Chapter 47
Chapter 47
Translation: Godtl
JT Group is Japan's largest railway company.
The annual revenue from their privatized railway operations alone amounts to tens of trillions of won.
Even as Jintetsu Group expanded its business into various sectors while laying railways in the Kansai region, they couldn't come close to matching those figures.
However, we need to examine JT Group more closely.
Originally, all railways operated by JT Group were state-owned.
But when the government determined they were reaching operational limits, they implemented full privatization, giving birth to the colossal entity now known as JT Group.
That said, JT Group wasn't owned by any single individual.
Like the Warring States period, multiple families divided and owned portions of JT Group.
While these families maintained surface-level harmony, behind the scenes they each harbored ambitions to stab the others in the back and swallow the entire group whole.
This was precisely the vulnerability Jintetsu Group sought to exploit.
There's a saying about fishermen fighting over a clam, isn't there?
They planned to swoop in when the families wounded each other in their knife fights.
"Ah..."
But Jintetsu Group's dreams were crumbling.
Because of a natural disaster—the massive earthquake.
"Chairman. The assessment shows we'll need complete reconstruction of all factories and residential areas currently under construction. Being near the epicenter, they suffered extensive damage."
Chairman Takashi Kobayashi clutched his throbbing head.
"What about the railways?"
"The railways are in the same state. Many connecting tracks have warped, and numerous sections are damaged enough to require complete rework."
The Kumamoto Project was Jintetsu Group's big leap forward.
Just like how they'd recklessly constructed the Osaka Harukas building.
And just like how they'd poured massive funds into launching the Kumamoto Project.
All of it was meant to establish a solid foundation.
Though it would take time, once completed, they could have risen to a level where even JT Group couldn't ignore them—stirring conflict among their rivals.
But then an unexpected earthquake robbed Jintetsu of all its ambitions.
"...Where do we even begin fixing this?"
Yet the true disaster was just beginning.
"Chairman. Kangsung Group has announced they'll be visiting headquarters soon."
"What? Why would those Kangsung bastards come here?"
The mere mention of Kangsung made his teeth chatter.
Hadn't they suffered massive losses from the battery incident after going long on Kangsung Electronics through one of their investment subsidiaries to raise funds?
Rumors said Kangsung had laid traps to turn the tables on hunters trying to prey on them.
Jintetsu had walked right into those traps and been stripped of their money.
And now those bastards were coming here?
To offer apologies and hand out rice cakes?
No way.
"They're currently holding 350 billion yen worth of short-term corporate bonds."
"That much? Wait—short-term corporate bonds? You mean Jintetsu bonds?"
"Yes. With maturity dates approaching soon, it seems they're pressuring us as bondholders."
Though it was puzzling how Kangsung had acquired so many bonds, Chairman Takashi quickly steadied his racing heart.
"Can't we just issue new bonds to cover that? Weren't we planning additional issuances anyway for the upcoming short-term bond repayments?"
It was a common corporate stopgap measure.
When immediate repayment funds were unavailable or needed elsewhere, companies simply issued more bonds to bridge the gap.
Not a major issue.
For conglomerates, it was standard practice—exactly what Jintetsu was doing too.
"Well... The Financial Services Agency and Tokyo Stock Exchange have rejected our bond issuance."
"W-what?!"
This was completely unexpected.
Those rubber-stamping bureaucrats who usually approved bond issuements without a second thought were suddenly refusing?
"There seem to be troubling rumors circulating in financial circles. That Jintetsu is on the verge of bankruptcy."
"Preposterous!"
"Both the Financial Services Agency and Tokyo Stock Exchange stated they'll only approve after reviewing additional documentation and conducting thorough reassessments. Apparently, they don't find our financial statements credible enough."
"Stop spouting nonsense and get them to approve it immediately! Since when is Jintetsu Group some neighborhood convenience store?!"
"If we keep pushing the paperwork through, they'll probably approve it eventually. The real problem is how fast these rumors are spreading. At this rate, there might not even be any buyers for our bonds."
The Financial Services Agency and Tokyo Stock Exchange could delay the bond issuance citing risks.
They'd somehow manage to issue them eventually.
But the real issue lay with the buyers' perception.
Just as the rumors suggested, Jintetsu Group appeared to be staggering from an outside perspective.
They'd overextended themselves massively with the Osaka Harukas construction, then pushed full force into the Kumamoto project.
That's why they'd issued over 500 billion yen in bonds.
But the earthquake had completely derailed the project.
On top of that, they'd suffered investment losses.
"And someone seems to be maliciously spreading exaggerated rumors—inflating our losses far beyond reality. Because of this, our group's stocks are being dumped across the securities market."
Chairman Takashi felt his mouth go dry.
A chill ran down his spine, his palms slick with sweat.
This was no coincidence.
Someone was deliberately targeting Jintetsu Group.
And that someone had to be Kangsung Group.
Why else would they be holding 350 billion yen worth of bonds?
"But Kangsung Group isn't the only creditor coming to our headquarters this time."
"Who else is coming?"
"Gwangun Securities, holding the remaining 150 billion yen, is also on their way."
"Gwangun?"
Chairman Takashi tilted his head in confusion.
Another knife aimed at Jintetsu?
"Who the hell are they?"
＊＊＊
I'd never been on a plane before.
These days, everyone seems to go abroad—whether for vacations or school trips. Not me.
I never felt compelled to travel overseas, couldn't afford it anyway, and even if I could, I'd rather stay home gaming.
"Wow, thanks to you, Manager, I finally get to visit Japan on a business trip."
Yet here I was—in Japan.
"And on a private jet too! I've never flown in one before!"
Not just any first flight, but Kangsung's private jet.
Me, Hyungnim, and Hye-rin, who's fluent in Japanese.
The three of us comfortably arrived in Osaka aboard the same jet Chairman Kangsung Ho used for his business trips.
"But... are we really not doing anything?"
Our purpose today wasn't to storm their offices directly.
The mere presence of Kangsung Group's chairman and Gwangun Securities' president in Japan as creditors would apply immense pressure on Jintetsu Group.
"Honestly, we probably won't even meet anyone from their side. Kangsung Group's already using Osaka Orient to apply pressure, right?"
After some discussion with LK Group's Chairman Oh Jae-hyun, Chairman Kangsung Ho had gained control over LK Orient—now rebranded as Osaka Orient to appear more Japan-friendly.
By positioning LK Group as a shield, they made it seem like a native Japanese company acquiring another—not a Korean conglomerate.
Industry insiders would see through the ruse, but not the general public.
That's exactly what they were exploiting.
Governments ultimately bend to public opinion.
"So we don't actually have anything to do?"
"Right. They'll contact us if anything comes up. Until then, we can relax."
"Wow~ Then Manager, should we go sightseeing in the meantime?"
"Uh..."
I glanced sideways at Hyungnim.
My eyes asked if that was really okay.
He cleared his throat briefly.
"Until we're needed, you youngsters should stick together. I've got separate business—can't join you."
Then, unexpectedly, he shot me a wink.
"Then, Chief. I'll treat you to the full course~."
After quickly dropping off our luggage at the hotel, I suddenly found myself on an impromptu Osaka tour with Hye-rin.
Having apparently visited more than once or twice, she knew all the local hidden gems—where to find the best food, the most scenic spots, and even the perfect angles for photos.
Thanks to Hye-rin, someone who'd never really traveled before ended up seeing so much.
And on top of that, traveling alone with her—just the two of us—made my heart flutter in a way I hadn't expected. But at the same time, I came to a stark realization.
'I'm just not built for traveling.'
I'd always thought I didn't travel much because I never had the means, but it turned out my body had instinctively rejected the idea all along.
We hadn't even walked that much, yet my feet were already sore, and I felt completely drained.
"Hey, there's one place I really want to go."
"Uh, where?"
Unlike me, Hye-rin still looked full of energy.
"There's something I have to do every time I come to Japan. Gachapon shops! Crane games! You haven't really traveled here unless you've done this!"
They say Japan is the land of gachapon.
Being the anime capital of the world, there's an endless variety of character-themed capsule toys and crane games.
"They say this is the biggest gachapon shop in Osaka."
Coincidentally, it was located inside the Osaka Harukas building.
An entire floor was packed with nothing but gachapon machines and crane games.
It was astonishing how this massive space could be filled with just these machines—and the crowd was just as packed.
"Jin-ho, you don't like crane games?"
"I haven't played them much."
Sure, there was a crane game craze back in Korea too.
But back then, I had to pinch every penny just to survive, so I never even thought about spending money in places like this.
Besides, I wasn't really into anime, nor did I have any figures I particularly wanted.
"Hehe. Today, I'll show you why crane games are so fun. Once you try it, you'll get addicted to that itch of anticipation, you know?"
I quietly watched from the side as Hye-rin played.
"Ugh. So close. This is totally rigged, right? They make it just out of reach! Hnngh!"
She liked it, but I wouldn't say she was good at it.
She must've tried dozens of times already, but she hadn't won a single one.
"Wanna give it a try, Jin-ho?"
Crane games, gachapon, even casino slot machines—
From what I'd heard, they all had their own tells.
For example, with crane games, the claw's grip is usually super weak, but after a certain number of tries, it suddenly tightens just enough to let you win one prize.
Just like Hye-rin said, it was all a marketing ploy—... Huh?
"What's wrong?"
"...Ah. I think I'll give it a try too."
"Ooh. Nice. It's not that complicated. Just move the joystick and press the button."
Up until now, touching the machine hadn't given me any particular feeling.
But then, at some point, a tingle ran through my fingertips.
Sure enough—
"Whoa!"
I won the prize Hye-rin had failed to grab after multiple attempts—on my first try.
"No way. Jin-ho. That one never drops. How did you do that?"
"Just... got lucky, I guess. Wanna try another one?"
"Sure!"
We wandered around the shop, checking out different machines.
Hye-rin tried every one that caught her eye, while I only put in money when I felt that tingle.
A few times, my lack of control made me miss, but—
My win rate was close to 90% by now.
Naturally, the number of figures we were carrying kept growing, and soon, people were staring at us.
"Whoa. He won again."
"Is he using some kind of cheat? How is that possible?"
Some were even following me, watching from behind.
If we kept going, we'd have too many figures to carry, so I stopped.
"Jin-ho, what are you? Some kind of crane game hermit master? How are you this good?"
"I think I just discovered a talent thanks to you, Hye-rin. Oh—want any of these? Take your pick. I don't really need them."
"Really? Then I'll take this one... and this one! You should give the rest to your little sister. She'll love them."
"Will Yun-ah like them?"
I wasn't sure.
Still, I should at least give them to her—might as well try.
"But it seems the damage in Kumamoto is still severe."
On our way back, Hye-rin was gazing sadly at the news playing on the city's electronic billboards.
Fortunately, no further aftershocks were occurring in Kumamoto, but with so many collapsed buildings, full recovery would likely take a long time.
In response, Japan was calling for international aid while urging its citizens to unite.
"..."
Watching this, I felt a surge of mixed emotions.
I hadn't caused the earthquake, but the fact that I was profiting from it weighed heavily on me—proof that I was still human, after all.
"Apparently, donations aren't coming in as much as expected. I guess times are tough for everyone."
I stopped walking abruptly.
"...Jin-ho?"
Something had just clicked in my mind.
"Ah, sorry. What did you say just now?"
"That donations aren't coming in much. Neither domestically in Japan nor internationally—seems like there's not much interest. The economy's been unstable lately, so that might be part of it..."
I wasn't sure why the word "donation" struck a chord with me.
But given how heavy my heart already was, maybe this was a good thing.
Perhaps my intuition was trying to ease my conscience.
"Well, since we're on the topic, why don't we make a donation too?"
"Really?"
My heart had been heavy enough as it was.
"I'll discuss this directly with the CEO."
If donating could help even a little, maybe it would lighten the burden on my conscience.
＊＊＊
"What's Jintetsu up to now?"
"They're scrambling to raise 500 billion yen by any means necessary. They succeeded in issuing bonds, but the problem is—no one's buying."
Good thing we'd spread those ominous rumors in advance.
With whispers that the Jintetsu Group could go bankrupt any day now, they were stuck between a rock and a hard place.
There were already murmurs about them overextending themselves with reckless construction, and the Kumamoto project being wiped out by the earthquake only lent those rumors more credibility.
"They seem to be trying to sell off real estate. But there's no guarantee it'll sell before the deadline. Even if it does, raising 500 billion yen would take ages."
"So no matter what they do, they won't hit 500 billion by the deadline?"
"Correct. The real wild card, though, is the Japanese government. They're pushing forward with Osaka Orient, but if the Japanese government decides to bail out Jintetsu, the situation could change."
That was the problem.
How would the Japanese government view this crisis?
If they were determined to help Jintetsu, all of this could be for nothing.
"The Japanese government isn't stupid. They must know we're behind Osaka Orient."
"Yes. Right now, they're just too preoccupied with the Kumamoto earthquake. Once things settle, who knows what they'll do?"
That was my biggest concern.
"Ah, Chairman. Gwangun Securities just donated 10 billion won to Kumamoto earthquake relief."
"Out of the blue?"
"Yes. I just received the report."
A sudden donation?
And the amount was... peculiar.
10 billion won...
Not too large, not too small.
"Doesn't it feel like the perfect amount for show?"
"Yes, I thought the same."
Chairman Kang stroked his chin.
"They wouldn't just throw away 10 billion for nothing, would they?"
"No. It's definitely not purely out of goodwill. There must be another motive—probably image-building, don't you think?"
Chairman Kang shared his secretary's view.
The fact that CEO Hwang Dae-un had the company donate meant Jeong Jin-ho was behind this.
"Image-building, huh..."
In times like these, when someone steps forward with a hefty donation, people can't help but feel grateful.
The same amount of money carries different weight depending on when and how it's given.
"Sharp kid, that one."
"But Chairman, isn't 10 billion a bit... insufficient?"
"That's exactly why it's 10 billion."
"Huh?"
"He's telling us to cover the rest. Manager Kim, contact the company and allocate another 90 billion for donations. Let's round it up to 100 billion."
"T-that much?"
"Think of it as a commission fee. We're carving up an entire Jintetsu Group here. That's cheap by comparison."
A trillion won was certainly enough to make an impact.
"Have the Japanese media outlets promote this extensively. Make it seem like Osaka Orient spent an astronomical sum for earthquake recovery."
"Do you really think the Japanese press will portray it favorably?"
"You think Japanese media are any different from ours? Most of them write whatever they're paid to write."
The media moves according to money.
Because their convictions are money itself.
That's the same in any country.
"And tell that friend of yours, Jeong Jin-ho, to join me for a meal."
It seemed the time for negotiations had finally come.
＊＊＊
"The donation was sharp. Perfect timing, you could say. A hundred billion won in donations—that's impactful, right? And with the media pushing it all at once, any rumors about Osaka Orient's connection to us will quietly fade away."
I had genuinely intended the donation as help.
Yet it seemed my sincerity was being misunderstood.
"But why just the two of us...?"
"I actually wanted to meet you alone for a chat. Ah, by the way... would you mind if we speak casually? I think we'll be seeing each other often from now on."
"Ah, y-yes. Of course."
"Haha. Thanks. Don't feel pressured. I just wanted to meet you one-on-one in a relaxed setting."
Don't feel pressured?
I was under immense pressure.
I couldn't even tell if I was eating with my mouth or my nose right now.
"Seeing your donation made me realize something. You just wanted to make a show of goodwill before quietly backing Gwangun Securities out, didn't you?"
"..."
Was the amount too small?
Honestly, the 10 billion won figure had come up spontaneously during discussions with my older brother—it just felt right at the time.
I thought it was quite substantial, but from Chairman Kangsung's perspective, it must have seemed like a mere publicity stunt.
Still, it was true that Gwangun Securities needed to start withdrawing soon.
"Securities firms are usually like that. They just buy and sell—they don't operate."
"That's true."
Our position at Gwangun Securities was indeed becoming increasingly ambiguous.
While we were applying pressure alongside Kangsung Group, if Jintetsu truly couldn't repay their debts, we'd have to start seizing their assets one by one.
That process would be extremely complicated.
"You don't think Jintetsu can recover?"
"This donation will be the final blow. The media will promote it extensively. Plus, it seems JT Group has caught wind of the situation. They haven't said anything directly, but judging by their movements, they're probably trying to help us."
Everyone knew Jintetsu Group wanted to surpass JT Group.
"That must have rubbed them the wrong way. Some provincial railway builders daring to challenge JT Group's supremacy. If Jintetsu had successfully completed the Kumamoto project, the game would've taken a strange turn."
"They have no reason not to help, then."
"Exactly. They were already sharpening their knives to fight among themselves—they wouldn't want someone else stabbing them from behind, would they? They're probably looking to clean house now."
By steering public opinion toward Osaka Orient through donations.
While we weren't directly collaborating with JT Group, they too wanted to crush the increasingly troublesome Jintetsu.
If they could persuade the Japanese government properly, the path ahead would be smooth.
"Now it's time to negotiate. Gwangun isn't going to step forward and carve up Jintetsu like we are, right? That's our job. So, how much are you thinking of transferring to our side?"
He wanted me to decide that right here, right now?
"President Hwang will follow your lead completely. So let's skip the complicated procedures and settle it here. How much?"
If I'd known this would happen, I would've brought my brother along.
Being asked to name a price on the spot like this...
"Well..."
I was trying to dodge the question with vague words when—
"...!"
A sharp, tingling pain shot through my right hand holding the chopsticks.
Startled, I dropped them, and the sensation vanished.
"...?"
Curious, I picked them up again.
The tingling returned.
This time, I tried holding just one chopstick.
"..."
Nothing.
What if I held both again?
"!?"
An intense sensation surged through me.
Could this be...?
"Double."
Chairman Kang, who had been sipping his drink, spat it out in shock.
"W-wait. What? Double? You're asking for 3 trillion won...?"
"Yes."
The chairman, still with traces of alcohol on his lips, stared at me as if I'd lost my mind.