novelraw Chapter 192: City Councilor Nomination! Family Banquet Invited by the Mayor! Sakurada Ikuna's Surprise!
Chapter 192: City Councilor Nomination! Family Banquet Invited by the Mayor! Sakurada Ikuna's Surprise!
The phone hung up, Nohara Semashi still maintained the posture of holding the phone, on that dark-skinned honest and sincere face, still remained several parts of constraint and impassionedness after communicating with the Mayor on the phone.
Inside the room, Nohara Ginnosuke and Nohara Tsuru then exactly like two statues being casted an immobilization spell, mouths slightly opened, gazes staring straight at the eldest son, that expression, exactly like seeing a ghost in broad daylight.
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“Gulp.”
Nohara Ginnosuke difficultly swallowed a mouthful of saliva, breaking this patch of peculiar silence. Those thieving eyes of his always rolling around, at this moment widened roundly, inside written full of unbelievable.
“Ju... just a single Akita Inu that's all...”
He stutteringly opened his mouth, voice even carrying a trembling sound, as if he himself just experienced a hallucination,
“Actually... actually even the Mayor personally called over?!”
This whole life of the old man, not to mention communicating with the Mayor on the phone, even seeing the Mayor's motorcade from far away on the street, all had to hurriedly stand aside by the curb, deeply afraid of blocking the path of noblemen.
But now, the Mayor actually for a few dogs, personally called for his son, moreover that tone, that is called courteous, that is called close! This is simply going to the head more than him drinking a whole bottle of "Juyondai"!
“Exactly ah!”
Nohara Tsuru also recovered her senses, she patted her chest, on that properly maintained face similarly written full of shock and incomprehension,
“Although Akita Inus are specialty products of our Akita Prefecture, but speaking plainly, isn't it exactly the native dogs able to be seen everywhere in our countryside? How come... how come even the Mayor has to personally call to ask for them? Still saying what... gifting to friends in Tokyo?”
The old couple exchanged a glance, all seeing the identical bewilderment from each other's eyes.
Although they are country folks, but living the greater half of life, this bit of human relations and the ways of the world still understand.
Those so-called "friends in Tokyo", using toes to think can also know, are definitely those noblemen acting as big officials in Tokyo!
Even, possibly there are still big leaders inside Akita Prefecture!
But the problem is, those big figures normally dressed in brocade eating jade food, accustomed to seeing silks and satins, how come would suddenly towards the native dogs in their countryside, be this scrambling like ducks?
This doesn't accord with common sense ah!
Looking at parents' that face of bewildered expression, Nohara Semashi finally recovered his senses from that impassionedness.
He helplessly smiled, on that dark-skinned face, at this moment yet brimming with a kind of pride.
“Dad, Mom, just don't think that much anymore.”
He putting the mobile phone back into pocket saying:
“These are all the contribution of Hiroshi. Definitely is that "Hachiko Monogatari" of his, thoroughly opening up the reputation of our Akita Inus.”
He paused, tone becoming even more firm:
“Hiroshi on the phone already arranged everything properly. What we have to do now, is exactly following his instructions, doing matters beautifully. Tomorrow early morning, I will personally deliver those twenty-five heads of best appearance Akita Inus over to the Mayor Excellency.”
Hearing the name "Hiroshi", all the bewilderment on Nohara Ginnosuke and Nohara Tsuru's faces, instantly vanished into thin air.
As if this name itself, then carried a kind of magic power sufficient to explain everything.
“Oh ——! Turns out it's that kid Hiroshi fiddling behind the back ah!”
Nohara Ginnosuke fiercely patted his thigh, face instantly recovering that appearance full of pride and arrogance, as if that person shocked to the point of unable to speak just now wasn't him at all:
“I said so right! Besides our family's Hiroshi, who else still has such massive capability! Hahahahaha! Worthy of being I Nohara Ginnosuke's son!”
“Yeah, since it is arranged by Hiroshi, then definitely no problem.”
Nohara Tsuru also consecutively nodded her head, on her face revealed a gratified smile.
Towards them, youngest son Nohara Hiroshi, long ago already wasn't that child needing them to worry about, but the pillar of the entire Nohara family, the omnipotent "God" inside their hearts.
As long as it is said by Hiroshi, then is exactly the truth.
As long as it is arranged by Hiroshi, then is exactly the broad and smooth path leading towards success.
This almost approaching blind trust, originates from miracles created one time after another by Nohara Hiroshi, also originates from the depths of bloodline, that most pure family affection.
......
The second day early morning, sky slightly brightened, Nishi-Omagari Village still enveloped within a patch of thin morning mist.
A Toyota Land Cruiser fully sufficient in overbearingness, exactly like an awakened fierce beast, slowly drove out of the Nohara family's courtyard.
Behind it, three carefully washed mini trucks closely followed behind, inside the carriages, twenty-five furry Akita Inus, were exactly curiously observing this brand new world.
Nohara Semashi steadily controlled the steering wheel, through the rearview mirror, looking at that small motorcade behind, inside his heart surging up a stream of unable to be explained clearly heroic passion.
He knew, what he transported today, wasn't only twenty-five Akita Inus.
Even more the future of the Nohara family, is the extremely crucial link in that grand layout of younger brother Nohara Hiroshi!
The motorcade was smooth all the way, very quickly then arrived at the City Hall of Omagari City.
What made Nohara Semashi not expect is, Mayor of Omagari City Ito Kenji, actually truly brought a few key personnel of the City Hall, waiting at the entrance early on.
That solemnness and expectation, overflowing on words and appearance.
“Aiyaya! Semashi-kun! You finally arrived! Hard work along the way, hard work along the way ah!”
Ito Kenji as soon as he saw Nohara Semashi's car, then immediately bringing smiles all over the face welcoming up.
He proactively reached out hand, tightly gripping that large hand of Nohara Semashi slightly rough due to year-round laboring, forcefully shaking it, that posture, close as if the two are old friends not seen for many years.
“Mayor Excellency, you are too courteous.”
Nohara Semashi hurriedly bowed returning the greeting, that unservile and unoverbearing composure, making Ito Kenji's eyes flash a trace of imperceptible appreciation.
After the two underwent a bout of exchanging pleasantries, Nohara Semashi then turned sideways, making a "please" gesture, leading Ito Kenji to the front of those three mini trucks.
“Mayor Excellency, please look.”
Following the carriage doors being slowly opened, twenty-five meticulously groomed Akita Inus, instantly then exposed under the early morning's sunshine.
Every single one of them had fluffy fur, clean to the point of not having a trace of variegated color, inside the air even permeated with a stream of faint pet shampoo smell.
These little fellows, seemingly not a bit afraid of strangers at all, they tilted furry heads, using those clear innocent big eyes, curiously observing these "big figures" right in front, from time to time even sticking out tender pink tongues, licking their own noses, that silly and cute appearance, instantly then captivated the hearts of everyone present.
“Hiroshi previously exactly exhorted to me before.”
Nohara Semashi's voice resounded in timely fashion, he pointed at those Akita Inus, inside his tone carrying a few parts of professionalism and pride:
“He said, this dog breed of Akita Inu, the biggest characteristic, is exactly being intelligent and docile. Although their outward appearance looks honest and sincere, even somewhat silly and cute, but actually their IQ is very high, able to very quickly understand the owner's intents, also very easy to train.”
He simultaneously saying, simultaneously opening one of the cages, carrying out a little fellow looking the most lively.
That little fellow as soon as landing on the ground, then excitedly wagged its tail, intimately rubbing Nohara Semashi's trouser leg, that reliance and closeness, making people's heart warm.
“You see, they are extremely friendly towards humans, personality is also very steady, won't randomly bark, extremely suitable as family companion dogs.”
“Wow ——!”
Ito Kenji's eyes instantly brightened up, those eyes flashing a kind of nearly childlike pleasant surprise and affection.
He carefully reached out his hand, probing touching the head of that little Akita Inu.
The little fellow seemingly felt his kindness, not only didn't dodge, instead proactively sticking out tongue, gently licking the palm of his hand.
That warm and moist touch, making Ito Kenji's heart, instantly melted down.
“Aiyaya! Truly is too cute! Too docile!”
He excitedly consecutively praised, that affection originating from the heart on his face, could no longer be concealed.
He looked at these furry little fellows exactly in front, inside his mind already beginning飛速 calculating up.
En, these two cutest ones, must be left for those two precious daughters of mine, they will definitely be happy to the point of breaking!
These fifteen with best appearance, must hurriedly send over to the place of the Prefectural Governor Excellency of Akita Prefecture, this is an excellent opportunity to consolidate relationship!
Still have these five, must think of ways to send into the hands of those few old friends in Tokyo, this favor, is much more practical than gifting whatever gold, silver, wealth and treasures!
The remaining three well... exactly leave for a few most intimate relatives, considered as rain and dew evenly distributed.
Perfect! Simply perfect social sharp weapons!
Ito Kenji the more thinking the more excited, he looked at Nohara Semashi, that gaze, simply like looking at an wealth-giving boy.
“Semashi-kun! You are truly... helping me a heaven-shattering big favor ah!”
He once again gripped Nohara Semashi's hand, forcefully shaking it, inside the tone full of sincere gratitude:
“These Akita Inus, are truly too awesome! Appearance first-class, personality docile, simply impeccable!”
He paused, again leading the topic towards that person he truly cares about:
“Speaking of which, all these must owe thanks to your younger brother Hiroshi-kun ah! That "Hachiko Monogatari" of his, filming it is truly... too touching! After I watched it, all couldn't help but shed tears! He is exactly the true genius ah!”
Nohara Semashi upon hearing this, on his face revealed a honest and sincere smile, that humility, perfectly appropriate.
“Mayor Excellency you overpraise.”
He scratched his head, tone sincerely saying:
“Hiroshi able to have today's achievements, also inseparable from the support of Akita Prefecture and Omagari City towards him. Our Nohara family, always remembers this grace.”
This speech spoken watertight, not only flattered the leader, but also expressed the attitude, making Ito Kenji hear it heart blooming with flowers, dragon face joyous.
He looked at this simple and honest also sensible young man right in front, that appreciation in his heart, also became even more rich up.
“Semashi-kun, you are a promising young man.”
Ito Kenji patted his shoulder, tone becoming earnest and well-meaning:
“Properly work hard, your Nohara Agricultural Corporation, futures boundless. When the time comes, the City Councilor election of our Omagari City, I will definitely reserve a position for you.”
“What?! City... City Councilor?!”
Nohara Semashi's body fiercely trembled, those always peaceful eyes instantly widened, face written full of unbelievable shock!
He blankly looked at Ito Kenji, inside his mind a patch of blank.
City Councilor!
Towards a country folk like him, with ancestors from generation to generation all being farmers, this is simply an unimaginable glory!
That is but truly meaningful "standing out", is the massive affair of honoring ancestors ah!
“Many... many thanks Mayor Excellency for the cultivation!”
He excitedly consecutively bowed, that sincere gratitude originating from the heart, overflowing on words and appearance.
However, Ito Kenji yet merely smilingly waved his hand, inside those astute eyes, flashed a trace of mysterious light.
“This is only the beginning that's all.”
He suppressed down his voice, moving close to the side of Nohara Semashi's ear, using a kind of voice only the two of them could hear saying:
“I heard, even the Prefectural Governor Excellency of Akita Prefecture, all towards you two brothers, especially Hiroshi-kun's talent, praising ceaselessly. He even asked someone to pass word, hoping to have opportunity able to meet with you two brothers, properly having a chat, listening to the suggestions of you all towards the cultural promotion of Akita Prefecture.”
He paused, tone becoming even more meaningful:
“Semashi-kun, you must grasp this opportunity ah. If able to obtain the Prefectural Governor Excellency's appreciation, let alone City Councilor, even if it's... Prefectural Councilor, is also not simultaneously without possibility ah!”
Boom ——!
Ito Kenji's words instantly resoundingly blasted in Nohara Semashi's heart!
Prefectural Councilor?!
He blankly stood in place, on that dark-skinned face, all expressions instantly froze.
He felt himself as if being placed within a dream realm, everything appearing that unrealistic.
He looked at that face of Ito Kenji hanging a mysterious smile, again thought of that always calm and indifferent face of younger brother Nohara Hiroshi, that heart already long somewhat benumbed by countless shocks washing over, at this moment once again set off monstrous huge waves.
He knew, his life, no, the life of the entire Nohara family, will all because of that "monster"-like younger brother of his, undergoing heaven and earth overturning changes.
This path leading towards "standing out", had already slowly paved open under his feet.
And what he needs to do, is exactly tightly following younger brother's paces, one step one footprint, walking down.
“Hai! Mayor Excellency!”
He once again deeply bowed down, inside that bent down waist, bearing, is the infinite longing and hope of the entire Nohara family towards the future.
Ito Kenji looking at this ninety degree grand bow of Nohara Semashi, the smiles on his face increasingly gentle, like the warmest sunshine in spring days, sufficient to melt down the residual snow of Akita Prefecture.
He reached out both hands, cordially supporting Nohara Semashi's arms, that perfectly appropriate strength, not only displaying closeness, without losing the status of a Mayor.
“Aiyaya! Semashi-kun, what are you doing! Quickly get up, quickly get up!”
Ito Kenji's voice carried a few parts of "complaint", but inside those astute eyes, yet flashing satisfied light:
“Between us, why need this much formalities!”
He looked at this young man right in front although skin dark, but between the brows revealing a stream of simplicity and firm resolution, that appreciation in his heart, like aged sake, increasingly mellow and thick.
Sensible, too sensible!
Not only handling matters watertight, this courtesy in conducting oneself in society, is even more comprehensive to the point making people unable to pick half a bit of fault.
The Nohara family's these two sons, one is the cultural monster stirring up winds and clouds in Tokyo, one is the star of tomorrow deeply plowing and meticulously working amidst countrysides, is simply... perfect match!
Inside Ito Kenji's heart thoughts rapidly rotated, the smiles on his face yet didn't diminish a bit.
He turned his head, casting a meaningful glance towards that secretary always bowing and standing in attendance at the side, existing like a shadow.
“Miyamoto-kun.”
“Hai!”
That secretary named Miyamoto immediately implicitly understood, he slightly bowed, voice respectful yet also capable:
“Mayor Excellency, what instructions?”
“You immediately arrange things down.”
Ito Kenji said:
“Taking these twenty-five heads... no, is twenty-five 'Akita Envoys', properly settling them down. Besides, you arrange reliable people to follow Semashi-kun's motorcade, sending those gifts I already exhorted properly, separately to the Prefectural Governor Excellency's residence, as well as the places of those few friends in Tokyo. Must definitely within today, exactly personally hand over to their hands, understand?”
“Hai! Please Mayor Excellency rest assured, I will definitely handle the matters properly and appropriately!”
Secretary Miyamoto once again bowed, that capability and composure, clearly an elite who had been through officialdom for a long time.
After finishing arranging all this, Ito Kenji's gaze once again fell back onto Nohara Semashi's body, that gaze, had already transformed from the initial appreciation, into a kind of nearly the closeness of an elder viewing a junior.
“Semashi-kun ah,”
He patted Nohara Semashi's shoulder, tone gentle as if able to squeeze out water:
“Today you but helped me a heaven-shattering big favor. Just mere verbal thanks, truly makes me this serving as Mayor appear too stingy.”
He paused, on his face revealed an irrefutable smile:
“How about this, tonight, I act as host, booking a private room at 'Shofutei', we... we in the name of families, properly gathering a bit! You must definitely grace with your presence ah!”
“Name of families?”
Nohara Semashi upon hearing this, slightly stunned.
“Yeah!”
Ito Kenji righteously and self-confidently nodded his head, inside those astute eyes, flashing a kind of perfectly appropriate enthusiasm belonging to politicians:
“I'll let my wife also come over together, you ne, also bring the sister-in-law along! Our two families, not talking about official matters, exactly treating it as ordinary family dining, properly chatting about family matters, enhancing enhancing feelings!”
This speech spoken sincere and heartfelt, not only pulling closer mutual distance, but also cleverly elevating this official entertaining banquet, to the level of private friendship.
However, Nohara Semashi after finishing listening, on that dark-skinned face, yet surfaced a trace of bitter smile carrying a few parts of bashfulness.
“Mayor Excellency, this... I'm afraid is somewhat inconvenient.”
He scratched his head, that honesty and sincerity, appeared exceptionally real at this moment.
“Oh? What inconvenience?”
Information of eyebrow tip slightly raised, inside the gaze flashed a trace of imperceptible bewilderment.
Could it be... the wife of this Semashi-kun, not good at socializing? Or could it be, their husband and wife relationship discordant?
Inside Ito Kenji's mind, instantly flashed countless kinds of possibilities.
“That... Mayor Excellency,”
Nohara Semashi's voice lowered a few parts, that bashfulness on his face also increasingly obvious:
“I... I'm still not married yet ne.”
“What?!”
Ito Kenji's eyes instantly widened, inside the eyes written full of astonishment.
He inspected Nohara Semashi up and down, as if recognizing him for the first time.
“Not... not married?! Semashi-kun, you... you must not joke with me ah! You are now but the youngest, also most successful big President of our Omagari City! Career successful, futures boundless! How come... how come still haven't married ne?”
In his view, a young and promising man like Nohara Semashi, beside the body should have long been flocks of beauties already.
How is it possible to not even have married?!
This doesn't accord with logic!
“Let Mayor Excellency see a joke.”
Nohara Semashi's cheeks, at this moment already blushed exactly like a soldering iron, he somewhat embarrassingly explained saying:
“Mainly the previous few years, continuously busy with the farm work at home, later again busy with the matters of the corporation, then delayed my own lifelong massive affair.”
He paused, seemingly drumming up courage, on that dark-skinned face, surfaced a trace of happy smile:
“However, now I already have a fiancée, we already got engaged, preparing at the end of this year then finalizing marriage.”
“Oh ——! Turns out it's like this!”
Ito Kenji upon hearing this, let out a long sigh of relief, that astonishment on his face also instantly replaced by understanding.
He looked at that face of Nohara Semashi brimming with happiness, that appreciation in his heart, also once again rose up.
Good kid! Not only career successful, conducting oneself modestly, even emotional life is this devoted! This is simply... perfect trustable candidate ah!
“Hahahahaha! Then that's truly too great! Too great!”
Ito Kenji laughed out loudly, inside that sound, full of joy originating from the heart:
“Semashi-kun, since it's like this, then tonight's family banquet, you exactly bring your fiancée along together! I precisely want to see, is a girl from which family, having such good fortune, able to marry the young talent of our Omagari City!”
He paused, again fiercely patted his thigh, inside the tone carrying irrefutable certainty:
“Right! When you marry at the end of the year, definitely must notify me! I Ito Kenji, definitely must personally arrive at the scene, officiating the marriage for you!”
“What?! You... you are going to officiate the marriage for us?!”
Nohara Semashi's body once again fiercely trembled, those always peaceful eyes instantly widened, face written full of wild joy!
The Mayor personally officiating marriage for him?!
This... this is simply, the supreme glory of honoring ancestors, bringing glory to the family gate ah!
He was excited to the point even words couldn't be spoken out anymore, merely once again towards Ito Kenji, deeply bowing down a bow:
“Truly troubling Mayor Excellency! Truly is extremely thankful! Extremely thankful! Extremely grateful!”
Inside that bent down waist, bearing wasn't only gratitude, even more the entire Nohara family, the most sublime respect towards this Mayor Excellency.
Ito Kenji looking at that appearance of him excited to the point of unable to control himself, on his face revealed a satisfied smile.
He knew, from this moment on, this "big ship" with infinite potential of the Nohara family, had already been thoroughly, tightly bound together with his Ito Kenji's political future.
......
When Nohara Semashi's motorcade, under the accompaniment of personnel arranged by Secretary Miyamoto, slowly drove away from the City Hall, the smile on Ito Kenji's face, still as gentle as spring breeze.
He watched the motorcade going far away, until that last glimpse of vehicle shadow disappeared at the end of the street, only then contentedly turned his body, stepping with brisk paces, anew walking back into that office building symbolizing authority.
Returning to his own office located on the third floor, Ito Kenji let out a long sigh of relief, and then cozily leaned onto that wide and comfortable genuine leather seat.
He closed his eyes, inside his mind continuously replaying the dialogue with Nohara Semashi just now, as well as those silly and cute Akita Inus, the corners of his mouth subconsciously hooking up a trace of proud arc.
“Mayor Excellency.”
Secretary Miyamoto came in, he held a cup of just brewed hot tea in his hands, respectfully placing it in front of Ito Kenji.
“Oh? Miyamoto-kun, you came back.”
Ito Kenji slowly opened his eyes, he picked up the teacup, gently blowing the hot steam, inside those astute eyes, flashing a kind of profundity of planning strategies.
“Hai.”
Secretary Miyamoto slightly bowed, on that always calm and indifferent face of his, at this moment also surfaced a trace of sincere admiration:
“Mayor Excellency, you are truly... aiming high and looking far ah. These two brothers of the Nohara family, are simply exactly the two most shining stars on your political achievements record!”
This flattery, speaking it is perfectly appropriate, not only not appearing fawning, yet accurately scratched to the itchy spot of Ito Kenji.
Ito Kenji upon hearing this, that pride on his face could no longer be concealed.
He put down the teacup, body slightly leaning back, using a kind of nearly showing off tone, smilingly asking:
“Miyamoto-kun, tell me a truthful sentence. Back then, I put down the airs of a Mayor, personally running to that impoverished and remote countryside of Nishi-Omagari Village, to visit the Nohara family, this chess move, did I play it correctly?”
Secretary Miyamoto upon hearing this, that admiration on his face also became even more rich up.
He knew, this wasn't only the Mayor showing off to him, even more testing his "political wisdom".
He pondered for a moment, and then, using a tone full of respect and praise, slowly, presenting that segment of "history" already brewed countless times inside his heart, narrating it in detail.
“Mayor Excellency, this chess move of yours, up to merely played correctly.”
Secretary Miyamoto's voice, carrying a kind of power sufficient to make anyone feel convinced:
“This is simply... a stroke of genius exactly like heaven-sent!”
He paused, as if organizing language, again like doing foreshadowing for the succeeding narrative:
“You think ah, how would the outside world evaluate this time's 'condescending to lower oneself' of yours?”
“They will say, the Ito Kenji Mayor of Omagari City, is exactly a good leader truly caring for the citizens, thirsting for talents! For the sake of revitalizing the rural economy of Omagari City, he didn't fear hardships, personally going deep into the fields, to seek advice from an, capable, thoughtful new era farmer named Nohara Semashi!”
“And then ne?”
Flashing radiance in Miyamoto Secretary's eyes:
“Inside the home of that farmer, you additionally coincidentally learned, he still has a genius younger brother serving as producer at TV Tokyo, named Nohara Hiroshi! Therefore, you once again using the identity of Mayor, sincerely requesting this young man, hoping he could utilize his own talent, contributing a portion of strength for the cultural promotion of the hometown!”
“Ultimately, under the inspiration of you this talent scout, Nohara Hiroshi-kun was deeply moved, resolutely, creating out a movie named "Hachiko Monogatari"! This movie, isn't only for commemorating that loyal Akita Inu, even more for repaying you this Mayor Excellency, the grace of recognizing their talent for the Nohara family!”
“Consequently, the movie premiered, explosive across the whole country! The reputation of Akita Inus, the reputation of Omagari City, and even the reputation of the entire Akita Prefecture, all consequently rose with the tide! And the source of all this, all began from your initial, seemingly ordinary, practically containing great wisdom decision —— personally going to the countryside, visiting the Nohara family!”
“When the time comes, the Prefectural Governor Excellency of Akita Prefecture, after hearing this segment of 'excellent story', what thoughts will he have towards you? He will only feel, you Ito Kenji, is a good Mayor having foresight, having boldness, having sense of responsibility! Is an able general truly worthy of his trust and promotion!”
This speech of Secretary Miyamoto, speaking it is impassioned, with cadences, every single word, all exactly like the most precise musical notes, perfectly striking onto the heartstrings of Ito Kenji.
He ingeniously packaged a simple "political-business cooperation", into a segment of legendary excellent story full of "talent scout and talent", elevating Ito Kenji's image, instantly to a brand new height.
“Hahahahahahaha!”
Ito Kenji after completely listening to this speech, finally could no longer hold it in, he fiercely patted his thigh, roaring with laughter loudly.
That sound full of hearty satisfaction and pride.
He straightened his chest, that satisfaction and pride originating from the bottom of the heart, making him feel himself as if ten years younger.
“Miyamoto-kun! You this guy! Is truly... too good at speaking!”
He pointed at Secretary Miyamoto, smiling to the point tears were almost coming out:
“However, what you said isn't wrong! Back then, I was exactly thinking like this! Hahahahaha!”
He knew, this speech of Secretary Miyamoto, although having exaggerated elements, but the general direction, is yet entirely correct.
Back then him personally going down to the countryside, indeed exactly took a fancy to the potential of Nohara Hiroshi.
And now, this portion of "investment", already started bringing generous returns for him.
“Yeah, back then, I indeed exactly did the right thing.”
Ito Kenji let out a long sigh of relief, inside that breath, carrying sighing, satisfaction, as well as infinite longing towards the future.
He seemingly again thought of something, the smiles on his face restrained a few parts, replacing it, is a kind of composure belonging to a higher-up.
“Right, Miyamoto-kun.”
He heavily voiced ordering:
“You immediately send those few addresses for gifting, to the truck drivers of Nohara Semashi-kun. Letting them definitely must within today, send those 'Akita Envoys', all in place.”
He paused, again specially exhorting a sentence:
“Especially those few dogs sent to the Prefectural Governor Excellency's residence, must pick the best! Appearance, personality, all must be impeccable! Understand?!”
“Hai! Mayor Excellency, please rest assured! I'll go handle it right now!”
Secretary Miyamoto once again bowed, and then exactly stepping with capable paces, turning around leaving the office.
Inside the office, once again only left Ito Kenji alone.
He leaned onto the chair back, on his face anew surfacing that proud smile.
He picked up the phone on the table, beginning one by one, towards those "old friends" in Akita Prefecture, in Tokyo, making phone calls.
“Hello, is it Councilor Sato? I'm Ito Kenji ah! Happy New Year, Happy New Year! ... Aiya, you are too courteous! It's like this, I prepared a small little gift for you, is exactly the most pure Akita Inu of our Akita Prefecture, within today can be delivered to your residence! ... You're welcome, you're welcome! As long as you like it! Please take care of me more in the future ah! Hahahahaha!”
“Hello, is it Takura-kun? I'm Ito ah! ... Yeah, I also prepared one for you! ... Please rest assured, is absolutely the one with best appearance! ... Easy to talk, easy to talk! The agricultural development of our Omagari City in the future, exactly all depends on you!”
“Hello, is it Department Manager Yamada? ...”
Phone calls made one after another, listening to those big figures normally high and mighty on the other end of the phone, at this moment all full of gratitude and praise towards himself, inside Ito Kenji's heart, that pride, also exactly like being injected with stimulants, continuously expanding swelling.
He knew, these twenty-five Akita Inus, what is gifted out, isn't only gifts, even more favors, is relationships.
Is exactly the... stepping stone for him Ito Kenji, to have a meteoric rise on the political arena in the future!
Hanging up the last phone call, Ito Kenji let out a long sigh of relief.
He felt himself as if already seeing, in the near future, he will rely on the "aura" of these two brothers of the Nohara family, shining brilliantly in front of the Akita Prefecture Governor.
Even, on the political arena of Tokyo Metropolis, also able to possess a name belonging to himself already.
He picked up the phone, dialing the number at home.
“Hello, it's me.”
His voice, at this moment became exceptionally gentle, that majesty and calculation belonging to politicians, completely vanished into thin air at this moment, only leaving a kind of, warmth belonging to a husband.
“Old wife, don't cook dinner tonight.”
He smilingly saying, inside that sound, full of difficult to conceal joy,
“Tonight, I will personally entertain the young talent of our Omagari City, Nohara Semashi's family at 'Shofutei'! You ah, also properly dress up a bit, come together with me!”
He knew, this family banquet, will exactly be the crucial opportunity for him and the Nohara family, the relationship to step further.
And he, Ito Kenji, will also simultaneously inside this family banquet full of warmth and calculation, lay down an, extremely crucial chess piece for his own political future once again.
......
On the plaza in front of the City Hall, the sunshine outlined the silhouettes of the three mini trucks clearly and distinctly.
Nohara Semashi watched the slightly brisk back figure of Mayor Ito Kenji disappear at the building entrance, only then turning around, that perfectly appropriate respect on his face instantly replaced by a kind of composure and resolution belonging to a President.
He walked to the front of the three trucks, looking at those drivers and employees sitting properly on the cars, with a few parts of constraint and excitement still on their faces, voice not loud, yet resounding and powerful.
“Everyone, all listen clearly.”
Nohara Semashi's gaze swept over every single person:
“These twenty-five head of Akita Inus, must all be delivered to designated addresses within today. Long journey, hard work everyone.”
He paused, the corners of the mouth hooking up an arc sufficient to let everyone feel roused:
“Therefore, going within Akita Prefecture today, everyone rewarded ten thousand yen. Going to Tokyo, everyone rewarded fifty thousand yen. Doing the matters beautifully, when returning I will again treat everyone to drink sake!”
“Woah ——!”
“Long live the President!”
“You rest assured President! Guarantee completing task!”
The moment of silence was instantly ignited by a burst of unable to suppress cheering sounds.
The drivers and employees of those three trucks, all the constraint on their faces transformed into wild joy.
Fifty thousand yen! This is almost half a month of their salaries already!
Money, is always the most direct and effective method to stimulate adrenaline.
“En, very good.”
Nohara Semashi satisfiedly nodded his head, he liked this kind of atmosphere of enforcing orders strictly, morale soaring high.
His gaze again fell onto those two young employees of the City Hall personally arranged by Secretary Miyamoto, responsible for accompanying the transport.
Those two people from beginning to end all maintained a kind of restraint and alienation belonging to public servants, but inside the depths of their eyes, yet couldn't hide a trace of envy towards that fifty thousand yen reward.
“The two of you, hard work for you too.”
Nohara Semashi's voice much gentler, he took out two packs of cigarettes from his pocket, handing them over, that action natural as if old friends of many years:
“Waiting until matters handled returning, I also have gifts of identical value to give to the two of you, expressing a bit of gratitude.”
This speech spoken extremely ingeniously, not appearing abrupt, yet also transmitting that "token of appreciation" clearly and distinctly.
The bodies of those two young employees imperceptibly slightly trembled, they exchanged glances, both seeing a trace of understanding and pleasant surprise from each other's eyes.
They hurriedly bowed receiving the cigarettes, that constraint belonging to public servants, at this moment also transformed into sincere respect.
“President Nohara you are too courteous.”
“Yeah, these are exactly what we should do.”
They knew, this President Nohara looking honest and sincere, in the aspect of human relations and the ways of the world, is actually this thoroughly understanding.
Nohara Semashi didn't say much anymore, he merely waved his hand, gesturing that they could depart.
Three mini trucks, carrying twenty-five "Akita Envoys" and everyone's expectations, slowly drove away from the City Hall Plaza.
Nohara Semashi watched them go far away, only then turning around walking towards that Toyota Land Cruiser of his parked not far away.
He didn't return to the village, but skillfully started the car, driving towards the direction of the city center.
The car passed through a few slightly worn-out streets, ultimately stopping at the entrance of a coffee shop.
This shop wasn't big, the decoration yet very warm, full of artistic atmosphere.
Through the clean glass window, could be seen two or three customers inside, as well as that familiar back figure exactly busy behind the bar counter.
Sakurada Ikuna.
His fiancée.
Nohara Semashi's mouth corners subconsciously hooked up a gentle arc.
Sometimes he also couldn't understand, Ikuna clearly could stay at home, living a pampered rich life, yet she exactly insisted on coming out to work.
She said, not wanting to become a vase only able to rely on men, she must have her own life, her own career, even if merely inside a small coffee shop, brewing coffee, baking bread.
Exactly this independence and steadiness, let Nohara Semashi increasingly cherish and fondly love her.
He pushed open the car door, stepping with composed paces, walking into the coffee shop.
“Ding-ling ——”
The wind chime at the door emitted a crisp sound.
Behind the bar counter, that girl exactly lowering her head wiping the coffee cup, hearing the sound raised her head.
When her gaze touched that dark-skinned and also bringing a few parts of silly smile face of Nohara Semashi, those always gentle eyes, instantly then brightened up, exactly like illuminated stars.
“Semashi-kun!”
Sakurada Ikuna pleasantly surprised shouting a sound, she put down the cup in her hands, fast-walking bypassing from behind the bar counter, like a returning nestling swallow, bringing a burst of faint coffee fragrance, fiercely pouncing into his embrace.
“How come you came over?”
She raised that fair and beautiful small face, small head intimately rubbing on his robust chest, inside those sparkling large eyes, brimming with the joy and sweetness like a long separation reunion:
“Didn't you say going to the City Hall to deliver things today, going to be very busy?”
“Matters finished handling, exactly coming over on the way to see you.”
Nohara Semashi honestly and sincerely smiling, he reached out both arms, tightly circling this warm fragrance and soft jade little woman inside his embrace, that satisfaction originating from the bottom of the heart, making him feel himself as if possessing the whole world.
He paused, on his face surfaced a trace of smile carrying a few parts of solemnity, voice also becoming gentle up:
“Moreover, tonight there is a very important family banquet, I need my future No-hara Se-ma-shi Ma-dam, to accompany me to attend together.”
He deliberately spoke these words "Nohara Semashi Madam", enunciating word by word out, that gentleness carrying a few parts of overbearingness, making Sakurada Ikuna's cheeks, "swish" blushing completely red.
“Aiya! You... you are annoying!”
She bashfully pounded his chest once, inside that sound carrying coquettishness.
But very quickly, she then caught the focal point inside the words.
“Wait a minute... family banquet?”
Sakurada Ikuna fiercely raised her head, inside those sparkling large eyes, full of bewilderment and curiosity:
“What family banquet ah? This important?”
“En, very important.”
Nohara Semashi nodded his head, he looked at the face written full of curiosity of the fiancée, the corners of his mouth hooking up a proud arc, slowly, spitting out that answer sufficient to let her instantly petrify on the spot.
“It's the family banquet of the Mayor Excellency.”
“What ——?!”
Those originally already very large eyes of Sakurada Ikuna, instantly widened roundly, that cherry small mouth also slightly opened, sufficient to stuff in an egg.
That crisp and also full of shock exclamation sound of hers, instantly then resounded through the entire coffee shop!
(End of Chapter)