- I won't become a regular employee? - You won't.
You are just a disposable contract employee after all.
That's why they plan not to renew the temporary contracts next year.
If that happens, don't you think
you'll have the authority to make Ichinose a regular employee?
Let's do it!
That guy's future is at stake.
He gives this small company an 80 million order!?
- Kick-back? - What are you doing?
You're some disgusting folks, huh?
Do you take so much interest in other people's work?
In this contract,
isn't the commission for the broker too high?
What do you mean?
In such a case, 2% is the usual number.
Huh? What are you rookie talking!
Even a rookie can see that this number is strange.
Do you have an explanation?
This is
a firm which was founded by several members of mayor companies.
Thanks to those people's network
we've got this business.
It's only natural that their profit is a little bit higher.
Give it back.
This project was approved by the Finance and the Legal department.
Do you think they are so fussy?
Ichinose...
If you have time enough to play detective with your rookie,
train him properly!
Don't tell the chief about this.
Why?
It may be obvious fraud, but it was approved by the competent authorities.
It's mortifying, but it is as that guy said.
What's wrong? You're so stiff.
It's about the solar power generation project
that you want to be handled by section 3.
I see. I had expected this answer.
It's been some time since we've teamed up, right?
This will be
a joint project with Teisyu Co. Ltd.
In China, solar power generation is part of the national policy.
I want Teisyu's bid to be successful by all means.
If this works, it can become an important source of revenue for Yoichi.
Teisyu is well established in the power plant business,
but they still have a shortage of solar panels.
Here they need our capabilities.
Do your utmost to get them those panels.
Yes.
Leave the window seat to Ebe.
He is better accustomed to work with Chinese people.
It will be fun, don't you think?
Excuse me, please answer me 1 question.
Why did you entrust section 3 with this project?
Because you are there.
Let's work together like in the old times.
Show a more confident face!
Yes.
Solar power?
This is a large-scale project we received from the senior managing director in person.
It's big business with a volume of 50 billion yen.
50 billion?
Ebe,
the senior managing director told me to leave negotiating with Teisyu Co. Ltd. to you.
- Put in effort. - Yes, of course.
That's why I came here.
But, I can't handle it all by myself, can I?
Please put Ichinose unter my control.
Ichinose,
you will support Ebe.
Yes...
Do we know any high quality panel maker?
There are some in the West and in this country.
- Start working on it immediately. - Yes.
- Okay. That's all. - Ah, Chief,
if it's China, what about that thing?
We have to do it.
I guess you're right.
Aki-san.
What did you mean with "that thing"?
Eh? Ah, I see. For you this is the first time, right?
In China, personal connections are very important.
But it's not everything.
When you get a contract, you pass a little to the other side.
Eh? It's usual to pass money in order to get a contract?
Simply said, so it is.
In the old China they called it business practice to improve the relationship.
Well, more or less it's done elsewhere too.
Until now, you've never seen it,
because the chief hates such kind of things.
Then, why did the chief accept it this time?
That's because...
it's an ultra-large-scale project.
What are you doing?
Come here, come here.
Quickly, quickly, quickly.
I will expose the devil in that guy.
I will capture the moment when Narumi-san receives the money from his trading partner.
You mean the kick-back?
Yeah. Without evidence,
he will get away no matter how suspicious he is.
With this, I'm perfectly prepared.
This telephoto lens is amazing.
Oi, the panel maker list.
- Here. - Prepare the proposal already.
Yes.
- Aki-san, the maker list. - Okay.
Since then, we made a collective effort
to secure high quality solar panels.
Yuki.
This is material about the expected energy consumption.
- Let it circulate in your department. - Alright.
- Good work today. - Oh, I've heard it.
Your project was approved. That's great.
Thank you very much.
- Yuki-san should treat you to an expensive sake. - No...
Oi.
- Would you like to drink some? - Ah, no...
I don't want to bother you.
I see.
But, if you have time...
Yes, it's Yuki.
Yes. Alright. We'll mail you the draft immediately.
Hiyama-san.
We have received the date for the meeting with our Vietnam business partners.
When is it?
They propose the 25th at 17 o'clock.
Alright. You have to attend too.
- Yes. - We appreciate your favor.
Kazuki, keep the evening of the 25th clear.
We have a meeting with Mogami Oil.
The other side's director is a womanizer.
He will be happy if we bring a young woman along.
But on that day is the meeting because of the Vietnam business.
There's no need for you to attend that.
Make a restaurant reservation.
Yes...
We're still in the bidding phase. Is it okay to order such a large amount of panels?
No problem.
But if the bid fails, we might suffer a big loss.
Don't think about a failure!
Do your best to secure as many as possible.
- Yes. - Listen.
This week, I want to make sure that the panels get produced.
- Get going! - Yes.
The chief seemed to be in an unusual hurry.
Yes, it's Yoichi Bussan section 3.
I'm sorry. Ebe is currently not in the office.
When he returns, he will call you back.
I see.
Yes. Good-bye.
What's wrong?
Chief Oda!
One of the largest panel makers decided to produce for us.
Yes! That's great!
Okay. I'll make a last check of the contract draft.
Ebe and Aki, you will check the panel makers' production list.
Alright.
All of Teisyu's specifications for the solar panels
had to be expressively formulated in the contract.
But, suddenly an unexpected problem emerged.
Oi, where did Ebe go?
I think he's somewhere in the office. Did anything happen?
Oi, Ichinose. Bring Ebe here at once!
Yes.
What does that mean?
- Ah, you're talking about the agent, right? - Agent?
There's an agent between Teisyu and us.
Huh? The agent takes a brokerage commission of 2.5%?
That's a joke. Our margin is 3%.
That's true.
If we pay 2.5% commission,
our own profit is only 0.5%.
Ebe, explain this. The one who negotiated with them is you.
I have no idea.
I did only what the person in charge told me.
That must be a joke.
Who would sign such a contract? Send it back.
I don't think it would be good to send it back.
This contract was negotiated between the senior managing director
and the person in charge of the other side.
If someone sends it back, shouldn't that better be the senior managing director?
The senior managing director?
Chief?
He has such a short temper, hasn't he?
I wonder if this will really go well.
Aki-san!
Do you have a minute?
I have already agreed with the other party that Kugai Co. will be put between us.
- They cannot be removed? - They can't.
I can't accept that.
Our negotiations with Teisyu were far advanced.
Why was it necessary to bring in an agent at this timing?
And the commission is far too high!
Bringing in this agent was Teisyu's condition for working with us.
Sorry, but I have to leave. Let's talk calmly another time.
If that's so, why didn't you tell me from the beginning?
If I had, could I have convinced you then?
- The phone number was not displayed? - Yes.
It seems there have been several suspicious phone calls for Ebe-san.
Ichinose took them.
- Is that true? - Yes.
A voice in broken Japanese asked if Ebe-san was present.
When I said he was absent but would call back,
they hung up without telling their company name.
You should have told us such a thing earlier.
I'm sorry.
This project is a bit fishy, isn't it?
I think so too.
Chief!
No matter what happens, we will pull this project through.
Aki, contact our people in Shanghai
and check if Teisyu has used an agent in the past.
Yes.
- Report everything you hear to me. - Yes.
Listen.
From now on, record all telephone calls that are connected to this project.
- Understood? - Yes.
Somehow it was strange.
This wasn't the chief I knew.
Chief Oda?
Normally, the chief had said "Stop",
- but he wants to pull it through. - Well, that's understandable.
It's 50 billion. If it's a success, it will without doubt put him on the career path.
No, the chief isn't a person who thinks only of his career.
But I think there must be something he had on his mind.
Didn't he receive this big project from the senior managing director?
As head of the section
he may think he has no choice but to do it.
This is it. You can't say "No" to the senior managing director.
Good work today.
You also come here often, don't you?
Well, occasionally at weekend.
Can I sit next to you?
I don't mind.
Excuse me.
It's hot, isn't it?
Then, I'll go ahead.
Yes.
Excuse me!
If you like, won't we go for a drink?
You have changed, compared to the time when you were assigned to us.
Previously, it was written in your face that working in the Steel division bored you.
I'm sorry.
Do you know how much profit the Steel division makes per year?
No.
70 billion.
The number of countries we work with is 27.
In our business, many people have to work until a contract is made.
Just 1 small mistake
can affect a lot of of people.
That's why it's extremly important to pay attention to details.
It's not a work that everyone wants to do.
Important is
to do your job with pride and enjoy it.
I'm not yet at a point where I can enjoy my job.
It takes all my nerves to avoid making a mistake.
But, someday I'll be proud to be a member of the Steel division
and enjoy this work sincerely.
That's what I think now.
Is that so?
Yes.
Yuki-san, I have a question.
In case a large business was a success
and the department has grown, which rewards do they get?
First, this department's top gets a promotion.
Next, if they don't have enough personnel,
this top can increase the number of staff.
So, for example, could he make a contract employee a regular employee?
That should be possible.
Yes. I'll give you Chief Oda now.
Chief, this is Takeshita-san who's stationed in Shanghai.
This is Oda.
I've heard the story from Aki.
We have made inquiries about Teisyu.
They always bring an agent in.
- I see. - However, I've never heard
that they suddenly brought an agent in when the contract was in the making
like in this case.
They were always in from the beginning.
- Seems it's usual everywhere. - Yes.
Has Teisyu ever used Kugai Co.?
No. This is the first time.
I've never heard the name of this agent.
What is the normal commission for their agent?
At most 1%.
Well, that's a number I could accept.
Do they really demand 2.5%?
Yeah.
That's strange indeed.
Our margin is roughly 3%, right?
That's right.
This is also too little.
If I were asked these times
to supply high quality panels quickly,
I'd consider a margin of 5% for Yoichi as adequate.
I see.
I've got some informations about Kugai Co. and will send them by fax.
Sorry for the trouble. I don't think there will be further problems
so you shouldn't worry about this case anymore.
Thank you.
Ichinose, fetch the fax.
Yes.
[Akagi Planning]
Akagi Planning?
He gives this small company an 80 million order!?
If you have time enough to play detective with your rookie,
train him properly!
Oi, Ichinose. What's wrong?
Ah, Aki-san.
Among Kugai's external directors
appears the same name as on the contract Ebe-san was holding.
- Eh? - Look.
You have a good memory.
- Ichinose, let's talk outside. - Yes.
- A kick-back from Ebe? - Yes.
There was no clear proof so we kept silent,
but it's really strange.
It can't be a coincidence that Ebe-san is doing deals
with Akagi Planning, whose representative
has connections to Kugai.
If Ebe-san pays kick-backs,
this case may be the same fraud.
No, Ebe-san couldn't do such a bold thing single-handedly.
This project came from the senior managing director.
Then, together with the senior managing director?
Idiot. Don't utter such outragious things.
I'm sorry.
Don't poke into this matter any further.
Don't talk about it to anyone.
The meeting is over.
It's indeed strange.
This wasn't the chief's way to react.
Chief.
Good work.
Good work today.
Is the new project on track?
I see.
I know the reason why Chief Oda continues this project.
He really does it with the best intentions.
If you should get into trouble in the future, don't worry.
Chief Oda will certainly help you out of it.
Wait. What's that supposed to mean?
It's all for your sake.
Under these circumstances we really should continue, right?
Yeah.
I know how you feel.
I feel the same.
But indeed, this time...
If I say I do it, I do it!
Ichinose...
Withdraw from this project please.
What are you saying?
It's in order to make me a regular employee, right?
If I became a regular employee, I could continue working here.
For my sake you're doing this dubious project.
Don't be conceited!
It has nothing to do with you.
Then, why are you doing it?
If you get a project from above,
it's a matter of course to do it as an employee.
Even if it's a dangerous project that's been forced on you?
- What do you mean? - If this fails,
the senior managing director will put the blame on section 3.
As the chief, you know that yourself!
Don't accuse the senior managing director with such unfounded speculations.
He is a man who has rendered numerous merits to the company.
He wouldn't harm the company because of personal feelings.
If you just did your work without unnecessary thoughts...
Please stop it already!
It's really enough!
I wish I could
still long,
from now on forever,
work under Chief Oda and Aki-san.
But, even so,
I don't wish to become a regular employee so much
that I want to see Chief Oda and Aki-san running a risk!
This
doesn't make me happy at all!
I'm begging you!
Please be again the chief you always were.
Please!
It's true, if this becomes a success,
it may be possible that you stay with us.
That's why I'm doing what I can.
This is the last chance.
Don't worry.
I will find the best way.
I'll prove that I can protect you.
- Oh, you're still here? - Yeah.
A long-distance flight in the economy class is really hard.
Due to it, my hip is hurting.
But from time to time, a trip abroad can be nice, right?
For you. A souvenir from Indonesia.
This talisman
and the Surinam tea that Keiko-chan likes.
Drink it together at home.
Ah, outch. My hip is killing me.
Say, Kobayakawa.
Do I worry too much about everything?
Yes, it's section 3, Oda.
- Excuse me. - Oh, you're here. Come in.
Yes.
You?
I called him here.
What are you doing? Sit down quickly.
Yes.
- Would you like a beer? - Yeah.
- I will... - It's alright.
Today, I want to treat you.
Thank you.
Is Matsubara-sensei being well?
I play Go too.
The one who taught me in that Go salon was Matsubara-sensei.
So that's how it was.
Oi.
1 year passes in the blink of an eye, right?
His presentation as intern was splendid.
I wanted to admit him in our company as a regular employee,
but since he's a high school graduate,
giving him a term contract was the utmost I could do.
I thought making him a contract employee would enable him to gain experience.
It's really a pity to think that he won't be here anymore.
Oi, Ichinose, what about your work?
There's still something left to do.
Then, go back.
Can't it wait till the meal is served?
No, section 3 is extremly busy right now.
I'm very sorry.
I see.
If that's so, it can't be helped.
Well, excuse me.
Next time, come to my house to play Go.
Yes.
Admitting Ichinose in our company, wasn't it like that time 15 years ago?
A kind of insurance in a certain way?
What are you saying?
Don't talk nonsense.
Do you want to drag this bygone matter along forever?
A long time ago, when I drank with you till the morning,
we had a hot discussion about the future of the company.
Since that time, the man I regard as the most trustful and brilliant,
this is you, Oda.
If this project gets realized, I'm vice-president.
Hereafter, I will put section 3 under my direct control.
You will be free of all ties to the organization
and can choose the work you want to do.
Of course, you can choose the staff of section 3 as you like.
We both have a motivation to make this project a success.
Let's win together!
Your win is my win too.
This is the last chance.
I'll prove that I can protect you.
Kazuki,
have you made a reservation for the banquet tomorrow?
Yes.
Tomorrow, come wearing a short skirt.
Making men stare at you is your specialty, right?
Sit next to the director and please him.
You understand, don't you?
Control yourself please!
Where on earth have you ever seen a subordinate like her?
She is an excellent rookie!
She masters her work better than some guys in their 2nd or 3rd year.
Let's stop talking that she's a woman and such stuff.
What are you saying? Weren't you the one who behaved the worst!
That's why I regret it!
It was wrong of me.
It had been my duty to treat her more fairly.
Should there occur any more sexual harassment or power harassment
like this just now,
it will be my business.
Don't act up.
Do you understand!
Hiyama-san,
that was great.
Hiyama-san...
I've said it at last.
Finally, the day has come.
Narumi Ryota gets caught red-handed.
Soon he will receive the money from his trading partner.
They come, they come, they come, they come.
I will get the perfect proof.
Hurry up, hand over the money. Hand it over.
They kiss?
Why does this business still make no progress?
I'm very sorry. Chief Oda is being reluctant.
Why this?
That's because this project is not completely legal.
Who is the one who deals with Teisyu?
That's me.
And who put the agent between Teisyu and us?
That's me.
I see.
It's all your doing, right?
But all this happened with your consent.
If you want to survive,
get your job done before any problems arise.
Yes...
Don't accuse the senior managing director with such unfounded speculations.
He wouldn't harm the company because of personal feelings.
Yes, it's section 3.
Good work today. I'm Takeshita from Shanghai.
Good work today. I'm Ichinose.
Ah, it's you. Is Chief Oda absent?
Yes. He's not at his desk right now.
I see.
He told me to receive all urgent matters in the meantime.
Well, it's not urgent.
I just wanted to tell him something about the Teisyu project.
Did anything happen?
Yes. It came to my mind
I heard from people close to Teisyu
if they could secure high quality panels now,
they could get more orders for similar power plants.
Then, actually there was no need to bring in Kugai.
Absolutely not.
We had secured the panels
which Teisyu needed.
That's true.
Objectively, they had to be grateful to us in this situation.
What do you want to say?
Do you think the senior managing director judged the situation completely reversed?
It seems all to be his conception.
Takeshita-san?
Ichinose.
What are you saying?
This just now was only a misunderstanding of a rookie.
We're making good progress with Teisyu.
Since things are going well,
you don't need to inquire any further.
Then, till next time. Thank you.
Chief...
Come with me.
Do you understand what you've done?
There's still not a single fact to suspect the senior managing director.
It seems he left the handling to Ebe.
Should this be treated as a false accusation,
the blame for creating this grave problem will fall upon you and section 3.
Your rash action might have destroyed everything.
I'm sorry.
Today it's chilly, isn't it?
Chief, aren't you cold?
Despite all you've told that guy, he again...
He's truly an idiot, isn't he?
Yeah. A super-idiot.
Ichinose, you're still here?
- Yes. - And Ebe-san?
- He just went home. - I see.
Oi.
Do you want to make such a face forever?
That way, it might grow together with your chest.
Don't worry.
The chief and I know
that you said it to protect section 3.
Is it so difficult to bear?
Do you think it's your fault that we're doing something unreasonable?
The chief isn't angry anymore.
It's enough for today. Go home.
A firm stand.
As long as you have a firm stand, there is hope.
The chief told me so.
As long as you stand with both feet firmly on the ground,
there's hope.
The chief
certainly said it
to show me that there is hope for me.
That's why he puts his feet firmly on the ground
and does this project.
For my sake.
It truly
makes me incredibly happy.
The way the chief and you feel is great.
You did so much for me,
whereas I couldn't do anything for you in return.
Still,
you gave someone like me a helping hand.
During all these times, at any moment,
you accepted me.
You always treated me fairly.
This alone is enough.
Please eliminate the agent from this business.
This is my condition for continuing this project.
I told you they can't be eliminated.
If that's so, I'll withdraw from this project.
Is that okay? Are you willing to dump him?
He will be alright.
It was conceited of me to think I had to protect him.
Maybe I felt pressed to do this time for him
what I couldn't do 15 years ago.
Due to this fault,
I didn't realize how much I afflicted him.
Arbitrarily pressing one's own thoughts on a subordinate
is the worst a superior can do.
That's why I will do what I decided to do.
- Senior Managing Director! - What's wrong?
Here are people from the Audit department.
By order of the president we will conduct a special audit.
Please cooperate.
This was quite a sudden event.
Audit department.
We're here to seize the documentation of the solar power generation project.
Please don't touch anything.
Oi.
Takeshita-san, who was alarmed because of this case,
had made a report to headquarters and they set the Audit department in motion.
The reason why the senior managing director was suspected of fraud
was obviously that careless remark
that I had made.
It was all my fault.