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Inside the Ring shop, Fujiwara Toru followed Eri Hō and Mitsuru Shiho to the manager's office.
The elderly woman rarely smiled—her stern demeanor suggested she was accustomed to leadership roles.
Mitsuru Shiho instructed an employee to bring tea for the two guests. Without any pretense or beating around the bush, she got straight to the point:
"Fujiwara-kun, as you can see, this shop is located in a prime area of Ikebukuro, right next to the station—an absolutely golden location."
"Therefore, I won't budge on the price. Both floors combined, my asking price is 1 billion yen!"
Mitsuru Shiho spoke with authority, her stance unwavering.
However, Fujiwara Toru remained unfazed by such displays of negotiation pressure. He smiled calmly and replied, "A very reasonable price. This shop truly is in a prime location, just as you say, Mitsuru-san."
"But I've reviewed your terms. You require payment in cash, without waiting for bank loans."
"One billion yen is equivalent to seven million US dollars—a hefty sum that few individuals outside major corporations with liquid assets could produce outright."
"Paying ten billion yen in cash for this shop isn't an issue for me. However, I need Mitsuru-san to do one thing for me."
Mitsuru Shiho furrowed her brow. "What is it?"
"It's simple. Our actual transaction price will be ten billion yen, but the contract must state fifteen billion yen."
"If you agree, we'll sign the contract today, and tomorrow, the full amount of seven million US dollars will be transferred into your account."
Fujiwara revealed his true intentions, cutting straight to the chase.
"Fifteen billion yen on paper?"
Mitsuru Shiho looked puzzled.
Typically, people prefer contracts to reflect lower prices than the actual sale value to minimize taxes. A higher contract price usually points to only a few possibilities: money laundering or kickbacks!
As Mitsuru hesitated, Fujiwara continued, "Mitsuru-san, your company, Dotsu Corporation, is currently facing significant financial strain. The repayment deadline for your bank loan is approaching, isn't it?"
"If the bank forcibly auctions off this property, it won't fetch nearly as high a price—it might even sell for half its current value."
"But by selling it to me at this price, you'd only bear minimal responsibility. Not only would you settle Dotsu Corporation's debt, but you'd also have enough left over to rebuild."
Eri Hō had already informed Fujiwara of Mitsuru's situation beforehand.
As Fujiwara's hired lawyer, Eri prioritized her client's needs above all else.
Like most small-to-medium-sized Japanese private companies, Dotsu Corporation wasn't large in scale but had a long history—it was founded by Mitsuru Shiho's father.
Mitsuru inherited the business from her father, and despite her rebellious youth (she once loved playing in rock bands), she purchased this shop decades ago using family assets. She operated it as a venue tied to her youthful passion for music, preserving memories of her younger days.
Recently, however, Dotsu Corporation faced severe cash flow issues, compounded by looming bank loan repayments. Desperate for funds, Mitsuru reluctantly decided to sell the cherished property.
Compared to nostalgic memories of her teenage years, saving the family business took precedence.
Still reluctant, Mitsuru argued, "This shop has always been profitable. You won't find another like it."
Fujiwara shook his head. "Mitsuru-san, you misunderstand. I don't particularly care about the location's quality."
"What matters to me is simply finding someone willing to sell their shop. There are plenty of businesses along this street; surely some struggling owners would jump at the chance to sell."
"I can afford to wait—I have many options. But Mitsuru-san, you no longer have that luxury. Finding another buyer capable of paying such a large sum in cash? You may not have the time."
At this moment, Eri chimed in: "Mitsuru-san, please rest assured. I'll ensure all legal risks are mitigated."
This was the role of a top-tier lawyer.
Just as elite accountants help clients legally minimize taxes, top lawyers use legitimate means to make questionable transactions appear compliant—at the very least, avoiding breaking the law.
Eri's assurance finally broke through Mitsuru's resistance.
She sighed deeply. "I trust you, Eri-san. As the 'Invincible Queen' of Japan's legal world, your words carry weight."
Eri smiled confidently. "You flatter me, Mitsuru-san. I'm merely doing my job."
Even Eri didn't know why Fujiwara insisted on inflating the contract price beyond the actual amount. But she wouldn't pry—her task was to fulfill her client's request while ensuring everything appeared lawful and watertight.
Mitsuru made one final demand: "I have one condition. As the new owner, I hope you won't fire the existing employees."
Fujiwara chuckled. "As long as they're competent, I won't dismiss them arbitrarily."
"Good. Then I'll sign the contract. According to its terms, Fujiwara-kun, you must transfer the funds tomorrow."
"Rest assured. Once signed, the contract is legally binding."
With that, both parties reviewed the document. Mitsuru summoned her own lawyer to confirm there were no issues before signing alongside Fujiwara.
This purchase wasn't funded by Fujiwara himself or the Fujiwara family—it would be reimbursed by the CIA as part of establishing a contact point in Japan.
By inflating the contract price by five billion yen, Fujiwara facilitated internal accounting within the CIA while pocketing the excess funds for himself.
In the past, Fujiwara had quietly amassed over five million US dollars—mostly from living frugally in America. Some things he couldn't afford to overstep, especially when dealing with massive sums like those confiscated during anti-drug operations in South America.
While he occasionally skimmed small amounts, the majority went directly to official channels. Touching too much would leave him vulnerable to scrutiny, jeopardizing his official position.
Moreover, the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) in America was notoriously vigilant. Any sudden influx of unexplained wealth would raise red flags, inviting unwanted attention.
Not wanting to attract trouble, Fujiwara lived luxuriously but kept his actual savings modest while in the U.S.
Now, having relocated to Japan, he naturally sought ways to secure more funds for his retirement.
Inheriting the Fujiwara family fortune came with obligations—he'd owe favors in return. Only money earned independently offered true freedom.
I currently have around five million USD in cash, but I'm short by roughly two million. Even if I report this expenditure to the CIA, their internal review process takes time—and I need seven million USD by tomorrow.
Where could he source those missing two million?
Borrowing from the Fujiwara family would be easy, but Fujiwara preferred not to accumulate too many debts of gratitude.
After pondering briefly, he pulled out his phone and sent a message to Vermouth: Dear, lend me two million USD.
As a famous Hollywood actress and Oscar-winning star, Vermouth—despite her lavish lifestyle—was incredibly wealthy.
Moments later, Vermouth replied: Send me your bank account details.
Sister Bayonetta is so generous—not even asking what the money's for, just handing it over. Truly deserving of being called the top-ranking big sister!
Maybe I should just become a kept man after all!
After signing the contract, the shop officially belonged to Fujiwara. Mitsuru didn't linger, excusing herself shortly afterward.
Eri adjusted her glasses and turned to Fujiwara.
"Come on, Fujiwara-kun. To celebrate securing two major cases thanks to you, let me treat you to dinner. I'll invite my daughter too—it's good for her to meet accomplished young men like yourself."
Eri was tirelessly working to expand her daughter's network and social resources.
Her daughter Rachel's academic performance wasn't outstanding—average at best. Could she really rely on her detective father, who barely scraped by? Even her best friend Sonoko Suzuki seemed more dependable!
Thus, as a dedicated mother-lawyer, Eri took it upon herself to pave paths for her daughter's future.