Conan: I'm a zaibatsu in Tokyo

Zheng Yi took out a videotape.

While operating the projector, he said to Conan:
"The Toyota Group is different from traditional conglomerates; they are not family-run conglomerates."

Therefore, its internal structure is more complex, and there is a high probability that there are organized individuals at the top.

Unlike pre-World War II zaibatsu, the Toyota Group is not absolutely controlled by a single family, nor does it have a clearly defined head office. Instead, it is a loosely united conglomerate with Toyota Motor Corporation at its core.

“Furthermore, you should be aware of the strength of the Toyota Group,” Zheng Yi said.

Conan nodded, completely understanding.

Toyota is a leading company in the automotive industry, accounting for 7.4% of GDP, and is a national symbol in society.

It holds a very high status in Japan.

Masakazu continued, "I have serious doubts about one thing: that Toyota has been smearing my reputation."

"Ok?"

Zheng Yi pointed at the videotape and said, "The actions of many people who smeared my reputation before were all to cover up for the organization. The mastermind behind it all has been hiding behind the scenes."

This time, the mastermind behind it all came forward.

The videotape began playing.

Conan saw a middle-aged man talking eloquently in front of the camera.

Conan didn't know this person's name, but he knew that he often represented the Toyota Group and spoke in front of the public.

The program is a very popular interview program on the TV station.

Guided by the host, the man started talking about Zheng Yi Ge's car company.

"You mean Zhengyi Motor Company? That's utter nonsense."

He seemed very excited, gesturing wildly as he said, "Just like this smart car assistant they've launched."

It is said that it can communicate naturally with passengers through voice, learn the driver's habits, such as automatically adjusting the seat, air conditioning, favorite music and routes, and even anticipate the driver's needs.

This is simply impossible; it's not a technology that could be developed in this era.

The host seemed to be going along with what the representative was saying.

He agreed with him for a few moments, all of which were disparaging Zheng Yi's car company, saying that he was unrealistic and had unrealistic ambitions.

After a period of belittling, the host said:

Justice Motors says their smart assistant continuously monitors the status of all critical vehicle components.

It can not only remind you of maintenance, but also predict the lifespan of parts and automatically schedule service appointments and prepare replacement parts.

is this real? "

"That's impossible. Even Toyota doesn't have that kind of technology, let alone a new car company," the representative said.

He exaggeratedly claimed that computers were unreliable and that traditional machinery and manual labor were more trustworthy.

They also claimed that car management systems monitor drivers' privacy.

The driver's driving habits, frequent destinations, and even conversations inside the car may be recorded.

Buying their car is like having a spy in your home.

A disaster caused by the rendering system crashing.

In closing, the representative stated, "The automotive industry is not one that just anyone can master; it's a technology industry."

Everyone knows how some entrepreneurs started their businesses.

I don't believe a word he says.

This is a blunt way of saying that Zheng Yi is completely incompetent and only knows how to rob people.

Conan glanced at Masakazu cautiously and found that Masakazu's expression was normal, without any sign of anger.

I also read a few newspaper articles criticizing Zhengyi Motors.

Conan rubbed his eyes.

It was all criticism.

Conan whispered, "Brother Zhengyi, these news reports..."

“Of course it’s fake,” Zheng Yi said.

He looked at Conan and said, "If all of this were fake, there wouldn't be so many media outlets attacking me."

Conan immediately understood.

It's because Zheng Yi Ge's cars can really do these things.

That's why Toyota considered them a huge competitor, which is why they resorted to such tactics. Conan felt a chill run down his spine.

Almost all newspapers and media outlets are attacking the First Brother, just like those guys did when they were trying to divert attention from the organization.

too frightening.

Zheng Yi said in a low voice, "Conan, you know me. I'm the kind of person who never suffers a loss."

Conan nodded.

Zheng Yi said, "So I immediately launched a counterattack. I used my methods to investigate whether there were any problems with Toyota Group's taxes."

But this investigation uncovered other things.

I discovered that they transfer a large sum of money out every month.

The whereabouts of these funds are unknown.

Conan said, "So, Brother Zhengyi, you suspect this is money being transported to the organization?"

“That’s right.” Zheng Yi nodded.

Conan frowned in thought.

Probably.

The organization's actions in Japan became increasingly brazen, but the impact they caused became smaller and smaller with each passing day.

Who would believe that there wasn't the backing of a major conglomerate?

Toyota is indeed a suspect.

But Conan said dejectedly, "But if it's the Toyota Group, how am I supposed to investigate?"

Such a behemoth left Conan with no way to deal with it.

Is it really possible for him to bring down the organization?
He even considered leaving for distant lands as soon as Zheng Yi developed the antidote.

However, the organization has committed numerous evil deeds.

Conan's sense of justice makes him unwilling to give up.

“I will help you,” Zheng Yi said.

Conan nodded, deeply moved.

But he also knew that Zheng Yi wouldn't be able to offer much help in dealing with such a group.

Conan sighed and said, "Investigating the Toyota Group directly is probably not feasible. I'll start by investigating this presenter first."

The host kept cooperating with the Toyota representative, saying bad things about Zheng Yi Ge.

Conan suspects that he did this on someone's orders.

Otherwise, the topic of the show is employment, how could a professional host like him talk about Zheng Yi's car company?
That's so unprofessional.

Zheng Yi said, "He might just be doing things for money."

"That's alright," Conan said.

Even if he was just doing a job for money, the person who gave him the money is the one with the problem.

Conan will start with this host.

Step by step, we uncover the relationships between the Toyota Group and its organizations.

Zhengyi pushed a carton of milk towards Conan.

"If you really find out that the Toyota Group is connected to the organization, I will help you and I will definitely not let Toyota cover it up."

"Thank you, Brother Zhengyi," Conan said.

In Japan, only zaibatsu (conglomerates) can defeat other zaibatsu.

With Zheng Yi's promise, Conan could proceed with his investigation with peace of mind.

Zheng Yi said, "By the way, since you're going to start the investigation, let me ask you for a few days off."

He smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll help you explain your whereabouts to Mr. Mori and Ran."

"Thank you, Brother Zhengyi."

"You're welcome."

Shoichi really wishes all his employees were like Conan.

They're working for me for free, yet they still want to thank me, their boss. (End of Chapter)