The rising sun signified the start of a new day but not your every other day, but a day which brought shock to nearly every household in japan and even parties of interest overseas.
The Meiki Ward in Nagoya seemed to have become an absolute forbidden no entry zone, military trucks on the streets passing by, police cars patrolling everywhere, choppers flying by, this having affected the traffic of the city really bad, people forced to take other routes and which resulting in a huge traffic jam, most people surely late for their work today.
The Shinsei Security Building was currently under the protection of military, police and security agents from the Takamura Group itself. Last night a devastating attack had taken place on the hub of japan's strongest security forces, the building gassed and even the granddaughter of Takamura Hiashi almost kidnapped.
Reporters could be seen outside the entrance of the building which was barricaded by the military, all restless and waiting for someone official to come out and give an official news.
Just as they waited under the burning sun, they spotted a white haired old man with a slightly pale face walking out of the building and his destination the parking lot, flanked by a few paled face agents as well.
"It's Director Masahiro!"
"Please wait!"
Thud Thud!
Spotting him the reporters from different news channels along with the cameramen rushed towards him, shouting to take his attention.
"Not me, question that bastard Takeru!!"
"Hurry up! Run!"
Seeing the approaching army of reporters Masahiro who hadn't had a single moment of relief ever since he woke up, cursed and was ready to even run if it saved him from questions whose answers would lead the blame towards him.
But whether it was him or the agents, they all still looked somewhat affected by the gas that knocked them out last night, weak and unable to avoid the reporters. Masahiro showed a helpless face as a mic from NHK TV was pushed towards him, a short black haired woman in a red work coat and trousers holding it.
"Director Masahiro. You don't look so well yourself. Were you also affected by the supposed gas attack last night?"
Masahiro grimaced, forcing a weak smile as he raised his trembling hand. "I…I'm not in the best condition that is true. But if you're looking for answers, Chief Takeru would-----
"---- Chief Takeru already came out earlier." The NHK reporter lady cut him off, her voice firm with a hint of teasing in her eyes, eagerly looking for a statement that would make the headline and he career.
"We wanted to interview him but he said Director Masahiro would be able to answer our questions better."
The other reporters filled Masahiro with the events that transpired earlier.
"Damn you Takeru!! You are even more ruthless than me! Throwing me under the bus.... before I could throw you!" Cursed Masahiro inwardly, he thought he was ruthless enough but that stern faced fox was even steps ahead of him.
But Masahiro didn't show his inner frustration on the face and exhaled sharply, forcing composure.
"Everyone" His voice louder this time. "I'm not in the best position right now, none of us are, after last night."
He straightened his tie with a shaky hand, trying to mask his unease. "But please rest assured as soon official statement covering everything that happened will be released soon. Until then. I request your patience."
The reporters exchanged frustrated glances. Questions still flew like---
"When will that be?"
"Was there an internal leak?"
"Is the heiress safe?"
But Masahiro seized the moment. He ducked low, slipping between agents who hurriedly shielded him and pushed towards the parking lot.
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{NHK Newsroom, Tokyo}
The camera panned across the polished studio desk, the glowing NHK logo hovering on the wall behind. The host, a man in his forties with slicked-back hair and a crispy navy suit, faced the lens with solemn gravity.
"Good Morning. What you just witnessed was the footage taken moments ago outside the Shinsei Security headquarters in Nagoya. Director Okabe Masahiro, flanked by exhausted agents, appeared briefly before reporters and confirmed that an official statement regarding last night's unprecedented incident will be released soon. Until then, speculation continues to mount."
The screen split, bringing into frame another figure-a calm, bespectacled man with silver streaks in his hair, his reputation well known across japan: political analyst Ishiguro Takashi.
The host turned towards him. "Ishiguro-Sensei, thank you for joining us. What are your thoughts on Director Masahiro's words—or lack thereof?"
Ishiguro leaned forward slightly, folding his hands. His voice was measured, but the sharpness beneath it was unmistakable. "What stands out is not what Director Masahiro said, but what he avoided. An incident of this scale—the gassing of Shinsei Security's headquarters, considered the fortress of Takamura Group—and yet no direct denial or confirmation was given about the rumors already spreading."
The host nodded gravely. "You're referring to the reports circulating online that Takamura Ren, the granddaughter of Takamura Hiashi, was the sole target and main reason behind this attack?"
"That's right." Ishiguro replied, adjusting his glasses. "If such a kidnapping was truly attempted, we must ask a very simple question: who benefits?"
The studio fell quiet for a beat. Even the host's posture stiffened.
But in the households around whole japan, some of those who were watching uttering a name at Ishiguro's question.
"It's definitely that bitch!"
"Kaoru Arisaka."
"Legacy of Arisaka Genzo. The Failed Dictator."