novelraw Chapter 236: The Exchange Between Sakata Nobuhiko and Takada Toshihide! Protecting Nohara Hiroshi!
Chapter 236: The Exchange Between Sakata Nobuhiko and Takada Toshihide! Protecting Nohara Hiroshi!
On the top floor of the TV Tokyo headquarters building, the door to the Station Chief's office was gently pushed open.
Takada Toshihide gripped a thick stack of Kanto Station's financial reports in his hand. His fingertips absently rubbed against the edges of the pages, leaving shallow indentations. The red text on the reports—"Advertising Revenue Down 45% Year-On-Year," "Original Programming Accounts for Less Than 8%"—was as piercing as needles.
The office was scented with the faint aroma of Uji matcha.
Sakata Nobuhiko sat behind a rosewood desk by the window, holding a yellowed old photograph. The photo showed him and Koike Ryuichi twenty years ago, both wearing crisp suits, standing in front of Tokyo Station's old office building, their smiles brimming with youthful high spirits.
A sheathed samurai sword rested on the corner of the desk. The cherry blossom pattern on the scabbard had faded somewhat, but it was an heirloom Sakata had inherited from his father, never easily shown to others.
"Station Chief Sakata, the Kanto Station monthly reports you requested." Takada placed the reports on the desk. As he bowed, the wrinkles around the corners of his eyes appeared especially pronounced. "I just confirmed with the finance department. Last month, Kanto Station's production budget was overdrawn by 200 million. The advertising department only managed to secure 130 million in new cooperation, and they're almost unable to pay employee bonuses."
Sakata set down the photo and tapped his fingers lightly on the report's cover. His voice carried the steady composure typical of an old-school manager. "Did Asumi head over to Kanto Station with Hiroshi this morning?"
"Hai. (Yes.)" Takada nodded, pulled a nearby chair out, and sat down, leaning his body slightly forward. "Miyazawa just reported that the bus departed punctually at 9 AM. The accompanying personnel are all former Kanto Station veteran employees. Sato and Watanabe are also there—the two directors who previously collaborated with Hiroshi on Tales of the Unusual."
Sakata hummed an acknowledgment, picked up the coarse pottery tea cup from the desk, and took a sip. The slight bitterness of the matcha spread in his mouth.
He looked out the window at the bustling traffic on Tokyo's streets, his eyes gradually becoming complex. "The mess that is Kanto Station hasn't been peaceful since we acquired it four years ago. Asumi was stationed there for half a year, his hair turned quite gray, and he still couldn't revive it. Tossing it to Hiroshi now... it's rather unfair to the child."Hearing the word "unfair," Takada couldn't help but frown, his tone laced with a sense of regret. "Sasuga ni (Indeed), Station Chief. What kind of person is Hiroshi-kun? At 23, he won Best New Director at the Tokyo International Film Festival;
Seven Samurai grossed over 8.9 billion at the box office, Hachiko Monogatari broke 10 billion, and Kasou Taishou is currently the number one variety show nationwide. Which of his projects isn't a cash cow for the station? Sending him to clean up Kanto Station's mess now—how is that any different from using a precious samurai sword to cut wild greens? It's too mottainai (too much of a waste)."
He paused, tapping his finger on the line in the report that read "Average age of Kanto Station employees: 48 years old." "Furthermore, you also know how stubborn Kanto Station's veteran employees are. That old fossil Matsui Yuichi doesn't even give Asumi face. With Hiroshi-kun going there, who knows how much grief he'll have to swallow. If he bungles it, it will tarnish his reputation instead. It's not worth it."
Hearing this, Sakata suddenly smiled.
He set down his teacup, leaned back in his chair, and fixed his gaze on Takada's face. This man, who previously always prioritized the interests of the "Tokyo Faction" and even viewed Asumi with hostility, was now actually worried about Hiroshi's reputation. He had certainly become much more clear-sighted than before.
"Kimi ga ima, Nohara no koto wo konnani kangaeru nante, mukashi no kimi wo mireba shinjirarenai darou. (If your past self saw how much you're considering Nohara now, you definitely wouldn't believe it.)"
Sakata's tone carried a hint of teasing. "Do you still remember when the first season of Yamishibai aired last year? You vehemently backed Iwata Masao's Onibo Samurai, saying, 'What urban legends? These obviously niche subjects are destined to fail.' And the result? Yamishibai's viewership broke 12%, while Onibo Samurai couldn't even reach 5%. During the Production Bureau meeting, you could barely show your face, could you?"
A flash of embarrassment crossed Takada's face. He reached up to rub his nose and offered a wry smile. "Station Chief, why bring that up... I was young and arrogant then, and couldn't see clearly. It's different now. I am the Bureau Chief of Production;
I must act in the interest of Tokyo Station as a whole. Hiroshi-kun is a treasure to the station. If his wings are clipped because of Kanto Station, it's the entirety of Tokyo Station that suffers the loss."
"So you feel sending him to Kanto Station is a waste?" Sakata pressed, his gaze suddenly turning sharp.
"...Hai (Yes)." Takada hesitated for a moment, but still nodded. "At least for now. If he matures for a few more years, say after he turns thirty, and has a few more major projects under his belt, then having him integrate Kanto Station would be both rightful and legally sound, and no one would dare question it. He's too young right now. Even with his capabilities, he won't be able to suppress those wily old foxes."
Sakata did not refute him immediately. Instead, he stood up and walked to the window, his fingers gently brushing against a pot of asparagus fern on the windowsill. It was a gift Koike Ryuichi had given him when he first became Station Chief, and it was now lush and thriving.
He remained silent for a few seconds before slowly speaking. "Kimi wa, hyoumen no koto shika miteinai (You are only looking at the surface)."
"The surface?" Takada was momentarily stunned. "Station Chief, you mean..."
"Nohara no saidai no mondai wa, futorisugita (Nohara's biggest problem is that he is too outstanding)."
Sakata turned around, his tone growing heavier. "23 years old, Level 3 Director, Manager of the Independent Production Department, key contracted manga artist for Shueisha—do you know how many people in the station have their eyes fixed on his back? Although Matsumoto Keiko says he has a 'promising future,' she also told me privately that 'young people who experience too much smooth sailing are prone to stumbling.' Senior Kurosawa Eiji admires him, but among those veteran directors in Kurosawa's faction, which of them isn't jealous that he could shoot a samurai film like Seven Samurai?"
He walked over to Takada, picked up a copy of the Asahi Shimbun from the desk, and pointed to the headline on the entertainment page. It featured a photo of Hiroshi attending the Tokyo Film Festival last month, with the headline reading, "Sainenshou no Eiga Kantoku, Nihon no Hokori (The Youngest Film Director, the Pride of Japan)."
"Look at this." Sakata tapped heavily on the headline. "The media elevates him so much, but a tall tree attracts the wind. Tanaka Mikami's camp noticed him a long time ago. At Tokyo City TV's recent investment conference, didn't Sato Tokugawa publicly state, 'We want to invite Nohara Hiroshi to direct variety shows'? That wasn't an expression of admiration;
it was a probe. If Hiroshi truly stays at Tokyo Station, remaining in the center of the storm every day, he'll inevitably be swept into it eventually."
Takada's brow furrowed tighter. He had previously only considered the difficulty regarding Kanto Station, failing to recognize the external pressure Hiroshi faced.
He looked at Sakata, his tone laced with confusion. "Then sending him to Kanto Station is to help him avoid these things? But Kanto Station isn't far from Tokyo, and... hanareru no wa kenryoku no chuushin da (what he's leaving behind is the center of power). Important station meetings, project approvals, resource allocation—he won't be able to participate. Over time, won't he just be marginalized?"
"Marginalized?"
Sakata smiled and shook his head. "Kimi wa kenryoku no rikai ga machigatteiru (Your understanding of power is flawed). True power isn't about sitting in a meeting room signing documents every day;
it's about holding something others cannot take away. If Hiroshi can revive Kanto Station, he will control the resource of thirty million viewers in the Kanto region, along with the network of local businesses. When that time comes, even if he isn't at Tokyo Station's headquarters, who would dare treat him as a marginalized figure?"
He paused, his tone deepening. "Furthermore, do you think the current struggle is merely a competition between Tokyo Station and City TV? Absolutely not. This is a struggle between Governor Koike's Greater Tokyo Reform Faction and the Real Estate Faction backing Tanaka Mikami. Why does Sato Tokugawa support City TV? Because Tanaka Mikami promised him that if elected mayor, he would approve the Shinjuku land plots for the Kirin Group. Why is former President Shimazu running for mayor? Because he is Governor Koike's man and needs to protect the fruits of the Greater Tokyo reform."
Takada's expression shifted. While he had heard whispers of these political machinations, he hadn't anticipated their connection to Hiroshi. He opened his mouth to speak but was silenced by Sakata raising a hand.
"Nohara ga ima, Tokyo-dai no chuushin ni ireba (If Nohara remains at the center of Tokyo Station right now), he will eventually be dragged into this struggle."
Sakata's voice carried a hint of resignation. "He produced Kasou Taishou, promoting connections between people, and Governor Koike praised him for 'changing the apathy of Japan.' He produced Midnight Diner, reflecting the lives of ordinary people, and Tanaka Mikami said 'this is the most authentic Tokyo story.' Both sides want to pull him into their camp. Do you think a 23-year-old young man can withstand that?"
"What if he picks the wrong side?" Takada asked instinctively, his tone tinged with worry.
"Then he's finished."
Sakata's gaze turned icy. "He'll either be abandoned by Governor Koike or suppressed by Tanaka Mikami. When that happens, forget about the Independent Production Department;
whether he can even stay at Tokyo Station will be a question. Even if he doesn't take a side, neither camp will let him off easily. Enemies will suppress him, and our own people will be jealous of him. How long do you think he could hold on?"
Takada fell silent.
He recalled overhearing two veteran directors chatting in the Production Bureau corridor a few days ago, saying, "Nohara Hiroshi is just lucky. If Station Chief Sakata wasn't protecting him, would he be where he is today?" And the Variety Department Chief complaining to him over drinks last time, "Kasou Taishou took up too much of the budget. The other variety shows are almost out of funds." Previously, he hadn't paid these voices of dissatisfaction much mind, but looking back now, they were all undercurrents directed at Hiroshi.
"So you sending him to Kanto Station is to protect him?" Takada looked up, a look of sudden realization in his eyes.
"Hai (Yes)." Sakata nodded, returned to his desk, and sat back down, picking up his cup of matcha once more. "Although Kanto Station is a mess, it's also a sanctuary. It's far removed from Tokyo's political struggles. He can focus entirely on producing programs and cultivating his own team. Those young directors selected from Kanto Station will become his people in the future. Even if problems arise at Tokyo Station later, he will have a foundation in Kanto and won't be left with nothing."
He sighed, his tone colored with emotion. "If Nohara were in his forties, I would definitely involve him. With Shimazu running for mayor, he could direct a few documentaries promoting the reforms. If Tanaka applied pressure, he could counterattack with Tales of the Unusual's viewership ratings. Those would make for an excellent rireki (resume). But he's only 23 now;
he still has kongo sukunakutomo 40 nen wa (at least another 40 years) to go. Pushing him to the forefront now is too cruel."
Takada nodded silently, thoroughly comprehending Sakata's intentions. He had previously considered it a waste, but now he understood it was the most secure form of protection.
Looking at the Kanto Station reports on the desk, he suddenly felt those red numbers weren't quite as piercing anymore—because behind them lay a profound cherishing for a young man.
"Station Chief, I understand." Takada's tone became solemn. "My previous thinking was shallow. Whatever support Hiroshi-kun requires at Kanto Station moving forward, the Production Bureau will cooperate fully. Budget, resources—the moment he asks, I will coordinate it immediately."
"Mm."
Sakata nodded in satisfaction, leaning back in his chair, his tense shoulders relaxing slightly. "As long as you understand. In truth, I never expected him to produce results in Kanto Station's reform within three months—that's merely for show for outsiders. The true objective is to let him establish a firm foothold there and cultivate his own power, waiting until this storm passes before returning."
"Storm?" Takada keenly caught the word. "Station Chief, do you mean... former President Shimazu's election campaign?"
Sakata's eyes darkened. He picked up the samurai sword from the table and drew the blade out a few inches. The edge gleamed coldly in the sunlight. "Shimazu no shousan wa 55 tai 45 da (Shimazu's odds of winning are only 55 to 45). Tanaka Mikami has high approval ratings in the city council, financial backing from Sato Tokugawa, and City TV functioning as a propaganda tool. He won't be easy to deal with."
He sheathed the sword, his voice low. "Moshi Shimazu ga maketara (If Shimazu loses), Tokyo Station will be in trouble. Tanaka will definitely send Takahashi Kazuo over to stir up trouble. When that time comes, Production Bureau personnel will be replaced, programs will be altered. For those of us following Shimazu Yoshihiro, times will be tough."
Takada's expression changed instantly. He previously only knew Shimazu was campaigning, oblivious to how severe the situation was, potentially even affecting Tokyo Station's survival.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say "It can't be that serious," but observing Sakata's grave expression, he swallowed his words.
"Therefore, I must prepare for saiaku no junbi (the worst-case scenario)."
Sakata's tone was incredibly calm, yet carried an unquestionable resolve. "Hiroshi going to Kanto Station is precisely so that, in the event something happens at Tokyo Station, he can hold down the fort in Kanto. Kanto Station is our backup plan, and also Nohara's backup plan. As long as he is there, Tokyo Station will retain a chance to turn the tables."
Looking at Sakata, Takada felt a sudden surge of admiration.
This 61-year-old man was not only considering Tokyo Station's present but also paving the way for its future, even plotting the career trajectory of a young director. He previously thought Sakata was merely exhibiting the steadiness of age, but now he understood the immense vision and responsibility concealed behind that steadiness.
"Station Chief, rest assured." Takada stood up and bowed deeply, his tone carrying unprecedented solemnity. "I will absolutely cooperate with you, protect Hiroshi-kun, and defend the Production Bureau. Regardless of the final outcome, I will not let Tokyo Station collapse."
Sakata looked at him, smiled, and waved his hand. "Sit down, there's no need to be so serious. We aren't at that stage yet;
this is merely taking precautions. Also, have you mentioned any of this to Asumi regarding his side?"
"No." Takada shook his head. "I only heard this from you today. Previously, I only knew I was supposed to have him assist Hiroshi with Kanto Station's reforms."
"Then don't tell him." Sakata instructed. "Asumi is a deep thinker;
knowing this will only add to his pressure. Just let him follow Hiroshi and assist with managing Kanto Station's daily affairs. The two of us can shoulder these political matters."
"Hai (Yes)." Takada nodded in agreement.
Sakata picked up the Kanto Station reports again and flipped to the page outlining "Young Directors List," his finger stopping on the name "Honda Nao." She was the young director Suzuki Kiyoto had recommended earlier, the one who wanted to produce the "Old Street Visit" documentary.
He chuckled and said to Takada, "This Honda, I hear she has excellent ideas, she's just being suppressed by Matsui. Once Hiroshi arrives, he will definitely entrust her with important tasks. Perhaps this young girl will become the breakthrough point for Kanto Station's reform."
Takada leaned closer to look, smiling as he said, "Hiroshi-kun excels at discovering talent. Hashishita, Yamamoto, Ito—which of them wasn't promoted from ordinary director to section chief by him? If this Honda truly possesses talent, he will certainly be able to mold her."
"Mm."
Sakata nodded, placed the report on the desk, and picked up his teacup for a sip. "By the way, add another two hundred million to Hiroshi's Independent Production Department budget for next month. Announce it as production funding for Yamishibai Season 4, but let him allocate it flexibly. If Kanto Station needs funds, it will be easier to supplement."
"Understood, I'll have the finance department arrange it tomorrow." Takada noted it immediately.
Peace returned to the office, disturbed only by the occasional sound of cars outside and the soft clink of Sakata's teacup against the desk.
Looking at Sakata, Takada suddenly felt his previous worries had been superfluous. With a far-sighted leader like Sakata and a brilliantly talented young man like Hiroshi, even if Kanto Station was a mess, and even confronting political pressures, Tokyo Station would undoubtedly endure.
"By the way, Station Chief." Takada suddenly remembered something. "Miyazawa told me yesterday that City TV's 'Tokyo Suburbs Visit' has already begun filming. The first stop is Senso-ji Temple in Kanto, and they've hired Kamiki Shunsuke to host. Should we have Hiroshi-kun produce a similar sort of program to compete head-to-head?"
Sakata shook his head, his tone resolute. "No need. Hiroshi has his own ideas;
he won't dance to City TV's tempo. Just you wait and see, he will certainly produce a different kind of program that highlights Kanto's characteristics while attracting viewers. Just like 'Kumamon' in Kumamoto—he always thinks of things others cannot."
Recalling the current popularity of "Kumamon"—not only becoming Kumamoto Prefecture's mascot but also generating merchandise, manga, and soon an anime—Takada felt his confidence swell.
He nodded with a smile. "You're right, Hiroshi-kun has never disappointed."
Sakata gazed out the window, his eyes holding a hint of anticipation.
Sunlight filtered through the glass, spilling over him and casting a long shadow.
He knew this game concerning Tokyo Station's future had just begun.
And Nohara Hiroshi, this 23-year-old young man, would be the most crucial piece in this game—not used to charge the battle lines, but to safeguard hope and await the future.
"Things will get better," Sakata whispered, as if speaking to Takada, and also to himself. "As long as we hold steady, and as long as Hiroshi can establish a firm foothold at Kanto Station, Tokyo Station will recover."
Looking at Sakata's resolute gaze, Takada nodded firmly.
The aroma of matcha in the office seemed to grow richer, carrying a sense of warmth and hope as it quietly diffused into this Tokyo morning near the end of the bubble economy.
...
In front of Kanto TV's office building, the autumn wind sent several withered sycamore leaves twirling, plastering them against the mottled exterior tiles. These were the tiles installed ten years ago during the peak of 'Kanto Landscapes';
now, the edges were curling up, exposing the dull concrete underneath.
On the bulletin board flanking the entrance, faded posters advertising last year's rebroadcast of Tokyo Station's Yamishibai remained, edges peeling, the "12% Viewership" text in the upper right corner blurred by the rain.
Just past 10 AM, five men clad in dark gray suits huddled by the bulletin board. Though all held file folders, none were looking at their documents. Their gazes were glued to the distant intersection, and occasionally, someone would raise their wrist to check their quartz watch, knuckles whitening from tension.
These five represented Kanto Station's middle-management core.
On the far left stood Yamada Takashi, the Deputy Chief of the Production Department. His hair was impeccably groomed, yet failed to conceal the white at his temples. He, alongside Matsui Yuichi, had logged thirty years at Kanto Station, solidifying his veteran status.
Beside him, Advertising Department Chief Fujishita Ken's beer belly stretched his suit tight. He currently clutched a half-eaten tuna sandwich;
early morning negotiations with 'Asakusaya' ramen had collapsed, preventing formal breakfast consumption.
Occupying the center, Personnel Department Chief Kimura Hiroshi wore round spectacles. Constantly citing "regulations," he nonetheless covertly authorized dual subsidy increases targeting veteran employees following Tokyo Station's takeover.
Situated rightward, Planning Department Deputy Chief Kobayashi Kijiro gripped a notebook crammed with microscopic text—an exhaustive inventory of program proposals rejected over the preceding semiannual period.
Holding the far-right flank was Technical Department Chief Saito Shigeru. Featuring an expressionless visage and clutching a black pager silently, he represented the quietest yet technically proficient component;
Kanto Station's operational survival utilizing nearly defunct cameras rested entirely upon his shoulders.
"Yamada-san, are you certain it's ten o'clock today?"
Fujishita Ken bit into his sandwich, crumbs cascading onto his suit front. He casually brushed them off, anxiety coloring his tone. "Just concluded negotiations with Asakusaya's owner. He indicated City TV representatives visited yesterday, offering ad slot pricing exceeding ours by 20%, simultaneously promising Kamiki Shunsuke for their ramen shop commercial. Continuing this trajectory guarantees the advertising department starves this month."
Yamada frowned, adjusting his tie—the identical tie distributed during last year's annual gathering, its edges worn shiny. "Secretary Miyazawa telephoned directly via landline this morning;
errors remain impossible. Executive Director Asumi leads the expedition personally, accompanied by Deputy Station Chief Takada—have you forgotten? Deputy Station Chief Takada concurrently functions as Kanto Station's director presently. His arrival undeniably concerns reformation initiatives."
"Executive Director Asumi..."
Fujishita Ken's sandwich instantly lost its appeal. Depositing the wrapper, his tone incorporated profound complexities. "Reflecting upon it, Executive Director Asumi originated characterizing our Kanto Station personnel, correct? Recollecting an epoch ten years prior, occupying Production Bureau Deputy Chief status, collaboratively filming 'Kanto Landscapes' alongside Suzuki Kiyoto-san, his protection shielding Kanto Station remained absolute. Following Tokyo Station's acquisition, he transferred toward Tokyo, practically neglecting returning spanning these subsequent years."
Kimura adjusted his spectacles, his voice registering softest yet carrying assertive conviction. "Exceeding mere protection? Recollect Tokyo Station attempting dismantling our production team manipulating transferences toward Tokyo? Asumi, aggressively debating Station Chief Sakata, declared 'Kanto Station's roots anchor within Kanto;
dismantling the team annihilates its soul', thereby securing our surviving production department. His current intervention manipulating mediation guarantees diminished resistance radiating Matsui—acknowledging an antecedent superior commands intrinsic respect."
"Respect?"
Kobayashi Kijiro interjected abruptly, flipping his notebook identifying the 'Tokyo Station Personnel Roster', tapping the characters 'Asumi'. "Do you genuinely maintain Asumi, surviving Tokyo Station spanning four years, retains his preceding Kanto Station allegiance? Depositing proposals accessing Tokyo Station previously, I overheard Variety Department personnel claiming Executive Director Asumi presently aligns identically alongside Deputy Station Chief Takada, mirroring Tokyo Station inflection flawlessly—endlessly reciting 'Greater Tokyo Area', obliterating any 'Kanto Station' nomenclature completely."
Yamada's expression darkened, although counterarguments remained unspoken.
Kobayashi Kijiro vocalized tangible realities;
previously, Kanto Station requested production budgets. Although Asumi authorized them, allocations registered three hundred million beneath the requisitioned amount, citing 'Tokyo Station Headquarters requiring supplementary Kasou Taishou funding'. Consequently, Yamada hypothesized Asumi had perhaps genuinely transmuted.
"Kobayashi-san, such assertions remain flawed."
Kimura released a sigh, extracting a mint from his pocket, extending it approaching Kobayashi. "Remember last winter when our Technical Department cameras malfunctioned? Asumi covertly requisitioned paired cameras bypassing official protocols spanning Tokyo Station. Assuming genuine Kanto Station abandonment, does incurring comparable risk materialize? His current Tokyo Station positioning remains precarious, sandwiched confronting Station Chief Sakata's 'Greater Tokyo Area' policies contradicting our veteran subordinate expectations, engineering an agonizing dilemma."
Chewing his sandwich, Fujishita murmured agreement obscurely. "Kimura-san communicates logic. Assuming absolute severance intentions, Asumi bypasses personal attendance, dispatching subordinates executing perfunctory management. His personal manifestation establishes underlying Kanto Station resonance—his presence mathematically limits Tokyo Station's aggressive suppression."
Yamada offered an affirmative nod, redirecting his sightline toward the intersection, his tone marginally relaxed. "Realistically, conversing alongside Suzuki Kiyoto-san preceding month confirmed Asumi persistently lobbies Station Chief Sakata attempting preserving maximal Kanto Station autonomy. This impending reform theoretically avoids forcibly inserting Tokyo Station programming paralleling anterior attempts."
"Suzuki Kiyoto-san..."
Kobayashi Kijiro's tone mollified;
initially entering Kanto Station, Suzuki functioned corresponding Production Department Chief, guiding him encompassing numerous rural-themed documentaries. "Unfortunately Suzuki-san bypasses attendance today. Assuming his presence, Matsui would undeniably listen. Matsui and Suzuki-san operated functionally representing a decadal partnership;
during 'Kanto Landscapes' filming, one directed preventing the other writing, exhibiting flawless synergy."
Saito elevated his head momentarily, twirling the pager across his hand, his voice reverberating akin muffled thunder: "Suzuki-san pursues advertisements. Encountering his secretary this morning, she indicated his destination involved 'Marui Soy Sauce', traversing our decadal collaborator electing redirecting current budgets targeting City TV, attempting negotiating supplementary rescue protocols."
This declaration manufactured collective silence.
Marui Soy Sauce embodied strictly a Kanto Station legacy client;
twenty million annual advertising represented foundational revenue streams. Losing this pillar signaled Kanto Station confronted genuine catastrophe.
Rubbing his beer belly, Fujishita Ken offered a sigh: "Assuming Suzuki-san successfully retrieves Marui Soy Sauce, our Advertising Department avoids suffocation this month. However, reviewing today's itinerary, identifying personnel accompanying Executive Director Asumi and Deputy Station Chief Takada? Exclusively tandem composition remains improbable."
Yamada prepared a vocalization prior discovering his pocket pager generating twin audible "Beeps"—a message transmitted originating Secretary Miyazawa: "Tokyo Station bus bypassing Meiji intersection, accompanying personnel incorporates Nohara Hiroshi."
"Nohara Hiroshi?!" Reviewing the text, Yamada's eyes instantly blazed, amplifying his decibel level. "Signifying the identical Nohara Hiroshi engineering Seven Samurai?"
"Which Nohara Hiroshi?"
Momentarily stunned, Fujishita Ken achieved realization, the sandwich wrapper dropping toward the concrete experiencing an audible "smack". "Representing the 23-year-old manipulating the Tokyo International Film Festival acquiring Best Director? Incorporating the Kasou Taishou variety show, my son religiously monitors broadcasts claiming superiority eclipsing City TV talent competitions!"
Kobayashi Kijiro's notebook flipped audibly accessing the concluding section, archiving Nohara Hiroshi's precise resume, meticulously transcribed extracted utilizing Tokyo Station database architecture previously: "Eclipsing those metrics! He identifies representing the animation father generating Yamishibai, pioneering the 'urban legend' genre, comprehensively incorporating manga YuYu Hakusho and Doraemon, presently characterized representing Shueisha's paramount contracted manga artist—Doraemon commands my daughter's daily viewership, endlessly demanding a robotic cat pocket."
"23 years old?"
Adjusting his spectacles, Kimura's tone flooded communicating absolute disbelief. "Navigating 23, my obligations involved acquiring coffee substituting seniors;
he acquires Best Director? Seven Samurai dictated my cinema attendance—the cinematography captured, arguably eclipsed preeminent Period Drama master Kurosawa Eiji—isn't Senior Kurosawa renowned illustrating profound obstinacy? Information suggests he forged an inter-generational friendship spanning Nohara Hiroshi, sharing daily Go matches."
Nodding, Yamada drummed his pager, his tone echoing tangible emotion: "Subsequent information suggests Nohara Hiroshi's Independent Production Department demanded an exceptional exception, ordinarily restricted exclusively targeting elite Level 2 Directors, yet he secured access functioning referencing a Level 3 Director—manifesting Station Chief Sakata's absolute valuation. Consequently, directing him accessing Kanto Station, does this signify him functioning formulating our programs?"
"Producing programs?"
Fujishita Ken scratched his cranium, retrieving the fallen wrapper. "However, his expertise encompasses directing movies and engineering variety shows;
our Kanto Station presently focuses referencing local news intersecting regional dramas, does he comprehend these paradigms? Furthermore, possessing extreme youth, will our veteran directors accept his superiority? Chief Matsui dares combatting Executive Director Asumi directly, compounding difficulties referencing a 23-year-old."
Saito initiated communication subsequently, maintaining his characteristic rumbling cadence, yet compounding intensity eclipsing anterior vocalizations: "He comprehends. Did you review Midnight Diner? Broadcasting exclusively ordinary citizen existentiality, paralleling our anterior regional drama operational methodologies—he reliably identifies the spectator's demanded 'warmth', establishing supreme prioritization. Moreover, his innovative audacity registers monumental;
Yamishibai elicited zero optimism, he generated viral fire;
Kasou Taishou received universal dismissal, subsequently dominating national viewership ratings. Kanto Station's current iteration demands precisely an entity engineering a definitive breakthrough."
Nodding agreement, Kobayashi Kijiro supplemented: "Saito-san articulates logic. Reviewing his interviews, he declared 'programs eschew targeting judges, exclusively servicing viewers'—precisely mirroring teachings transmitted via Suzuki Kiyoto previously. Provided he successfully engineers a handful of grounded programs, potentially magnetizing youthful audiences, acknowledging our current average audience age approaches 50, persisting uniformly guarantees extermination via City TV."
"Yet why select him enforcing reform?"
Lacking total comprehension, Fujishita Ken kicked an adjacent sycamore leaf. "Tokyo Station harbors abundant directors. Asano Takata-san dominates warmth films, Ashikaga Takashi-san dominates period pieces, why not deploy them? Exclusively deploying Nohara Hiroshi seems irrational;
holding numerous active projects, can he execute bandwidth allocation?"
Sighing, Yamada propelled his gaze distally—the bus silhouette became visible intersecting the intersection, the Tokyo Station logo branded across its exterior glaringly obvious. "Hypothetically correlating City TV. Next month City TV launches 'Tokyo Suburbs Visit', deploying Kamiki Shunsuke functioning host, overtly attempting hijacking our Kanto demographic. Nohara Hiroshi boasts formidable program magnetism;
his presence mathematically ensures survival combatting City TV. Furthermore, his relationship regarding Sato Tokugawa defines overt conflict;
Sato Tokugawa functions representing City TV's primary financier, theoretically ensuring Nohara Hiroshi weaponizes suppression."
"Sato Tokugawa..."
Frowning, Kobayashi Kijiro mused. "The Kirin Group President? Information indicates attempts extracting Nohara Hiroshi penetrating Kirin Talent Agency encountered rejection—consequently defining Nohara Hiroshi and City TV interacting referencing natural adversaries."
Abruptly recalling memory fragments, Kimura lowered his volume: "Additional intelligence suggests former President Shimazu's mayoral campaign acquired numerous strategies originating Nohara Hiroshi, specifically highlighting the 'Information Cocoon' paradigm—currently Shimazu's approval metrics explode upwards, inevitably engineering intense panic manipulating Tanaka Mikami. City TV's impending 'Tokyo Suburbs Visit' potentially attempts securing electoral demographics supporting Tanaka Mikami. Nohara Hiroshi penetrating Kanto Station hypothetically incorporates extracting Kanto voter blocks supporting former President Shimazu."
This revelation manufactured profound silence.
Political considerations historically circumvented these mid-level managers;
however, acknowledgment verified Kanto Station's structural reform fundamentally transcended simplistic "program production" matrices ages ago.
"Regrettably Suzuki-san maintains absence."
Yamada reiterated, his tone drowning highlighting mourning. "Assuming his presence, conversations mapping Nohara Hiroshi navigate flawless synchronization—Suzuki-san references Nohara Hiroshi's senior mentor, concurrently aligning Executive Director Asumi's veteran subordinate;
deploying him referencing an intermediary guarantees Matsui's resistance diminishes. Matsui maintains extreme paranoia concerning Tokyo Station personnel;
Asumi attempted deploying youthful directors executing supplementary tasks previously, Matsui retorted 'invaders possess negative comprehension mapping Kanto Station protocols', barricading entry."
"Chief Matsui exercises justifiable paranoia."
Sighing, Fujishita Ken provided context. "Iterating a thirty-year trajectory mirroring Kanto Station, experiencing glorious epochs descending toward present degradations hurts profoundly. Consuming alcohol alongside him previously generated the declaration 'A Kanto Station stripped mapping regional flavor abandons identifying representing Kanto Station'—his primary terror involves Tokyo Station obliterating our foundational roots."
Shaking his head, Kobayashi Kijiro produced rigorous page-flipping noises tracking his notebook: "Yet mutating represents an absolute necessity. Currently, original program configurations bypass 8%, subsisting exclusively rebroadcasting Tokyo Station programming, advertising revenue plummeted 45%, production cameras practically confront operational paralysis. Personnel department matrices preceding month documented five younger directors abandoning station parameters, completely digested manipulating City TV—zero mutation guarantees absolute extermination."
Gripping his pager until knuckles achieved complete whiteness, Saito intoned: "Mutation will materialize. Executive Director Asumi arrived, Nohara Hiroshi arrived, Suzuki-san persistently pursues advertising survival—provided we reject surrender, hope persists."
Following his concluding syllable, the distal bus navigated achieving the intersection, its exterior reflecting chill sunlight, gradually approaching the Kanto Station coordinates.
"Incoming!"
Instantly straightening his spine, Yamada adjusted his suit jacket hemline. "Project absolute energetic metrics, preventing Tokyo Station formulating mockery. Fujishita Ken-san, discard the sandwich packaging into a receptacle immediately;
Kimura-san, execute spectacle lens polishing;
Kobayashi Kijiro-san, stow your notebook out of sight—we categorize representing Kanto Station middle management, absolute confidence projection remains paramount."
The collective initiated hasty aesthetic corrections.
Depositing the packaging into his pocket, Fujishita Ken vigorously evacuated breadcrumbs inhabiting his suit;
Extracting a microfiber cloth, Kimura meticulously polished his diagnostic lenses;
Snapping the notebook shut, Kobayashi Kijiro secured it clamping traversing his elbow joint;
Saito transferred the pager penetrating an interior pocket, his visage maintaining characteristic neutrality, nonetheless achieving a posture eclipsing previous erectness.
The bus decelerated, halting perfectly aligning Kanto Station's portal. A pneumatic "hiss" signaled door disengagement. The initial exiting entity registered Asumi—donning a dark gray trench coat, hair flawlessly styled, manipulating a black briefcase. Rejecting smiling aesthetics, his presence nevertheless radiated unshakeable authority.
Achieving stable footing, his gaze surgically swept intersecting the quintet, freezing momentarily mapping Yamada, delivering a microscopic nod.
Trailing immediately following, Takada Toshihide emerged, wearing a navy suit, an abdominal convexity eclipsing Fujishita Ken's, grasping a thermos. A formulaic smile graced his face, yet witnessing the archaic Kanto Station architecture triggered a fleeting, complex ocular flash.
The concluding entity navigating the exit manifested Nohara Hiroshi—occupying a black suit, boasting junior chronological metrics compared traversing Asumi alongside Takada, anchoring a miraculously straight posture, gripping a brown briefcase safeguarding Kanto Station documentation paired alongside Kitagawa Yao's organized director roster.
Stepping navigating the exterior, his gaze magnetized tracking the 'Kanto Landscapes' vintage poster occupying the office exterior wall. His eyes broadcast serene tranquility, rejecting prolonged observation, swiftly pivoting targeting the portal quintet, executing a shallow, respectful bow.
"Yamada-san, Fujishita-san, Kimura-san, Kobayashi-san, Saito-san." Approaching their proximity, Asumi's vocal tones softened considerably, extending his hand initiating a handshake mapping Yamada. "Extensive duration bypassing encounters;
do you all register optimal status?"
Reciprocating via a trembling handshake, Yamada replied: "Executive Director Asumi, extensive duration bypassing encounters. We uniformly register optimal parameters, excluding... excluding current station difficulties, generating your anxiety."
"Categorizing inherently my obligations."
Smiling, Asumi gestured identifying Takada. "Presenting Deputy Station Chief Takada, concurrently functioning representing our Kanto Station's current designated Station Chief, orchestrating his accompanying presence exclusively, Nohara Hiroshi. This reform sequence commands Deputy Station Chief Takada's absolute prioritization, mandating Nohara Hiroshi accompanying my expedition."
The quintet generated frantic nods, yet all ocular functionality targeted Nohara Hiroshi.
This director, projecting youth exceeding hypothetical calculations, lacked overt arrogance. His gaze simulated a bottomless pool, yet inspired absolute reverence.
Executing a forward step, Nohara Hiroshi replicated the shallow bow, his articulation deploying meticulously calculated deference: "Yamada-san, Fujishita Ken-san, Kimura-san, Kobayashi-san, Saito-san, my designation is Nohara Hiroshi. Today demands your comprehensive cooperation navigating reform parameters;
predicting potential procedural errors, I solicit your senior guidance."
His decibel level evaluated low, yet achieved crystalline transmission penetrating every auditory canal. Abandoning youthful frivolity and substituting archaic stability—this immediately relaxed Fujishita Ken and Kobayashi Kijiro's underlying resistance.
Evaluating Nohara Hiroshi, Yamada suffered an abrupt memory triggering identifying a youthful Suzuki Kiyoto—identical stability, identical politeness, harboring identical audacious determination. Hastily elevating his hands supporting Nohara Hiroshi's posture, his vocalization acquired genuine sincerity: "Nohara-san, excessive modesty. Your talent commands universal acknowledgment;
collaborative endeavors constitute our absolute honor. Please penetrate the interior;
the meeting room stands prepared, Chief Matsui awaits inside."
Nohara Hiroshi nodded, tracking Asumi trailing.
Bypassing the bulletin board, Nohara Hiroshi's gaze locked upon the vintage Yamishibai poster holding exactly one second, subsequently pivoting targeting Yamada, inquiring softly: "Yamada-san, what duration corresponds to this poster's deployment?"
Stunned momentarily, Yamada offered a bitter smile: "Deployed correlating last year's rebroadcast, evading substitution completely—our station currently lacks novel programming, consequently lacking motivational fuel executing poster replacements."
Declining auxiliary commentary, Nohara Hiroshi offered a microscopic nod, redirecting his gaze navigating the office building's internal architecture. The corridor registered absolute silence, disturbed exclusively via erratic printer mechanical noise;
the framed 'Kanto Landscapes' production team photograph radiating extreme yellowing, yet depicting youthful variants capturing Asumi and Suzuki Kiyoto anchoring center stage, projecting resplendent smiles.
He acknowledged the impending reform rejected simplicity—Matsui Yuichi's obstinacy, veteran employee resistance, City TV competition, budgetary starvation... yet observing these personnel persisting operating Kanto Station, visualizing those photographs chronicling Kanto Station's glorious epochs, a sudden epiphany triggered prioritizing that everything necessitated complete justification.
Exactly mirroring Suzuki Kiyoto's declarations, Kanto Station commanded audience emotional attachment, veteran employee perseverance;
providing a trajectory establishing accurate orientation, resurrection remained absolutely guaranteed.
His designated operation required identifying that precise orientation, allowing this archaic structure a revival, resurrecting the mechanical whirring characterizing active cameras, resurrecting directors' joyous laughter discussing programming configurations, resurrecting its status representing the Kanto audience's internalized "television station screening adjacent narratives".
The meeting room portal dominated the anterior coordinate, transmitting Matsui Yuichi's reverberating voice, broadcasting aggressive obstinacy, yet concurrently transmitting microscopic anticipation.
Elevating his head, shadowing Yamada penetrating the meeting room, Asumi and Takada maintaining strict rearward tracking.
Sunlight filtered intersecting the corridor windows, washing across their presence, elongating their shadows excessively, perfectly simulating the curtain raising defining this definitively arduous reform sequence.
PS: First day back from holidays, hoping everyone enjoys a great mood returning to work~
(Chapter Ends)