I had always thought only the victor is strong.
Let's go there to win.
- But... - Please work with our company.
Bowing one's head to a classmate is an undignified picture.
People who fight are all strong.
I've selected a suit that will look good on you.
I told you I don't want it!
If you wear the same outfit as everybody else, it kills your individuality.
I'd sell him this suit. Our business is teamwork.
The suit certainly doesn't kill our individuality,
it proves that we're comrades.
Congratulations on your admittance.
From today on, you are members of our staff.
As rookies, you must not shrink back from anything
but boldly accept it as challenge.
- Yes. - Then, I'll deliver your letters of appointment.
- Kiriake Shinji-kun. - Yes.
Your cool and businesslike presentation
was highly rated.
Show more of these abilities here.
Yes.
- Kazuki Akane-san. - Yes.
This is a difficult time for resources.
It will test the strengh of each and everyone. Do your best.
Yes.
- Hitomi Shogo-kun. - Yes.
Your unique presentation has raised hopes. Do your best.
Yes. I'll do my best.
- Ichinose Ayumu-kun. - Yes.
We have given you a 1-year contract.
Yes.
During this 1 year, show us that you work hard.
- Go the extra mile. - Yes.
- Contract employee? - Yeah.
What? They didn't give him permanent employment?
What are you saying! It's a miracle that he even passed and got a contract.
Well, that's true indeed.
No high school graduate has ever managed to get hired here.
Now, you finally have a subordinate too. Congratulations!
A subordinate?
I see. Yeah, that's right.
Eh? My subordinate!
From now on, you are a superior and must behave as a shining example.
Yes. Day by day, I see a terribly bad example but don't worry.
Don't look so scary. It was a joke, okay?
The ETD is behind schedule?
The LC expires tomorrow.
Has it arrived already?
From today on, I'm assigned to Section 2, Resources.
I'm Kazuki Akane. Pleased to meet you.
I'm Hitomi Shogo! Pleased to meet you!
I'm Hitomi Shogo. Pleased to meet you.
- Welcome. - Please!
I'm Hitomi Shogo. Please!
- I'm Hitomi Shogo! Please! - Hitori Soko?
Hitomi Shogo is my name. Please!
- Can I have yet another one? - Please! Please!
What's that? The desk is a mess. Clean it up.
It couldn't be helped. I do the work of 3 persons all alone.
At each of these places a new battle was about to begin.
- Are you stupid? - I'm sorry.
What a report is this? "In other words, regarding this matter we..."
Since then, 2 weeks have past.
Meanwhile, I had learned that I was no intern anymore
and the situation for us classmates had drastically changed.
Do it again.
The always composed Kiriake-kun didn't start an argument with his boss,
but each red pen check made him sick.
The brand marketing material is done.
It seemed to be urgent so I worked the whole night on it.
Hitomi-kun, who's so skillful with his mouth,
learned how nice it is to be cheated by a boss who's even more skillful at that.
Chief.
Here's the brand marketing material you requested.
That's quicker than expected.
- Quickness is my specialty. - That helps a lot.
Kazuki-san, who was the most brilliant of our class,
has now become a mere handmaid.
Oi! Where's the tea?
She has a lot to suffer from the irrational attitude of her boss.
These damned women never do their work properly.
- Good work today. - Good work today.
Sorry I made you wait.
- Hiyama. - Yes.
What happened to the Toto Oil contract?
The project we took over from section 3.
The supplement about the additional kerosine purchase is missing.
The General Manager gave me a dressing-down.
No, it must have been issued together with the contract.
- If so, why is it not there? - Ah, that's...
Don't tell me you have lost it.
No, we don't make such such mistakes. I will contact section 3 at once.
Section 3?
Those guys... they work unreliably.
I'll see to it as fast as possible.
No, it's alright. I'll have a word with them myself.
No... please wait a moment.
Good work today.
Chief Oda,
I've come to fetch the supplement about the additional kerosine purchase.
Additional kerosine purchase?
The Toto Oil contract we took over from section 3.
It's still here, isn't it?
No, we handed it to section 2, Resources.
But the supplement about the additional purchase is missing!
We handed everything over.
What! Are you saying we have lost it?
No, calm down a little. Have you searched your own papers?
There's no need for that.
Unlike section 3, we handle documents carefully.
What's that supposed to mean?
Actually, there already was an incident, was there not?
You're the guys who dropped the document in the lobby that was found by the Senior Managing Director.
- No, that was... - So what?
It has nothing to do with this story.
- Stop making unfounded accusations. - Let's calm down, okay?
That's not an unfounded accusation.
You heard we've handed it over. Hurry up and search for it there!
Hey! Chief... Ichinose. Let's dial it down a notch.
Okay? Let's dial it down.
Do you intend to skip out on your responsibility again?
Again? What does that mean, "again"?
I have always accepted my responsibility!
I'm talking about your time in section 1!
Didn't you push all the blame for your own mistakes on that contract employee?
Chief!
Poor guy...
That's the reason why he died.
Don't say something like that! There's no way the chief was responsible.
It's not only me.
Everyone here thinks like that!
Chief Oda as good as killed him.
- What are you saying! - Aki!
I'm sorry. Are you alright?
Like superior, like subordinate!
This will have consequences.
Oi! Go on with your work!
What made you so fly off the handle?
That was just too much.
Such an outrageous remark...
Chief Oda as good as killed him.
That was... certainly not your fault.
Come back when you've calmed down.
He hit you?
I can't believe it. That good-natured Aki-san...
Working under Chief Oda must have poisoned him.
I'll report it to the bigwigs.
It looks bad for section 3.
Losing a contract and getting violent, that means big trouble.
Well, he called it violence, but it was more a light push.
I was the first time I saw
Aki-san wearing such an angry face.
I wonder what happened in the chief's past.
He said he died because of the chief.
- Is anything wrong? - No...
- Ichinose. - Yes.
First, I want to check if the contract is here or not.
Carry all the files in this box into the conference room.
Yes.
- Can you carry it? - Yes.
Then, we'll bring a proposal along tomorrow.
Yes. Thank you.
- Hitomi-kun. - Yes.
Prepare a proposal for this company.
You heard me, didn't you?
Excuse me, just a word.
Narumi-san, I create all the documents for you.
Yesterday, even the reports for the chief were completely done by me.
Just a word, you say.
It goes without saying that a subordinate works for his superior.
I know that. Still,
saying I should do everything myself is a bit...
Seems you don't understand.
No one has told you.
If I created the contracts all by myself,
you would mainly be standing idle in the backgrund.
You can imagine what an impression that would make.
No...
- Okay, it's alright. Don't do it. - No, no, no, no...
- I'll do it. - You're welcome.
Yes.
Chief!
I've made an appointment with Kowa Fiber for tomorrow
and will prepare a proposal for them as quick as possible.
- Yeah, please do. - Because quickness is my specialty.
That's good.
Aki-san.
What did happen in Chief Oda's past?
Hiyama-san.
What is it?
I'm ready with the invoice verification.
Put it on my desk.
Yes.
What is it? Is there still anything else?
- No. - Then, get going!
Yes.
- Oh, Kiriake. - Good work today.
- Would you like some? - Thank you.
Crap!
Why didn't you come to the Resources division
even though you said you wanted to join us?
Or did you ask for another assignment?
No.
Instead, we've drawn the short straw.
It's Kazuki!
Damned, these women just have no pleasant manners.
Each time... each time I could punch her on the nose!
- You think so too, right? - No...
It would be so nice if you came to us, wouldn't it?
- Excuse me. - Yes.
Do you have the material of Yuki-san's new project?
The chief regrets till today
that he couldn't protect his subordinate.
This man was a contract employee at that time
who took the blame for some trouble and quit.
The chief is certainly not a man who would put the blame on someone else.
The one who gave the instruction
must have been his direct superior at that time, Senior Managing Director Takano.
Well, that's what I believe.
Then,
why did he say Chief Oda as good as killed him?
He died, that man.
After quitting the company.
I heard it was treated as an accident, but I don't know what actually happened.
It occured before I joined the company.
However, since that incident,
there's a feud between the chief and Senior Managing Director Takano.
Oi! Shouldn't you be here?
- Yes. - Of course you should. Really!
- Here's your coffee. - Thank you.
Tonight, there's a class meeting.
Participation is obligatory!
They are hard to please, our superiors.
Whatever I try, it doesn't work.
Until now, I've been able to get by with everyone,
but this type of guy is a new experience.
And, how are the both of you doing?
It's okay. Grumbling won't solve anything.
Grumbling about their bad boss while drinking
is a rookie's correct after-five behaviour.
At least on our long awaited class meeting, right?
Ichinose-kun is late, isn't he?
It may be because of the big quarrel there.
- There's a quarrel? - You didn't know?
It seems there happened a takeover mistake between them and section 2.
Aki-san got mad at Chief Terasaki and... Bang!
He hit him?
The chief said so, but in fact it seems to have been only a push.
Is that so?
Oh, Ichinose! Come here, come here!
- Sorry I'm late. - We have been waiting for you.
- Excuse me, 1 beer please! - Yes.
So, has it been found in the end?
No, it's not there.
Kiriake, as intern you were in the resources division of section 2, right?
Don't you have an idea where such a document might be buried?
No, I couldn't tell.
Then, shall we let Kazuki investigate it?
It's better not to risk your head for some unnecessary matter.
This isn't some unnecessary matter. A classmate is in trouble.
Just in case! If it gets known that the contract was in section 2,
wouldn't that strengthen section 3?
Kazuki-san is a member of their team.
If she took sides for section 3, her boss wouldn't like that so much.
Don't worry.
I have not the intention to ask Kazuki-san to do anything.
- Sorry for letting you wait. - Here, here!
Then, a new toast! To the bond between us classmates... Cheers!
Cheers!
- A written apology? - Yeah. I'm beaten.
Getting violent here in the company! Terasaki is angry and rightly so.
This incident has already reached the Senior Managing Director's ears.
Before the problem becomes even bigger,
conciliate him and take the responsibility for the loss of the contract.
- I refuse. - Oda!
Why do you react so stubbornly?
Certainly, raising his hand might have been wrong.
But, we definitely handed it over.
Chief, it's alright already. If they want a written apology, I'll write it.
Don't talk nonsense! If we embarked on this, it became all your fault.
But as it is now, you will get in trouble too.
Don't worry about me.
There's no reason for us to write an apology.
You guys
just do not know how to settle things amicably.
Listen! I strongly advise you to write a letter of apology!
If it gets known that the contract was in section 2,
wouldn't that strengthen section 3?
What is he doing?
Chief, what's wrong?
It's that guy!
Ichinose?
Don't tell me he's sneaking in there.
- Oi, stop this idiot. - Yes.
What are you doing here?
Ah... no...
Oh, there you are!
So you wandered to this place.
This here is not your department!
Don't leave your workplace as you please!
- I'm sorry. - Go back now.
Go home! Go home!
Go! Go!
Don't think about unnecessary things and concentrate on your work!
I'm sorry!
Are you finished with the invoicing?
- I'll do it at once. - Hurry up!
Yes.
- Have you gone crazy? - I'm sorry.
I'm shocked.
- Kazuki. - Yes.
Bring me the iron ore budget file.
Yes.
What happened to the Toto Oil contract?
- Oh, Shiraishi. - Good work today.
How is it? Has your child grown up?
They don't grow up so quickly.
You know, raising a child can make you crazy.
Until yesterday, you thought it would crawl, but suddenly it begins to walk.
My child is 4 years old already.
It was an example. An example! Then, see you.
Will it be alright?
- What do you mean? - The trouble with section 2.
There are rumours in the company. They say it could become quite a problem.
Oh... what an honor!
Finally, section 3 is also standing in the limelight.
I heard Chief Terasaki made some rude accusations regarding that old story.
Yeah. But I don't care much for it.
It's a pile of crap.
It's the same for me.
It's not only you who feels responsible for what happened then.
We were colleagues in the same section,
but I never listened to his story.
What are you talking!
It happened 15 years ago.
Didn't you do what you could for him?
Chin up and let's do our work! Right?
Yuki-san.
I've tried to make a proposal of my own
for that new project you're in charge of.
Could you check it?
This chart shows the rate-of-return
and I've run a simulation for the next 3 years.
The fluctuation of the costs can also be seen.
You don't need to do unnecessary things. It's a waste of time.
In the 2 weeks since I was assigned here,
I have done nothing but paperwork.
In this respect, the time as intern was much better.
How long will it take until you let me do
anything other than secretarial work?
Don't get the wrong impression.
You do not yet master secretarial work.
Aki-san.
How shall I formulate this condition of the deal?
Which one?
Ah. This here is called bonded warehouse delivery.
Thank you very much.
Wait, wait, wait, wait! This here is also wrong.
This is not the consignee, it's the notification destination.
I'm sorry.
I'll correct it immediately.
Yes, it's Oda.
The situation looks bad.
Aki will be put before the disciplinary commission.
On the recent board meeting
Aki's use of violence was on the agenda.
Please wait a moment. He thought of me and then his hand...
This will be judged by the higher-ups!
Now it's become really troublesome.
That's why I told you to write a letter of apology.
They will decide about his punishment in a few days.
Aki has already been informed.
That's all I have to say.
This man is an excellent subordinate!
Till now, no matter which crazy things I demanded from him,
not even once did he say he couldn't do it.
In a position without great career chances he works with total commitment.
That's why, at least as long as he's in my section,
I don't want him to suffer an unjustified punishment.
As head of the department,
can't you prevent that the disciplinary commission
will be convoked?
You know how I feel, but this is impossible.
You should know that!
It's beyond my power
to do anything in this situation.
I'm sorry.
Ah, good work today.
It's a terrible situation, isn't it?
It seems Aki-san will be put before the disciplinary commission.
Well, until now,
I really thought the story was exaggerated.
But, well... violence in a company is not good.
It's not so much the contrahent who raised his hand,
that impertinent Chief Terasaki is evil too.
More than anyone else, right? Much more.
Huh?
Aki-san!
I'm going outside now and only ask you
to confirm this shipping request form for me.
- It's strange. - What is?
That you will be put before the disciplinary commission
is definitely strange.
What's up with you? You're unexpectedly well informed.
It can't be helped. It was wrong of me to raise my hand.
- Still... - I was a fool.
Things like flipping out shouldn't happen at the workplace.
In case they cut my salary,
you will pay for my daily lunch, won't you?
So be prepared!
At the next meeting the other party should participate too.
- That's okay, isn't it? - Yes. Inform them.
Understood.
Oi, clean up the conference room.
Yes.
- Kazuki-san. - Good work today.
That's not necessary.
No, it's alright. I have free time now.
Thanks.
It must be hard right now. In the resources division.
By the fall of commodity prices we have suffered considerable losses too
and everyone is nervous.
Still, I think it's not the time to be pessimistic.
We've shown a profit in the last ten years, sometimes higher, sometimes lower.
And there are signs that it's bottoming out now.
That's why you shouldn't worry.
I'm sure it will be fun from now on.
I don't care.
Because this here is the only work for a rookie.
I see.
It's Ichinose-kun.
[ Good work today. ] [ Do you have time for a little talk? ]
Sorry for calling you during work.
Let's go there.
Did anything happen?
Fact is, because he raised his hand against Chief Terasaki,
Aki-san will be put before the disciplinary commission.
Aki-san is saying himself that it was wrong,
but I think it is strange.
After all, in the first place
it happened because the Toto Oil contract was missing.
As long as this question is unanswered,
Aki-san is in great difficulties.
That's the first question I want to resolve.
We've searched section 3, but it wasn't there.
We can't search section 2, Resources,
but it could be somewhere there.
Do you have any idea?
Unlike you,
we don't work at the same place where we worked as interns.
We don't have a complete overview yet.
I see.
Alright.
In case anything comes to your knowledge, can you inform me?
Thanks.
Well then.
I knew it.
He's trying to incriminate you in a turmoil.
His intentions may be good.
Problem is, snooping around isn't well received in a company.
And it's not clever for a rookie to risk her neck.
I've told you, haven't I?
If you took sides for section 3, your boss wouldn't like that so much.
I'm telling you it's not possible.
I've said from the beginning that I'm busy this week.
If you tell me so suddenly, I can't cope with it.
If it's until 7 o'clock, I might be able to ask extended day care.
Alright already. Somehow I'll make an arrangement.
I'm sorry.
It must have seemed a strange conversation, right?
I'm sorry.
I have noticed you when you were an intern.
You were brilliant at the presentation test.
Kazuki Akane-san, right? I am Shiraishi of the Food division.
I know. The only woman in a management position.
I wonder myself how it happened. In the future,
shouldn't more women play an active role in this company?
I guess the Resources division is difficult.
Yes. Much more than I had imagined.
In this company, Resources is known as the most chauvinistic division.
- Can I ask you a question? - What is it?
I don't really know.
How should a member of this company behave, how far is it good to speak up.
I think you will know what I should do.
When I was a rookie, I was troubled by a similar thing.
But in the end, I couldn't speak my mind only half.
After all,
If you think something is right, I think it's good to do it.
Because if I had not done it, I'd regret it now.
If you think something is right,
I think it's good to do it.
- Okay, good work today. - Good work today.
[ Dad ]
It's your father.
When I showed my face at the Japanese Trade Association yesterday,
I heard the news that you've become a member of Yoichi Bussan's staff.
They said you're doing great, so give your best.
If you have time, contact me occasionally...
You really saw it?
It's in the far right of the cabinet.
I'm sorry. I knew it, but didn't say a word.
It would be good if I had it with me,
but until now I absolutely couldn't do anything.
I understand.
It's sly, but I can give you the number code for that cabinet. The rest...
From now on, it's my job.
I'm really grateful for telling me.
Make him quit?
Yeah. In 1 month, he has disappeared.
That shouldn't be a problem.
Please wait a moment.
Does that mean the blame will be put on him alone?
The one who actually handled it is him.
Wasn't it a project of this section?
Putting the blame only on him is...
Then, are you going to take the blame?
To me, it wouldn't make a difference.
Yes, this is the Senior Managing Director's office.
This is Oda from Sales, section 3. Is the Senior Managing Director available?
He has left just now. Shall I connect you to his phone?
No, thank you.
What an act is this?
As superior I am responsible for what my subordinate did.
I will write an letter of apology.
So I'm begging you,
please don't put my subordinate before the disciplinary commission.
Please.
If you beg me so much, I'll do something about it.
Thank you very much.
I'm sorry. It's my fault that you have to bow down.
It's been some time since we've gone eating sushi, right?
- It's your treat. - Eh? Of course.
I wanted to take you out today anyway.
I think we shouldn't wander around so much.
Not far from here is a great restaurant. How about that?
Even if it'll cost a few 10,000 per person.
No, wait. This is... Still... yes. Let's go!
It was a joke. Is the usual tavern okay?
No, no, it's alright. We should really go there today.
It's creepy. You're giving me the creeps.
Each time I make a joke, you answer with a joke.
I'll just fetch my bag. I left it on my seat when I went out.
Excuse me, Chief...
Today, you've given me a good example.
Some day, I also will become a superior
who can protect his subordinate like you.
You are exaggerating.
Thank you very much!
It's okay if you go straight home now.
No, the documentation says we have to send it in the course of today.
I see.
Then, shall we go for a drink after this?
Yeah, sounds good.
Found it.
Who are you?
You!? What are you doing here?
Ah, well...
Oi! What are you holding there?
Don't rummage about here as you please! What do you have there?
You... with this...
What a commotion is this?
Ah... no...
Terasaki, come with me.
You know what will happen now.
This means trouble.
You've tried to pin your own division's mistake on us.
Shall we submit this to the disciplinary commission?
Listen up.
Don't play such games with me ever again.
Yes.
Say you found this yourself
and write a letter of apology.
Is that okay?
Alright.
You idiot! Snooping around in other people's office!
- What have you been thinking? - I'm sorry.
Don't be so angry. He only did it for me.
It doesn't matter for whom he did it. What had we done if it had become yet another problem.
Damned! You can't do anything right. Stop doing such arbitrary acts!
- Yes. - Ichinose, don't mind.
- I am grateful to you. - What the heck does that mean?
Are you contradicting your superior?
This is power harassment. Shall I make a complaint? Is that okay?
Okay. You want to complain? Okay. Just try it!
You're okay with that? Shall I really make a complaint?
Do it if you want!
Excuse me! Please don't start a fight because of me.
Hey, you! We are making a joke!
You have to learn this too.
Yes. I'm sorry.
Alright! This evening it's really my treat.
Oi, Ichinose! Order the most expensive dish in this shop!
- No, no, no, expensive... - Oi, that's the wrong answer.
- Say it once more. - Ichinose!
Order the most expensive dish in this shop!
Yes. Then, I'll order without hesitation!
That's it!
- Excuse me! - Yes.
First, well, a plate of assorted sashimi for 2...
We'll take the prime sashimi boat for 5 persons.
And then, yakitori, 20-30 skewers.
- What are you saying? - And then, well...
- Onion slices, 5 servings. - No, no, no!
The relationship between Chief Oda and Aki-san
seemed somehow absolutely enviable.
Yes. I'll write a letter of apology today.
General Manager, for the inconvenience that I've caused I'm very sorry.
Could Kazuki have given them the number code for the cabinet?
Someone must have informed section 3. There's no other explanation.
Good morning.
Excuse me.
Good morning.
This is the proposal you asked for yesterday.
Well, we'll go with this.
Well, in the time I'm out of the office,
check this calculation.
You're welcome.
- I'm leaving! - Can this be true?
This way, the working life of us 4 classmates started.
Oi, Ichinose.
- Make a copy of these. - Yes.
- Ichinose, make a copy of this too. - Yes.
I've already copied it. Over there.
- You're really quick at copying, huh? - Yes.
That's no reason to laugh.
Are you a copy craftsman?
- That's true, right? - Ah, yes.
He admits it quickly, this guy.
- Eh? You are a copy craftsman? - I'm a copy craftsman.
That's not true. Then you must be able to do a lot more.
- Try to prove it. - Eh, with these invoices?
Hurry up and make these copies!
I'll bring them.
Will we be able to shine at this place?