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Chapter 2 – Sobue’s Expectations
Ryota’s message said that Sobue—the team’s chairman, one of Japan’s most influential business leaders, and a major player in the nation’s economy and politics—wished to meet Wataru.
“They’ve noticed us sooner than I expected.
“But if they’re truly competent, they’d definitely notice something unusual happening among their own employees.”
“Exactly. If anything, it’s almost too late.”
“Onee-sama, their scale is over a thousand times larger than our mercenary group. Even for someone who attracts attention, isn’t managing everything impossible?”
Wataru’s confidants naturally became Mariel and the other slaves.
Consulting Japanese acquaintances carelessly would only increase the risk of leaks, and preconceived notions about Sobue might cloud their judgment.
Mariel was being trained to be the next lord, and Aire and Cloche were the daughters of mercenary company captains.
All three were younger than Wataru, but they would likely handle leading people exceptionally well if entrusted with it.
“How does Master feel about Endo-san?”
“Nothing in particular. He seemed concerned about introducing me, but it doesn’t seem like he discussed the contract details.”
“So the minimum confidentiality was maintained.”
“Yeah, it’s only natural they’d want to use an acquaintance as an intermediary rather than suddenly proposing negotiations. I don’t hold any ill will toward Ryo-chan himself.”
“The real issue is where the leak came from. Loose lips are everywhere.”
“Was it someone from Aire’s group?”
“Nope. Those types are kept away from critical intel right away.”
Wataru thought it was surprisingly strict.
But, for mercenaries, where information could mean life or death, perhaps that was only natural.
Aire’s story had been vague, but there was more to it.
Those who could potentially harm the entire organization if they couldn’t contribute elsewhere were assigned to the high-casualty front lines.
Since they were risking their lives, harsh decisions had to be made.
“Though it’s possible that they don’t know the specific details.”
“Is that even possible?”
“Well, if their own athletes kept recovering one after another, they’d naturally take an interest.”
It was common knowledge that Sobue invested in cutting-edge medical technology, which was often reported in the news.
If something unusual happened in a field in which he already had a strong interest, it wouldn’t be strange for him to pay attention.
Even without knowing the specific methods, it was possible that he or someone he knew might request treatment and end up reaching Wataru.
“The real issue isn’t that, but what kind of conversation it would be and what kind of negotiations we’d have to handle.”
“Wouldn’t it be acceptable if it were just introductions to the person or potential buyers themselves?”
“That’s true. They’d understand the importance of confidentiality best, and the people making the introductions would likely be limited to those with solid credentials.”
If the discussion remained at that level, there wouldn’t be a problem.
However, if it’s an investment inquiry seeking a stake in the drug development process, that changes everything.
Wataru sighed gloomily.
“No matter how good the terms are, there’s no room for me to accept right now.”
There was still absolutely no possibility of replication.
As long as he wanted to keep his ability to travel between worlds a secret, there was zero room for negotiation.
〇〇〇
A car drives through the streets of Osaka.
The black luxury vehicle is one of Sobue’s company’s few cars.
Inside the immaculately polished cabin, Chairman Sobue sits in the backseat, his secretary, Watabe, sits in the driver’s seat, and a security guard sits in the front passenger seat.
He would very much like to meet and talk in person.
In response to his proposal, Wataru and his group requested that he come to their base of operations: a coffee shop.
Their attitude seemed bold, as if they felt no need to make the effort to come out and as if they weren’t particularly interested in his investment.
Sobue found their bold attitude impressive, but his subordinate seemed to feel differently.
As Watabe drove, he looked dissatisfied.
“Fufufu. I’ve visited all sorts of factories and shops before, but this is the first time I’ve been invited to someone’s coffee shop.”
“Sakai is in the pharmaceutical industry, isn’t he? Why is he running a coffee shop?”
“He might just consider it a hobby. Or maybe it’s actually a secret pharmaceutical factory?”
“That’s ridiculous… That would make it drugs!”
“It’s definitely magic potion-level nonsense.”
“…Is it really worth taking time out of the Chairman’s precious schedule just to meet him?”
Even wordplay couldn’t lift Watabe’s mood.
In response to Watabe’s grumbling, which wasn’t even a proper question, Sobue declared,
“It is. Considering the phenomena occurring, it wouldn’t be strange if it held value in the trillions—no, tens of trillions—or even hundreds of trillions of yen. It could spark a revolution in drug discovery.”
“Is such a conveniently perfect drug really possible? Especially not from a major pharmaceutical company?”
You’re aware of how little drug discovery major pharmaceutical companies actually conduct these days. Joint development sounds nice, but venture companies really do the development. When something shows promise, big pharma companies set up the environment for clinical trials. That just proves how unprofitable it’s become for them.”
“…That’s true.”
Sobue’s voice carried a palpable fervor.
Having amassed immense wealth in a single generation, his interest in assets had largely faded.
Instead, his passion was directed toward pioneering ventures that would open new eras.
His activities as an investor suited him perfectly, both financially and personally.
That was precisely why his expectations for Wataru’s drug were so high.
“Chairman, we’ve arrived.”
“Thank you.”
Sobue straightened his suit collar.
No matter how powerful one becomes, people won’t follow if you act superior.
Maintain proper posture, open your heart, and negotiate with sincerity.
What kind of information would emerge?
It seems connected to Ryota Endo, but why focus on selling drugs to baseball players?
Wouldn’t other celebrities or wealthy individuals be better targets?
Do they have the necessary approvals?
Are other pharmaceutical companies already involved?
Several concerning points immediately came to mind—questions that, if pressed, could give him leverage in negotiations.
Depending on the situation, they could either make a full investment and bring the company under their umbrella or settle for holding a partial stake.
They must respond flexibly, striking a balance between firmness and softness.
In any case, identifying people and assets is paramount.
Sobue himself was once one of those who changed the world of communications through the internet and mobile phones.
By seizing the cutting edge of the era, he amassed enormous wealth in a single generation.
A new wave is also approaching in medicine, including gene therapy for cancer treatments that target genes, as well as the cultivation and transplantation of cartilage and menisci using hematopoietic stem cells.
Dreamlike technologies, such as CRISPR, which directly edit human genes, are also nearing practical application.
However, significant barriers need to be overcome, including difficulties in mass production, prohibitively high costs, and cytotoxicity.
The treatments Wataru offers could become essential medicines for this new era.
Feeling an uncharacteristically strong sense of elation, Sobue opened the door to the coffee shop.
A cowbell shaped like an angel rang out as if offering a blessing.
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