Tokyo Three Generations

“Dad, I am a little… After all, I finally have the opportunity to bring glory to our family, so of course I’m happy.”

“It’s only natural to be happy, but you can’t get carried away with success.” Takasaki Jun interrupted him. “People often say that you should be prepared for danger in times of peace. The more successful you are, the more careful you should be to avoid falling. You’re old enough to understand this principle.”

"You're right," Takasaki Hiroshi could only bow his head and thank him, though he was still unconvinced.

Seeing his son like this, Takasaki Jun instinctively felt a sense of despair, as if "a piece of rotten wood cannot be carved."

Will all his efforts ultimately be in vain? He couldn't help but ask himself this question.

But there's nothing I can do; he's my only precious son...

With a sense of helplessness, he could only force himself to cheer up and continue to admonish his son, "Although a new president has been elected, things are not over yet. Especially you, you are still exposed to someone else's guns, and now she has even more reason to target you... You are not yet at a point where you can rest easy."

"What else does she want?" Upon hearing this, Takasaki Hiroshi couldn't help but fly into a rage. "I wasn't the one who stole the chairmanship, and we weren't the ones who contributed the most. Why is she so determined to hold me accountable? What a despicable woman!"

Faced with his son's anger, Takasaki Jun only sneered.

"Isn't that because you're easy to deal with?"

These words left Takasaki Hiroshi speechless.

"This isn't about spite or personal grudges; it's because you'll be heavily relied upon by Mogi soon, and focusing fire on you will cast doubt on his leadership and judgment of character, thus damaging his prestige. Ultimately, it's all because you've created so many targets for others to exploit, you worthless son!"

Takasaki Jun became more and more agitated as he spoke, and finally couldn't help but curse.

Hiroshi Takasaki was speechless and could only lower his head and endure his father's scolding—after all, the person who knows him best is himself, and he knows how much criticism others have given to his absurd life.

But knowing this is one thing, changing it is another. He inherited the family business precisely so he could live a life of luxury and debauchery. If you can't enjoy life to the fullest, then you've wasted your life... Of course, he wouldn't dare say this to his father's face, or his blood pressure would probably explode.

"Dad, thank you for your guidance. I'll be careful. Now I have the strength to fight back. If she continues to be relentless, I'll do everything I can to retaliate..." After a moment of silence, Takasaki Hiroshi said through gritted teeth, "At worst, we'll all fight it out and see who comes out on top!"

"Hmph, you think you can do that?" The father gave his son only a disdainful glance in response to his boastful words.

Then, he leaned back on the sofa in the back seat and said lazily, "Forget it, I've done all I can. How far you can go from here is up to you. I'm going back to Akita tomorrow."

In truth, Hiroshi Takasaki couldn't wait for the old man to go back to his hometown, but on the surface, he still pretended to be reluctant to let him go.

"Dad, shouldn't we stay a few more days?"

“Tokyo no longer belongs to me, nor does it need me anymore…” Takasaki Jun sighed deeply. “Staying in this cramped and confined place all the time is not as comfortable as being back home. I don’t want to be here anymore. Take good care of yourself from now on, and Jun, don’t disappoint me too much—although you have already disappointed me enough, you damned son!”

139, The Reward of Justice

On this hot and humid afternoon, Hideki Saito, a prosecutor from the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office, walked with his usual unapproachable demeanor to the door of his direct superior, Chief Prosecutor Uehara, and then gently knocked on the door.

"Who?"

"Director, it's me. I have something to report."

"Come in!"

Hearing the greeting from inside, Saito Hideki pushed open the door and walked into the office.

"Saito, is there something you need?" The director pushed aside the files on his desk and looked up at his capable subordinate.

"I've made quite a bit of progress on the task you assigned me before—" Saito Hideki replied calmly, then handed a stack of documents to the director.

The director picked up the documents and began to peruse them, while Saito Hideki stood silently in front of his desk waiting.

Since receiving the mission to "secretly investigate Congressman Hiroshi Takasaki" in this office, he has focused all his attention on this mission, even going so far as to "go undercover alone" to gather intelligence at the nightclub run by Takasaki's mistress.

He knew that Takasaki Hiroshi came from a prominent family, and the father and son had been running the family business for more than half a century. They were very skilled at covering up their misdeeds, and all their financial transactions had clear and clean records. It was not easy to find any flaws in them.

So he focused his investigation on the other party's mistress.

It must be said that this strategy was very clever. Through his unremitting efforts, he really discovered a lot about that nightclub hostess.

She secretly used several accounts to trade stocks, engage in related-party transactions, and transfer large sums of money in and out with unclear destinations.

It is obvious that she is one of Takasaki Hiroshi's fund holders, and Takasaki Hiroshi uses her to secretly manipulate huge sums of money and profit from them.

Although Miss Luna had been quite cautious and had a financial advisor and accountant to help cover for her, these little tricks were ultimately exposed to the experienced elite prosecutor. After all, she was just a hostess in a nightclub, not highly educated, and while she might be exceptional at seducing older men, manipulating illicit funds was beyond her capabilities.

Conversely, by carelessly entrusting a huge sum of money to a hostess for safekeeping, Takasaki Hiroshi's arrogance and domineering nature are evident—he practically has no regard for the law.

The more Saito Hideki thought about it, the more he wanted to make this tax thief pay a heavy price.

Although he wasn't the only one doing this in politics, he just happened to walk right into my line of fire.

While he remained silent, the director finished reading the materials he had provided.

Then, the other person looked up and nodded approvingly at Saito Hideki.

"Saito, you've accomplished so much in such a short time. You've really not disappointed me."

Saito Hideki didn't take the praise to heart at all—because he knew that even if the director said so, he wouldn't get a promotion, and of course he didn't care.

“If possible, I request that the madam be brought in as soon as possible to assist with the interrogation,” he replied calmly. “The information I’ve uncovered so far isn’t enough to implicate Takasaki Hiroshi, but once we get this woman here, we’ll find a way to get a statement, and then we can officially focus our investigation on Takasaki Hiroshi—”

He believed there was nothing wrong with his statement, and that was how he had always done things. However, to his great surprise, the director suddenly shook his head and then covered the documents on the table again.

“No, we can’t do that right now. Saito, don’t forget that you started the investigation without proper legal procedures, and your evidence-gathering methods are flawed. You could easily be sued for illegal evidence gathering.”

His words startled Saito Hideki, who then looked at the director with disbelief, as if the other party had suddenly told a lame joke.

Because "illegal evidence collection" is one of the unspoken rules that all prosecutors are aware of.

District Attorneys are theoretically strictly bound by the Criminal Procedure Law, which prohibits illegal evidence collection; however, in practice, a large number of "gray areas" inevitably exist. Historically, there have been many cases of illegal evidence collection and illegal investigations that have been recognized by the courts, and even major scandals involving prosecutors tampering with evidence.

After all, the people they are dealing with are either cunning politicians and wealthy businessmen or vicious and violent criminals. If everything is required to be "legal," then it is impossible to move the investigation forward, let alone convict the suspects and send them to jail.

Therefore, in private, the District Attorney's Office also acknowledges that prosecutors can obtain evidence through gray or even illegal means—as long as it is not discovered afterward.

He didn't understand why the director would bring up something that everyone knew about but didn't say.

If "illegal evidence collection" is not allowed, then don't assign this task to me in the first place... He couldn't help but complain to himself.

Although he didn't speak, the director clearly understood what he was thinking.

Then, the director sighed helplessly, "Saito, it's not that I suddenly changed my mind, but the situation has changed again. You remember, I said before that the Takasaki family is now in close contact with the Toyokawa family, and Chairman Toyokawa and his daughter even visited their home recently."

“I remember.” Saito Hideki nodded.

“Now, it’s no longer just at the level of ‘close contact’…” ​​The director shrugged. “Just two days ago, I heard that the chairman of the Toyokawa Group brought the young master of the Takasaki family to his company’s headquarters and even let him sit in on the company’s top executive’s regular meeting… Saito, do you know what this means?”

"What does it mean?" Saito Hideki asked rhetorically, after all, he didn't really understand it.

Seeing his bewildered expression, the director could only sigh and continue to explain, "The main branch of the Fengchuan family has not produced a son for several generations, so they have all taken in men to manage the business... Isn't their intention in promoting that young master so much obvious?"

After the director explained it to him, Saito Hideki suddenly realized what was going on.

In other words... the young master of the Takasaki family may marry into the Toyokawa family and take over the Toyokawa Group in the near future.

Then he understood the director's concerns.

He knew, of course, that the law was an inviolable "divine rule" for ordinary people.

However, in the upper echelons of those people's world, the law is no longer a rigid set of rules, but has become a "fluid" thing, something that can be stretched, bargained over, and used as a tool for negotiation. Whoever has more bargaining chips is more qualified to use the weapon of "law".

Hiroshi Takasaki, a member of parliament from a remote area, may have a family background, but in the eyes of the district prosecutor's office, he is nothing special, and can even be said to be a tool for "boosting performance".

However, if the Takasaki family were to "merge" with or even "possess" the Toyokawa family in the future, the situation would be entirely different.

The evidence currently held by the District Prosecutor's Office is insufficient to directly convict Takasaki Hiroshi. Moreover, even if Takasaki Hiroshi were arrested and convicted, how would things end? The Toyokawa family's wealth and influence can always find a way to get him out of trouble.

Moreover, if that young master harbors resentment and a virtuous person seeks revenge in the future, even after ten years, he may not be afraid, but the director certainly will.

Now, in his view, the reason why Takasaki Hiroshi acted so arrogantly was because he was "fearless" and relied on the fact that his son had climbed up the Toyokawa family's powerful backing, so he was confident that no one could do anything to him.

The most tragic thing is that this might still be reality.

The thought that this tax thief might continue to live a life of debauchery and extravagance for decades to come, squandering countless riches, made Saito Hideki even more furious.

But even if he was itching to do something, there was nothing he could do. The Fengchuan Group was different from a local tycoon; it was one of the major conglomerates that controlled the economic lifeline of the entire country. Not to mention a prosecutor like him, even his superior, the director, or even his superior's superior, couldn't do anything to them.

Saito Hideki clenched his fists tightly, but had nowhere to vent his anger.

However, after a while, his fist slowly loosened again.

That's just how reality is; he has no choice but to accept it.

After all, he had experienced similar things more than once. Although he stood on the side of justice, he was not naive, or rather, naive people had no right to stand here.

As a cog in the state machine, he was destined to be unable to oppose it.

He can only strive to uphold justice within his limited scope.

“I understand…” He lowered his head dejectedly. “Then I’ll terminate the investigation.”

“No, Saito.” The director shook his head again, giving him an unexpected answer, “The situation hasn’t reached that point yet. Let’s continue the investigation.”

Seeing that Saito Hideki was becoming increasingly puzzled, the director raised his index finger again and then poked it upwards in mid-air.

"The power struggles among those at the top will eventually come in handy. The Toyokawa Group is indeed formidable, but there are people who can deal with it."

This ambiguous statement didn't reveal much information, but it was clearly encouraging him to continue.

Normally, when prosecutors see that the whole incident involves a behemoth like the Toyokawa Group, they would usually have backed down, but he didn't.

"If we can't proceed to the formal investigation process, what should I do next?" he asked his superior instead.

"Keep a close eye on the Takasaki family, especially their secret collusion with the Toyokawa Group," the director replied immediately.

Hideki Saito had already figured it out: the director was encouraging him to collect "ammunition" to attack the Takasaki-Toyokawa alliance.

However, his demands were somewhat unreasonable, or rather, they exceeded the limits of what a prosecutor could do.

"With my limited authority, I'm afraid it will be difficult to complete this task—" So, after a moment's hesitation, he gave his reply.

Of course I know, but how many subordinates are as easy to manage, straightforward, and courageous as you... The director sneered inwardly.

“Do your best, Saito. I know this task is extremely difficult, but I don’t have a better candidate than you.” The director smiled broadly. “I don’t expect you and I to be able to shake a tree like the Toyokawa family, but if we have solid and reliable evidence, then dealing with the Takasaki family shouldn’t be a problem. Do you want all your previous efforts to be in vain? Or do you want to see such an arrogant guy continue to get away with it?”

These words really struck a chord with Hideki Saito.

If Takasaki Hiroshi can be successfully convicted, it will be the most glorious moment of his career.

Even though I know the chances are slim, it's still worth a try.

Thinking of this, he regained his enthusiasm.

"Okay, I understand. I'll do my best."

“Then I’ll leave it to you, Saito.” The director stood up and bowed slightly to Saito Hideki. “This task is very difficult, so remember not to leave any evidence. Although you are a prosecutor, the Toyokawa Group has many ways to deal with you… Also, we shouldn’t leave any written records to avoid causing trouble later… Just come and report to me regularly.”

……

Saito Hideki's heart sank.

The director spoke with high-sounding words, but he saw very clearly that although the other party kept encouraging him to face a powerful enemy, he himself was trying to stay in a safe place. The so-called "not leaving a written record" was obviously his plan to withdraw at any time and immediately sever all ties if anything happened to him.

They really don't even try to hide the fact that they're using themselves as tools...

Is this the "reward" for justice?

Right, this isn't the first time.

After working for so many years, he had long seen through the true colors of those in power.

They eagerly claim credit, fearing to fall behind, but when it comes to taking the blame, they hide far behind, afraid of getting even a little bit involved.

The most ridiculous thing is that it is often these kinds of people who are able to rise step by step and eventually climb over the heads of those who are working hard.

The public instruments of the state, and the last line of defense for upholding social justice, are in the hands of such a group of scheming and despicable people...

He felt a little disdain, but mostly sadness.

No matter what, I am a civil servant. I will live a life free from financial worries. Even if something goes wrong, at worst I will be sidelined or transferred to a sinecure. Anyway, I can still retire peacefully and receive a generous pension.

But who should compensate the bullied and fooled masses for the money and blood that has been squeezed from their bones?

He wasn't working for his boss's future, or even for his own.

He can't change the world, but he will do his best to do what he can.

So, even though he knew he was being used, he still nodded slightly after a moment of silence. "Okay, I understand. I'll focus my investigation on this from now on—"

"Saito, let me know if you need any assistance, and I'll try my best to cooperate within my authority." The director looked away, perhaps feeling a little guilty himself.

Hideki Saito nodded silently.

A moment later, he suddenly asked another question, "What is the name of that young master from the Takasaki family?"

The director was a little surprised by this question. He pondered for a moment, "I think his name is Chun."

"Takasaki Jun..." Saito Hideki murmured to himself, then bowed goodbye, turned and left his office, returning to his workstation.