After arriving at his office, Zaboru wasted no time and immediately picked up the phone to call Akechi. The phone rang a few times before Akechi's calm, composed voice came through.
"Hello, Akechi Hamazou here."
"Good afternoon, Akechi-san. This is Zaboru," he replied.
"Ah, Zaboru. What's the matter?" Akechi asked, his tone shifting slightly, sensing urgency.
"It's not something I can discuss over the phone. Can we meet in person? There's something I need to ask you directly."
A brief silence followed before Akechi responded, "Fine. I'm free today. I'll head to your office now."
"I'll be waiting, Akechi-san."
Not long after, Akechi arrived at Zaboru's office. They greeted each other and settled in for their discussion.
"So, Zaboru, what is it that you want to ask?" Akechi said, getting straight to the point.
Zaboru leaned forward. "It's about Sora Distribution. Do you know about them?"
Akechi's expression darkened slightly. "Where did you hear that name?"
"I met its owner, Tatsuya Fudou. He wants Sora Distribution to become ZAGE's official distributor. He also told me about his situation."
Akechi sighed and leaned back. "I see. So you already know what happened. What exactly do you want to know?"
Zaboru turned serious. "Akechi-san, I won't ask about the past or that incident. What's done is done. What I need to know is this—can you provide protection for my distribution company in the future? A reliable distribution network is crucial for shipping my products across Japan. I can't afford sabotage, especially if it means getting caught up in a Yakuza feud."
Akechi gave a small chuckle. "Ah, so that's what this is about. This is a big request, Zaboru. I can't treat it as lightly as our previous deals. In the past, our clients who were even loosely affiliated with Hamazou were always at risk the moment they left our territory. That still might happen, but the Hamazou family has taken steps to ensure such incidents don't occur as frequently anymore.
"We even extend protection to those unaffiliated with us to prevent Yakuza meddling from stagnating the country's economy. If you want a guarantee of safety, we can issue a Seal of Protection from the Hamazou family. With that, the risk of sabotage will decrease significantly. Naturally, we'll also actively protect your distribution network."
Zaboru nodded. "That sounds reassuring. Now, how much will it cost?"
Akechi considered it for a moment. "You know, if it were anyone else, I'd charge them a hefty amount. But this is you and your company. You already have an existing deal with me for your office's protection. So let's say… 10 million yen per year."
Zaboru's eyes widened slightly and thought. '10 million a year? Just for protection? That's quite expensive.'
Akechi noticed his reaction and smirked. "I know it seems unfair, but that's how the world works, Zaboru. People will do anything for wealth and power, and in this business, security isn't cheap."
Zaboru sighed, knowing Akechi was right. "You make a good point, Akechi-san. But let me discuss it with my team first before giving you my final answer."
Akechi nodded, . "That's fair. Give me a call as soon as you done with your decision."
Zaboru stood as well, shaking Akechi's hand. "I will. Thank you for your time, Akechi-san."
Akechi bid farewell and left the office.
Once Akechi was gone, Zaboru wasted no time in gathering his company's higher-ups for an urgent meeting. Yugo, Yuna, Sayuri, Shinsuke, and Kudou all assembled in the conference room, sensing the gravity of the situation.
Zaboru sat at the head of the table, his expression serious. "Everyone, I need your opinions on something important. We have an opportunity to secure official protection from the Hamazou family for our distribution company, but the cost is steep—10 million yen per year. I need to know whether this is a price we're willing to pay."
The room fell silent as his team exchanged glances, weighing the risks and benefits.
Once Akechi was gone, Zaboru wasted no time in gathering his company's higher-ups for an urgent meeting. Yugo, Yuna, Sayuri, Shinsuke, and Kudou all assembled in the conference room, sensing the gravity of the situation.
Zaboru sat at the head of the table, his expression serious. "Everyone, I need your opinions on something important. We have an opportunity to secure official protection from the Hamazou family for our distribution company, but the cost is steep—10 million yen per year. I need to know whether this is a price we're willing to pay."
Shinsuke chimed in first. "10 million a year, huh? Honestly, that ain't much for our company, but it's still a lot of money."
Sayuri, as the head of finance, nodded. "Yeah, 10 million a year won't really hurt the company's finances, as long as we continue to operate healthily every month."
Yuna looked at Yugo and shrugged. "Me and Yugo don't know much about this kind of thing, but if Sayuri-san says it won't damage the company's interests, then why not? I mean, extra protection is always a good thing, right?"
Yugo nodded in agreement, and Kudou added, "From my perspective, it's a solid deal. The Hamazou family has a reputation for always keeping their word. Actually securing their protection is a big advantage."
Zaboru took in their responses and nodded. "So it's settled, then. I thought the same. Let's just hope this protection is worth it."
He sighed, knowing he couldn't afford to take any risks when it came to potential sabotage.
To be continued.
*Power stones , can this fic top the power stones ranking one day? please give you all honest opinion!, i don`t mind the harsh one , anyway thank you for a chapter in case you curious, this stuff really happen in japan , that Local yakuzas Sabotage some distribution.*