Chapter 302 - Midwinter Deal
(1)
"Toya-kun, good morning, it's morning~"
I am a shellfish.
I want to sleep on the ocean floor like a shellfish.
"Ugh... as always, you're such a troublesome danna-sama~"
Airi's body is probably warm, isn't it~.
"If you think I'll use the same trick every time, you're sorely mistaken!"
Airi gets out of bed.
"Wow, it's cold!"
Maybe I should set the heating timer for the morning soon?
"Hey!"
Airi pulls off the futon and blanket. It's cold!
"Come on! Let's go warm up! First, let's wash our faces and freshen up!"
Even I get cold wearing only pajamas without a blanket.
I can't take it anymore, so I get up and go to wash my face as Airi told me.
"After washing your face, change quickly!"
"Airi, hasn't your character changed?"
Is she running a fever, or is she in a bad mood? Which is it?
"They taught me that there are also ways of expressing love like this~"
"Who did you hear that from?"
"Maya-san."
That mother of mine, giving unnecessary advice...
"After we change, let's finish our routine quickly, okay?"
Airi and I put on our bench coats and go outside.
After finishing our routine, we warm up with a shower.
Airi is making breakfast as usual.
By the time I take a shower, breakfast is already done.
After getting ready, I wait in the dining room for Airi to come out of the shower.
When I confirm Airi is out of the shower, I pour hot water into the instant coffee.
For Airi's, I mix in milk and sugar.
It's such a cold winter; I do it this way because I want her to drink something warm.
The room's heater is on.
I turn on the TV, and we huddle together, sipping our drinks and watching TV.
The news was the same as always.
Airi is looking at her smartphone.
Probably exchanging messages with everyone in Unity.
I look at the news on the internet.
Nothing unusual. Just normal news.
The financial and economic news is also nothing out of the ordinary.
A message comes in from Makoto.
"There's a rumor going around. The rumor about a massive buy order for the local securities' stock."
As I thought, he's making his move today.
He was probably watching our movements until just before X-Day, right?
Why did he spread the rumor about buy orders?
Because if buying becomes dominant, the market turns bullish and stock prices rise, obviously.
I can see through Kenshin's plans as if holding them in my hand.
He intends to raise the price as much as possible in the morning session and then sell off.
He probably plans to involve people doing margin trading to drive up the price.
I don't know where he's placing the sell orders, but it should get tangled up there.
And then next week in the morning session... that's probably his scenario.
We didn't make a move until this day.
The other side probably mistook the fake evidence they tried to take to the Public Prosecutors Office for the real thing.
They didn't do anything.
We did nothing to make them think that.
"Toya-kun, it's almost time for school~"
"Ah, you're right. I'm going now."
I leave the room while checking the hourly chart showing a series of bullish candles on my smartphone.
Even while driving, I have it set in a holder and check it.
"Hey, Toya-kun?"
"What is it?"
"This isn't a normal graph, is it? What is it~"
"It's what they call a candlestick chart."
"Candlestick chart?"
A candlestick consists of a body and upper and lower shadows. What I'm looking at now is an hourly chart, but there are also things like one-minute charts, daily charts, and monthly charts. There are two types of bodies: if the closing price is higher than the opening price, it's called a bullish candle, and if the closing price is lower than the opening price, it's called a bearish candle. For each time period, there is a high and a low, and the lines connecting the body to the high and low are called shadows. By looking at this, traders check whether this stock is currently trending up or down, or how thick the orders are there.
"So what's happening now?"
Airi asks.
The candlestick is a bullish candle, but the body is narrower than when the market opened, and there aren't many shadows. Kenshin probably placed buy orders first, drove the buying price up to the limit-up, and then took profits. I explain this to Airi.
"So what happens?"
"Kenshin probably intends to sell all his holdings today. It shouldn't drop to the limit-down. Because the market is bullish."
"And then what happens?"
"Kenshin will probably sell his holdings near the highest price and make a huge profit. By the market open next week, the stock will be worthless trash."
"Then that's exactly what Kenshin wants!"
"Let's let him have a good dream at least at the end. After all, it'll become phantom money anyway."
I park the car in the lot, and walk with Airi to the building.
"Hey~ why is it phantom? It says the fine for insider trading is under 5 million yen. If he makes more than that, isn't that Kenshin's profit?"
"All profits obtained through insider trading are confiscated."
"I see~. So that's the reason Kenshin will fall from power?"
"Social annihilation is unavoidable. And the Takahashi Group will probably receive some penalty too."
"But..."
Airi whispers.
"If the local securities firm goes bankrupt, what happens to the people who suffer losses?"
"First of all, people who deposited money with the local securities firm are basically guaranteed because their assets are managed separately from the company's assets."
"And then?"
"Next, people doing spot trading just have their shares of the local securities become worthless. There's no further liability."
"I heard that in class."
"The problem is margin trading, but that is solely one's own responsibility. If we give various warnings, it would become circulation of false rumors."
"Margin trading?"
"It's where you borrow a large amount of money using your principal as collateral and trade with it. If losses are big, you incur losses exceeding your principal, requiring additional funds."
"It's the kind of thing people who trade futures or forex do, right."
The one that was recently revised by law, right? Airi adds.
"But that's sad. I feel like things are going just as Kenshin planned."
"That's why you submitted the documents to the National Police Agency, isn't it?"
"Ah, so that's how it is. So X-Day is December 25th..."
"Yeah, let's make a big move on Christmas!"
"Yeah."
When I enter the classroom with Airi, Kana-san is there.
"It's finally happening, isn't it? The limit-up has hit."
"Looks like it."
"Did you set the trap?"
"I've already spoken with Superintendent Tosaka."
I won't let him get away.
(2)
In front of the local securities headquarters.
I was in a meeting with someone from the Financial Services Agency.
At 11:30, we storm in all at once.
"What business do you have?"
The person at the reception desk shouts.
I show my badge.
"I'm Tosaka from Prefectural Police Investigation Division 4. I've also received the warrant. I've come to seize documents."
(T/N: possible typo — original reads 礼状 (letter of thanks) instead of 令状 (warrant))
"I'll check with my superiors, so please wait a moment... Ah! Please wait!"
The woman shouted because we headed for the elevator.
Finance department. Probably here.
When we head to the floor, we all move to seize documents at once.
The person from the FSA is surprised to see this.
"With performance like this, it wouldn't be strange if they went bankrupt today. Rather, it's surprising they've managed to hide it until now."
"What about the CEO?"
"T-today he's on a business trip."
"I'll get an arrest warrant later... I'll come back after the holiday break."
"U-understood."
We seized all the documents and withdrew.
We carry out similar investigations on the Takahashi Group.
"This case has nothing to do with Investigation Division 4. Why don't we leave this to Investigation Division 2?"
"I am in charge of this case under a special order from the National Police Agency. ...Investigation Division 2 is also under investigation."
Yes, today's operation is a mass arrest. A simultaneous crackdown on the Takahashi Group, the Sudo Group, and the Sun Knights.
The evidence has already been sent to the National Police Agency.
We're conducting the investigation with a warrant.
"You'll take responsibility, won't you?"
The detective from Investigation Division 2 threatens.
"Which one of us will take responsibility?"
I answer.
The Investigation Division 2 people left without a word.
The media probably won't pick up on this arrest yet.
But, we succeeded in cutting into the organization.
We succeeded in dragging the local darkness into the sunlight.
For them, their joyful Christmas will likely be painted over with fear.
Although it can't be made public, this is Unity's achievement.
That fact has probably also reached the ears of the Commissioner General of the NPA.
But they don't desire honor or anything.
What they desire is a peaceful day.
If so, there's no need to forcibly drag them out.
Finally, a peaceful day was about to come for them.
(3)
"What is the meaning of this!?"
"As I said, it's a special order from the National Police Agency."
"The NPA!?"
While getting angry at what the secretary said, he was trying to calm down.
The number of cigarettes increases.
Then the phone rings.
"What!?"
"It's me."
He shuddered at those words... It was from Gozen.
"I apologize for my rudeness."
"It seems you have failed."
"I thought we had the Public Prosecutors Office under control."
"If the NPA has filed the case, the PPO cannot remain still either."
"What are you planning to do?"
"I will now enter the hospital."
"Yes."
"Handle the cleanup with your own hands. It probably won't reach the Sun Knights."
That means "don't let it reach them," I suppose.
"Understood."
"Those children are also adults now. They'll take responsibility themselves."
Is he telling me to impose sanctions?
"Wouldn't it be dangerous to move immediately?"
"Indeed. For now, just fool the eyes of the police and media."
"I'll make sure it doesn't reach you, Gozen."
"I leave it to you."
With that, the call ended.
Neither the fangs nor claws of the soaring dragon reached those who lay low on the ground.
On the contrary, he spat towards the heavens.
They need to be made to realize what that will bring.
"Is it our turn?"
The man with a black bandana says so and looks at me.
"No, dealing with the media is the top priority now. If we move carelessly, it will be bad."
"Understood. We'll lie low until we get word."
With that, the man leaves the room.
"Don't move on your own."
"I know. My current master is you, Dragon."
The door closes.
How far does their influence reach?
I need to know that.
I need to know where the pressure came from.
I have my subordinates investigate that.
I must also stop my son's rampage.
There is much to do.
It looks like it will be a busy day.
(4)
Cafe Blue Bird.
"Things went just as Katagiri-kun planned, didn't they?"
Emi-san says.
I received contact from Airi's father.
It seems the arrest went well.
That news quickly spread to the market, and the market plunged sharply.
Probably, the portion that couldn't be sold will become trash.
It recorded a limit-down.
With this, Kenshin's losses are unavoidable.
A sudden event after the start of the afternoon session.
The one who leaked that was Unity.
The local securities firm receives a crackdown.
They just spread that rumor.
The market was extremely sensitive. Day traders using margin trading overreact.
The market moved sensitively, just as predicted.
We only leaked the facts.
And we didn't trade.
The overreaction was the market's own doing.
We won't be handcuffed.
However, it was enough for a newspaper extra to be published.
Planned bankruptcy of the local securities firm.
That must have been shocking.
The rest depends on how far Airi's father can push the investigation.
I handed over the documents.
There is no doubt that the Takahashi Group will suffer a devastating blow, combined with the previous incident.
The Sudo Group probably won't escape unscathed either.
The problem is the Sun Knights.
Will the investigation reach them?
That was the element of concern.
"So this case is closed, isn't it?"
Sakai-kun says.
"With this, we can return to our normal lives, can't we?"
I can see Ichinose-san's smile.
"That's right..."
There's no need to give them anxiety for no reason.
I went along with that.
"Well, since things have settled, shall we go home once? Airi, let's go?"
"Yes~"
Airi stands up from her seat.
And then I go home with Airi.
"The Takahashi Group is over, right?"
"I think so."
"The Sudo Group is over too, right?"
"Yeah."
"Then, what about the Sun Knights?"
"...I don't know."
Clumsy secrets don't work on Airi.
It would only make Airi unnecessarily anxious.
So I spoke honestly to Airi.
"So that's how it is~"
Airi's voice is downcast.
"But there's no need to be pessimistic. With this, we succeeded in dragging the Sun Knights into the open."
"That's right!"
"Next week will be tough."
On Christmas Eve, the Manabes' wedding; on Christmas, a Christmas party; and then a year-end party.
I've taken care of what I wanted to take care of by then.
Now all that's left is to celebrate.
It looks like I can spend the New Year holidays relaxedly.
When I get home, I hear from Mother that a celebration party will be held at the Tosaka residence today.
Did something auspicious happen?
"The police reorganization that had been going on, and Tosaka-san's achievements were recognized. He can return to Investigation Division 2! And also, Tosaka-san's promotion has been decided. Starting next year, he'll be Senior Superintendent."
When Mother says this, Airi is delighted.
A feast is held at the Tosaka residence.
"I had been approached about it for a while... Probably from around the Nidhogg extermination operation..."
"Congratulations."
"It's thanks to you, Toya-kun... Thank you."
"About the Sun Knights... how is it going?"
"It will be difficult, I think. They've completely blocked the media. First, we'll have to suppress the Sudo Group."
So that's how it'll be, as I thought.
"But the Sudo Group is already finished, right?"
Airi asks.
"Is that so? It seems the Sudo Group is also looking for an escape route. I have no intention of letting them escape, but..."
When Airi's father says this, Airi becomes downcast.
"For example, your uncle's company is also under pressure from above; all articles regarding the Sun Knights are being suppressed."
My father says.
"They're going to escape again?"
Airi says anxiously.
Cheering up Airi like that is the husband's duty... I guess? Though I don't remember becoming a husband yet.
"Airi. For now, the Takahashi Group is finished. That means Father and the others' wish came true. We need to celebrate."
"You're right!"
With that, Airi pours beer into her father's glass.
"U-um. To be able to drink with my daughter after my promotion is decided... to drink with my son-in-law, there's nothing more delightful than this..."
So my marriage with Airi is already decided. Well, I decided it anyway.
"Papa-san, please wait for two more years. I think a wonderful news from Toya-kun is waiting then."
"U-um. You finally decided... But is it necessary to wait two years?"
"Toya-kun will work and propose to me on Christmas Eve~"
"I-I see. When is the ceremony?"
"October 5th of the following year~. It's my birthday~"
"You decided all that, and what did Airi-chan say?"
"She said she's looking forward to it~"
"Toya, you..."
"Toya, you might as well just register the marriage now."
And so, a modest banquet between the Katagiri family and the Tosaka family was held.
When the party ends, we return to our room, take turns showering, and relax in the room.
Tonight, she prepared oolong tea for me.
I watch TV with Airi.
When I watch the news, as expected, the local securities firm's management bankruptcy is reported.
"People who deposited money with the securities firm are guaranteed, right?"
"That's right."
"Then that's good~"
Airi pats her chest in relief.
After that, we watch a drama, and when late-night programs start, we both get into bed.
"Tell me?"
"What?"
"Playing dumb won't work~. The word 'anxiety' is written all over your face~"
Secrets don't work with Airi, do they.
Airi hugs me.
"I may not be able to be someone you can consult with... but I'm Toya-kun's bride. I want to properly support you. For that, I have to listen to your worries."
"...Local patriot."
"Is that a word the Devil-san said?"
"Yeah, I'm anxious because I couldn't reach that conclusion."
"And you don't know if that's above or below the Sun Knights."
"Yeah... That's what I'm worried about."
Airi thinks for a while, then turns off the lights in the room.
"I'll let you forget for now. I'll make you feel happy. Please let me make you feel happy."
I understood what Airi was trying to say.
"Okay..."
With that, I pull Airi close.
Airi closes her eyes.
It was a night that lit a warm light in the cold night.