I, Hiroshi Nohara, the star of Japanese cinema

Chapter 203 Tokyo TV High-Level Decision-Making Meeting! Shimadzu President Arrives! Regarding the Tokyo City Election!

When TV Tokyo officially announced that the live-action drama "Midnight Diner," adapted by Hiroshi Nohara himself, would premiere this Friday at 9 PM in the second prime time slot.

The entire Japanese public opinion field was like a depth charge that had been detonated and lit, instantly shattering all calm and inertia and creating a huge wave.

Almost simultaneously, newspapers fresh off the printing press, still smelling of warm ink, presented the news to tens of millions of Tokyo residents with the most eye-catching and thought-provoking headlines.

The headline of the culture section of the Tokyo Daily was moderate and calm, yet every word was precious, brimming with anticipation for the upcoming ratings war:

[Can the live-action adaptation of "Midnight Diner," Hiroshi Nohara's new "healing" chapter, continue its ratings success?]

"As 'Hachiko Monogatari' swept the big screen with its heartwarming story and its box office soared, Hiroshi Nohara, the ace producer of TV Tokyo, once again demonstrated his amazing creative energy and market insight."

His personal creation, the manga "Midnight Diner," which has long been a legend among urban white-collar workers, has been confirmed to be adapted into a live-action TV series, scheduled to air this Friday at 9 PM.

This move is widely regarded by the industry as another important strategic move by TV Tokyo in the emerging field of 'heartwarming and healing' content.

Film critic Kazuma Kurosawa expressed cautious optimism: "Hiroshi Nohara's cinematic language always possesses a magical power. He excels at unearthing the most touching emotional resonance within the most ordinary daily life. However, adapting a manga into a live-action drama, especially a work like 'Midnight Diner' with a large and loyal readership, is no less challenging than walking a tightrope. Every deviation in detail could trigger a backlash from fans of the original work. Hiroshi Nohara has undoubtedly chosen a highly difficult self-challenge this time."

……

In contrast, the Yomiuri Shimbun's editorial was more incisive, directly targeting the other side of the confrontation, and was full of inflammatory rhetoric:
[Sword vs. Shield: TV Tokyo's "Midnight Diner" faces off against Tokyo City TV's heartwarming project, and factional strife surfaces!]

"It is worth noting that the scheduling of 'Midnight Diner' is not an isolated program arrangement."

Just a few days ago, Tokyo TV, which was established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Public Relations Department and jointly funded by several real estate giants such as Kirin Group, announced that it would launch a heartwarming drama called “Nanto Afu and His Beloved Dog”, starring popular idol Shunsuke Kamiki.

Two works with similar themes and overlapping target audiences clashed at the same time, and the underlying meaning is self-evident.

Social observer Professor Taro Yamada points out: 'This has transcended simple commercial competition; it's a direct confrontation between two major political and cultural factions. As a crucial platform for Governor Koike's re-election, TV Tokyo's influence is undeniable. The newly established Tokyo Metropolitan Television, however, is backed by another force that disagrees with Governor Koike's urban development philosophy. The outcome of this ratings battle may have a subtle but profound impact on the future political landscape of Tokyo.'"

……

Meanwhile, the most professional film review magazine, Eiga Junpo, offered a calm yet brutal prediction of this upcoming showdown from a purely artistic perspective:
[“Perfect recreation” or “utterly ruined”? The casting paradox of the live-action adaptation of “Midnight Diner”]

"Leaving aside all the commercial and political distractions, let's return to the work itself. The success or failure of the live-action adaptation of 'Midnight Diner' depends 90% on the casting of the 'owner,' the soul of the show. He must be a complex mix of contradictions, an 'outsider' living amidst the everyday realities of life. Can Hiroshi Nohara find that 'him' who can embody the fantasies of countless readers? This will be the deciding factor in the ultimate fate of this series."

Meanwhile, their rival, "South Island A-Feng and His Beloved Dog," chose a completely different path, holding onto the "visual trump card" of Shunsuke Kamiki, who has an absolute appeal among young viewers.

This is undoubtedly a direct clash between acting skills and looks, substance and popularity. Will Hiroshi Nohara's profound healing power resonate more, or will Shunsuke Kamiki's idol aura capture attention more? We'll find out this Friday night.

……

In an instant, the spotlight of all media outlets—newspapers, magazines, television—was focused on this Friday night.

An invisible war is already underway.

Ordinary people at the center of the public opinion storm have more direct and interesting discussions.

"Hey, did you hear? This Friday night, TV Tokyo and that... Tokyo City TV are going head-to-head!"

In a crowded subway car in the early morning, two young men in suits, who looked like office workers, were chatting enthusiastically while holding onto the handrails.

"Tokyo City Television? What's that? Is it newly established? Why does its name sound so similar to Tokyo Television? Anyone who didn't know better would think it's a knock-off!"

"Who knows! Anyway, I heard it was organized by the municipal government, they have a lot of powerful backing! They hired that guy, Shunsuke Kamiki, to make a TV series about dogs, called something like 'South Island Afu and His Beloved Dog,' it sounds like it's the heartwarming and healing kind of show."

"Shunsuke Kamiki? That pretty boy from 'Tokyo Love Story'? He can act? I feel like he's good-looking but useless at everything else."

"Hahaha! Don't let your female colleagues hear you say that, or you won't even get your lunch today! But speaking of which, my girlfriend really likes him. She keeps saying 'Jun-suke is so handsome' at home every day. I'm so tired of hearing it."

"Pshaw, can being handsome put food on the table? I'm much more looking forward to Nohara-buchi's 'Midnight Diner'! I followed that manga from beginning to end! It's practically my spiritual sustenance! If the TV series can capture even half the essence of the manga, I'll be completely satisfied!"

"Half? You're underestimating Nohara-sama! Let me tell you, anything he directs will never disappoint! I bet five hundred yen that this time, 'Midnight Diner' will absolutely crush that 'South Island Afu' thing!"

"Okay! It's a deal! But speaking of which, the names of these two TV stations are too similar. We'll have to be careful when watching programs in the future, lest we accidentally contribute to the competition's ratings!"

"Haha, you're right!"

Similar conversations are playing out in every corner of Tokyo.

People's curiosity was completely ignited. They were full of doubts about this newly established "Tokyo TV Station" and also full of anticipation for the upcoming "battle of the titans".

……

Tokyo TV Station, headquarters building.

This newly completed building, constructed entirely of glass curtain walls and steel structure, gleams with a cold yet modern light under the sun, forming a stark contrast to the historically significant Tokyo TV building in the distance, even though it is located a ward away.

The atmosphere in the conference room on the top floor was solemn yet oppressive.

The mayor of Tokyo, Tanaka Mikami, is currently seated in the main seat.

He was dressed in a dark, high-class kimono. His face, etched with the lines of time, was calm, but his sharp, hawk-like eyes, like the most sophisticated radar, slowly swept over everyone present.

To his left was Tokugawa Sato, the chairman of the Kirin Group, whose body was as large as a small mountain, and several other tycoons who also wielded considerable influence in Tokyo's real estate industry.

They are the biggest investors in this television station and Tanaka Mikami's most steadfast "financial backer".

To his right were his core campaign team members, including Takahashi, the television station executive who had resigned from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's propaganda system to join the campaign.

"Gentlemen," Tanaka Mikami's voice, steady and powerful like an ancient bell, instantly took control of the tense atmosphere in the conference room: "In less than two hours, our Tokyo TV station will officially launch. The first battle is the decisive battle. This salvo must be fired, and fired beautifully."

He paused, then turned his sharp gaze to Takahashi beside him: "Takahashi-kun, is everything arranged for publicity? I want all the citizens of Tokyo to know that tonight belongs to our Tokyo TV station."

"Hi! Your Excellency Mayor, please rest assured!" Takahashi immediately bowed in response, his competence and composure clearly indicating he was a seasoned veteran of officialdom: "All publicity channels have been fully deployed. Newspapers, magazines, and outdoor billboards are all under our control for 'South Island A-Feng and His Beloved Dog.' Moreover, we have also established a deep partnership with Kamiki Shunsuke's fan club; they have organized a large-scale online support campaign to guarantee tonight's ratings will soar!"

"Very good." Tanaka nods in satisfaction, but the solemnity between his brows does not disappear.

He seemed to have thought of something again, and a barely perceptible shadow flashed in his sharp eyes.

"However, I heard some bad news this morning." He spoke slowly, and his voice seemed to lower the temperature in the entire conference room.

Everyone's heart jumped into their throats.

"Shimazu, the former president of TV Tokyo... he's making a comeback to run in this mayoral election."

"What?!" Sato Tokugawa was the first to exclaim, his fat face filled with disbelief: "Shimazu? Wasn't that old man so exhausted from the last election defeat that he was in the ICU? How... how dare he come out?!"

“Yes, Your Excellency Mayor!” Another real estate tycoon chimed in, his usually affable face now showing deep disdain: “He was already defeated by you last time! His return this time is nothing but a futile attempt to stop a chariot, a self-inflicted humiliation! We don’t need to take him seriously at all!”

"That's right! What can an old man whose health has collapsed still accomplish?"

"Exactly! What can he possibly use to fight us? In terms of financial resources, we can crush him to dust! In terms of influence, we have the trump card, Shunsuke Kamiki! What makes him stand out?"

The conference room was instantly filled with various sounds of contempt and ridicule.

In their view, Shimazu's comeback was nothing more than a loser's last struggle against defeat, and was not worth fearing at all.

However, Tanaka Mikami simply shook his head slowly, and the solemnity on his wrinkled face became even deeper.

"You all underestimate him." He spoke in a deep voice, his tone as cold as the harsh reality, shattering everyone's illusions completely: "Last night, I received a call from within the Liberal Democratic Party. The person on the other end told me that old man Shimazu wasn't sick at all! His so-called 'heart failure' last time was just a ruse! It was all to deliver a fatal blow when we were all off guard!"

"What?! Faking illness?!" Sato Tokugawa's eyes widened instantly.

"This...this can't be right?! That old guy, does he have such a deep level of cunning?"

“Most importantly!” Tanaka Mikami’s voice became even more serious, his jealousy and resentment almost bursting out of his body: “The person on the phone also said that just last month, that old guy Shimazu secretly went to the United States with the propaganda department of the Liberal Democratic Party!”

"American country?!"

This word was like a nuclear bomb, instantly exploding in the conference room!
Everyone stood frozen in place, all the contempt and mockery on their faces gone, leaving only a deep-seated fear!
"What...what is he going to the United States for?!" Takahashi's voice trembled slightly.

"What else can he do?" Tanaka Mikami sneered, his voice filled with self-mockery and...anger: "That Shimazu, who served as the director of Tokyo TV for twenty years, has connections and influence internationally, especially in the United States, that we can't even imagine! His trip to the United States this time is clearly to seek help! He wants to use the power of the United States to interfere in our Tokyo elections!"

He slammed his hand on the table, his sharp, hawk-like eyes blazing with fury: "That old bastard, for the sake of power, he actually went so far as to... invite a wolf into the house!"

“But, Mayor!” the real estate tycoon said, still somewhat unwilling, “So what if he has Americans backing him? Times have changed! You are now the mayor of Tokyo! How much have you contributed to the development of Tokyo these past few years! The citizens have discerning eyes! They will absolutely not cast their votes for a traitor who only colludes with foreign powers!”

"Yes, Your Excellency! Don't worry! We will definitely give you our full support!"

"That's right! We have money! We have land! We have people! We will never lose to that old man!"

The conference room was once again filled with passionate statements.

However, the unease in Tanaka Mikami's heart remained like a leech, impossible to shake off.

"Better safe than sorry." He let out a long breath, a breath tinged with weariness.

He turned his gaze to Sato Tokugawa, his eyes filled with both warning and expectation.

"Sato-kun, tonight's battle is of paramount importance. Your Kirin Entertainment's 'South Island A-Feng and His Beloved Dog' is not just a TV series; it is our clarion call to fire the first shot of our counterattack!"

"Success is the only option; failure is not an option! Do you understand?!"

"Hi, Mayor! Please rest assured!" Sato Tokugawa bowed again, his attitude respectful yet brimming with confidence: "Kamiki Shunsuke's charm is enough to drive all the women in Japan crazy! Tonight, we've got this in the bag!"

"Hmm." Tanaka Mikami nodded slowly, as if he had breathed a sigh of relief.

However, just as he picked up his teacup to take a sip and calm himself down, his heart suddenly skipped a beat for no apparent reason.

The feeling was as if he were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand, causing him a strange sense of panic.

He subconsciously turned his gaze to the window.

Not far away, the Tokyo TV building, steeped in history, stood quietly in the night.

It was like a silent giant, coldly watching them with a gaze full of mockery and disdain.

That look sent a chill down Tanaka Mikami's spine.

Suddenly, I felt uncertain.

……

TV Tokyo, Production Department.

However, just as Hiroshi Nohara finished his call with his older brother and was about to enjoy a moment of peace, the red internal telephone on his desk abruptly broke the silence of the office with a rapid ring.

Hiroshi Nohara raised an eyebrow and answered the phone.

"Hey, it's me."

"Minister! It's me, Kitagawa!" On the other end of the phone, Kitagawa Yao's voice carried a hint of barely suppressed tension: "Director Sakata has just issued a top-level meeting notice! He requires all directors and deputy directors of the Production Bureau, Editorial Bureau, Reporting Bureau, Business Bureau... and all senior executives at the department head level and above to immediately attend a meeting in Conference Room 17 on the top floor! Not a single one is allowed to be absent!"

Upon hearing this, a barely perceptible hint of surprise flashed in Hiroshi Nohara's usually calm eyes.

Did all the top leaders and key ministers of all bureaus participate?
This was no ordinary departmental meeting; it was the highest-level decision-making meeting ever held by the entire TV Tokyo.

"I understand," he replied calmly, and then hung up the phone.

He stood up, straightened his simple white T-shirt, and then walked out of the office.

The huge office area of ​​the independent production department was already buzzing with discussion, speculation, and unease.

"Hey, did you hear? The director suddenly called a meeting with all the top management! This is a top-level meeting!"

"Something big must have happened! I just saw Director Fujita of the Organization Bureau, and his face turned pale!"

"I heard that even the top directors who are usually shooting on location have been urgently recalled!"

When Hiroshi Nohara's tall and upright figure appeared in everyone's sight, all the discussions instantly subsided.

Everyone instinctively stood up and bowed respectfully to him.

"minister!"

Hiroshi Nohara simply nodded in response, and then walked straight toward the elevator.

The elevator slowly ascended, and numbers kept flashing on the red LCD screen.

The elevator stopped on the seventeenth floor, and the doors slowly opened.

The corridor was already packed with people.

Without exception, these people were all powerful figures in various departments of TV Tokyo, and were the core of the company that truly controlled the operation of this massive media machine.

They huddled together in twos and threes, lowering their voices but unable to hide their anxiety as they exchanged the information they had received.

However, when they saw Hiroshi Nohara step out of the elevator, all the conversations stopped again in unison.

A series of complex and wistful gazes were cast upon this excessively young man.

"Oh my! Hiroshi-kun! You've finally arrived!"

Director Fujita of the Organization Department, a slightly overweight man who looked to be in his fifties, was the first to greet us with a broad smile.

He patted Hiroshi Nohara on the shoulder enthusiastically, his eyes, which always gleamed with shrewdness, now filled with genuine admiration: "I just read your 'Midnight Diner' manga this morning, and it's... amazing! I dare say, your adaptation will definitely create another ratings phenomenon!"

"Director Fujita, you flatter me." Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly, his humility and composure just right.

"Hiroshi-kun, don't be so modest!" Director Kuroki of the News Bureau chimed in, a hint of admiration appearing on his usually serious face. "My daughter, who's still in university, is a die-hard fan of your manga! She told me last night that if the TV series isn't well-made, she'll organize fans to protest in front of our TV station! Hahahaha!" "Hahahaha!"

A burst of good-natured laughter instantly filled the corridor.

These usually aloof and shrewd figures were now generously expressing their goodwill and approval to Hiroshi Nohara.

They knew that the young man before them was no longer the junior who needed their guidance.

He has grown into someone who is on par with them, and even... someone they need to look up to.

"Alright, alright, stop standing at the door."

Just then, Asumi's signature loud voice rang out as he strode in from the other end of the corridor, followed by a composed-looking Takada Toshihide.

"Hiroshi-kun, come here!" Asumi waved to Hiroshi Nohara, the closeness of which was self-evident.

Hiroshi Nohara smiled and nodded, then walked through the crowd to the two of them.

"Deputy Director Asumi, Managing Director Takada."

"Hmm." Takada Toshihide simply nodded, but a hint of seriousness flashed in his deep eyes.

"Hiroshi-kun, do you know what this meeting is all about?" Asumi lowered his voice, his mysterious demeanor making him seem like a little spy who had uncovered a shocking secret.

"I don't know." Hiroshi Nohara shook his head.

"Let me tell you, this sudden meeting must mean something really big has happened!" Asumi's face was full of excitement and gossip: "I heard that this is the highest-level meeting ever held at TV Tokyo! Apart from the last one when it was announced that Director Sakata would be in charge of all the work of the TV station, we've never had such a grand meeting before!"

Upon hearing this, a hint of curiosity flashed in Hiroshi Nohara's usually calm eyes.

Just then, the heavy wooden door to the conference room was slowly pushed open from the inside.

Nobuhiko Sakata's secretary was standing at the door with a serious expression.

"Everyone, please come in."

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately composed themselves and filed in with steady steps.

The huge oval conference table was already full of people.

Nearly thirty top leaders from various core departments of TV Tokyo were sitting upright with solemn expressions.

That invisible pressure made the air in the entire conference room seem to freeze.

Hiroshi Nohara sat down in the production department's section, following Toshihide Takada and Asumi.

“Hiroshi-kun.” Takada Toshihide suddenly leaned close to his ear and said in a voice that only the two of them could hear, softly yet with perfect clarity, “Wait a minute, be careful. Today… Director Shimazu is back.”

Director of Shimadzu Corporation?

Hiroshi Nohara's body paused slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Of course he knew the name.

Yoshihiro Shimazu is the president of the Tokyo Broadcasting System and the nominal head of Television Tokyo.

One of them is a legendary figure who, supposedly, was exhausted from his defeat in the last mayoral election and had been "recuperating" in the hospital.

He... actually came back?

Just as Hiroshi Nohara's mind was racing, the meeting room door was pushed open again.

Everyone instinctively turned their gaze toward the doorway.

Director Nobuhiko Sakata was seen respectfully accompanying a slightly robust man who looked to be in his sixties, with gray hair but an unusually vigorous spirit, as they slowly walked in.

The man wore a simple gray suit and had a gentle smile on his face, but his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, as if they could see through all the illusions of the world.

"Wow--"

Almost simultaneously, everyone in the conference room stood up abruptly and bowed deeply to the old man.

"President Shimadzu!"

The voices were uniform and filled with awe and submission that came from the very marrow of their bones.

Hiroshi Nohara also stood up and bowed slightly to the legendary "supreme leader".

"Oh dear! Everyone, please sit down, please sit down!" President Shimazu waved his hand with a smile. His voice was gentle and full of friendliness, instantly easing the heavy atmosphere in the conference room. "It's been a long time. How is everyone?"

As he spoke, he slowly sat down in the main seat with the help of Nobuhiko Sakata.

"Thanks to the president, we are all doing well!" everyone responded in unison.

"That's good, that's good." President Shimazu nodded with a smile. He slowly swept his sharp, hawk-like gaze over everyone present, finally settling on Nobuhiko Sakata beside him.

“Sakata-kun,” he said with a smile, his voice filled with the appreciation and pride of an elder for a younger generation: “You’ve worked hard while I was away. You did a great job and didn’t let me down. TV Tokyo is even more vibrant and energetic now than it was when I was there.”

"President, you flatter me." Nobuhiko Sakata bowed quickly, his attitude humble yet full of respect: "It's all thanks to you for laying such a good foundation for us. I'm just following in your footsteps."

"Hahahaha!" Upon hearing this, President Shimazu couldn't help but laugh out loud. He looked at Nobuhiko Sakata with undisguised satisfaction in his eyes.

He didn't say any more pleasantries, but instead turned his gaze to everyone present. His gentleness was gradually replaced by the authority of someone in a superior position.

"Alright, everyone, let's get back to the main topic." He spoke in a deep voice, which seemed to silence the entire conference room by several decibels.

He first listened to brief reports from various departments on their recent work.

When he heard from the news bureau that TV Tokyo's news programs had now firmly secured the top spot in viewership ratings in the Kanto region, he nodded in satisfaction.

When he heard the editorial department say that TV Tokyo's overall viewership had now surpassed that of TV Kanto, making it the undisputed "number one in Kanto," a genuine smile appeared on his face.

However, when the report reached the production department, and Nobuhiko Sakata recounted the "glorious deeds" of the young man named Hiroshi Nohara, one by one, even President Shimazu, who had long been accustomed to the ups and downs of life, couldn't help but let a trace of indescribable shock flash in his sharp, hawk-like eyes!

"Yamishibai...Tales of the Unusual...Super Transformation...Seven Samurai...Hachiko Monogatari...and the upcoming Midnight Diner..."

President Shimazu murmured these names repeatedly. Looking at the resume of Hiroshi Nohara in his hand, an uncontrollable look of amazement finally appeared on his usually calm face.

"These...these phenomenal works...they all came from the same young man, only twenty-three years old?" He raised his head and cast his sharp gaze at Hiroshi Nohara sitting not far away, his eyes filled with incredulous inquiry.

“Yes, President.” Nobuhiko Sakata nodded, looking at Hiroshi Nohara with a proud look in his eyes: “Hiroshi-kun is a genius that only comes along once in a century for our TV Tokyo, and even for the entire Japanese television industry. People outside say he’s a monster.”

"Monster?" Upon hearing this, President Shimazu couldn't help but chuckle. He looked at Hiroshi Nohara with undisguised admiration in his eyes: "I think that word is well-chosen! Young people should act like young people! They should be like monsters, charging forward, breaking through, and shattering those outdated rules!"

He paused, then gently waved to Hiroshi Nohara.

"Nohara-kun, come here."

Upon hearing this, Hiroshi Nohara stood up from his seat and walked steadily to President Shimazu.

"President." He bowed slightly, his composure, neither humble nor arrogant, which pleased President Shimazu even more.

"Nohara-kun, I've reviewed your resume and listened to Sakata-kun's report," President Shimazu said with a smile, his voice filled with the expectations of an elder for a younger generation. "You've done very well, exceptionally well. You've brought unprecedented honor to TV Tokyo with your talent. On behalf of TV Tokyo, I thank you."

"President, you flatter me." Hiroshi Nohara simply smiled calmly: "It's all thanks to the TV station for giving me the opportunity and the platform."

"Hahaha! Good! What a fine example of composure and humility!" President Shimazu laughed heartily, patting Hiroshi Nohara on the shoulder. The intimacy he displayed filled everyone present with a mixture of envy and jealousy.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, President Shimazu once again turned his gaze to everyone present, his gentle demeanor gradually replaced by a deeper sense of authority.

"Alright, everyone." He spoke in a deep voice, his voice like the most precise hammer, striking the hearts of everyone present: "The main reason I've gathered you all here today is to announce something."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Nobuhiko Sakata beside him, his sharp eyes filled with undeniable certainty.

"Starting next month, I will officially resign from all my positions as president of Tokyo Broadcasting System and TV Tokyo."

"boom--!"

These words were like a nuclear bomb, instantly exploding in the conference room!
"what?!"

"President! You...you're resigning?!"

"This...how is this possible?!"

"President! You absolutely can't leave!"

Everyone was so excited they were speechless. They rushed to their feet, their faces filled with disbelief and horror!

However, President Shimazu simply smiled, raised his hand, and gently pressed it down.

That composure and confidence seemed to instantly quiet the noisy space.

"Everyone, everyone, please calm down." He said with a smile, his sharp eyes flashing with a profound understanding of the world: "I'm getting old, and my health isn't what it used to be. It's time to hand over this position to someone younger and more capable."

He paused, then turned his expectant and trusting gaze to Nobuhiko Sakata beside him.

"Starting next month, Nobuhiko Sakata will officially succeed me as the new president of the Tokyo Broadcasting System and the new director of TV Tokyo. I hope that you will support him as you have supported me, and assist him in leading TV Tokyo to an even brighter future!"

His words were resounding and powerful, each syllable brimming with strength.

The conference room fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone stared blankly at Nobuhiko Sakata, their faces filled with shock, envy, and a deep-seated... submission.

They knew that from this moment on, TV Tokyo would officially enter the era of Nobuhiko Sakata.

This meeting, filled with power transitions and personnel changes, lasted a full two hours.

As the meeting ended, and everyone was still immersed in the immense shock and excitement, preparing to leave, the gentle yet powerful voice of Shimadzu President Shimadzu rang out once again.

"Nohara-kun, and everyone in the production department, please stay for a moment."

The sound, though not loud, was like the most precise musical note, instantly freezing everyone's steps in place.

The group exchanged glances, all seeing the same confusion and curiosity in each other's eyes.

They knew that the real show at this meeting might... only be beginning.

However, he didn't get a share.

Moreover, when they saw that even Hiroshi Nohara had been left behind, they looked at each other in astonishment.

They didn't say much and quickly left the meeting room.

The heavy wooden door closed slowly, as if shutting out an entire era.

The excitement and restlessness in the conference room caused by the power transition quickly dissipated like the receding tide, replaced by a deeper and more solemn silence.

Just moments ago, President Shimazu was full of energy and smiling, but now he seemed to have lost all his strength, leaning wearily against the large leather chair.

He slowly unbuttoned the top button of his suit jacket, and let out a long breath, a breath that carried an undeniable air of age and weariness.

His once sharp, hawk-like eyes had now lost all their edge, leaving only a calm, worldly-wise composure as they slowly swept over the four people before him.

"You guys helped Koike's election campaign behind the scenes, didn't you?" President Shimazu's voice was soft, but like the most precise drumbeat, it struck everyone's heart: "That movie, 'Hachiko Monogatari,' was very well made and very successful. I watched it and cried."

Upon hearing this, Nobuhiko Sakata, Asumi, and Toshihide Takada all felt a chill and instinctively straightened their backs.

Only Hiroshi Nohara remained calmly seated, as if what President Shimazu was saying was just an ordinary little thing that had nothing to do with him.

“So…” President Shimazu’s gaze finally fell on Nobuhiko Sakata, and beneath that calmness lay an earnestness that could not be refused: “I also want to ask you to help me this once.”

Nobuhiko Sakata's body trembled violently. He looked at President Shimazu's face, which was full of exhaustion, and a look of disbelief and horror instantly appeared in his shrewd eyes!

"President!" His voice trembled slightly, almost imperceptibly. "You...you still want to participate in the election?!"

"Why not?" President Shimazu's lips curled into a self-deprecating smile, but beneath that self-deprecation lay a volcanic eruption of resentment and anger: "I only resigned from my position at the TV station, I didn't say I was retiring from politics! I'm just not reconciled! Why... why did I have to lose to that guy, Tanaka Mikami!"

“But, President, your health…” Asumi finally couldn’t help but speak, her usually cheerful face now filled with worry: “Didn’t the doctor say that you need to rest and not do any more strenuous work?”

"Yes, President," Takada Toshihide echoed, a rare hint of concern appearing on his usually gloomy face. "Elections are troublesome and exhausting; a slight misstep could..."

"Death?" President Shimazu sneered. He slowly sat up straight from his seat, and a fierce flame reignited in his cloudy eyes. "I would rather die on the front lines than lie in a hospital bed and watch that guy run rampant on our Tokyo TV turf!"

He slammed his hand on the table, his sharp, hawk-like eyes filled with an undeniable air of dominance: "What do you think he set up that damn 'Tokyo Television Station' for?! It's a declaration of war against us! It's a slap in the face to everyone at Tokyo Television! I must avenge this! I will crush him, along with his so-called television station, into dust!"

He paused, then cast his expectant yet pressure-filled gaze upon everyone present.

"So, tell me, what good ideas do you have?"

His gaze finally settled on the young man who had remained silent throughout.

"Nohara-kun."

President Shimadzu's voice became more solemn than ever before.

"And you? You monster, what are you thinking?"

P.S.: That's all for today's two updates. My cousin is getting married tomorrow and the day after, so I need to help out. Updates might be a bit irregular. Just letting you know in advance.
(End of this chapter)