Chapter 21: To the Workplace
“It’s a bit sudden, but I’ll have you go to that security company. He will guide you there.”
Tsuyoshi said this, his gaze shifting to a man who had been waiting silently until now. The man, who had been standing quietly near the door, took a step forward and bowed deeply to Hayato.
“I am Keigo Yasumoto, president of Shield Agent Security Co., Ltd. I look forward to your acquaintance.”
The man introduced himself in a low, yet clear voice. He was likely around 180 centimeters tall, with a physique honed by training. He appeared to be in his early forties. His short-cropped hair and well-defined face exuded an air of someone who had overcome harsh experiences.
No way, he was the president? And to think he’d greet me so politely. Hayato hurriedly stood up from his seat, bowed his head, and replied courteously.
“I’m Hayato Sato. It’s a pleasure to meet you, and I look forward to working with you.”
“Well then, I’ll explain the details on the way. I have a car prepared for you.”
At President Yasumoto’s words, Hayato nodded and turned back to Tsuyoshi.
“I’m heading off.”
“Yeah. I’m counting on you, Hayato.”
Tsuyoshi lightly patted his shoulder. The gesture was filled with friendship and trust. The atmosphere between the two spoke of a bond forged over many years.
Hayato followed President Yasumoto out of the conference room.
“This way, please.”
As they walked down the corridor, President Yasumoto guided Hayato in a gentlemanly manner.
“Ah, yes.”
To be guided so politely by the president himself. Hayato followed him, feeling a little restless.
They took the elevator down to the building’s underground parking lot, where a black luxury sedan was waiting. A chauffeur stood ramrod straight beside the car, quickly opening the door as they approached.
“After you.”
Yielding to President Yasumoto, Hayato got into the back seat. President Yasumoto followed, sitting next to him. The chauffeur closed the door and quickly moved to the driver’s seat.
As the car began to drive through the city center, President Yasumoto started to explain the security company’s situation.
“Our company specializes in personal protection, and we primarily receive requests from the Tetsumura Group and its affiliated companies.”
He explained that it was mainly composed of former police officers, ex-Self-Defense Force members, and former martial artists, and had earned a high reputation, especially in the field of dignitary protection.
“Until now, we’ve never had a major incident, and we have the deep trust of our clients, but…”
President Yasumoto’s expression clouded over.
“The recent incident abroad was our first major failure. The fact that a traitor emerged from within is a critical problem for the company.”
Hayato listened as President Yasumoto provided more details on the story he had already heard from Tsuyoshi. President Yasumoto spoke candidly about the specifics of the incident, the subsequent response, and the ongoing organizational reforms.
“Is it really alright for you to tell me this much?”
Even though he had decided to take the job, Hayato wondered if it was information he should be privy to. When Hayato asked, looking suspicious, President Yasumoto smiled gently.
“I’ve heard that you are a companion whom Tsuyoshi-sama trusts. Based on that alone, I judged it was alright to tell you.”
A sincere light dwelled in his eyes.
“Besides, it would be better for you to know this information for the personnel training you’ll be conducting.”
“I see.”
Hayato nodded as he listened. He could feel the sincerity in President Yasumoto’s words, and it was clear that he himself was serious about reforming the company.
While they conversed, the car headed from the center of Tokyo to a slightly more distant area, eventually arriving in front of another impressive building. Although not as tall as the Tetsumura Group headquarters, the building was striking with its sophisticated design and sturdy construction.
“This is the office of Shield Agent Security Co., Ltd.”
Guided by President Yasumoto, Hayato stepped into the building. The entrance was simple yet efficiently functional, with a reception counter for visitors and security gates.
“We’ll issue Sato-san’s ID card later. For today, let’s enter using my authorization.”
President Yasumoto swiped a special card, opening the security gate. They went up several floors in an elevator and proceeded down a corridor, arriving in front of a room with a large glass window.
“This is our company’s training room.”
President Yasumoto opened the door and ushered Hayato inside.
It was a spacious area where the security company’s employees were engrossed in training. It was about the size of a gymnasium, with a matted martial arts area, a weight training section, and even a simulation area for shooting practice at the far end.
Men with well-honed physiques were silently working up a sweat. In the quiet space, only the occasional clanking of weights or the sound of bodies hitting the mat could be heard.
Several people in the room noticed President Yasumoto and stopped their training to approach.
“These men here are some of our company’s top performers.”
President Yasumoto introduced them proudly. They bowed slightly and lined up quietly.
“Suzuki is a former member of the Metropolitan Police Department’s special forces. Sasaki is a former professional martial artist and has experience as an All-Japan champion. Tanaka is ex-JSDF and belonged to an elite unit.”
President Yasumoto introduced each one. They were all individuals with experience in handling rough situations or possessing outstanding physical abilities, such as former police officers, ex-martial artists, and former athletes. Among them, these were said to be the best of the best, whose skills were particularly recognized.
In their eyes, as they looked at Hayato, there was curiosity mixed with a slight hint of doubt. Who exactly was this man the president had brought with him?
President Yasumoto, perhaps sensing their expressions, smiled.
“Everyone, this is Hayato Sato-san. Starting today, he will be joining our company and will be specifically in charge of instructing the retraining subjects alongside all of you.”
At those words, a small murmur spread among the men. Clear bewilderment was visible on their faces. They had just been told that a man younger than them, who didn’t seem to have any special background, would be instructing subjects alongside them.
“President Yasumoto, excuse me.”
The man introduced as Sasaki, the former martial artist, raised his hand and asked a question. His voice was polite, but his eyes held an obvious question. He had never heard the name Hayato Sato before, and his abilities were unknown. What kind of person was he?
“Could you tell us a little about Sato-san’s background?”
Asked this, President Yasumoto seemed troubled about how to respond. He, too, didn’t know many details. Only that Tsuyoshi had vouched for his abilities. Then, President Yasumoto turned his gaze to Hayato.
“First, could you perhaps show them your abilities, Sato-san?”
Hayato showed a moment of hesitation at the proposal. However, his expression quickly regained its composure. That would be the quickest way, he figured.
“Understood.”
Observing the physiques and auras of the men who had been introduced, Hayato thought it would probably be fine. He nodded quietly and, while taking off his jacket, stepped forward.
“I’ll show you what I can do. I’ll be in your care for a match.”