After thinking back for a moment, Kōkenji did not say anything. Speaking ill of one's superior in front of subordinates was something only a person without discretion would do. So although he had thought of something, he kept it to himself.
But Watanabe and Seto were shrewd men. The moment they saw Kōkenji's expression, they knew they had been right—he had noticed something too.
"Depar~tment Head, do you think the President has run into some kind of trouble? Or maybe he already has, and then..." Watanabe did not say the word "fleeing" that had reached his lips, instead trailing off tactfully.
Seto nodded as well, believing the same thing in his heart.
"Don't talk nonsense. This isn't something you can speak carelessly about! Be careful. Saying such things here may not matter, but if anyone else overhears, it will be absolutely unforgivable!" Kōkenji's heart sank. What Watanabe had said seemed somewhat plausible.
But this absolutely could not be said aloud. Otherwise, if those words reached the group leader's ears, the only thing waiting for him would be seppuku!
"Enough! You may leave. Come find me again when there's something to discuss!" Kōkenji had originally wanted to arrange some matters within the organization, but now he had no interest in doing so.
"Hi!" Watanabe and Seto could only acknowledge him, then get up and leave.
Kōkenji watched the two men withdraw without saying a word. Only after a long while did he let out a deep sigh.
In Japan, surviving as a member of Yamaguchi was truly difficult. The tasks assigned from above—collecting protection fees or increasing business revenue—had to be completed. Failing to meet targets meant that cutting off a finger was a minor matter; losing one's position and status was the real disaster!
If one lost one's standing, the