Inside the Yamada residence.
Ryo Yamada hung up the phone, her expression blank.
Across from her, Seiji lounged on the couch with an amused look. "So, no problem?"
"No problem."
Ryo stepped closer, speaking calmly. "Nijika's a smart girl. She'll figure it out herself. Besides, what I said was true."
Seiji couldn't help laughing at how serious she looked while talking complete nonsense.
Ryo ignored his laughter, sat down beside him, and locked her sharp blue eyes on him, burning with curiosity.
"Seiji."
"What is it?"
"Those music skills of yours... and that song from earlier... what's the deal with them?"
Ryo's gaze was intense. She couldn't forget the feeling she'd had when she heard him play... like a devout monk who'd spent his whole life studying theology suddenly witnessing a miracle descend before his eyes.
"Your fingers don't even have calluses, and yet you played with that kind of technique... how?"
"Want to know?" Seiji's lips curved into a mysterious smile.
"Yes." Ryo nodded hard without hesitation.
"It's simple." Seiji reached out and gently brushed her cheek, speaking as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "It's because I'm a genius."
That answer made no logical sense... but somehow, coming from him, it sounded completely reasonable.
Ryo stared at him, then sighed softly, her eyes filled with admiration and envy.
"Right... how could I forget? You really are a genius," she murmured, remembering that this man was the youngest recipient in Japan's history of both the Ranpo Award and the Naoki Prize.
After a pause, she leaned forward eagerly. "That song... 'Unravel'!" she said, her breathing quickening. "You told Nijika it was a song we 'collaborated' on, right? Then let's make that true!"
Her blue eyes shone with rare excitement and determination.
"Please, let me handle the arrangement!"
"Sure." Seiji agreed without a second thought.
He grabbed a piece of staff paper and a pen from under the coffee table and jotted down the melody and lyrics for "Unravel" from memory.
Ryo reached out with both hands, almost reverently accepting the sheet as if it were something sacred.
The paper felt impossibly heavy in her grasp.
Without another glance at Seiji, she stood up and strode eagerly toward her music room.
The living room fell silent again.
Seiji smiled faintly, opened his laptop, and began checking on his ongoing projects.
He opened an email from one of his subordinates:
[Regarding the latest progress of the "Puella Magi Madoka Magica" project]
The report was detailed... from budget approvals to staff recruitment. Everything was proceeding smoothly.
Chief Director: Akira Saeki
Series Composition/Screenplay: Koichi Takayama
Character Design Drafts: Chinatsu Morinaga
Lead Script Collaborator: Utaha Kasumigaoka
Character Design/Chief Animation Assistance: Eriri Spencer Sawamura
"Excellent."
Seiji leaned back against the couch.
One handled the writing, the other the visuals.
He could relax.
At six in the morning, Ryo finally shut off her computer.
The screen froze on the final waveform of her audio project.
She took off her headphones, rubbed her sore eyes, and let out a long exhale.
Done.
The full arrangement for "Unravel" was finally complete.
She pressed play and closed her eyes, letting the music fill the room.
The sharp attack of the guitar, the steady pulse of the drums, the basslines surging in the dark, the layered harmonies rising toward an emotional peak... this was the most complete piece she'd ever made.
No... something she'd never even believed she could make.
The melody was Seiji's, but every detail of the arrangement, instrumentation, and mixing carried her soul.
As the music played, a faint smile appeared on her lips.
But it didn't last.
Her gaze drifted to the photo frame on her desk... a picture of her family standing in front of their hospital, back when her parents were still alive.
"Dad, Mom..." she whispered.
That fire a year ago hadn't just taken their lives... it had burned away the Yamada family's future.
Their hospital had been seized and auctioned off, turned into another branch of a massive medical group.
The Yamada Hospital sign had been torn down, replaced with "Tohto Medical Seventh Branch."
To her, it was like a mountain pressing down on her heart.
Ryo smiled bitterly and looked out the window. The sky was already growing bright.
Just then, a knock came at the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Ryo, you're still awake?" Seiji's voice called from outside.
Ryo blinked, quickly wiping her eyes and steadying her expression. "Yeah. Pulled an all-nighter."
The door opened.
Seiji stepped in with two steaming cups of coffee. When he saw her tired face, he frowned slightly.
"You really didn't sleep?"
"Yeah, I'm used to it." Ryo took a cup and sipped. The bitterness cleared her head a little. "Happens all the time when I'm working on music."
Seiji sat beside her, his gaze falling to the computer screen. "Finished the arrangement?"
"Yeah." Ryo nodded. "Wanna hear it?"
"Of course."
She handed him a pair of headphones, pressed play again, and waited.
Three minutes later, Seiji took off the headphones, impressed.
"It's incredible," he said sincerely. "Ryo, you're a genius."
That made her smile... just a little.
But again, the smile didn't last long.
Seiji followed her gaze to the photo on the desk.
"What's wrong?" he asked softly.
Ryo was quiet for a moment, then gave a weary smile. "Nothing. I was just thinking about my parents' hospital... It was taken over by a medical corporation. Every time I pass by and see the Yamada Hospital sign gone... replaced by someone else's... I feel like the last trace of my parents has been erased."
Seiji said nothing, simply listening.
"I'm sorry," Ryo said after a pause, forcing a small laugh. "You've already helped me so much... my debts, my living expenses, even letting me keep making music. I shouldn't ask for more."
"Who said you're asking for too much?" Seiji said suddenly.
Ryo froze.
"You want back what's yours. That's not greed." He stood, looking down at her. "That hospital... your family's home... was stolen from you. You're not angry?"
"What good would anger do?" Ryo said bitterly. "It's not like I can take it back."
"But I can."
Ryo's eyes widened.
"As long as you're with me," Seiji said, smiling as he ruffled her hair, "I won't let you suffer."
Morning light spilled across his face, gilding his features with a soft golden glow.
Ryo just stared at him, her heart skipping three beats.
"What are you planning to do?" she whispered.
"It's simple," he said lightly. "I'm going to buy that hospital back."
Her pupils contracted.
"B-buy it back?"
"Yeah." Seiji spoke as casually as if commenting on the weather. "I'll buy it."
Ryo opened her mouth, but no words came. Her mind went blank.
"But... that medical group..." she stammered. "They have deep political ties... and that building alone is worth at least... "
"Around ten billion yen," Seiji interrupted with a faint smile. "I know."
"You... you know that?"
"I looked it up last night." Seiji crouched down in front of her, meeting her eyes directly. "Tohto Medical Group... fifteen years old. Seven branches. Total assets: four hundred billion yen. Your parents' hospital was their seventh acquisition last year."
He paused.
"The purchase price was eight hundred million yen. But the actual market value was closer to one point two billion. They lowballed it."
Ryo stared at him, stunned.
He'd researched all that... for her.
And the way he said it... it was like a hundred billion yen was pocket change.
Her eyes reddened. She bit her lip, trying to hold it in... but the emotion finally overflowed.
"Seiji..."
She stood, stepped forward, and pressed her face into his chest.
"Thank you..."
Her voice was muffled, thick with tears.
Seiji said nothing, only rested a hand on her back. He could feel the faint tremble of her shoulders... the release of years of suppressed pain.
This girl had carried far too much.
Her parents gone, her family ruined, debts piling up...
and she'd faced it all alone.
Never asking for help. Never showing weakness.
Until she met him.
After a long silence, Ryo lifted her head. Her eyes were still wet, but her voice had steadied.
"That medical group isn't easy to deal with," she said seriously. "Their president, Kenichi Tojo, is a sharp businessman. He's got deep connections... politicians, corporate elites, even people in the Ministry of Health."
She paused, her tone hardening.
"And the shareholders behind Tohto Medical are powerful financiers. These people don't play games."
"I know." Seiji smiled faintly. "That's why I'll use legitimate business means."
"Business means?" Ryo blinked.
"Yeah." He picked up his laptop again. "Every big company has weak points... finance, taxes, compliance. If you dig deep enough, you'll always find something."
He leaned back.
"And a company that size... always has enemies who'd love to see it fall."
Ryo just stared at him.
She had never imagined anyone would go this far for her.
After a moment, she asked quietly, "Why are you doing all this for me?"
"Because you're my woman," Seiji said with an easy smile. "That's reason enough."
"But..." Ryo bit her lip. "Do I really deserve you?"
Seiji blinked, then chuckled.
"From the very beginning, you were honest. You said selling yourself to me was just a deal... no pretending, no lies, no fake 'I love you' nonsense."
He reached out, gently touching her cheek.
"That honesty... that courage... it makes me happy."
Ryo's eyes filled again. She couldn't say a word.
She simply threw her arms around him, holding him tight.
Seiji smiled, patting her back softly.
They stayed like that for a long time.
Eventually, Ryo pulled away, wiped her tears, and steadied herself.
Seiji persuaded her to get some rest.
Meanwhile.
Seiji returned to the living room and picked up his phone, dialing a number.
"Hello, this is Kuroiwa Law Office."
"I'd like to speak with Attorney Yoshitaka Kuroiwa," Seiji said.
"And you are?"
"Seiji Fujiwara."
A brief pause... then the voice on the other end turned respectful.
"Fujiwara-san! One moment please, I'll transfer you right away!"
After a few seconds, a calm male voice came through.
"Fujiwara-san, long time no see."
"Kuroiwa, it's been a while." Seiji smiled. "I need a favor."
"Of course. What can I do for you?"
"I want you to investigate a company," Seiji said, his tone serious. "Tohto Medical Group. I need everything... financial statements, tax records, compliance reports. The more detailed, the better."
Kuroiwa was silent for a moment.
"Fujiwara-san... if I may, Tohto Medical has a very complex network behind it. If you intend to take action against them... "
"I know." Seiji cut him off. "That's why I'm asking you. I just need to know if there's an opening."
After a pause, Kuroiwa chuckled. "Understood. Kuroiwa Law will give it our full attention."
"Good." Seiji paused. "Also, get in touch with Japan's best corporate investigation firm. I want a full report within one week."
"No problem," Kuroiwa replied. "And what's the budget for this operation?"
"No limit." Seiji's tone was calm. "I want the best team, the fastest turnaround, and the most detailed report. Money's not an issue."
Kuroiwa drew in a sharp breath. "Understood. I'll handle it personally."
"One more thing," Seiji added. "Is your litigation team available?"
"You mean…"
"Be ready," Seiji said, his voice turning cold. "Once the report's in, we're going to launch a full-scale lawsuit against Tohto Medical."
Kuroiwa fell silent again... then laughed, low and excited.
"I've heard plenty about that company. Corruption, shady deals, weak foundations... Fujiwara-san, Kuroiwa Law is ready when you are."
"Then let's work well together," Seiji said, ending the call.
Five days later.
Tokyo... Marunouchi Financial District, Imperial Tokyo Hotel.
In the presidential suite's lounge, Seiji sat across from two men at the table. Three thick folders lay in front of him.
Opposite sat Ken Sakaguchi from Kuroiwa Law Office, and Shibata Takashi, chief investigator of Akasaka, one of Japan's top corporate intelligence firms.
"Fujiwara-san," Shibata began, pushing a three-hundred-page report toward him, "this is everything we uncovered over the past five days. Tohto Medical looks clean on the surface... but in reality..."
He adjusted his glasses and smirked.
"It's riddled with holes."
Chapter 86 – Many People Want Tohto Medical To Fall
Seiji flipped open the report, his eyes skimming over pages of dense data.
Financial statements, shareholder structures, board member lists, past litigation records...
"Get to the point," Seiji said as he continued reading.
"Yes, sir." Takashi Shibata opened his laptop and turned the screen toward Seiji. "First of all, the actual controlling shareholder of Tohto Medical isn't Chairman Kenichi Tojo... it's an offshore company registered in the Cayman Islands called Health Venture Holdings."
On the screen was a complex web of ownership lines.
"An offshore company?" Seiji raised an eyebrow.
"Exactly." Shibata nodded. "A classic tax haven setup. Kenichi Tojo holds 51% of Tohto Medical's shares through that company, effectively dodging most tax disclosure requirements. Based on our estimates, Tohto Medical has evaded at least two billion yen in taxes over the past five years."
Ken Sakaguchi spoke next. "Fujiwara-sensei, if this evidence holds up, we can report them directly to the National Tax Agency. Once confirmed, Tohto Medical will have to pay back taxes, face huge fines, and possibly even criminal charges."
Seiji didn't respond, only gestured for Shibata to continue.
Tax evasion was nothing new in business.
It could be useful for leverage... but as an attack, it was too soft.
"Secondly," Shibata continued, switching slides, "Tohto Medical has privately settled multiple malpractice disputes over the past three years. We found at least seven cases involving patient deaths or severe injuries, all silenced with hush money."
He brought up several scanned documents... copies of three settlement agreements. Each victim's family had signed confidentiality clauses in exchange for compensation ranging from ten to fifty million yen.
Seiji quickly read through one of the agreements.
The terms, printed in black and white, forbade disclosing the incident to any third party or reporting it to the media or authorities.
Of course, when money's involved, confidentiality means nothing.
"These cases…" Seiji looked up. "Were any of them actual medical accidents?"
"Yes." Shibata's tone hardened. "Two deaths resulted directly from surgical errors. But Tohto Medical covered them up by falsifying records and destroying evidence."
Seiji's eyes narrowed.
"Is the evidence solid?"
"Extremely." Shibata nodded. "We tracked down the nurses and assistant surgeons involved... they're willing to testify."
"Good." Seiji set the documents down. "What else?"
"One more thing," Shibata said gravely. "The key issue... Tohto Medical's Seventh Branch, formerly Yamada Hospital, was acquired through coercive means."
Fujiwara's expression sharpened. "Details."
"Yes, sir. Based on internal emails and bank records we obtained…" Shibata pulled up screenshots. "Tohto Medical exploited the Yamada family's financial crisis after their hospital fire, forcing a buyout at far below market value. And during the acquisition, they used pressure tactics."
"What kind of tactics?" Seiji frowned.
"They used their connections to make the bank call in the Yamadas' loans early," Shibata said coldly. "The family couldn't possibly pay at that time, so Tohto Medical offered to 'help' by taking over their debts... and forced them to sell. The purchase price was eight hundred million yen. But our valuation shows Yamada Hospital was worth at least 1.2 billion."
He paused.
"In other words, Tohto Medical robbed them of a 1.2-billion-yen asset for only eight hundred million."
Seiji tapped a finger lightly against the armrest.
"Taking advantage of a crisis? Common enough…" He smiled thinly. "But they were sloppy. That's where we strike."
"Exactly." Shibata nodded. "Under the Antimonopoly Act and the Unfair Competition Prevention Act, this is clearly illegal. They've been reckless, even arrogant about it... and word is, others have started circling them."
Sakaguchi added, "Fujiwara-sensei, if we file a lawsuit on these grounds, Tohto Medical could be forced to return the hospital and pay significant damages."
Seiji was silent for a moment, then looked at him.
"Attorney Sakaguchi, if I want to launch a full-scale attack on Tohto Medical… how much funding would that take?"
Sakaguchi and Shibata exchanged glances.
"Fujiwara-sensei," Sakaguchi said cautiously, "by 'full-scale attack,' you mean…"
"I mean going all the way." Seiji gave a low laugh. "If we're cutting grass, we burn the roots too."
The room fell silent.
Shibata drew in a sharp breath.
Sakaguchi studied Fujiwara's expression.
Finally, Sakaguchi said, "Fujiwara-sensei, to completely bring down Tohto Medical… we'll need at least three hundred million yen and about six months."
"Only three hundred million?" Seiji smiled. "That'll do. As for time…"
He paused.
"You have thirty days."
Both men froze.
"Thirty days?" Shibata was stunned. "Fujiwara-sensei, that's impossible!"
"Why impossible?" Seiji asked calmly.
"Because…" Shibata hesitated. "Corporate takedowns need time. Tax audits, legal filings, media pressure... they all take coordination. Thirty days is just too short... "
"Then make it enough," Seiji said firmly. "And you can use my public reputation to your advantage. With a famous author leading the charge, the hounds in the dark will come sniffing soon enough."
He leaned forward. "Can you do it?"
Sakaguchi and Shibata looked at each other again.
At last, Sakaguchi drew a deep breath and nodded. "Fujiwara-sensei, Kuroiwa Law Firm will go all in."
Shibata followed. "Akasaka Investigations won't let you down."
"Good." Seiji rose to his feet. "Then from this moment on... we move."
He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing out at the glittering Tokyo skyline.
"Step one: report Tohto Medical's tax evasion to the National Tax Agency."
"Step two: report their cover-up of medical accidents to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare."
"Step three: report their coercive acquisition to the Tokyo District Prosecutors Office."
He turned around, eyes sharp as blades.
"Three strikes. Hit them from every side."
Excitement flickered in Sakaguchi's eyes. "Understood, Fujiwara-sensei. I'll contact the agencies immediately."
If they could take down Tohto Medical, Seiji, Kuroiwa Law Firm, and even Sakaguchi himself stood to gain tremendously.
"Also," Seiji added, "Shibata-san, keep digging. Push the media narrative as hard as you can."
Shibata nodded. "Understood."
"Good." Seiji grabbed his coat. "Leave the report. I want results from phase one in three days."
"Yes, sir!" both replied in unison.
Seiji left the meeting room and took the elevator down.
"Back to the Yamada residence," he told the driver.
In the car, he fell silent, deep in thought.
Taking down Tohto Medical wasn't just for Ryo... it was personal.
Every major conglomerate, every powerful family had their own medical teams and private research bases.
It was time he filled that gap for himself.
...
Meanwhile...
Tokyo, Minato Ward. Tohto Medical Group Headquarters.
In the chairman's office, Kenichi Tojo sat back in his leather chair, cigar between his fingers, reading a financial report.
"This year's numbers look good…" he said with satisfaction.
His secretary entered. "Chairman, there's a meeting at three regarding the new branch location."
"Cancel it," Tojo said, waving her off. "I'm too tired. I'll rest."
"Yes, sir."
The secretary left.
Tojo leaned back, exhaling a plume of smoke, a smug smile on his face.
"Tohto Medical will become Japan's largest medical group... soon enough."
He had no idea that a storm was already forming against him.
...
Tokyo, Marunouchi Financial District.
Imperial Tokyo Hotel.
Three days after the Yamada Hospital case began.
Seiji sat in the suite's lounge. Three encrypted phones lay on the table before him.
Outside, Tokyo's night glittered.
Inside, a war to destroy a medical empire was about to begin.
"Fujiwara-sensei, everything's ready," Sakaguchi reported, holding a detailed operations file. "Kuroiwa's litigation team can file at the Tokyo District Court at any time."
"What about Akasaka's side?" Seiji asked.
"Shibata-san has finished compiling all the evidence," Sakaguchi replied, flipping a page. "Reports for the National Tax Agency, the Health Ministry, and the Tokyo Prosecutors are complete and ready to submit."
"The media?"
"We've contacted Yomiuri Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, and Nikkei." Sakaguchi adjusted his glasses. "They're eager to cover the story... 'a genius author fighting for an oppressed girl.' Once we file, they'll publish immediately."
Seiji smiled. "Perfect. Then…" He glanced up, a cold grin forming. "Fire."
Sakaguchi nodded firmly. "Understood."
He stood and began making calls.
"Hello, Reporter Tanaka? This is Sakaguchi from Kuroiwa Law Firm… Yes, that case… The Tokyo District Court will accept it tomorrow morning at ten. We'll hold a press conference afterward…"
"Hello, Section Chief Yamamoto from the Tax Agency? About the Tohto Medical tax evasion report… I'll deliver it personally tomorrow morning…"
"Hello, Examiner Sato from the Health Ministry? Yes, about the medical cover-up case…"
Call after call went out.
Seiji sat quietly, listening... his eyes calm and detached.
To him, this coming corporate war was nothing more than a game.
Half an hour later, Sakaguchi put down the phone. "Fujiwara-sensei, all set."
"Good." Seiji walked to the window, murmuring, "Kenichi Tojo… are you ready for the storm?"
...
The next morning.
Tokyo District Court.
At nine sharp, Kuroiwa Law Firm's legal team arrived, led by Ken Sakaguchi. Ten elite lawyers, each carrying thick files.
A crowd of reporters swarmed the courthouse steps.
"Attorney Sakaguchi! Who's the plaintiff?"
"Is it true the defendant is Tohto Medical Group?"
"Does this have anything to do with author Seiji Fujiwara?"
Sakaguchi only smiled politely and led his team inside.
An hour later, the court officially accepted the case:
Plaintiff: Ryo Yamada
Defendant: Tohto Medical Group
Charge: Coercive Transaction and Unjust Enrichment
At the same time...
The National Tax Agency received a detailed report accusing Tohto Medical of offshore tax evasion.
The Health Ministry received another, alleging the cover-up of medical accidents.
...
At noon, Kuroiwa Law Firm held a press conference.
Sakaguchi stood on stage before dozens of cameras, calm and composed.
"Good afternoon, everyone. I'm Ken Sakaguchi from Kuroiwa Law Firm."
"Today, on behalf of my client Ryo Yamada-san, we have officially filed a lawsuit against Tohto Medical Group."
He paused, his tone turning grave.
"According to our investigation, Tohto Medical, through improper ties with certain banks, forced the Yamada family into default and coerced them into selling Yamada Hospital for eight hundred million yen... far below its actual market value of 1.2 billion yen."
"This action clearly violates the Antimonopoly Act and the Unfair Competition Prevention Act."
He held up a document.
"These are our evidences... bank recall records, internal company emails, and multiple witness statements."
Cameras flashed wildly.
"Attorney Sakaguchi! Why is Fujiwara-sensei helping the Yamada family?"
"What's his relationship with Yamada-san?"
Sakaguchi smiled faintly. "Fujiwara-sensei once said... 'I can't stand those who trample others from on high.' That's all there is to it."
The room erupted with whispers.
No one truly bought that explanation, but everyone acted like they did.
Within hours, headlines swept Tokyo:
Yomiuri Shimbun:Genius Author Seiji Files Lawsuit Against Tohto Medical... Fights for Justice for Young Girl
Asahi Shimbun:Tohto Medical Under Investigation for Coercive Dealings... Tax Agency Steps In
Nikkei:Medical Giant Tohto Medical Faces Multi-Front Crisis
...
Tokyo, Minato Ward. Tohto Medical Headquarters.
2 p.m.
In the chairman's office, Kenichi Tojo stared at the court summons lying on his desk.
Tokyo District Court Summons
Defendant: Tohto Medical Group
Plaintiff: Ryo Yamada
Dozens of attached pages detailed the connections between the Yamada family, Kuroiwa Law Firm, and Seiji.
Tojo blinked, then chuckled.
"Seiji? That arrogant little novelist thinks he can sue me?"
His secretary shifted nervously. "Chairman, he's not just a novelist... he's a Naoki Prize winner, and... "
"I don't care what prize he won," Tojo snapped. "Fame means nothing to me."
He grabbed the phone. "Hey, Kishida? Come to my office. We've got a case to handle."
Ten minutes later, Legal Department Director Masao Kishida arrived.
Tojo tossed him the summons. "Read this."
Kishida skimmed through it, frowning. "Chairman, the opposing counsel is Kuroiwa Law Firm…"
"So what?" Tojo sneered. "Our lawyers aren't amateurs either."
"But…" Kishida hesitated. "They have evidence... bank records, internal emails... "
"Evidence? Then it'll make it easier to find who leaked them." Tojo's grin turned cold. "Don't forget, the Yamada acquisition had their guardian's signed approval. It's perfectly legal."
Kishida thought for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. I'll have our legal team handle it."
"Good." Tojo waved him off. "Don't waste my time with this small fry."
Kishida bowed and left.
Tojo leaned back, lighting another cigar, completely unaware...
the storm had only just begun.
====
Note: I hope you're enjoying the steamier scenes in the recent chapters. Please let me know if you'd prefer me to tone it down—I added over 6,000 words of them between chapters 81 and 90.
You can read up to chapter 120 on patreon.com/NiaXD.