Rising Rays of the New Century: Tale of the Japanese Empire

Golden Power and the Fateful Encounter

In the 22nd century, the world's economic situation is the most unstable it has been in recent times. It is not surprising that any country's currency could turn into a worthless piece of paper at any moment. Therefore, gold holdings are becoming more and more important as a solid backup for national financial resources. However, Japan still lags behind the rest of the world in gold holdings.

"If we bring this power to light, numerous large corporations and even governments will come to our doorstep... Will you join us and become the new helm of this country? Money can control everything. The government, the corporations, everything in this country...!" Kondo declared, holding out his right hand for a handshake of an alliance, "Join hands with us, Minister Sakuma."

Kondo planned to establish a firm connection to the Japanese government and cabinet by bringing in Sakuma, the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. With an inexhaustible supply of gold, he hoped to bring all those in this country who had always despised and discriminated against his family to their knees.

"........."

Sakuma remained silent, glaring at Kondo's right hand. Kondo was convinced that Sakuma would come on board. But then...

"...Shirogane no... KAMAITACHI!!"

"!!"

Just as they thought they heard a shout from behind the door, the door to the CEO's office was blasted open. Quickly, the men in black stood in front of their employer, Kondo, to shield him. When the dust that had been raised cleared, one boy was standing there. The other boy walked into the room after him.

"...Thank goodness! Are you alright, Hagane-san!?"

"...Koba-san!? Yadoya-san!?"

Yadoya found Hagane and sighed in relief. Kondo could not hide his shock at the two kids' sudden appearance.

"Who are you kids!? This place is off-limits! What happened with the guards!?"

Kojiro Edelson, the leader of the men in black, was furious at his men for allowing the two suspicious boys to enter so far.

"...Guards? I don't think there were any... I don't remember much," Koba mocked.

Behind them, in the glamorous corridor leading to the CEO's office, lay a number of guards and black-clad men who had been blown unconscious by the gust of Koba's wind.

"...You must be a demi-human. Hmph, what is this, a monster pretending to be a knight?"

"I don't give a damn what you kidnappers say!"

Koba and Yadoya had only one goal: to rescue Hagane. Koba, who used his full demi-human power, had sharply pointed claws on both hands and silvery white body hair sprouting from both arms, reminiscent of a weasel, a reminder of his race's name.

"...Kidnapper, you say!? What do you mean? Kondo, explain."

"........."

Minister Sakuma did not miss the word "kidnapper" that Koba shouted and demanded Kondo to explain himself. However, Kondo ignored his words and silently glared at Koba and Yadoya.

"Dammit...!"

In the meantime, one of the black-suited men took a gun out of his holster. The leader, Kojiro Edelson, quickly reined his subordinate.

"No guns! There's a dinner party in the Kujaku Chamber!"

"...Gah!"

On the same floor, the guests of honor gathered by Minister Sakuma are in the middle of a meeting. If the shooting incident were to be exposed to them, the very survival of this company would be in jeopardy.