The morning of the investor meeting dawned crisp and clear, the kind of autumn day where Kyoto's air seemed charged with energy. Haruto adjusted the cuffs of his suit nervously, the fabric stiff against his skin. He hadn't worn formal attire in years, and the collar felt constricting.
"You look fine," Aiko said, brushing an invisible speck of lint off his shoulder. She was immaculate, as always, her tailored navy blazer exuding professionalism.
Haruto looked over at Mina, who had reluctantly traded her usual leather jacket for a slightly rumpled blouse and slacks. "You sure you don't want to wear something else?"
Mina smirked. "This is me making an effort. Take it or leave it."
Their destination was a sleek high-rise in downtown Kyoto, where Daisuke Kuroda had agreed to host the meeting. The elevator ride to the top floor was agonizingly slow. Haruto could feel the weight of the crystal prototype in his briefcase, its importance heavy on his mind.
As the elevator doors slid open, they were greeted by the sight of a lavish conference room. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a panoramic view of the city, while a long oak table gleamed under the soft light of modern chandeliers.
"Haruto! Aiko! Over here!" Daisuke Kuroda strode forward, his grin as wide and confident as ever. His tailored gray suit and neatly styled hair gave him the air of someone who was always in control.
"Daisuke," Aiko said, shaking his hand. "Thank you for setting this up."
"Anything for old friends," Daisuke replied, then turned to Mina. "And you must be Mina. Haruto wasn't exaggerating—you've got quite the spark."
Mina raised an eyebrow. "Let's see if you're as charming as they say, Mr. Kuroda."
Daisuke laughed, clearly enjoying her boldness. "I like her."
As the investors began filing in, the team took their places. Haruto stood at the head of the table, his palms slick with sweat. Aiko sat beside him, her expression calm and composed, while Mina leaned back in her chair, radiating a casual confidence.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Daisuke began, his voice smooth and commanding. "Thank you for joining us today. You're about to witness something truly groundbreaking."
He gestured to Haruto, who stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Good morning. My name is Haruto Sakamoto, and this—" he carefully opened the briefcase, revealing the glowing crystal "—is the future of energy."
The room fell silent as the investors leaned forward, their eyes fixed on the shimmering crystal. Its light pulsed gently, casting golden hues across the polished table.
Haruto began his presentation, explaining the science behind the resonance crystal. He spoke of its potential to generate clean, sustainable energy and the progress the team had made. Mina chimed in occasionally, detailing the technical challenges they had overcome, while Aiko highlighted the market potential and economic benefits.
At the end of the presentation, Haruto activated the prototype. The crystal began to hum softly, its light intensifying. For a full three minutes, it emitted a steady glow, filling the room with warmth.
"This is incredible," one investor murmured, his eyes wide. "How stable is it?"
"We're refining it further," Mina said confidently. "But this prototype demonstrates its viability. With the right investment, we can scale up production and ensure stability for larger applications."
Another investor, a woman with sharp features and a no-nonsense demeanor, leaned forward. "What's your timeline for commercialization?"
Aiko responded smoothly, outlining a clear, phased plan. "With your support, we can bring this to market within two years."
Daisuke observed the exchange with a knowing smile, his gaze flitting between the investors and the team. "Ladies and gentlemen, I think we can all agree this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said, his voice filled with conviction.
As the investors whispered among themselves, Haruto's heart raced. The meeting had gone better than he'd dared to hope, but the final decision was still uncertain.
One of the investors, a silver-haired man with a commanding presence, stood up. "Mr. Sakamoto, Ms. Tanaka, Ms. Hoshino," he said, addressing them directly. "Your work is impressive, but innovation alone isn't enough. We need to see a full-scale demonstration before committing."
Haruto exchanged a glance with Aiko, who gave a subtle nod. "Understood," Haruto said, his voice steady. "We'll deliver."
As the meeting concluded, Daisuke clapped Haruto on the back. "Not bad for your first pitch. But remember, the hard work starts now."
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