The midday Tokyo heat was scorching, and blindingly bright sunlight fell upon the streets.
Seated in his thirteenth-generation Toyota Crown, Kumazo Yasuda enjoyed the air conditioning, insulated from the sweltering conditions outside. His suit showed no sign of sweat. He was in the backseat, flanked by two tall, sturdy bodyguards, with two more in the front. This Toyota Crown was his private, custom-ordered model, equipped with bulletproof and explosion-proof features.
Aside from this vehicle, two identical cars, one ahead and one behind, carried elite bodyguards. There were no police cars clearing the way, a measure to avoid alerting other intelligence agencies to anything unusual. In Tokyo these days, it was better to travel discreetly than with a high-profile escort.
Kumazo Yasuda mulled over his upcoming meeting with Kochou and the five major conglomerates.
Suddenly, the driver spotted a child darting out from an intersection and instinctively slammed on the brakes.
