A medium-sized Gulfstream jet landed smoothly on the runway. As its speed gradually decreased, the golden sunlight shone on its tail fin, revealing a family crest on a black circular emblem: a five-leaf gentian adorned with a double cross star.
Inside the cabin, an electric seat slowly retracted as a middle-aged man in casual attire, looking as if he had just returned from a vacation, straightened up. An aide removed his semi-enclosed helmet, revealing well-defined, handsome features that were more rugged than Ryu's. It was clear he had been a handsome youth and remained quite charming even with age.
A few strands of white hair already streaked his temples. He hadn't deliberately dyed them black; instead, they were combed meticulously, adding an air of dignity and reliability.
"Phew..."
Having just exited the game, he was still a bit dazed. An assistant opportunely served him some refreshing green tea. He rested for a moment before recovering, unable to help but smile wryly.
"It was fun, but I'm too old for all this high-flying action."
"President, you're exaggerating. This type of game is prone to phenomena similar to '3D motion sickness,' not to mention we're on an airplane."
"Heh heh~"
Kuse Junpei waved his hand dismissively and stood up to stretch his back.
Besides the entourage, there were two other important passengers:
An elegant and intellectual lady removed her eye mask and accepted a knitted cardigan from her assistant. Though looking slightly weary, she refused any help, closing her eyes and standing still for a moment. Her upright posture swayed slightly before she found her center of gravity and stood firm. When she opened her eyes again, a gentle, generous, and subtle smile graced her face. All traces of fatigue had vanished, replaced by a vibrant energy.
If the family of three were to stand together, it would be obvious that Ryu had inherited more of his mother's—Kuse Kaede's—features, while the sharp intensity in his eyes came more from his paternal side.
If these two exemplified elegance and composure, the remaining passenger was much more "ordinary."
He woke up uneventfully, blinked, rubbed his face, took a deep breath, and stood up. He was wearing a dress shirt under his suit, giving off the vibe of a civil servant who often traveled for business.
But clearly, an ordinary office worker or civil servant wouldn't be able to hitch a ride on the Kuse couple's private jet.
"I can hardly remember the last time I was back in Japan."
Sawai Sōichirō, who looked a bit older than Kuse Junpei, let out a long sigh as he took his suit jacket from his assistant and draped it over his arm.
"After being away for so long, I find it more natural to speak English even when I meet fellow countrymen."
"You'll have plenty of time to get your language sense back now."
Kuse Junpei chuckled. "It's rare for you to be back. You should stay for a while."
"I was planning on imposing for a few days. I just hope you two won't mind this unwelcome guest who refuses to leave."
"Haha~"
My senpai is the same as ever, Junpei thought, in a good mood.
Men and women approach friendship differently:
Women need to spend a great deal of time together—communicating and comforting one another—to keep their friendships from spoiling. The same applies to love. For them, old memories are always fading, while fresh impressions and stimuli take on greater importance.
But men are the other extreme. They place more value on a resonance of ideas and tastes. If they truly accept someone in their heart, they can still meet with complete openness even after years apart. Conversely, if they genuinely detest someone, meeting every day won't change their feelings in the slightest.
Kuse Junpei and Sawai Sōichirō's friendship was of this latter type. Despite not having seen each other for many years, there was no awkwardness upon their reunion.
They had been a senpai and kouhai in the same university club and were very close. Back then, they had even formed a fraternity-like organization with a few other like-minded friends.
They would go diving together, play guitar half-naked on the shore, sing off-key songs at the top of their lungs, eat barbecue made with cheap ingredients, and then cause a ruckus at the school festival, using their favorite liquor brands as nicknames for each other... Thinking back on it now brought an involuntary smile to his face.
The senior who had proposed founding the fraternity was the heir to a major conglomerate, no less than the Kuse family, but unfortunately, he had died young. It seemed his family had a gene for short lifespans, as the generational turnover was quite fast.
Their companions had also scattered to the four winds after graduation, with only a few still keeping in touch.
The thought filled Junpei with regret; after all, that senior had looked out for him a great deal.
I should go pay my respects, he thought. I'll bring his favorite Spirytus Vodka—that was his nickname, too.
[Spirytus can't be drunk straight. It needs to be mixed with other types of liquor to make a delicious cocktail. Just like how we need to unite and cooperate with each other to create greater energy.]
—He really was a charismatic man, so mature that you felt he was 'not one of our peers at all.'
Of course, Junpei and Sōichirō were no slouches either and were well-regarded among their peers. It was just that their different personalities, ideals, and methods led them down different paths.
For instance, Yoshioka, who loved both drinking and diving, joined the navy. Junpei, confident in his abilities and believing destiny was on his side, inherited the family business. Sawai, ambitious and compassionate, went abroad to begin his own life's journey.
...Ah, the river of time flows on!
Glancing at the "NERvGear" that his assistant had put away, he nodded slightly. This was a landmark product that could completely change an industry. Little Ryu had once again created a business miracle.
But this would certainly attract covetous eyes from many quarters. Other powers were manageable, but if the United States, or the shadow government that controlled it, wanted a piece of the pie, then even the Kuse Group would find it difficult to refuse.
In a way, it wasn't entirely a bad thing. These people had the capability to open up the European and American markets, and their political resources could clear any policy hurdles, much like the Kuse Group's position in Japan.
—The only thing to worry about when cooperating with them is being stabbed in the back and bled dry.
In fact, while Junpei was in America, people had already approached him to discuss financing and collaboration long before "NERvGear" was released. Part of the reason for his return was to give Ryu a heads-up.
Of course, it was just a warning. He wouldn't interfere with Ryu's decisions or actions.
Firstly, he trusted his son. Secondly, this wasn't a matter of life and death. No matter how things developed, for people at their level, even the most intense conflicts had unspoken limits.
"Sometimes I really envy the Indians..."
"What did you say?" Sawai turned his head in surprise.
"Nothing, just talking to myself," Junpei said, shaking his head with an amused smile.
It might sound ridiculous, but it was the truth.
In this world, there were truly few who could completely disregard the covetous gaze of foreign capital, especially from the US. Some lacked the national strength, like Japan, South Korea, and Europe; others had domestic companies that were simply too disappointing. But there was one mysterious great power in the East that was completely unafraid—
And that was India!
There aren't many miracle workers who can completely tame foreign capital, and the Indians have a real knack for it!
As they walked down the gangway of the Gulfstream jet, people were already waiting for them outside. Upon seeing each other, expressions of joy appeared on both sides simultaneously.
"Father, Mother, welcome home."
"So formal. Just 'Dad' and 'Mom' is fine." Kuse Kaede paid no mind to the fact that her son was already in high school and reached out to pat his head.
Ryu obliged, bending down slightly—after all, he was already quite a bit taller than his mother.
"Master, Madam!"
The butler and servants all bowed in greeting. Ruri was among them, but as soon as she bowed, a gentle force lifted her head. She looked up to see Kuse Kaede's warm smile.
"It's been a while, and Ruri-chan has grown even more beautiful. I brought back gifts for everyone, you know. Ruri-chan, be sure to pick something nice when you get back to the house."
"Madam..." The maid lowered her head shyly.
Junpei, meanwhile, took Ryu's arm to introduce his old friend. "This is your Uncle Sawai. Your father and he have been good friends for many years."
"Hello, Uncle Sawai. It's a pleasure to meet you," the young man said with a bow. "Please, just call me Ryu."
"Alright, Ryu. I've heard a lot about you. Your father is very proud."
Sawai extended his hand and took Ryu's, giving it a grip that was firm but not overpowering.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'll probably be imposing on you all for a while."
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