In the commercial district, there was an unnamed members-only restaurant. As I opened the doors with the dragon and tiger painted on them, I saw a table in front of me, displaying precious metals, jewelry, rare items, and a large stack of bills.
Just a few weeks ago, these fools were wearing their stupid hats and now they all had intimidating faces. I was honestly surprised at how stern and serious they all looked.
The executives of DROTS, who were tailored in expensive suits and kimonos, wore luxury watches and beads that looked expensive. They lined up and bowed deeply to me, saying, "Thank you for your hard work!"
I replied, "Oh, thanks, guys. You must be tired." I felt a strange sweat trickling down my forehead. It was as if I had been reincarnated into a ruthless world.
The group was composed of hardened faces, not just teens. They all had comic book-style faces. Some had beards, others had scars on their faces, and some had wrinkles between their eyebrows that made them look ageless.
I sat down in the highest seat, prompted by Kakko, but the fools remained standing at attention.
I asked, "Aren't you going to sit down?"
Kakko commanded, "Hey! You can sit comfortably! Sit down!"
All of the DROTS executives, who appeared to be antisocial, sat down at the same time.
Kakko cleared his throat and said, "Your Excellency, this is the weekly contribution."
He then gestured toward the table in front of me with his palm facing upwards.
I responded, "Oh, okay. That's a lot of money. How much is it?"
Their collection speed was beyond what I had expected. And what's this about a contribution?
Kakko replied, "The total contribution amount is estimated to be one hundred million yen. It seems that it will only be a matter of time before the group's overall collection rate exceeds ten billion yen this month."
Group? Is he talking about DROTS? Oh, I see. So it's their new name. I didn't know that.
"Excuse me, Kakko."
"What is it?"
"Can we stop calling it 'payment for protection'? I don't really like that term. It's not very compliant either."
Understand me! This is a ridiculous situation. It makes us look like the boss of a Yakuza gang!?
"Well, then what should we call it?"
"Um, how about 'membership fee'?"
"Alright, then. This week's membership fee."
I'm feeling uneasy. Is it really just a membership fee? Are they really making 100 million yen every week from this? Do loan sharks really make that much profit?
"Alright, let's report to the boss!"
At Kakko's prompting, a man with a shaved head sitting at the farthest seat stood up and spoke.
I put on a solemn expression and listened to their report for a while.
It seems that they are starting their own business to expand Group DROTS. And that business has grown rapidly in a short period of time.
They really have exceptional brains, even though they are corrupt.
One of them has recently become known as the Night Emperor in the Kabuki district of Shin-Tokyo. He is said to be running multiple host clubs and cabaret clubs. He has taken control of the interests of the fixer's son and daughter, who hold the real power in Shin-Tokyo, and is now called the Don of the Night World.
Another one is said to have media industry magnate Tsukasa as their debtor. This person has infiltrated major advertising agencies and the core of private TV networks, manipulating information while running a major entertainment agency as a front.
"Can we stop using the term 'front company'? I couldn't help but feel that way," I couldn't help but say.
It is said that those who have a daughter of a major figure in the real estate industry as a debtor are secretly involved in land grabbing while managing and owning multiple buildings.
They might be doing shady business like land fraud. They'll definitely be prosecuted for it.
The reports kept coming. Some have created massive investment funds and made huge investments. Others have acquired major food factories. Different people are standing up. Some started a shipbuilding business. Others are planning to enter the trading industry. Some are starting a new service business on social media. Some are planning to launch a new concept of a car.
The reports sounded like lies.
Finally, the man with clown makeup reported that he had started the construction of the DROTS theme park and took his seat.
"That's it for the current report from our group. Any questions?" Kakko asked me.
What was I being told?
Is this about the game of life?
"No. No, it's fine," I said, just to agree.
I didn't really understand anymore, so I just agreed.
How did this happen?
I began to wonder if something terrible was happening inside me.
This conversation right now. Is it a joke???
I'll just think that way. They're definitely making fun of me.
I don't know anything. They're just going out of control on their own.
"I'm not at fault..."
I whispered to myself where no one could hear.
"Your Excellency, you don't seem to be feeling well?"
My chest was pounding in a strange way.
Cold sweat was pouring from my back and armpits like a waterfall.
"Ah, yeah, a little. Can we call it a night? I have some things to take care of. I'll leave first. You guys enjoy the party," I said.
"HA!!!!" The intimidating group stood up in unison and bowed deeply.
.
.
.
"I'm in trouble. I have no idea what's going on," I muttered as I returned to my home, feeling overwhelmed.
"Amachi-kun, Amachi-kun," Moridori-san called out to me in a hushed tone.
"Don't worry, Moridori-san. I've paid off all your debts," I said.
"Really?" she asked with relief.
"Yes, you can rest easy," I assured her.
"It's over now... but how did you do it?" she asked.
Moridori-san had apparently been spending recklessly ever since she was fired from her job. It had only recently come to light, and she had been splurging every night at host clubs, buying mysterious products, and draining her savings. The last straw was when she borrowed from a consumer finance company and found herself in debt.
"I had a contact who was able to help me with the shady lenders, and we were able to settle the debts. Just don't get into this kind of trouble again, okay?" I warned her.
"Is that so?" Moridori-san seemed surprised, but when I showed her the proof of debt settlement, she seemed convinced.
"Oh, I see. Thank you, Amachi-kun. You've done me a great favor," she said.
"Don't worry about it. You're like family to me, Moridori-san. Just don't borrow money like this again," I reminded her.
"Yes, I understand," she nodded deeply.
"Anyway, let's celebrate your promotion to a contract employee," I suggested, trying to change the topic.
"Right, I almost forgot. Sorry for being so down. Thank you," Moridori-san smiled.
Moridori-san had barely avoided being fired and was now able to stay on as a contract employee. It was a close call, and she couldn't afford to let her guard down. But for now, we should be happy that she was able to keep her job. It seemed that my performance in the class competition had played a big role in her being able to stay, but it couldn't erase all the negative baggage she had accumulated over the years.
The next challenge is the mid-term exam battle.
The battle against all the students of Mahoro Academy before the summer vacation is the next goal. This is a tournament battle involving students from 1st to 4th year, and the winner will be decided.
This event allows spectators, and it's one of the biggest events in Mahoro. You know, like a martial arts festival to determine who is the strongest.
But this is the Mahoro Academy version, deciding who is the strongest within the school.
The student council members have secured their spots as seeds, but for now, let's aim for the best 16 or 32.
We should never aim for the championship, and losing in the first round is unacceptable. Moridori-san may once again become the top candidate for dismissal.
Especially since she is a contract employee. Depending on my grades, I may also be fired.
"Best 16 is too much, isn't it..."
"Hm? What's wrong?"
Moridori-san was preparing dinner without drinking beer today.
"Oh, I just thought it looks delicious..."
"Yes, it is. It's a celebration for me, after all." She smiled bashfully.
"Yes, that's absolutely right."
Mahoro Academy has 1,200 students. Even reaching the best 32 is quite challenging. Winning the first round means facing 600 students, and winning the second round means facing 300. That means we only need to win about 5 times. That should be enough, right?
"Amachi-kun, do your best for the mid-term exam battle. I'm expecting great things from you this time too."
"Yes, I'll try my best."
"Uh-huh! You'll be fine!"
"Hahaha."
I gave a dry laugh. First, I need to recruit the last member for my party, and we also need to strengthen our current team through training camp.
We can't neglect conquering this world either.
First, we need to use the next holiday to hold a leveling-up camp in Gunma prefecture.