"If you need financial or network support, I can provide it," Wilson said. "But in return, you must seize enough industries to support your control of the Shinomiya family."
"…."
"We won't quibble over your methods. Negotiate, buy out, even kidnap or assassinate—we have people specialized for that. The only goal is to place the Shinomiya family in your hands."
"What are you doing this for?" Kaguya frowned.
"To put a chain on a dog," Wilson replied. "It's our most merciful approach to unruly dogs. Normally, we'd just erase them. That way, we'd spend huge amounts of money and gain no return, even damaging our businesses in Japan."
IW's profit in Japan wasn't small. If the Shinomiya family was wiped out, IW would lose a lot, which the organization could accept, but a better solution was preferable.
If Kaguya could control the Shinomiya family, IW wouldn't lose profits in Japan—in fact, business would thrive even more.
Though Wilson disliked Sagara's methods back then, he had to admit they benefited IW's long-term development.
"Mr. Wilson, you know the Shinomiya industries cover all aspects of Japan," Kaguya said. "Taking enough to inherit the family would be…"
"That's your problem to solve."
Wilson's words were merciless.
"I only support your plan. If you fail, we'll take final measures."
No retreat.
Kaguya had no way out.
She had thought that after her father fell and her brother lost some power, she would finally be free.
But that was an illusion.
Rinji wouldn't help her for no reason. Once she took that step, she had to keep walking down the road, even if the future was unseen.
There's no such thing as a free lunch.
Though freed from the family's shackles, Kaguya had to take full control.
Rinji had freed her from the family's control, but in return she had to control it for IW's benefit.
That was the exchange.
"For you, Shinomiya, this shouldn't be hard," Wilson said. "I looked into your record. You alone overturned the main house, collapsed what seemed an ironclad interest group, and changed the entire game."
'That was Rinji using my identity, not me,' Kaguya thought.
"I also checked with some information brokers. They say, 'Shinomiya Kaguya's usual demeanor is a mask. Her true self is ruthless, mercilessly eliminating traitors around her by the cruelest means.'"
'What the hell did Rinji do with my name!!?'
In truth, he hadn't done much—just disposed of a few spies from the main house planted around her. They'd all gone to Tokyo Bay.
The only notable thing was that Rinji had used her face to buy intel, leading Tokyo's intelligence circles to label her as a "ruthless strategist who knows how to bide her time."
Hayasaka, silent until now, saw Kaguya's troubled expression, sighed helplessly, and looked at Wilson.
"Mr. Wilson, I have something to say."
"Go ahead, madam."
"The Shinomiya industries are vast, while Kaguya-san's ability is limited. Even with IW's help, it's impossible to swallow them quickly," Hayasaka said. "I suggest taking it step by step, gradually eating away at the unstable parts of the Shinomiya business. That way losses are minimized."
"That's true, but… we've waited long enough."
"It won't be long. Once Rinji returns and personally oversees it, it'll be much more effective."
"Indeed. Then let's wait for the young master's return to discuss the next plan."
…
"Thanks, Hayasaka."
Outside the café, Kaguya let out a long breath.
"I thought I'd be forced into a deadly clash with the main house."
"Though not deadly, you still need to reclaim the industries that should already be yours. That's the baseline."
"That's much better than before."
Kaguya smiled.
"Thank you, Hayasaka. I thought…"
"You thought that since I resigned from the Shinomiya family, I stood completely on Rinji's side?"
"…Yes."
"I do stand on his side," Hayasaka said. "That's why I helped you."
---
In the café, Wilson still sat there.
Soon, the door opened again, and Hayasaka returned, sitting across from him.
"Madam…"
"What you said earlier, that wasn't Rinji's plan, was it?"
"…."
"I believe he might have told you to supervise Kaguya, but he wouldn't have ordered you to force her to take all the industries," Hayasaka said coldly. "If he truly wanted everything, he would've destroyed the Shinomiya family long ago, not left it for her now."
"As expected of you, madam."
Wilson gave a wry smile.
"The young master did ask me to urge her, I didn't lie. But what he said was, 'let Shinomiya Kaguya take and stabilize what should be hers.'"
"Then why did you twist it?" Hayasaka asked.
"Though I don't know you well, you wouldn't betray Rinji."
"Of course not. I only wanted results that would please him before he returned," Wilson smiled. "Do you really think the young master covets the Shinomiya fortune?"
"He doesn't care."
"Then why target the Shinomiya family?"
"To punish the main house."
"Now you understand why I wanted Shinomiya to take everything. Normally, it'd be impossible for one person to inherit a zaibatsu completely. But as the heir, Kaguya has one way."
"…."
Hayasaka instantly understood.
There was only one way for Kaguya to inherit everything quickly.
The other heirs had to disappear, leaving her as the sole legitimate successor.