Tokyo, 1991: Starting as a bank clerk.

Page 44

A group of bank employees in dark suits walked on the sidewalk, their briefcases jingling, their leather shoes clicking softly on the cobblestones.

During the day, they sit behind different tables, examining other people's cash flow, collateral, and operational risks.

By evening, they were just a group of ordinary office workers going to an izakaya after get off work.

"Takenoya" is located in a small alley behind Yodoya Bridge.

A dark blue noren (traditional curtain) hangs at the entrance, with the shop's name written in white on it. Pushing open the door, you'll find a wooden counter and several tatami rooms inside.

The air smelled of grilled fish, soy sauce, fried food, and beer foam.

A handwritten menu is posted on the wall.

"Salt-baked"

"Stir-fried Beef Tendon"

"Fried chicken nuggets"

"Dashimi-rolled tamagoyaki"

Octopus vinegar

Asparagus and Bacon Rolls

It's a very ordinary izakaya.

It lacks the expensive tranquility of a high-class ryotei in Kitashinchi, and the refined distance of a Ginza shop.

But this kind of place is best suited for in-class gatherings.

The price isn't so high that the membership fee will make you cry, and the taste is enough to soothe your stomach after a long day of being tormented by numbers and risks.

The staff led them to a private room on the second floor.

The tatami room wasn't big; it had two long tables, and it was a bit crowded to seat about twenty people.

Masakazu Yamada naturally sat in the innermost seat of honor.

Yusuke Hashimoto, the most senior member of the financing review team and nearing retirement, sat next to him.

Then several department heads and senior staff members took their seats in turn.

Kiryu Yaya then naturally sat down in the lower seat near the door.

This wasn't arranged by someone else.

It's the seat that the newcomers should sit in.

Being near the entrance makes it easy to call the staff, have food served, and clear empty plates. It also makes it convenient to get up and pour drinks for seniors when needed.

He took off his suit jacket, folded it neatly behind him, and placed his briefcase in an inconspicuous spot.

Chihaya Yuri sat on the outer side of the middle section of the table.

A few minutes later, the beer was served.

The staff also brought out oolong tea, ginger ale, and Calpis.

As soon as the beer bottles were placed on the table, Yamada Masakazu looked at Kiryu Yaya.

"Kiryu, you came by motorcycle today, didn't you?"

"Yes."

Kiryu Yaya immediately replied:

"The car is already parked in the bank's underground parking lot. I'll take the tram back tonight and come back to pick it up tomorrow morning."

Masakazu Yamada nodded.

"That's good. Bank employees should absolutely not be involved in drunk driving."

"I see."

Kiryu bowed.

After the beer was served, no one drank it first.

These are the most basic rules of a Japanese drinking party.

No matter how thirsty you are, you must wait for the opening remarks and a toast.

Kiryu Yaya picked up a beer bottle and began pouring drinks for his seniors, starting from the seat of honor.

He held the bottle with his right hand and gently supported the bottom with his left, keeping the label slightly upward. When pouring, the rim of the glass did not touch the glass, and the wine line stopped steadily at seven or eight-tenths full.

These details are common knowledge in Japanese drinking parties, so he naturally knew them.

As Kiryu Yaya poured sake for Yamada Masakazu, he whispered:

"Section Chief, thank you so much for throwing me a welcome party today."

Masakazu Yamada glanced at him while holding his cup.

"Today isn't just for you. The Shiraishi Refrigeration case is also considered closed."

"Yes. The successful closure of the Shiraishi case is also thanks to the section chief and all the senior colleagues."

Masakazu Yamada didn't say anything more, only nodded slightly.

Kiryu Yaya continued pouring wine to the side.

When it was Hashimoto Yusuke's turn, he handed over the cup with a smile.

"Kiryu-kun, I heard you managed to persuade Section Chief Iwakura at the meeting?"

"where."

Kiryu Yaya filled the glass for him with both hands, his posture very humble:

"Section Chief Iwakura was pointing out the risks from a debt management perspective. I was just stating what I could think of. There's still so much to learn."

Upon hearing this, Hashimoto Yusuke's smile deepened.

"It's a good thing that young people know how to be afraid of risks."

"I look forward to your guidance in the future, Hashimoto-senpai."

Kiryu Yaya bowed slightly and then continued.

When it was the turn of the female section chief, Wakako Kishi, he didn't take a beer, but instead took an oolong teapot.

"Chief Ansho, would oolong tea be alright?"

Wakako Kishiwagi paused for a moment, then smiled and said:

"Yes, thank you."

Kiryu Yaya poured her more oolong tea without saying anything else.

He had vaguely overheard her making a phone call home from the shore, and learned that she had to go back to take care of the children that night.

When it was Chihaya Yuri's turn, Kiryu Yaya also switched to oolong tea.

"Chihaya, my apologies."