red and green alternating, was refreshing and appetizing.
And that pot of miso soup stewed together with large chunks of pork bone and white radish, the soup milky white, was so delicious it could make one swallow their tongue.
"Come, come, come! Stop standing around blankly! Dig in! Dig in!"
Nohara Ginnosuke was already flushed with alcohol. He raised the sake cup in his hand high, his face overflowing with massive pride: "Today! Is a big day for our Nohara family! To celebrate our Semashi finally finding such a good wife! And also to see off our Hiroshi, this... somewhat promising brat, returning to Tokyo in glory! Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
For a time, in the small Japanese room, wine cups clinked and laughter was merry.
On Nohara Semashi's tanned face, carrying a bit of honest shyness, he occasionally stole glances at Sakurada Ikuna beside him who was eating her food in small bites, her cheeks flushed red. The tenderness in his gaze was almost overflowing.
And Sakurada Ikuna was even more like a happy little quail. Lowering her head, feeling the unreserved enthusiasm and kindness from her future in-laws, her complexion became increasingly rosy.
"Hiroshi, returning this time, you must work properly."
After three rounds of drinks, Nohara Ginnosuke finally couldn't hold it back anymore. Putting on the airs belonging to an old father, using the tone of an experienced person, he spoke earnestly to this youngest son of his who made him both proud and jealous: "That place Tokyo is not like our countryside;
people's hearts are very complex. Don't be deceived by people! And don't always think about engaging in those flashy things;
being down-to-earth is the family motto of our Nohara family! Understand?!"
"Understood, father." Nohara Hiroshi smiled and agreed, conveniently filling his old man's already empty wine cup.
He knew his father felt proud of him.
"And you, Misae-chan." Nohara Ginnosuke then turned his gaze to that future younger daughter-in-law currently sitting obediently aside, her beautiful smile captivating. In those small eyes darting around randomly, a shrewd light like an old fox flashed: "This boy Hiroshi, hasn't let people have peace of mind since he was young. In the future in Tokyo, all relies on you to watch him! If he dares to flirt with women outside, don't hold back, directly call back and tell me! See if I don't break his legs!"
"Dad!" Nohara Hiroshi didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
"Uncle, rest assured, I will watch Hiroshi-kun well." Misae, however, covered her mouth, laughing so hard she trembled like a branch. Those beautiful large eyes cooperatively made a cute grimace toward Nohara Hiroshi, signaling "if you dare to mess around you're dead."
"You old improperly behaved geyser! Spouting nonsense again!"
Nohara Tsuru finally couldn't pull it in anymore. A trace of fond reproach surfaced on her face. She reached out and pinched, neither lightly nor heavily, the soft flesh on the waist of that restless old man.
"Ouch!"
Nohara Ginnosuke let out an exaggerated miserable cry. That comical appearance once again drew roaring laughter filling the room.
The sorrow of parting quietly faded amidst this laughing and joking full of warmth and joy.
After the meal, when that black Toyota Crown Majesta slowly drove out of that dirt path full of rustic flavor, Nohara Semashi and Sakurada Ikuna were already standing at the entrance to the courtyard, waving their hands, unwilling to leave for a long time.
And Nohara Ginnosuke was even more like an ungrown child, following behind the car, running while shouting at the top of his lungs: "Brat! Remember to come home often to visit! Also! Next time you come back, remember to bring me Tokyo's latest... photobook!"
"You shameless old thing! Come back here!"
Nohara Tsuru's roar, full of helplessness and annoyed embarrassment, accompanied by the chaotic sound of fighting and chasing, gradually disappeared into that vast, boundless expanse of emerald green rice paddies.
Inside the car, Misae looked at those increasingly smaller figures in the rearview mirror. In those large eyes always shining brightly, a layer of moist mist welled up.
"Hiroshi-kun, Uncle and Auntie... they are really so nice." she murmured softly. In that voice, carried a trace of attachment to home that even she herself hadn't noticed.
"Alright." Nohara Hiroshi freed one hand, gently holding her boneless little hand, his voice gentle: "When we have the chance, we'll also go to Kumamoto Prefecture to visit your mom and dad, okay?"
"Mhm!" Misae nodded heavily. On that pretty face, a happy smile bloomed.
She also remembered before leaving, Nohara Tsuru pulling her hand and speaking to her with a solemn tone almost akin to entrusting:
"Misae, after the New Year passes, we will formally go to Kumamoto to visit your parents. The marriage of you young people cannot be delayed any longer."
Thinking of this, a moving flush uncontrollably surfaced on Misae's cheeks once again.
...
A six-hour drive, long, yet also full of anticipation for the return journey.
When that familiar, futuristic Tokyo skyline appeared on the horizon once again, Misae's heart—made somewhat sentimental due to the sorrow of parting—was instantly completely ignited by a wondrous aura full of vitality and hope belonging to the metropolis.
"Wow! Hiroshi-kun! Look! Look!"
Like a child entering the city for the first time, she pointed at those few skyscrapers that had just sprung up from the ground, emitting a cold yet alluring luster under the afterglow of the setting sun. In those beautiful large eyes, excited light flickered.
On both sides of the road, a group of real estate salespeople—wearing crisp suits with work badges hanging on their chests—acted like the most dedicated worker ants, vigorously waving the promotional signs in their hands toward the coming and going vehicles.
On them, printed in the most striking font, were promotional slogans sufficient to make any ordinary salaryman feel suffocated.
[Minato Ward's latest masterpiece! 'Castle in the Sky' pure luxury apartments! Luxurious large flats, welcoming your appreciation!]
[A symbol of status! A palace of wealth! Starting at only one million four hundred thousand yen per square meter!]
"One million four hundred thousand... yen?!"
Misae looked at that number, subconsciously covering her small mouth. In those beautiful large eyes, unbelievable shock was written: "My goodness! One million four hundred thousand for one square meter?! Then... then if buying a hundred-square-meter apartment, wouldn't that... wouldn't that cost over a hundred million?!"
She counted on her slender fingers for a long while, ultimately completely defeated by that astronomical figure.
"Tokyo... Tokyo's new housing prices, are too terrifying now, right?" she murmured to herself, her voice full of awe.
But then, that awe was replaced by a stronger longing belonging to a young girl: "However... those who live here must be very impressive, right? Being able to look at the scenery of all of Tokyo from such a high place every day, it feels... feels like living in the clouds."
"Silly."
Nohara Hiroshi looked at her cute appearance full of innocent juvenile fantasies, unable to resist smiling and shaking his head.
He knew that those people who seemingly lived in the clouds, perhaps, were standing on the edge of that ten-thousand-foot-tall building, and at any moment, could be blown to pieces by a violent wind named "Bubble."
"Misae, remember my words." His voice became serious again. In those eyes always carrying a bit of a smile, a cold glint flashed: "In the next two years, no matter how high housing prices in Tokyo are hyped up, no matter how extravagantly those agents boast about houses—we, absolutely will not touch them."
"Why?" Misae's simple little head was once again filled with countless question marks.
"There is no why." Nohara Hiroshi didn't explain much, merely using an unquestionable gentleness, rubbing her hair: "Listen to me, you can't go wrong."
He couldn't exactly tell her that in less than a year, that seemingly impregnable "Castle in the Sky" would turn into a deserted "Ghost City in the Sky", right?
He couldn't exactly tell her that those "elites" currently going crazy over a house, would in the near future, become a group of miserable "mortgage slaves" bearing tens of millions, or even over a hundred million in negative equity, right?
If it was just this, it would be fine.
When the Bubble Economy is burst and the Economic Crisis arrives, it isn't rare to see many elites who currently seem glamorous directly choosing to jump off buildings.
He didn't want her to experience that throes belonging to the era.
He only wanted her to forever be carefree like this, being a Mrs. Nohara who only needed to be responsible for being beautiful as a flower.
"Phew——" Nohara Hiroshi heavily exhaled a breath of stale air.
Outside the car window, the neon lights of that city gradually lit up, like pairs of eyes full of greed and desire, coldly watching this flashy world about to stage its final madness.
And Nohara Hiroshi looking at all this, that heart already full of crisis awareness, was at this moment drawn tight like a fully drawn bowstring.
"No, it's still too slow."
His hand gripping the steering wheel subconsciously tightened slightly.
"Must... must be faster."
"Must, before the bubble completely bursts, accumulate capital sufficient... sufficient to let me and my family, safely survive this unprecedented economic winter."
"Moreover, with such a fat piece of meat in the economic crisis, rather than cheapening it for others, it's better to let me take a huge bite out of it!"
...
When that black Toyota Crown Majesta finally drove under that familiar apartment building, the night was already deep.
Nohara Hiroshi and Misae, dragging two heavy suitcases filled with hometown specialties and their parents' heavy love, walked into that small apartment full of sweet memories for the two of them.
The fatigue of a long journey instantly submerged the two of them like a tide.
They were even too lazy to cook, merely finding two packets of the simplest tonkotsu ramen from the refrigerator, soaking them in boiling water, pairing them with a few pickled radishes brought from their hometown, and slurping down a simple dinner.
They were truly too tired.
Having eaten their fill, and after a simple wash, Nohara Hiroshi didn't even turn on the TV, pulling that little woman who was already so sleepy she couldn't open her eyes, walking into that bedroom and sleeping soundly.
A silent night, only the sleepless city outside the window silently recounting its prosperity and loneliness.
And its final madness.
"Mmm! Comfortable!"
When Nohara Hiroshi opened his eyes again, it was already Sunday morning.
The sunlight outside the window filtered through the beige curtains, gently sprinkling on that messy large bed, outlining the intertwining young bodies into a moving silhouette full of the aura of youthful hormones.
Nohara Hiroshi moved his somewhat numb arm, looking at that little woman clinging onto him like an octopus using both hands and feet, sleeping soundly. A helpless yet doting smile surfaced on his handsome face.
He didn't get up immediately, merely quietly enjoying this laziness and tranquility exclusive to a Sunday morning.
This weekend, they didn't go anywhere.
Just like two hibernating hamsters, lazily nesting in their small yet warm apartment.
Watching boring variety shows together, cleaning the room together, nesting on the sofa together, sharing the same bucket of popcorn, watching outdated old movies rented from the video store.
No work, no socializing, no social niceties full of intrigue.
Only the purest sweet daily life belonging to two people.
Until Monday morning, when the first glimmer of morning light pierced through the clouds again, that laziness exclusive to the weekend was finally completely broken by an urgent ringing of the telephone.
"Hello, it's me, Nohara Hiroshi. Mhm, I'll go to work today."
In Nohara Hiroshi's voice, not a trace of holiday laziness remained, replaced by a decision-maker's resolute and vigorous capability.
"Alright, I understand. Tell Director Tanaka, Director Yamamoto, Director Hashishita, and the others, nine thirty, arrive punctually at my office for a meeting."
Nohara Hiroshi hung up the phone, turned his head, looking at that little woman with sleep-dimmed eyes helping him tie his necktie, a gentle smile resurfaced on his face.
"Sorry, Misae. The holiday ends here, consider it over, right?"
"Mhm." Misae nodded obediently. She stood on her tiptoes, gently planting an affectionate good-morning kiss on his smooth chin, and said sweetly: "You must be full of energy today too!"
"Of course." Nohara Hiroshi also pinned Misae against the wall, delivering a French wet kiss, then released those warm red lips still connecting with a thread of saliva.
Considering the time issue, he forcibly suppressed it and walked out of the apartment.
Driving towards TV Tokyo.
Soon, he arrived at the massive underground parking lot of TV Tokyo.
Morning light filtered through the ventilation grilles, cutting dappled bands of light on the cold concrete floor, carrying a biting aura.
When Nohara Hiroshi stepped out from the driver's seat and casually locked the car doors, that crisp "beep" sounded like a silent command.
Not far away, several assistant directors gathered together smoking and complaining about the hardship of staying up late cutting footage last night, upon seeing that figure, almost subconsciously immediately stubbed out their cigarettes, tensed their bodies like javelins, and bowed deeply in that direction.
They greeted loudly with utmost respect: "Manager Nohara, good morning!"
"Mhm." Nohara Hiroshi merely glanced at them calmly. The corners of his mouth curled into a perfectly appropriate gentle arc, lightly nodding in return.
He didn't stop his pace.
Premium handmade leather shoes stepped on the sleek terrazzo floor, emitting a crisp and rhythmic "clack clack" sound, like a battle song declaring the return of a king, echoing in this empty parking lot.
Wherever he passed, whether it was young employees pulling briefcases from their cars, or senior producers chatting loudly with their colleagues, without exception, they would instantly retract all expressions, stop all actions, and respectfully step aside, bowing formally toward that figure.
"Manager Nohara, good morning!"
"Manager, good morning!"
"Good morning! Manager Nohara!"
Greetings full of awe and adoration rose one after another.
On Nohara Hiroshi's face consistently hung that trademark calm and indifferent composure.
He merely nodded slightly from time to time towards those greeting him. That posture was like a young king inspecting his territory, elegant, and full of absolute majesty.
When he walked into that elevator exclusive to the senior management of the Production Bureau, at the elevator entrance, that elevator lady whose eyes were usually fixed higher than the top of her head, and who only nodded politely even when facing Level 2 Directors, upon seeing him, instantly bloomed into an almost dizzyingly sweet, fawning smile on her face.
"Manager Nohara, long time no see! You today... look just as handsome!"
"Good morning." Nohara Hiroshi only smiled calmly.
The elevator doors closed silently, isolating all the noise and adoration from the outside world beyond that small metal space.
The mirror-like surface on the inner wall of the elevator reflected his handsome and calm face.
In those clear eyes, there was not the slightest pride and complacency caused by this stars-surrounding-the-moon treatment, only a profound tranquility like the deep sea without the slightest ripple.
He knew all this was just on the surface.
In this world where viewership ratings spoke, what people adored was never him as a person, but those myths he created, sufficient to overturn the rules of the era.
And what he had to do, was to continuously go and create new myths!
...
"Ding——"
The elevator doors opened.
That brand-new nameplate carved from premium zelkova wood, [Nohara Hiroshi · Independent Production Department], under the illumination of the corridor lights, exuded a steady and introverted luster.
Nohara Hiroshi walked in.
In the spacious and bright open-plan office area, people were swarming, with no empty seats.
Young interns, like a group of worker ants full of curiosity, shuttled between the various cubicles, their faces overflowing with excitement and pride at being able to join this legendary "Department of God."
Those experienced veteran employees were all focused, either rapidly striking their keyboards in front of computers, or intensely discussing details of some creative idea on whiteboards.
The entire department was like an intricate machine wound tight, operating accurately driven by an astonishingly high efficiency.
Even though it was morning, they had already entered into busy work.
"Manager, good morning!"
"Manager!"
When Nohara Hiroshi's figure appeared in the doorway, the entire department instantly seemed as if the pause button was pressed.
All of them subconsciously stopped the work in their hands, standing up and respectfully bowing towards that direction.
Those greetings full of heartfelt adoration formed a torrent sufficient to move anyone.
Nohara Hiroshi smiled and nodded. His gaze swept over those vibrant, youthful faces, an immense satisfaction of a founder welling up in his heart.
This was the kingdom he had built single-handedly.
"Manager, you're back!"
A crisp voice full of pleasant surprise sounded. Accompanied by a fragrant breeze, Kitagawa Yao fluttered over from her cubicle like a happy little butterfly.
In her hands, she held a cup of freshly ground, steaming premium Blue Mountain coffee. On that pretty face always carrying a bit of vitality, at this moment it was even more filled with joy as if seeing an idol.
"I've always remembered your taste. No sugar, no milk. It requires this purest bitterness to stimulate your god-like inspiration, right?"
She carefully placed the coffee cup in Nohara Hiroshi's spacious and bright independent office. Those large eyes always shining brightly, like two most brilliant stars, looked at him unblinkingly, full of undisguised adoration.
"Thank you for your hard work, Kitagawa." Nohara Hiroshi smilingly took the coffee, sitting down on that leather chair symbolizing his status as Manager.
He glanced at the bustling scene outside, asking with a smile: "Recently in the department, it seems... there are quite a few more unfamiliar faces."
"Hehe, of course!"
A proud expression surfaced on Kitagawa Yao's face. Like a little squirrel presenting a treasure, she lowered her voice and reported mysteriously: "Manager, you don't know how famous you are on the outside now!"
"Last month, the Personnel Department only let out a tiny bit of a rumor saying our department was preparing to recruit interns. Guess what the result was?"
She paused, extending two slender fingers, gesturing an exaggerated number:
"In less than three days! We received over two thousand resumes! Moreover, all of them were from graduates of top-tier prestigious schools like Waseda, Keio, and Tokyo University! They all wrote exactly the same thing on their resumes, naming to come specifically to our [Nohara Hiroshi · Independent Production Department] for an internship!"
"They said, being able to learn under you, this 'genius of the era', is the greatest honor of their lives!"
"Greatest honor? That truly is too exaggerated." This remark made a helpless smile uncontrollably curl at the corners of Nohara Hiroshi's mouth.
A person's reputation is like the shadow of a tree.
He also knew that seeing his current self, he was no longer a simple producer anymore.
He had already become a symbol, a living totem representing "success" and "miracles."
...
9:30 AM arrived punctually.
The office door was lightly knocked.
Animation Section Chief Hashishita Ichiro, TV Drama Section Chief Yamamoto Takeshi, and Variety Show Section Chief Tanaka Kei—these three who were now considered scorching-hot figures with real power in all of TV Tokyo—at this moment acted like three primary school students about to report their learning experiences to a teacher, entering in single file with solemn expressions.
"Manager." The three bowed in unison.
"Sit."
Nohara Hiroshi motioned for them to sit down. Those clear eyes swept over the three, calmly opening his mouth: "Report. During my vacation time, how are the various projects progressing?"
"Hai!"
The first to speak was Tanaka Kei, who had long been completely reborn, his entire body exuding a confidence and capability belonging to an ace variety show producer.
He stood up excitedly: "Manager! Season two of 'Kasou Taishou', last Saturday, just finished broadcasting its fourth episode! The final viewership rating——"
He took a deep breath, and using a tone full of pride, almost akin to an aria, announced that number sufficient to make the entire Japanese television industry tremble.
"40.15%!"
"Our viewership rating remains stable above 40%! Moreover, according to the Data Center's analysis, there is a massive possibility that this number will experience another explosive growth during next month's grand finals! Even... even possibly reaching the viewership record of the Kohaku Uta Gassen!"
Hearing this, Yamamoto Takeshi and Hashishita Ichiro beside him both subconsciously drew a sharp breath.
The viewership record of the Kohaku Uta Gassen?
That was... an insurmountable, sacred monument in Japanese television history!
It was a variety show representing a nationwide carnival!
No.
It couldn't even be called a variety show, but should be defined as art!
Now, Tanaka Kei unexpectedly said that during the finals of "Kasou Taishou Season Two", it would reach the viewership record of the Kohaku Uta Gassen.
Could this be unexaggerated?
"Very good." Nohara Hiroshi merely nodded calmly. That reaction was as if a 40% viewership rating was nothing more than an entirely normal number: "Director Yamamoto, what about your side?"
"Hai!"
Yamamoto Takeshi also stood up. On that face always sharp as a falcon, at this moment was also written irrepressible admiration.
He respectfully handed over a document: "Manager, this is the latest viewership rating summary report for the second season of 'Tales of the Unusual'. As of last Friday, we have already finished broadcasting all thirty-nine episodes. Ultimately, the average viewership rating of the entire season stabilized at 23.58%!"
"This result has already surpassed the first season, once again breaking the highest viewership record for the sub-prime time slot!"
"Moreover, according to news from the Overseas Department, the overseas broadcasting rights for this drama of ours have already been snapped up by TV stations from over fifteen countries and regions. Among them, just the exclusive copyright fee sold to HBO in the US has already... exceeded our total production costs for the two seasons."
This remark also extremely surprised Tanaka Kei and Hashishita Ichiro beside them.
A television drama, just by selling copyrights, had already... recouped its original capital?
This... this was no longer filming a television drama, this was simply printing money!
"Director Hashishita." Nohara Hiroshi's gaze finally landed on that man who had lowered his head from beginning to end, his body tensed like a drawn bowstring.
"...Hai!"
Hashishita Ichiro abruptly stood up, saying in a deep voice: "Manager! Season four of 'Yamishibai' officially concluded last Sunday! The average viewership rating of the entire season finally settled at 14.55%!"
"This result not only created a viewership myth for late-night animation, but even... even thoroughly nailed that shameful third season previously produced by Iwata's section, dead onto the pillar of historical shame!"
As he spoke, his voice carried a touched sobbing sound: "I... representing all colleagues of the Animation Section, thank you! Thank you for giving us a chance to clear our previous shame!"
Nohara Hiroshi looked at these three Section Chiefs before him who were already completely won over by him, a satisfied smile finally revealing on his face.
It seemed that during the week he was away, the department indeed operated smoothly.
This was very good.
Next, he could continue to let himself loose.
He slowly stood up, walked in front of the three of them, and heavily patted each of their shoulders.
"Everyone, you've worked hard."
Nohara Hiroshi's voice was calm: "What you have done is even better than what I anticipated. However, I hope you remember, the small achievements we have obtained now are still far from enough. Our opponents have never been the mediocre people inside TV Tokyo, nor those fools in Osaka and Nagoya who only know how to imitate."
"Our journey, is the whole of Japan!"
This declaration full of a conqueror's aura acted like a scalding electric current, instantly striking the softest spots in the hearts of the three Section Chiefs!
They looked at this man before them who, although young, had long possessed the kingly spirit to overlook the entire era. Those three hearts already thoroughly conquered by him, at this moment, ignited with raging fires sufficient to start a prairie fire!
"Hai!"
The three bowed in unison. In that voice carried the resoluteness of a knight dying for his master: "We will certainly follow your footsteps! Manager Nohara Hiroshi!"
"Yoshi! Very good! Very energetic!"
Nohara Hiroshi nodded in satisfaction: "Alright, the report is over." Nohara Hiroshi sat back in his seat, those clear eyes sweeping over the three of them: "Tell me, recently in production, have you encountered any difficult problems that couldn't be solved?"
Next, it was time to solve minor issues.
But the three of them glanced at each other, and subsequently, knowing bitter smiles surfaced on their faces.
"Difficult problems?" Tanaka Kei was the first to shake his head, speaking with heartfelt admiration: "Manager, frankly speaking, we now... simply don't dare to have any ideas of our own."
"Yes." Yamamoto Takeshi also chimed in with a bitter smile: "What we need to do every day is think of every possible way to perfectly physically restore those things on your drawing manuscripts... in reality. We are not creating, we are just... a group of craftsmen with decent skills, reproducing a piece of a perfect, flawless artwork that was already designed."
"Exactly!" Hashishita Ichiro nodded even more heavily, his voice full of heartfelt awe: "Your storyboards, your scripts, have already solved all problems in advance. We... we can't even find a tiny flaw to raise an objection about."
Rather than a report, this was more like an affirmation after being proven.
They had already understood.
The gap between them and this young man before them could no longer be summarized simply by the word "talent."
That was a dimensional difference, like between mortals and gods.
The drawing manuscripts given by Nohara Hiroshi.
That was an oracle!
Did they need any questions?
Not at all!
As long as they honestly produced the programs according to the drawing manuscripts given by Manager Nohara Hiroshi, then everything would be smooth and perfectly flawless!
"Knock, knock, knock——"
Just as Nohara Hiroshi was conversing with these three Section Chiefs, the sound of knocking came from outside the door.
Along with a delicate female voice: "Manager Nohara, Deputy Director Asumi knows you are back, and hopes if you have time you could go up and sit, he is waiting for you in his office."
It was Asumi's aloof secretary.
But at this time, she spoke somewhat coquettishly with a bright smile toward Nohara Hiroshi: "You have no idea, during this week you weren't in the Production Bureau, our Deputy Director Asumi has been speaking your name every single day."
This was a revealed attitude.
Because of Deputy Director Asumi's care for Nohara Hiroshi, she as his secretary also extended her respect to him.
"I know, I will go see Deputy Director Asumi right away." So under the envious gazes of the three Section Chiefs around him, Nohara Hiroshi nodded.
He indeed should go see Deputy Director Asumi as well.
After all, "Hachiko Monogatari" had already been faxed to his office in advance. If he truly began shooting the movie, Nohara Hiroshi still needed the full support of this Deputy Director Asumi!
PS: Continue to beg for tickets~ Still want to earnestly request the big bosses, if you can fully subscribe please help out, fully subscribe to this book. For a new book, the data during the new book period on the shelves is truly quite important, it concerns later recommendations. Bowing in thanks here! I will certainly madly type words!
(End of Chapter)