Sawai moved into the Kuse residence. Out of curiosity about this "famous figure from a past life," Ryu observed him secretly for a long time but came away with nothing. The most direct impression was that he was utterly unremarkable.
Yes, utterly unremarkable.
Ryu had originally thought that a great man who could eventually create the "TPC" and call for the entire world to set aside its prejudices and unite would be a figure like Führer Hitler from the history books—impassioned and extremely charismatic.
Or, if not that, then someone like Liu Bang or Liu Bei, possessing extraordinary magnanimity and personal charm that could inspire others to die for him.
—But in reality, Ryu saw none of this in Sawai.
Almost every day, he would go out to visit powerful figures in Japanese politics or major entrepreneurs, then proactively contact renowned academic authorities to discuss the establishment of a peace organization... Yet, only within the Kuse Estate would he never bring these matters up on his own initiative.
Despite seeing the most powerful family patriarch in Japan every day and having contact with a young genius like Ryu, which should have presented ample opportunities, he never introduced his vision to Ryu, nor did he ever try to lobby for anything.
He only handled work with his assistant inside his own study. Once he stepped out the door, he would clam up about it, behaving just like an ordinary uncle visiting as a guest, occasionally playing chess with someone or chatting about literature and the news.
Oh, right, he also quite liked ALO and specifically asked Ryu for a deluxe edition helmet.
As time went on, Ryu would sometimes forget what accomplishments this man was destined for, feeling only that getting along with this uncle was quite pleasant~
—It was only when he realized he had developed a fondness for Sawai that he had a sudden moment of clarity.
It was just like the spring rain that nurtures all things; this man hadn't come to conquer people's hearts, but to earn their trust.
"Is it strange? That's just his style."
One day, Ryu finally couldn't contain his curiosity any longer and found his father, who was trimming a bonsai, to ask about the doubts in his mind.
Kuse Junpei smiled faintly, not at all surprised. "Sawai is a very humane man. In our student days, we used to say he was 'unsuited for politics' because he was far too moral compared to other politicians.
Do you think he should be making good use of his connections to strive for the Kuse family's support?"
"Shouldn't he?" Ryu shrugged. "If you don't use readily available political resources, that's not kindness, it's stupidity."
"You're right. Of course Sawai hopes to align with the Kuse family, but he won't lobby us here at home.
Work is work, and life is life. He is staying here as a 'friend,' so he won't put on a politician's face to talk with us."
Junpei said with a serious expression, "He often says this—
A politician who wishes to earn the people's trust should have no private affairs.
So, when he decides to formally approach the Kuse family, he will definitely schedule an appointment in advance and lay everything out openly and honorably in the group's conference room... Do you understand?"
Ryu's brow furrowed slightly, and he remained silent.
Junpei smiled. "Find it a bit pedantic?"
"A little."
"With his talent, he could have obtained a very high position of power if he didn't insist on his principles... But you can't really dislike a person like that, can you?"
"Having principles often means taking losses in the world of fame and fortune."
"His methods are very skillful; he's not the type to have empty slogans without substance.
How to conduct exchanges of interests, how to see through the other party's bottom line, when to do what for maximum benefit... He handles all of this with ease."
Junpei shook his head. "Sawai-senpai isn't naive. Otherwise, he couldn't have persevered for this long."
Ryu glanced at the bonsai on Junpei's table and suddenly asked, "In America, you must have talked with him a lot, Dad?"
"That's right, about the World Peace Federation Organization (TPC)... You're very interested?"
Junpei stopped what he was doing and looked at Ryu in surprise. "Since when did my son become so concerned with public welfare?"
"Just curious."
"Hmm~~"
Junpei sized him up for a moment, then smiled nonchalantly.
"Sawai isn't just a simple lobbyist. Over the past twenty years, he has attracted a large group of people who share his aspirations. This group includes politicians, scientists, and socialites, not limited by nationality or ethnicity, and is widespread across all sectors of society—almost like a secret society.
He explained the fundamental nature of the TPC to me. It is..."
His old man patiently explained it all to Ryu, and the image of Sawai gradually became complete in Ryu's mind.
This was indeed a first-rate politician who possessed both skill and ability, while also staying true to his original mission and adhering to his principles. But he clearly wasn't an omnipotent superman, so the process of establishing the TPC was not going very smoothly.
External resistance was varied and needs no elaboration; it was the internal conflicts that Sawai found most troublesome.
Simply put, although this was an organization he created, he did not impose his personal will on everyone like a Führer. Instead, he encouraged them to exercise their own initiative, which resulted in the emergence of different political platforms—namely, the so-called radical faction.
This faction believes that for humanity to unite, the first step is to establish "mutual military trust" among the major powers. Therefore, they want various nations to participate in forming a military force dedicated to "protecting the lives and property of humanity and the balance of the global ecosystem"—in short, an enhanced peacekeeping force (the Earth Defense Force).
Sawai, however, is more rational. He understands full well how difficult this would be:
Getting the major military powers to join hands without any reservations would probably only happen on the day aliens fell from the sky.
Therefore, he is of the conservative faction:
He believes they should establish a neutral, transnational scientific research organization to share technology, resources, and talent, dedicated to "promoting the overall progress of human civilization" and "making technological preparations for the development of space resources."
He believes that making the pie bigger can effectively reduce conflicts between nations, and that technological progress will make people cherish a peaceful life more, thus fostering more tolerance and understanding for their own kind.
This might not achieve the "unification of all humanity" in the truest sense, merely alleviating conflict, but it's like climbing a mountain—
To reach the summit, you must ascend step by step. And none of those steps will be in vain; quantitative change will sooner or later lead to qualitative change.
Currently, there is no fundamental conflict between these two factions, and both see Sawai as their leader, but the signs of a civil-military rivalry are already emerging.
"The TPC will definitely be established before the Earth Defense Force."
Kuse Junpei said with conviction, "I've decided to provide Sawai with some connections and introduce him to a few highly respected scholars.
His ideal seems unattainable, but with twenty years of accumulation, he already has considerable invisible assets. It might actually succeed."
Junpei's tone held a hint of excitement, because if the TPC could gain enough of a voice on the international stage, the Kuse family might be able to break free from the cage of "Japan" and ride the favorable winds to a higher political status.
—During the economic bubble era, many financial conglomerates bought up American capital, posturing as if they were about to enact a reverse economic colonization in an attempt to break the glass ceiling.
But in the end, it was all a complete mess. After the overheated economy cooled down, Japan discovered that its own foundations were riddled with holes and it was already stuck deep in the mire. From then on, it could only limp along!
The Kuse family is powerful domestically, but to continue expanding, it needs a brand-new platform—one that, at the very least, isn't one where the US calls the shots. Otherwise, that glass ceiling will still be there.
Kuse Junpei has been trying to solve this problem for several years. If he could achieve this, he would undoubtedly be a "pioneer," not just another ordinary family head, and his accomplishments would firmly rank above those of his own son.
The TPC is a platform he has his eye on, but it isn't his only option.
Of course, he knows Sawai well, which is why he feels the TPC is a more worthy investment, one worth taking a few risks for.
"The Earth Defense Force..." Ryu was still mulling over the familiar name, a thoughtful look in his eyes.
Seeing this, Junpei let out a chuckle:
No matter how much of a genius he is, he's still a boy, always particularly fascinated by military power. As a father, this was the time to make him see reality.
"That's just a beautiful fantasy. I really can't imagine the major military powers fighting side by side. In reality, as long as they don't interfere with each other, the Earth can maintain a general state of peace."
Junpei laughed with great confidence, "Of course, it's not entirely impossible—unless aliens invade, hahahaha~"
Ryu opened his mouth to speak, but then hesitated.
________________________________________
Get rewarded for helping with our community goals!
🎯 Reward for all: +1 bonus chapter at 50 Powerstones.
🚀 Tier Reward: Help us reach 20 members for +5 chapters on all stories!
🎉 And as a welcome, your first month costs significantly less!
🔥 20% CODE: MEDUSA20
👻 Join the crew by searching Ms. Medusa on (P). You know the spot! 😉