Daisuke’s formerly vibrant personality was understandably absent as he walked to the desk and sat in his seat at the center. His slumped shoulders and vacant gaze held no mystery to anyone present—it was clear he had no desire to be there, or anywhere else for that matter. He raised his head and surveyed the room. Rows of journalists and cameramen. To his right sat Matsuko Masamune and his son Oroshi.
Oroshi was dressed in a black suit and a black tie, much like his own. Masamune’s suit was also black, but he wore his usual turquoise medallion tie with a silver clip. A subtle difference, but it spoke volume to the pundits—Daisuke and Oroshi were mourning, Masamune was here for business, as he well should: someone had to. While no one would have dared to accuse Daisuke openly of mismanaging his group, the share price left little doubt on the market’s perceptions.
This press conference was originally meant to announce a further step in the merger and most assumed it would be canceled given the circumstances. Initially, shareholders had rejoiced when the public relation firm of Mashiro Industries confirmed they were going ahead, hoping it might signal an earlier-than-expected rebound of the stock.
Daisuke’s appearance did little to assuage their fears, but he was here. He stood up and bowed:
“Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for coming. We have decided to proceed with the merger of Mashiro Industries and Matsuko Enterprises. Additionally, I will be relinquishing my position as CEO of the newly formed group to my esteemed partner,” he turned to Masamune and Oroshi, “President Matsuko Masamune. My assistants will now distribute updated copies of the merger agreement. Thank you very much.”
He bowed again. The audience sat in stunned silence. To say this was irregular was an understatement of epic proportions. They expected a postponement along with vague assurances that the merger proceedings would resume in Fall, or perhaps another step announcing a combined audit and a shareholder consultation—even if both Daisuke and Masamune held enough shares in their respective companies to force the merger through, it was only natural to give other shareholders an opportunity to review and ratify the agreement during July’s general assembly.
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Instead, Daisuke took a lifetime of work and handed it over to Masamune!
A flash of anger and disbelief passed in Oroshi’s eyes, but he suppressed it and fixed his gaze upon one of the journalists, giving him a slight nod. The man raised his arm and asked, without even waiting for permission:
“Wasn’t Matsuko Oroshi supposed to become vice-president? If you step down, shouldn’t he be the new president?”
Daisuke stared at the journalist in utter disbelief. Such a lack of manners was beyond shocking.
Was this how business was in this new age of technology? If so, he truly didn’t belong in this new world.
After what seemed an eternity, he answered:
“Young man, I do not appreciate such questions. With that said, it is true that Oroshi was initially meant to hold this position. However, as you well know, Matsuko Oroshi just lost his wife, my daughter Kaori. I couldn’t possibly demand of him to take on responsibility for the operation of our newly formed group. Fortunately, his father, Matsuko Masamune was kind enough to step forward and delay his retirement plans to ensure the future and prosperity of Japan’s tech industry. He will be advised in his tasks by the existing board members of Mashiro Industries pending reorganization.”
He sat back down and signed the merger agreement before passing it over to Masamune. They bowed to each other and he left the room, disregarding the sea of raised hands. He had done what needed to be done, let the chips fall where they may.
Masamune took the microphone and fielded questions, while Oroshi sat next to him, a blank look on his face. Years of work, planning, bribing, negotiating… and when the moment came, Masamune stepped forwards and received everything.
At the break, he made to leave, but his father stopped him, placing a hand on his shoulder.
“Your plane is ready and a team is waiting for you in Bangkok. Fly there and bring the girl back. We’ll discuss when you return.”
That too was his plan. Now, he was merely Masamune’s messenger!
