The Scandal Plan, the Koenji Family's Access

"Please come in."

Squeak--ya.

Pushing open the door, Hashiba Hikaru didn't hesitate for long before walking straight in.

As he entered the office, he immediately saw a figure standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window. The person was very tall, with short, golden hair that shone like gold.

"Hello, I'm Hashiba Hikaru."

The boy introduced himself according to his prepared rhythm, his demeanor was very calm, and he did not show the slightest bit of nervousness.

"Hahaha, so you're Hashiba- kun?"

The blond man turned around with a smile, and his handsome face immediately came into Hashiba Hikaru's view.

The man appeared to be around forty years old, with a fair complexion that showed no signs of aging. He exuded a mature and composed demeanor, and his gentle smile easily won people's favor.

Why would someone like that father a "Koenji Rokusuke guy" like Rokusuke Koenji?

"Yes."

"It's true what they say, seeing is believing, Mr. Hashiba. I am the current head of the Koenji Family, Koenji Morito."

The blond man walked over with a smile, intending to shake hands with Hashiba Hikaru.

"Hello, Mr. Koenji."

Since the purpose of this visit is to discuss cooperation, and this is their territory, the young man decided to first show his goodwill, since there was still some time before the negotiations began.

"That kid Rokusuke told me a lot about you. Now that I've met you in person, I think what he said is true. Hashiba- kun is indeed a rare and outstanding young talent."

After releasing his hand, Koenji Morito praised Hashiba Hikaru like a kind elder, his aura very gentle.

You flatter me.

"How can that be an overstatement? Hashiba Hikaru is only seventeen years old, yet he dares to directly challenge Professor Ayanokoji. What a courageous young man!"

The man abruptly changed the subject, mentioning a name that Hashiba Hikaru was very familiar with, causing the boy's expression to change.

"..."

"I just have some things I want to do, Mr. Koenji, there's no need to test me so quickly."

Hashiba Hikaru thought for a moment, then maintained her indifferent expression.

Since preparations have already begun, there's only one way left: to go all the way.

He didn't even consider Ayanokoji Atsuomi would cause any trouble. If he wanted to solve this problem, the only way was to make him lose everything completely; there was no other solution.

"Haha, Hashiba- kun, don't be so sensitive. I just wanted to get a little understanding of your thoughts, not to test you for anyone's sake."

Koenji Morito's face still wore a smile, but a subtle, strange glint flashed in his eyes.

He was genuinely surprised.

Despite having heard many rumors about Hashiba Hikaru from Koenji Rokusuke, he immediately sensed the extraordinary nature of the young man the moment Hashiba Hikaru began their first conversation.

Now it seems no wonder that his personally groomed successor has such a high opinion of this Hashiba- kun. If he could really be brought into the Koenji Family, he would definitely be Koenji Rokusuke's best helper in the future.

After all, these two people also share a bond from their school days, which is a rare and precious connection.

"So, what brings you to see me today, Mr. Koenji?"

Hashiba Hikaru smiled slightly. Since the other party was the head of the Koenji Family, he must have a lot of things to deal with every day, if not countless. It was impossible for him to come to see him before the board meeting without a reason.

"Besides satisfying my curiosity, I have another very interesting topic to discuss with you."

Koenji Morito raised his eyebrows slightly, finally revealing the imposing presence befitting the head of a powerful financial family.

What is it?

Sensing the change in the other person's aura, Hashiba Hikaru was actually pleased, because it meant that the other person was willing to talk about serious matters.

He would naturally be more than happy to get to the point quickly.

"It's very simple. Although Mr. Hashiba now has the authority to join the board of directors, the cooperation you desire cannot be provided to you by the Koenji Family at this time."

A meaningful smile curled at the corners of the blond middle-aged man's lips.

"Heh, it seems Mr. Koenji wants me to show my sincerity first."

Hashiba Hikaru was not surprised at all by his statement.

"Of course, if you want to win over Professor Ayanokoji and the Kujo Family behind him, you can't do anything with just money."

Koenji Morito's eyes narrowed into slits, and he suddenly asked.

"Hashiba- kun, I've heard you're very skilled in martial arts?"

"?"

Chapter 784 Scandal Plan, the Authority of the Koenji Family.

When Koenji Morito asked this question, Hashiba Hikaru stroked his chin, pondering why the other person would ask such a question.

"If I answer that my skills are not bad, does Mr. Koenji intend to entrust me with a task?"

"I just wanted to suggest a possibility for Hashiba- kun."

Koenji Morito explained slowly, his tone neither hurried nor slow.

"The collaboration between Professor Ayanokoji and the Kujo Family has yielded an extraordinary result. The two combined are not just an ordinary political alliance, but a group with enormous influence."

"If Hashiba wants to cooperate with the Koenji Family, he needs a [legitimate reason]."

"I think I understand what you mean. You want me to offer the key bargaining chip that will decide the outcome, right?"

Hashiba Hikaru instantly understood the unspoken meaning behind the other person's words.

After all, the Koenji Family is a long-established zaibatsu, as is the Kujo Family. Without sufficiently substantial profits, it wouldn't be worthwhile for Koenji Morito to break ties with others. Even if Hashiba Hikaru is outstanding, she is still just an ordinary person now.

Before he can grow into a decision-maker who truly wields power, he must offer something compelling enough to entice the Koenji Family in order to gain the right to negotiate.

"Certainly."

Koenji Morito smiled with satisfaction, seemingly pleased with Hashiba Hikaru's quick reaction.

"I remember that Professor Ayanokoji used to run an interesting educational institution called [The White Room]. I wonder if Hashiba- kun has heard of it?"

"I've heard of it."

Hashiba Hikaru nodded. It seemed that although the [White Room] was an area inaccessible to ordinary people, it was hardly a secret to the zaibatsu standing at the top of society.

"Hahaha, I knew it."

The blond man laughed loudly, then offered the simplest solution.

"With the support of the Kujo Family Professor Ayanokoji is now preparing to run for the position of Cabinet Minister. If, during this crucial period, some fatal scandals suddenly occur, Hashiba- kun, what do you think will happen?"

This was practically tantamount to directly posing a question. Hashiba Hikaru's expression sharpened as she understood the other party's deep considerations.

So that's why I asked about his skills earlier.

How much do you know about the [White Room]?

"I only know the name and its general nature."

Koenji Morito shook his head, seemingly somewhat regretful, "As for the location and other inside information, that's all. After all, it's Professor Ayanokoji's life's work, and many deeper secrets are probably only known to him."

"Understood."

Although Hashiba Hikaru was somewhat disappointed that he couldn't obtain more information, it didn't matter. He knew many people who had come out of the [White Room], and he could just gather the information together.

"Hehe, so you've already made up your mind, Hashiba?"

Koenji Morito had seen countless talented young people, but none of them were as outstanding as Hashiba Hikaru.

Judging from his eyes, this seventeen-year-old boy seemed to have made up his mind the moment he brought it up.

That's way too fast.

Shouldn't he weigh the risks?

"Of course, I agree with Mr. Koenji's arrangement. Since you support my idea, our cooperation should naturally continue."

Hashiba Hikaru nodded slightly and said seriously, "I will get the [chips] you want."

"Tsk tsk tsk, truly a young hero indeed."

Koenji Morito exclaimed in admiration again. Although he was very satisfied with his successor, the arrogance emanating from him still made him, as a father, somewhat worried. But the young man before him was quite remarkable.

It's so tempting to recruit him...

"In that case, I'll grant you access first."

Koenji Morito took out his phone and handed it directly to Hashiba Hikaru.

"This is..."

"Press your fingerprint on it first."

The blond man's phone screen displayed a fingerprint registration page, which appeared to be some kind of authorization process.

Hashiba Hikaru hesitated for a moment, but soon heard Koenji Morito chuckle.

"Don't worry, Hashiba- kun. This is a temporary access card I'm giving you. You can use it to open the secret warehouse of our Koenji Family."

The blond man explained.

"You need to be fully prepared before you take action. You can't possibly do something unarmed, can you?"

"I see."

Although she hesitated for a moment, Hashiba Hikaru quickly figured it out, after all, she could understand a lot from Koenji Morito's attitude just now.

First of all, the fact that he chose to do this himself shows that he was already interested, since if he could secure the alliance between the Kujo Family and Ayanokoji Atsuomi, it would benefit the future of the Koenji Family.

Secondly, as the head of a chaebol, he wouldn't do anything without a reason.

"Drop--"

After the fingerprint registration was successful, Hashiba Hikaru glanced at Koenji Morito's smiling face and asked, "What is the specific schedule?"

"The election will take place at the end of May or the beginning of June and will last for about a week."

The man thought for a moment and then explained the arrangements in great detail.

"Today is April 30th. If Hashiba intends to make more preparations, he should receive the goods by mid-May at the latest, since we, the Koenji Family, need to allow time for them to handle the process."

Koenji Morito suddenly licked his lips, a burning light flashing in his eyes.

"The act of annexation should be undertaken sooner rather than later!"

"I see."

"That's settled then. Once you've decided to do it, you can send a message to Assistant Liu, and he'll send someone to take you to the warehouse."

Koenji Morito nodded slightly. "This matter can be considered a collaboration between you and me. Once it's completed, the Koenji Family will always keep its doors open for you."

"Then I thank Koenji."

Hashiba Hikaru nodded. Although things didn't go quite as he had initially expected, the final result was very good.

The Koenji Family is, after all, a large conglomerate, so to get them to make a move, you naturally have to offer something commensurate with it.

If they could obtain information about the scandal involving the "White Room," they could completely cut off Ayanokoji Atsuomi's path to advancement.

This plan was practically an open secret. After all, Ayanokoji Kiyotaka had said long ago that the way the [White Room] raised children was completely abnormal. If it weren't for the fact that the founder had a powerful background, the whole operation would have been shut down by the police long ago.

The boy thought for a moment, and realized that after returning to school, he might need to bring a few more people with him to complete this task.

Looking back now, it will definitely be a lot of fun.

"Hashiba- kun, have you already come up with a plan?"

Seeing his expression, Koenji Morito asked with some curiosity.

"Yes, I'm reminded of an old saying."

What is it?

"When the wall falls, everyone pushes it down."