Hashima Hikaru's Choice, Undercurrents Swirling

Kujo Hayato stroked his gray beard and continued to promote his two granddaughters.

"I raised both Rika and Aoi. Rika is a year older than Hashiba- kun, while Aoi is a year younger than Hashiba- kun. Their ages should be just right."

"..."

Hashiba Hikaru observed the two noble ladies whose pretty faces were flushed. After Kujo Hayato spoke, they were shy but did not voice any objections; they were just a little afraid to meet his gaze.

"Mr. Kujo, I think you should carefully consider such an important decision. After all, this is the first time I have met both ladies, and I don't really know them well."

The boy and Sakayanagi Narimori was standing to the side, exchanged a glance. He sensed the other's concerns, so he did not refuse directly.

"Does Mr. Hashiba look down on arranged marriages?"

Kujo Hayato smiled, his tone calm, "Arranged marriages are perfectly normal for families like ours. With your abilities, Hashiba, you'll understand that this is the right choice when you actually manage a large family yourself."

"Uh, that's not what I meant. It's because Mr. Kujo's request was too abrupt."

Hashiba Hikaru thought for a moment, then decided to take a firm stance, "The Kujo Family and I are essentially from two different worlds. I'm afraid I can't fulfill your request..."

"Hehe, Hashiba, don't be in such a hurry to refuse me."

Kujo Hayato knew, of course, that his words would not elicit a response from Hashiba Hikaru, given that she was indeed a very special person.

He single-handedly forged connections with both the Koenji Family and Sakayanagi Family, making a name for himself in high society as an ordinary student. How could someone like that easily accept "marrying into" another family?

"Although I don't quite understand what Mr. Kujo is thinking, I believe everyone has their own path to walk."

Hashiba Hikaru gazed intently at the white-haired old man and said, slowly and deliberately, "Many problems do not have only one solution."

"Hahaha, you actually think you can lecture this old man?"

Kujo Hayato understood Hashiba Hikaru's unspoken meaning, but he wasn't angry at all; he just found it amusing.

"I have only expressed my opinion; there is still much room for discussion on this matter."

"Mr. Kujo, are you so sure you can offer me something that will win my heart?"

Knowing that the other side wouldn't give up easily, Hashiba Hikaru chose to take the initiative.

"That's right. I've met many outstanding young people in my life, but someone like Hashiba is truly a first."

Kujo Hayato's white beard twitched. As the head of a zaibatsu with astonishing experience, although this was only their first meeting, Hashiba Hikaru gave him a very special feeling.

No matter how outstanding an ordinary young person is, once they learn that the old man is the Head of the Kujo Family, they will inevitably have some strange thoughts, whether it is to curry favor or to seek something else.

But the boy opposite him didn't seem to understand this at all. On the contrary, after hearing the tempting "shortcut to life," his first reaction was to try and persuade himself to give it up?

That's really interesting.

"For special people, I am willing to offer my utmost sincerity."

Kujo Hayato nodded, acknowledging Hashiba Hikaru's earlier question.

"Then you go ahead and tell me. It seems I can't stop you now."

Hashiba Hikaru smiled. As someone in a higher position, the other party had probably already planned how to manipulate her before even arriving.

"If Hashiba- kun becomes my grandson, all you need to do is change your surname to Kujo. That's my only request of you."

This was the point that Kujo Hayato valued most, since his idea was for the boy to become the heir of the Kujo Family, and changing his surname was inevitable.

"Then what?"

"Besides that, I will give you the greatest authority and freedom."

Kujo Hayato stared into Hashiba Hikaru's eyes and stated a condition that would make countless people yearn for it.

"First, you can marry my two granddaughters, Aoi and Rika. They are both girls who have received a traditional education, and I guarantee they will satisfy you."

Upon hearing this, the two young ladies standing beside her nodded to Hashiba Hikaru, their faces flushed, but they were already prepared for what was to come.

"Secondly, besides Kui and Rika, you can keep many lovers outside, as long as you don't bring them back, it doesn't matter if you have children outside."

Upon hearing this, Sakayanagi Narimori, who was standing to the side, widened his eyes in surprise.

After all, this condition is simply too terrifying. As long as Hashiba Hikaru nods, given his status as the heir of the Kujo Family, it's estimated that no woman would refuse him.

"Third, after you become my grandson, I will use the greatest resources to nurture you, ensuring that you can officially take over from me when you are twenty years old. Whether in the business world or politics, Mr. Hashiba can choose freely and give full play to your abilities."

"So, how are you feeling, Hashiba- kun?"

After saying this, Kujo Hayato looked at the boy opposite him with expectant eyes. These conditions, once stated, would probably tempt any normal man.

"It is indeed very tempting, and I believe Mr. Kujo's promise will not be compromised, after all, I am already very clear about your biggest thoughts."

Hashiba Hikaru nodded, her expression remaining calm.

"So, what is your answer Hashiba- kun?"

"What will Mr. Kujo do if I refuse?"

Kujo Hayato Hashiba Hikaru caught the incredibly confident look in Kyūjō Hayato's eyes and decided to give him a heads-up.

"If Hashiba refuses, I certainly won't give up so easily."

Kujo Hayato said quite frankly, "That Ayanokoji Ayanokouji's affair must be related to you, right?"

"Yes."

"Since Mr. Hashiba has helped our Kujo Family get rid of those who betrayed us, I naturally must take timely remedial measures."

The old man's eyes narrowed to slits, as if he had already considered all of this.

"The best way to remedy this is to personally train a successor. As long as he integrates into the Kujo Family, no accidents will occur."

What if I disagree?

"I will keep trying to persuade you, after all, Mr. Hashiba will be living here for almost two more years, right?"

"That's a bit of a rogue move, Mr. Kujo?"

"Heh, for the sake of the Kujo Family, I'm willing to do anything, good or bad."

"..."

Chapter 818 Hashiba Hikaru's Choice: Undercurrents Surge

To be honest, dealing with someone of higher status who tries to act shamelessly can indeed make the situation very tricky.

After Kujo Hayato finished explaining his thoughts, Hashiba Hikaru fell into a brief silence.

The Kujo Family is one of the three major shareholders of the Tokyo Advanced Nurturing High School Board, and Kujo Hayato is also considered an elder of Sakayanagi Narimori. When the silver-haired man heard the attitude of the Elder Kujo, he really didn't know how to speak up for Hashiba Hikaru.

"May I ask, what form will your suggestion of 'finding a way to persuade me' take?"

"We'll only know the specific methods after implementation, since it all depends on Hashiba- kun's reaction."

From the very beginning, Kujo Hayato maintained a gentle demeanor while conversing with Hashiba Hikaru, remaining calm even after making "threats."

"If that's the case, I actually find it quite interesting."

Hashiba Hikaru's lips curled into a smile. He understood Kujo Hayato's deeper thoughts: if anyone wanted to act tough, then it would be a test of who could persist longer.

"Is Hashiba- kun really going to make this decision?"

Kujo Hayato seemed a little regretful, "If you agree, I can go back and prepare for your wedding. We'll get married after you graduate high school. In the meantime, I'll have Aoi and Rika come to the school to keep you company."

"This is truly flattering, but since Mr. Kujo has already given his thoughts, I have no choice but to oblige."

Hashiba Hikaru shook her head slightly. "I'm sorry, I have to decline your offer."

"..."

After the boy formally refused, the air in the room noticeably fell silent for a moment.

The two young ladies standing behind Kujo Hayato were both disappointed. They had read some information about Hashiba Hikaru long ago, and after meeting him in person today, they were both very impressed with him. Marrying someone like him would be the best choice.

"Is Hashiba really trying to force me?"

"If Mr. Kujo makes a concession, there might be even better solutions."

Hashiba Hikaru wasn't going to budge. He had no interest in inheriting the conglomerate, and even though the two girls opposite him were both beautiful, the boy already had seven romantic entanglements, and he didn't want to add to that number.

"It seems that Mr. Hashiba has already made up his mind. What a pity."

Kujo Hayato stood up abruptly from the sofa. He was very satisfied with Hashiba Hikaru. From the various rumors he had heard at the beginning to the research he had done, and now, their personal meeting today, the young man had left a very deep impression on the old man.

"Sakayanagi, since the negotiations have broken down, I shall take my leave."

"Mr. Kujo, let me see you off."

Sakayanagi Narimori greeted him with a smile, and took the time to give Hashiba Hikaru a look that seemed to suggest he stay.

After the old man and the two young ladies behind him left, the silver-haired man returned to the Chairman's office.

"You must be exhausted, Hashiba- kun."

"Yes, I didn't want to answer like that, but who knew this old man would start acting like a scoundrel."

Hashiba Hikaru shrugged. Since the other party had already stated the consequences of both scenarios, he could only choose the latter.

"Although he's gone now, I don't think this matter will end here."

Looking at Hashiba Hikaru's profile, Sakayanagi Narimori explained to him, "As a major shareholder in the School Board, Mr. Kujo has the authority to intervene in various major decisions of the school, and he might even arrange some special exams."

"No matter how the exam is conducted, as long as it's within the rules, I don't believe he can force me to drop out of school."

Hashiba Hikaru wasn't really worried. After all, he now had so many resources and skills that even if he were to become enemies with the Kujo Family, it wouldn't be a difficult thing.

"It's good to have confidence, but I'll let you know in advance if there are any unusual developments on the School Board's side."

Sakayanagi Narimori had long regarded Hashiba Hikaru as his own junior, and spoke in a very gentle tone.

"Yes, thank you, Chairman."

"Then you should go back first, Hashiba- kun."

"Yes."

Watching Hashiba Hikaru's departing figure, a bad feeling suddenly arose in Sakayanagi Narimori's heart.

Although Ayanokoji Atsuomi and the Kujo Family have severed ties, there is now a possibility that the two sides could reach an agreement again.

That's Hashiba Hikaru.

The Kujo Family wants Hashiba Hikaru to become a true "one of their own," while Ayanokoji Atsuomi wants to drive Hashiba Hikaru so he can force Ayanokoji Kiyotaka to return.

"Maybe I'm overthinking it, after all, things have already escalated to this point."

The silver-haired man rubbed his temples and let out a long sigh of relief.

"Grandfather, are you planning to give up?"

On the way back, a girl named Kujo Aoi asked Kujo Hayato about the matter, while Kujo Rika sat quietly to the side without saying a word.

"Of course not. You've all met Hashiba- kun today. What are your impressions of him?"

Kujo Hayato sat on the left side of the back seat, while the two young ladies sat on the right.

"I think he's great, and he has a certain inexplicable charm that's very attractive."

Although Kujo Aoi received a systematic traditional education from a young age, she was much more lively than her somewhat introverted older sister. Although she had never been in contact with a man, she enjoyed watching many literary works about love, including anime and movies.

Where are the Rika?

I also think... it's great...

Kujo Rika is rather gentle, but she does have a strong liking for Hashiba Hikaru.

"That's good. Although Mr. Hashiba refused me today, the Kujo Family certainly cannot give up so easily."

Kujo Hayato seized the opportunity to teach his two granddaughters, "The best things will always belong to us, because we deserve them."

"Yes."

The two young ladies received their grandfather's teachings from a young age, so they had developed a certain degree of acceptance of many of his ideas.

"Will Grandfather come here again?"

Kujo Aoi glanced at the receding scenery outside the window, a sense of anticipation rising in her heart. If she came again next time, she could meet with Hashiba Hikaru once more.

"Not for now, because someone has proposed a new plan to me."