As for your project, we have decided to pass it on as project of section 3.
Thank you very much.
- Collapsed? - How about we sell it ourselves?
There's no rule saying we can't do retail business, right?
If nobody begins anything new, no new things will ever be born.
Do you stick to this project for Ichinose's sake?
I... won't become a regular employee?
You won't.
I thought because it's our company, we can do everything.
Let's continue with this project.
From today on, I've been transfered to here.
As for the store,
we're ready with renovating
and can focus now on promotion for the opening next month.
Okay. That's good, isn't it?
Yes. Yoichi's 1st retail store.
It makes your heart beat faster. Right, Ichinose?
- Yes. - Oi, Ichinose.
Before we meet with the Food division, summarize the points we discussed today.
Yes.
- Okay. The meeting is over. - Yes.
Ebe, from next week on, you will also get involved in this business.
I want to entrust you with controlling the manufacturing.
That won't be possible.
There's still work at my prior workplace left.
At present, I'm not able to give you a helping hand.
What are you saying?
Weren't you delegated to work on this project?
Yes, I know that.
Senior Managing Director Takano personally
asked me to come here.
But he admitted that it would be good
if I continued with my ongoing work.
It's a task that only I can do.
I understand.
- Then, do what you can do for now. - I'll help you once I have a free hand.
Excuse me, there's a meeting at my prior workplace.
What an attitude is this? Such a guy!
That's the worst, isn't it?
Ebe-san of all persons came into our section.
- Who is this guy? - Earlier, he worked in section 1
- and is a legend among the employees. - A legend?
In the 1st year after joining the company,
he transacted a 300 million project all by himself.
- So he's a great guy, right? - Well,
at that time, they said he was placed in the company
by the senior managing director's faction to have an eye on the president's faction.
Since then, I haven't heard a lot of good about him.
They say he's only lazing around.
So it is...
At a time when we're the most busy with the launch,
Ebe-san can't do any work for us whatsoever.
The senior managing director will have his thoughts.
Then tell me these thoughts please.
Otherwise, I can't be satisfied with this personnel.
Seems it can't be helped.
You see,
Ichinose will leave section 3 in March next year.
Leave?
Next year, the temporary contracts won't be renewed.
This was decided as company policy.
Are you saying they will just dump him?
Don't express it like this. It's officially a 1 year contract.
Instead of Ichinose, the senior managing director
is now placing regular staff in section 3.
The senior managing director is on a business trip to Singapore.
He won't be back before next week.
Yuki-san, I have arranged
that the Indians will return the order form today.
Alright.
- Kiriake-kun. - Yes.
Set up a new folder for iron and steel wire to China.
Congratulations. The project that you planned has been approved.
Thank you very much.
At 13 o'clock, there's a meeting with Futabi Trading.
Such joint sessions can be instructive so will you participate too?
Yes.
Hiyama-san.
It's about the Vietnam project.
I've tried to find out this factory's legal form.
How should we address them?
- I'll take care of that myself. - I'm sorry.
- Please. - Have we received the documents from them?
No, not yet?
Last week, I've contacted them too.
It's about time they hurry up a bit, isn't it?
Yes. It's section 2, Resources, Terasaki. Alright. I'll come at once.
Yes. I'll try to contact them immediately.
Kazuki. Our visitors are here.
Yes.
For taking the trouble to come all the way
thank you very much.
Excuse me.
Kazuki-san!
- So you went to Yoichi. - Long time no see.
- You know each other? - Yes.
I see. Kazuki worked for Futabi Trading, right?
What are you doing? Serve it quickly.
- Yes. - Sorry.
We'll come to business immediately.
In order to ensure a stable procurement of the stock,
we would like to leave the talks with the farms
to a person of the Food division in the future.
I understand. We'll mail you a list of the farms later.
Thank you very much.
With that, we will take over the inventory management.
- We will do it? - If this project is successful,
our department might start retail business too.
So let's acquire the know-how in good time.
But what shall become of the wine import business that we're doing right now?
Leave that to me.
Chief, you're currently handling the Thai fruit jelly.
- Can you do it? - Don't worry.
I won't trouble anyone of you.
I don't like to say it at a place like this,
but I'm against lending a hand to section 3's retail business.
You can't deny that it was selfish of section 3 to start it
and our department might suffer if we get deeper involved.
Shiraishi, it's no problem to leave the inventory management to our department.
I'm sorry.
Ichinose, add this to our tasks.
Yes.
Well, let's confirm the tasks for a last time and then end the session.
I'm sorry. It's our fault that you have this inconvenience.
I don't regard it as inconvenience.
It's our job so we should do it by ourselves.
Don't worry about it.
I'm sorry. We're no big help.
It's fine, it's fine.
More important, you saddle yourself with too much work.
Delegate more work to your subordinates. If you don't, you'll run out of gas.
- I'm doing fine so far. - When you talk like that,
- you're actually in danger. - I'm really alright.
Excuse me.
Yes, it's Shiraishi.
Yes. The fruit jelly project is no problem.
We've already talked with the factory in Thailand.
Yes, it's Yoichi Bussan section 3.
It's me.
- Pardon? - It's Ebe.
Yes.
- Good work today. - Is Chief Oda present right now?
No, he's not.
And Aki?
- He's here. Shall I connect you? - No.
Use some appropriate excuse and come here now.
I have an important task for you.
Come to 4th floor of the Komiyama building in Nakano.
Nice shot!
As expected of you, Director.
It's flying well, isn't it?
Excuse me, I have to leave for a moment.
I want you to deliver this.
[Akagi Planning] This is the address.
It's better not to sent it by post.
Don't tell Oda-san or Aki any unnecessary things.
This is an important socializing.
Then, I'll go delivering it.
I guess you have heard it.
Your days as a star are over.
It's your fault that the whole company is confused. Everyone is annoyed.
At any rate, next year you will have disappeared.
You will never do anything unnecessary again.
What? You didn't know yet?
You are just a disposable contract employee after all.
Nice shot!
Today, we have no chance. The director is in top form.
Next year, I will have disappeared.
Whether this was true or not
I didn't dare to ask.
Yes, it's Ichinose.
What are you doing now?
Sorry! I will return at once.
Eh? Your computer?
Yes. Login for me.
The password is Narumi4946. Narumi-4-9-4-6.
I'm in.
On the desktop should be a folder "New Projects".
In it, there's a file "Rui Factory".
Mail it to me.
Damned... "New Projects"...
Ah, this one.
Eh? "New Car"?
10 million?!
Excuse me. I'm sorry.
- Hitomi-kun. - Yes.
It's about this project here. Has Narumi-kun told you anything about it?
Nothing special. Is there any problem?
Well, there's no evidence
but why are we always working with such a small company?
Well, Narumi-kun will have his reasons.
Kazuki.
Yes.
What are you daydreaming! The reply mail should have come.
Sorry. I'll check it.
It's finished.
- Good work today. - Kazuki.
You were Takase-san's subordinate, right?
Yes.
Why did you quit Futabi?
So it's really like that.
My intuition was right.
"Really like that", you say?
You're a bit dull, aren't you?
She made use of being a woman.
I bet you made eyes at Hiyama too.
I thought it was strange how Hiyama changed so suddenly, right?
Please take back what you said right now!
Huh?
How are you behaving towards your superior!
How dare you speak to me like this!
Clean up the conference room.
Chief,
- wasn't that a bit... - Pull yourself together!
Don't let that woman lead you a merry dance.
[ Mail from Takase Tomoaki ]
Sorry for calling you.
What's wrong? Sit down.
Since you quit our company I've been worrying about you.
But I'm glad you look well.
There are plans that we will establish a plant jointly with Yoichi.
A lot of people know of it, so if something should...
It's troubling.
It's troubling to talk about this.
I see.
Sorry.
Where have you been and what did you do?
Ebe-san asked me to bring a forgotten thing...
What forgotten thing?
Well, that's...
Don't tell blatant lies!
You may deceive Aki but you can't deceive me!
- I'm sorry... - Save your apologies.
Tell me quickly where have you been and what did you do.
He asked me to deliver a document.
Document?
- What kind of document? - I don't know.
You don't know what you delivered?
Yes.
What are you doing?
Aki,
call Ebe's original department and try to find out on what he is working.
Yes.
Chief.
What is it?
Earlier, from Ebe-san...
Chief. He's back.
What happened? Everyone's standing happily together.
Oi, Ichinose. Make a copy of these.
Yes.
He is busy with the new project now.
Don't give him instructions as you please.
I'm also a member of section 3, right? Isn't it okay if a use a subordinate?
It's not okay.
From now on, you will ask me.
As expected from Chief Oda.
As usual, you are training a contract employee with passion.
- But what you teach him will be in vain. - What are you saying?
Did I say anything wrong?
Ichinose will be dismissed in March next year anyway. Right, Chief Oda?
Ebe!
Behave yourself!
Now that you're in section 3, you have to follow my instructions.
Don't shout at me please.
I have been running around outside and feel tired now.
Chief...
Director! Remove Ebe from my section please!
What's that supposed to mean?
All he's doing for us is destroying the harmony.
We don't need that guy.
No matter what you say, I won't remove him!
Why?
Listen, Oda. This is section 3's chance.
Chance?
I think it's the right timing to tell you.
The senior managing director asked me to leave this project to section 3.
Solar Power Business?
It's currently under discussion with the Chinese.
If we get the order, it will be a large-scale project
with a volume of 50 billion yen.
Ebe was placed with us because of this project?
Yeah. Because Ebe knows the ropes with China.
If this becomes a success,
section 3, that has been sitting in a corner till now
and was regarded as a leightweight, will become big.
The senior managing director can become vice-president
and you and me will get a promotion too.
If that happens, don't you think
you'll have the authority to make Ichinose a regular employee?
You should know this.
In the beginning of next week, the senior managing director will return from Singapore.
So answer me what you will do.
Kick-back?
Chief Shiota said so too. It's a small, unknown factory,
but he always works with them.
That may be so, but I don't think it's a kick-back.
It's a car for 10 million yen!
That's more than suspicious.
This is certainly money he received from his trading partner.
Don't you think you're over-interpreting it?
No. I'm profoundly convinced.
I will skin that pistachio-faced guy.
No matter what a guy like you does, it won't work.
- Don't laugh! - Excuse me, 1 serving of pistachios!
I really mean it.
I'll finish that bastard Ebe!
Stop it already!
I won't stop! I will protect Ichinose.
Listen, you. Don't call your colleagues for an emergency meeting
if they only have to listen to your crying.
Is it true that his contract won't be renewed?
Yeah, there's even talk that they will hire less new college graduates next year.
It's not Ebe-san's fault that this guy is a victim of circumstances.
I don't want that hard working guy to quit!
If anyone should get fired, it's that lazybones Ebe!
- Don't be so noisy! - I-chi-no-se!
Don't cry! Be silent!
Your nose is running.
Isn't Ebe-san even going to a second workplace?
It seems he hasn't shown up there even once since he was transfered.
So he's lazing around, isn't he?
- I-chi-no-se! - Don't be so loud!
Still, there is a job that Ebe-san does continue
single-handedly after his transfer.
- Is that so? - Akagi Planning,
the company of an old acquaintance of Ebe-san.
Why do you know so much about this?
We've worked together in earlier times.
Sorry I let you wait.
Oh, Nimura! Long time no see.
- Where's Kazuki-san? - She won't come today.
But we told her that you've come from the Kansai branch.
I see.
Too bad that I don't meet her.
Excuse me! 1 beer please.
Yes. Understood.
Say, did you know? A moment ago, I heard it at headquarters.
Kazuki-san had an affair at her former workplace.
Chief Terasaki will only have phrased it wrongly.
It's a false rumour. A false rumour.
What? Really?
How is the Detox Water business going?
The sales launch will be soon.
That's great. It's your planning, isn't it?
Ah... no,
the whole section 3 planned it together.
As usual, you show a truly humble attitude.
I could never emulate you at that.
I'm going to the toilet for a moment.
He has become a hot topic even in our branch office.
A hot topic?
They say admitting a high school graduate because of his connections is a gross mistake.
Huh? What's that? Ichinose works very well.
He's a contract employee. He's not like us.
You shouldn't talk like that.
Well then, do you
truly think a high school graduate like him is the same as we?
You see!
Actually, you look down on him.
Stop playing the nice guy.
Well, next year he'll disappear,
so it's alright to get along with him until then.
What? You don't know?
They say because of the resources recession our company is suffering huge losses.
Well, we know that.
That's why they plan not to renew the temporary contracts next year.
Ichinose...
Ichinose!
Pull yourself together, Aki! How long is he going to cry?
Seems he's definitely in a shock.
Well, it's the first time he has a subordinate.
It can't be helped. Aki! I know!
Tonight is an exception. I'll stay with you till morning.
It's okay. Ichinose will understand.
Eh? No! Wait!
Wait! Swallow it down!
It's something I have known.
Someday, it would be over for me.
Still, I really didn't want to hear it.
I won't become a regular employee?
I can become a regular employee, right?
If I put in effort, I can become one someday, right?
Yes, that's right.
Yoichi Bussan is a first-class trading company.
Eh? It's not like that.
He is a contract employee,
but even entering this company is extremly difficult.
That boy not only relinquished playing Go,
I think he's having a tough time in the company too.
But you see, he works until late in the evening, sometimes even stays the night at the company,
so he's really dedicated.
He's really giving his best.
His superior told me this.
"From now on, he'll be alright", he said.
Yeah. He's really doing his best.
That's right.
I must not forget.
There are people who think of me.
There's still time remaining.
I'll keep my composure
and work proudly till the end.
We shall take it on?
The senior managing director personally wants us to handle this project.
Such a huge project?
Indeed, this is section 3's big chance.
Do you think we should do it?
Isn't that obvious?
Now that Ichinose's contract won't be renewed,
there's no other way to make him a regular employee.
Could it be you're unsure?
Yeah.
Chief, this one time
we receive a project from the senior managing director and you want to turn it down.
Let's do it!
That guy's future is at stake.
I know.
Then, why are you so hesitant?
Yes.
The Thai factory says there's only this budget.
No, that...
I got it.
When I'm back in the office...
once more...
- Ichinose. - Yes.
Check this. If it's correct, send it to the Food department.
Alright.
Yes, it's Oda.
Collapsed!
Shiraishi!
- Are you alright? - Sorry for the bother.
Don't say something like that. Seems you'll be hospitalized for several days.
That's why I told you not to saddle yourself with so much!
Yes.
Use this opportunity to rest a little.
There's still work that has to be done.
If you're working on the Thai fruit jelly project,
I think you should pass that to a subordinate.
No, that won't do.
How much time is left
until you have to present the brochure of that fruit jelly project?
Till Monday next week.
3 days...
Then, how about I create a draft till Sunday
- and bring it to you to rework it? - Such a thing!
- Letting other people do my work... - In return,
once this is over,
you promise me to reduce your workload a little.
Alright?
Still, creating this alone now...
Who said I will do it alone?
Eh?
Ichinose.
Good work today.
Is Chief Shiraishi alright?
Seems she will be released soon.
Chief Oda has talked with Kazuki too, right?
- He said so. - Seems she won't come, right?
- I'll try to call her. - Let it be.
It's not right trying to force her.
Oh, Kazuki-san.
Good work.
Good work today.
Okay. Now the team is complete.
Then, into the conference room.
At any rate, I want to put the project brochure together until tomorrow morning.
Please lend me your support.
Of course we do. We're glad to help.
Earlier, he complained that he wanted to enjoy his free time.
You shouldn't mention that here.
I will take care of the production. Ichinose and Kazuki,
- you are responsible for creating the draft. - Yes.
I will collect the market reports and the marketing material.
I will look up the production place and production volume of each fruit.
Okay.
- Then, get going. - Yes.
The Thai factory should be doing this.
At any rate, please check it for me.
Shouldn't we better list the long-term benefits in an appendix?
Yeah. This would emphasize the point of the profit margins.
What is this?
Ah, this graph and this graph...
I need the results in the course of today by all means.
It's urgent. Sent it by mail. Sorry, okay?
This here,
how do you think about it?
It might be better to put the market reports into another file.
Sorry for the delay. I've just mailed you the summarized production volume.
Thank you. I'll check it.
Looks great.
The rough draft is not bad.
Let's all check it once more.
Then, I'll make copies.
Thank you.
- Oi, shall we all have a break? - Yes.
Buy something to drink with this.
- Thank you very much. - Let's make a pause.
Yes.
Chief Shiraishi collapsed from overwork and stress, right?
Seems she had no one to rely on.
Do you have anyone? Someone within the company to rely on.
That's a question that's quickly to answer. You have us.
Sorry.
It's too sad.
After all the trouble it took to bring us 4 classmates together
I thought we should support each other.
It's okay to tell us. That's what we're here for.
If you're in trouble, talking to a classmate will ease yourself.
Too sentimental, right? Wait a moment. I'll say it better.
Wait.
Don't you think it's better to list some basic data here too?
No. This is an eye-catcher,
so we should place the keywords that make the most impact here
instead of the data.
I see. Alright.
As you said, let's place the keywords here.
Oi.
Do you have a minute?
At my former workplace I had a superior whom I tremendously respected.
I was glad that he was the one who trained me
and we worked well together.
But, suddenly one day,
someone within the company began to spread
that I used my feminine charms in order to get ahead.
But I was the one who was ordered to change the department.
And then it became difficult and you quit, right?
That's why I thought
at my new workplace I should keep the people at distance.
Still,
when I think someone is looking at me with that expression again,
I have no self-confidence to bear it.
Don't tell us you're going to quit.
I don't know.
What shall I do?
That's not like you.
Never running away and always boldly facing things,
that's Kazuki Akane.
When there was the dispute with section 3 because of the contract issue,
when you were reprimanded by the finance director,
you stood upright and didn't run away.
When you drove that truck it was the same.
You didn't run away.
Having such an always fighting classmate
is something that makes me proud.
Now that you say it, I think the same.
I think so too.
Whenever you're wounded from fighting, we'll be there for you.
Thank you.
- I've sent it. - Thank you.
- How's your work going? - It's the critical part.
But in a little while...
Okay.
Okay! Well done!
What do we do now? Shall we go eating?
Let's go. That's what Chief Oda gave us the money for.
You're right. Let's go.
It's from Chief Oda.
Today was a hot day we'll never forget, right?
- What's that? - He noticed it.
Don't worry. It's already wiped off.
Before you woke up, I wiped it off for you.
What do you mean, "For me"? You all, delete it!
It's no use to delete it.
- It's already everywhere. Look! - Huh?
- Look, look, look, look. - Give me your phone at least once.
No way. If I give it to you, you won't give it back.
- You are so childish! - Kiriake-kun!
Sorry. I've taken one too.
Kazuki-san saw it too. That's the worst.
There's no guaranty that tomorrow will be a day like this again.
That's why we should cherish such moments.
What shall we do? If we want to eat, we have to hurry up.
I think the shops here in the neighborhood are closed today.
Eh? Really?
It can't be helped.
Okay, let's disband for today and do it next time.
Well then, see you tomorrow.
See you tomorrow.
Those kids made this?
Well done, don't you think?
Will you reduce your workload as promised?
Yes.
I have to thank them all, haven't I?
There's no reason to thank them. They all seemed to enjoy it.
Here, look at this.
It's good to have classmates, isn't it?
It makes me remember the old days.
Together with Mihara-kun I've also often
worked till late in the night because Supervisor Oda smothered us with work.
You received a project from the senior managing director, right?
Yeah.
What are you going to do with it?
I knew it. You're worried, right?
That story 15 years ago?
Are you afraid that Ichinose-kun will end as Mihara-kun?
What are you saying?
Mihara-kun's death was a work accident,
nobody is responsible for it.
If I had protected him, he wouldn't have died.
Excuse us.
Chief Shiraishi, are you alright?
Who informed you?
Chief Oda told me on the phone.
Well, I'll go now.
- Take care of her. - Yes.
Chief Shiraishi, sorry if we came at an inconvenient time.
No. Thank you.
The Thai fruit jelly project,
- we will do the rest now, right? - Yes.
Supervisor Oda, I can become a regular employee, right?
Yeah. If this project becomes a success, there'll be plenty of opportunities.
I will push it through at the top.
Thank you very much!
Mihara-kun, that's good, isn't it?
Make him quit? 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?
Shiraishi.
No! Keisuke!
Keisuke!
You will come to the performance at the kindergarden at the end of next week, right?
Riku is all revved up to show Papa his dancing.
Yeah.
This year, you'll take the video properly, won't you?
Last year, you filmed only the heads of the people in front of us.
- Yeah. - Eh? What is it?
Do you think it's alright,
if I interfere with somebody's life again?
Do you think
I'm entitled to do that?
Forget it already.
Mihara-kun wouldn't want that.
What are you saying! How could I...
No matter how often you want to change it, it will always be the same.
Don't ask so high and mighty whether you're entitled.
If you want to do it, do it!
Enough of that now!
Yes, it's Ichinose.
Oh.
Good work today.
Chief?
The documentation about the new flavor of Detox Water,
do that tomorrow first thing in the morning.
Yes.
Make an effort.
- From the chief? - Yes. Last evening over the phone.
Calling you in your free time because of work is strange, isn't it?
It is indeed.
Yes, it's Yoichi Bussan section 3.
It's me.
Despite what the chief told him about using you again!
What the hell is wrong with that guy?
Here we are. It's on the 4th floor again.
So it's here where is he lazing around.
Ichinose, I'll wait outside
and you fetch the documents as you were told.
Alright.
Has Senior Managing Director Takano returned?
Then, please tell him I have to speak with him now.
Put it in the same mailbox as last time.
Yes.
- Let me have a look at it. - Yes.
A contract?
It's Oda.
Strange, isn't it?
- What do you mean? - This here.
The proportion of the fees is much higher than usual.
You're right.
Akagi Planning?
Akagi Planning,
the company of an old acquaintance of Ebe-san.
He gives this small company an 80 million order!?
It's a small, unknown factory,
but he always works with them.
This is certainly money he received from his trading partner.
Kick-back?
Eh?
What are you doing?