Inside the "Ring" shop, Toru followed Eri and Shifune Tsuzuki to the manager's office.
The old lady didn't smile much. One glance and it was obvious she was the serious type, someone who had been a leader for a long time.
Shifune had the shop staff bring tea for the two of them. She was direct and businesslike, skipping any unnecessary pleasantries.
"Fujiwara-kun, as you can see, this shop is located in the heart of Ikebukuro, right next to the subway station. It's prime real estate."
"So I won't offer many concessions. It's two floors, and the price is a flat one billion yen."
Shifune was firm and unyielding, speaking with an attitude that brooked no negotiation.
Toru responded calmly, unfazed by these so-called hardball tactics. He smiled and said, "It's a reasonable price. As you said, it's a prime location."
"However, I've reviewed your requirements. You want full payment in cash, and you're not even willing to wait for a bank loan."
"One billion yen is roughly seven million US dollars. That's not a small sum. Aside from large corporations with liquid assets, very few individuals can come up with that kind of money on the spot."
"I have no problem buying this shop in cash for one billion yen, but I'll need your cooperation with something, Ms. Tsuzuki."
Shifune frowned. "What is it?"
"It's simple. While the actual transaction price will be one billion yen, I need the contract to reflect fifteen billion."
"As long as you agree, we can sign the contract today, and the seven million will be transferred tomorrow."
Toru laid his cards on the table without hesitation.
"Write fifteen billion on the contract?"
Shifune was clearly confused.
Normally, people want the contract price to be lower than the real one, usually to dodge taxes.
But if the contract price is higher than the actual transaction, there are only a few possible reasons: money laundering or internal kickbacks.
As Shifune hesitated, Toru continued, "Ms. Tsuzuki, your company is under immense financial pressure right now. The deadline for loan repayment is right around the corner, isn't it?"
"If you wait for the bank to seize and auction the property, it won't go for anywhere close to this price. It might even get slashed in half."
"But if you sell to me at this price, all you'll have to do is shoulder a small portion of the legal risk. Then, not only can you repay the bank loan, but you'll have enough capital left to regroup."
Eri had already briefed him on Shifune's current situation.
As Toru's legal counsel, Eri prioritized her client's needs.
Tsuzuki Company, like many private businesses in Japan, wasn't large but had a long history. It was originally founded by Shifune's father.
She had inherited the company, and in her younger days, she had a rebellious streak and loved rock bands.
So in her youth, she used her family's assets to buy this shop, operating band-related projects that also served as an emotional tie to her past.
But now, Tsuzuki Company was in trouble. The capital chain was stretched thin, and with the bank loan deadline looming, she was in urgent need of funds.
With no other choice, she decided to sell the shop to raise money.
Between youthful dreams and her family's business, she had to choose the latter.
Still, she was a bit reluctant. "This shop has always made money. You won't find another like it."
Toru shook his head. "Ms. Tsuzuki, I think you misunderstand. I'm not actually that concerned about whether the location is good or bad."
"What I care about is simply that someone is selling a shop. There are plenty of stores on this street. There will always be struggling owners willing to sell."
"I can afford to wait, and I have lots of options. But you, Ms. Tsuzuki, don't have that kind of time. You can't wait around for the next buyer who can pay in cash."
Eri spoke up as well. "Ms. Tsuzuki, rest assured. I'll make sure everything is legally sound."
That was the role of a top-tier lawyer.
Just like how elite accountants can help legally reduce taxes, elite lawyers can use the law to turn gray areas into safe zones, at least legally speaking.
Eri's words finally broke through Shifune Tsuzuki's hesitation.
She sighed. "I trust you, Ms. Kisaki. As the undefeated queen of Japan's legal world, your word holds weight."
Eri smiled confidently. "You flatter me, Ms. Tsuzuki. I'm just doing my job."
Eri didn't know why Toru wanted such a huge discrepancy between the contract price and actual payment.
But she wouldn't ask. Her job was to meet the client's demands, make it legally sound, and ensure there were no loopholes others could exploit.
Shifune finally said, "I have one request. I hope that after Fujiwara-kun becomes the new owner, he won't dismiss the current staff."
Toru smiled. "As long as they're competent, I won't fire anyone for no reason."
"Alright. Then I'll sign the contract. According to the agreement, you'll need to transfer the funds tomorrow."
"You can count on it. Once the contract is signed, it's legally binding."
The two sides reviewed the contract. Shifune also called her lawyer to verify that everything was in order before they both signed.
This shop wasn't paid for out of Toru's own pocket, nor by the Fujiwara family. The funds would be reimbursed by the CIA to serve as a liaison office in Japan.
So Toru inflated the contract price by five hundred million yen. Not only did this make internal accounting smoother for the CIA, but he could also pocket the difference.
Back in the U.S., Toru had only managed to stash away a bit over five million dollars in secret. That was because he had to be careful while living in the States and couldn't be too reckless.
For instance, when wiping out drug cartels in South America, he had seen literal mountains of cash, hundreds of millions of dollars.
But that kind of money was untouchable. If he took it, it would leave him with major black marks in his official record. He could only skim a little, and the rest had to be turned over.
Not to mention the IRS. Those people were terrifying. If you suddenly came into money without paying taxes, they'd definitely come knocking.
Toru had no interest in picking a fight with the IRS, so even though he lived a flashy life in America, his actual savings weren't that much.
Now that he had left the U.S. and moved to Japan, he had to find a way to get more money for himself and plan for retirement.
Inheriting the Fujiwara family was nice, sure, but that came with obligations. Once you accept favors, you're expected to return them.
Only money earned on his own could be used freely, anywhere.
'I only have a little over five million in cash. I'm still two million short.'
'Even if I report this to the CIA, it'll take time for internal approval. But I need to come up with seven million by tomorrow.'
Where was he going to get two million dollars?
Borrowing from Fujiwara would be easy, but right now, Toru didn't want to owe them too many favors.
After thinking for a moment, he pulled out his phone and sent a message to Vermouth: My dear, lend me two million dollars.
As a famous Hollywood actress and Oscar winner, Vermouth had high expenses, sure, but she also knew how to make money. She was loaded.
Not long after, Vermouth replied: Send me your bank account number.
Vermouth sure is generous. She didn't even ask what the money was for and just gave it to me. She's truly top-tier.
Maybe I should just be a gigolo and live off women.
After the contract was signed, the shop no longer belonged to Shifune Tsuzuki. She didn't plan to linger and left straight away.
Eri adjusted the glasses on her nose and said to Toru:
"Let's go, Fujiwara-kun. To celebrate the two big cases you gave me today, I'll treat you to dinner. I'll also call my daughter over so she can meet a promising young man like you."
Eri was working hard for her daughter's future too, hoping she'd meet more capable people and expand her social circle.
Ran's grades weren't especially good. At best, they were average. Relying on her slacker detective father in the future didn't seem reliable either. Even her best friend Suzuki Sonoko seemed more dependable.
So, only Eri—the lawyer mother—could pave the way.
(To be continued.)