Chapter 3
1341words
Goro Kokonogi reviewed the month's personnel reports, his fingers drumming rhythmically on his solid wood desk. When his eyes landed on the name "Kijima Shin," his fingers froze mid-tap.
The report on the Umikaze Community Center detailed everything—Kentaro Hashimoto's corruption exposed, the budget slashed from grossly overblown to reasonable, the construction schedule salvaged. All credit pointed to one person: Kijima Shin.
"Interesting." Kokonogi murmured, reaching for his phone. "HR department, send Kijima Shin's complete file to my office immediately."
Twenty minutes later, HR manager Kawada nervously knocked and entered.
"Executive Director Kokonogi, here's the file you requested." Kawada carefully placed a thick folder on the desk.
Kokonogi opened the folder, examining it page by page. Resume, education, employment history... When he reached the "Family Members" section, his pupils suddenly contracted.
Father: Makoto Kijima, deceased, former structural engineer at Tensei Construction.
"Makoto Kijima..." Kokonogi's voice was barely audible, but Kawada still felt the sudden chill in the air.
"Executive Director, is something wrong?"
Kokonogi closed the folder and forced a professional smile. "Nothing at all. Kawada-kun, please arrange a meeting with this Kijima Shin."
"Yes, sir. When would you like to schedule it?"
"Now."
In the Design Department 2 office area, Shin was modifying a technical drawing when Section Chief Kawada approached his desk.
"Kijima-kun, Executive Director Kokonogi wants to see you. Immediately."
Colleagues around him stopped working. It was virtually unheard of for Kokonogi to personally summon a junior employee.
Shin slowly raised his head. "I understand."
He tidied his desk, straightened his tie, and followed Kawada toward the elevator.
"Nervous?" Kawada asked in the elevator.
"A little," Shin admitted.
But his true feelings ran far deeper than mere nervousness. After twelve years, he was finally meeting face-to-face with the man who had destroyed his father and indirectly caused his mother's death.
The elevator stopped at the twelfth floor, and Kawada knocked on the office door.
"Come in."
Kokonogi's office was spacious and luxurious, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Tokyo's skyline. Kokonogi sat behind an enormous desk, reviewing documents.
"Executive Director Kokonogi, Kijima-kun is here," Kawada announced.
"Good, you may go." Kokonogi waved dismissively, and Kawada promptly withdrew, closing the door behind him.
Only two people remained in the office.
Kokonogi studied the young man before him. Twenty-eight years old, with perfect posture, regular features, and clear, determined eyes. The resemblance was unmistakable.
"Kijima-kun, please sit," Kokonogi gestured to the chair opposite him. "I hear you've been making quite an impression lately."
Shin bowed respectfully before sitting. "Thank you for your kind words, Executive Director. I only did what needed to be done."
"What needed to be done?" Kokonogi chuckled softly. "Kentaro Hashimoto's little scheme had been running for months. Why was it specifically you who uncovered it?"
"Perhaps I'm simply more thorough." Shin's answer was measured.
"Thorough..." Kokonogi rolled the word around in his mind. "Kijima-kun, in our industry, being too thorough isn't always appreciated."
Shin's expression remained neutral. "I understand your meaning, Executive Director. But I believe that professionalism is professionalism, and shouldn't be compromised."
The statement made Kokonogi's gaze sharpen. "Professionalism is professionalism"—exactly what Makoto Kijima used to say.
"Very principled." Kokonogi stood and walked to the floor-to-ceiling window. "Kijima-kun, your abilities have impressed me. I've decided to transfer you to Core Project Division One."
Shin's heart raced, though outwardly he maintained his composure. "Core Project Division One?"
"That's right. We're undertaking several landmark projects that need talent like yours." Kokonogi turned around. "Of course, the pressure will be greater, and the standards higher. Are you willing to accept this challenge?"
Shin stood and bowed deeply. "I am honored to take on more responsibilities for the company."
"Excellent." Kokonogi returned to his desk. "Report tomorrow morning. Core Project Division One answers directly to me, and I'll personally oversee your work."
"Understood."
Kokonogi extended his right hand. "Welcome to the core team."
Shin took Kokonogi's hand. Their handshake appeared to be nothing more than a superior welcoming a promising subordinate.
But in that moment, Shin felt murderous rage surge through him. These were the hands that had destroyed his father, that had shattered his family. His own hand trembled slightly, requiring every ounce of willpower to maintain his composure.
"Kijima-kun, you have a strong grip," Kokonogi remarked, noticing something. "But you seem somewhat tense?"
"I am a bit nervous. This is my first personal meeting with the Executive Director," Shin forced a slightly awkward smile.
"Haha, perfectly natural. You'll adjust quickly." Kokonogi released his hand and sat back down. "By the way, I noticed in your file that your father once worked here?"
The question came suddenly, but Shin was prepared. "Yes. Makoto Kijima. He passed away when I was very young."
"Is that so? How unfortunate." Kokonogi's tone sounded genuinely sympathetic. "Excellence runs in the blood. I believe you'll go much further than your father did."
"Thank you for your encouragement, Executive Director."
"Alright, go handle your work handover. Tomorrow morning at nine, report to Core Project Division One."
"Yes, sir."
Shin bowed again and turned to leave. When the office door closed behind him, his legs nearly buckled. Those few minutes had been the longest of his life.
Outside the building, Shin collapsed onto a park bench. The evening breeze cooled his burning face.
His phone vibrated once—a text from an unknown number: "Tomorrow at noon, Starbucks in the 3rd district. Something important to discuss. —Hana Sawamura"
Shin frowned at the message. How had Hana Sawamura gotten his personal number? And why meet outside the company?
The next day at noon, Starbucks in the 3rd district.
Shin arrived precisely on time to find Hana Sawamura already waiting in a corner seat. She wore casual clothes instead of her usual professional suit, making her look noticeably younger.
"Kijima-kun, thank you for coming." Hana Sawamura gestured to the seat across from her. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"Just an Americano." After sitting down, Shin asked directly, "Ms. Sawamura, how did you get my phone number?"
"I have a friend in HR." Hana Sawamura gave a wry smile. "I heard you've been transferred to Core Project Division One?"
"Yes. I reported there this morning."
"Congratulations." Hana Sawamura's expression was anything but congratulatory. "However, I need to warn you about something."
"About what?"
Hana Sawamura glanced around, and after confirming they were alone, lowered her voice. "Kijima-kun, exposing Hashimoto was brave, but also dangerous."
"Dangerous?"
"Hashimoto is just a small fish. The real problem goes much deeper." Hana Sawamura pulled a USB drive from her bag. "Here are materials I've collected over the years. You'll understand once you review them."
Shin took the USB drive. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I believe you're an honest man." Hana Sawamura's gaze was intense. "And... I'm tired of being a silent accomplice."
"Accomplice?"
"Kijima-kun, Tensei Construction's corruption runs much deeper than you imagine. Where do you think Hashimoto's embezzled money ultimately went? Why do you think Core Projects Division reports directly to Kokonogi?"
Shin's heart began to pound.
"Be careful, Kijima-kun. You've stepped into very dangerous territory." Hana Sawamura stood. "I should go. Remember, if you decide to act, make sure you're fully prepared."
She turned to leave, then paused at the doorway and added:
"And don't trust anyone. Including me."
Late that night, in his apartment, Shin plugged in the USB drive.
The screen filled with files and spreadsheets. Procurement records, payment vouchers, bank transfers... Every document pointed to the same conclusion: a massive corruption network existed within Tensei Construction, with Kokonogi at its center.
More shocking still, this network had existed for over ten years—it had begun when Makoto Kijima was still alive.
Shin thought about Kenji Moriyama's words, his father's principles, and that "accident."
Everything was starting to make sense.
He shut down the computer and walked to the window. Tokyo's night skyline glittered below, millions of people living their lives, unaware of the corruption festering in the towers above them.
But he knew that his real battle had only just begun.
