Chapter Text
“Saito? What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be on sick leave?” Hijikata called, walking towards his assistant’s cubicle.
“Good morning, Hijikata-san. Please, do not worry about me, I’m fine,” Saito greeted, looking up from his incessant typing on the computer.
“How many rounds of all-nighter have you been pulling?” Hijikata asked, noting the dark rings under his assistant’s bloodshot eyes and his pale complexion.
Staring straight at Hijikata, Saito mentally counted the days he had been staying back at the office, but the numbers just seemed to be merging together in a blur.
“No, don’t answer that,” Hijikata said quickly, “my point is, you have to take proper rest, don’t overwork yourself too much! I don’t ever want to find you fainting in your cubicle again.”
Saito grimaced at that particularly embarrassing memory, and nodded, “I assure you, it won’t happen again. I just wanted to finish some work today. Thank you for your care, Hijikata-san.”
He proceeded to pick up a stack of files from his table and presented them to Hijikata in an orderly manner, “here are the completed operating and financial budgets for next year, and the proposals for profit maximization, and I’ve also compiled the feasibility report for our newest product and vetted the list of available vendors. I’m still doing the year end closing as of now, but rest assured, I’ll submit it to you on time.”
“If only we have ten of you, Saito,” Hijikata shook his head and chuckled at his assistant’s efficiency, “come with me, I have something to discuss with you.”
“Saito, what do you think of this company?” Hijikata asked once they were seated comfortably in his office.
“I’ve been working here for three years, and I am grateful to the company for giving me many opportunities to grow even though I’m inexperienced,” Saito answered readily, looking back at the chance meeting he had with the Chairman when he was still studying and working part time as a convenience store’s cashier.
“Ah yes, I remember that you’re personally hired by the Chairman,” Hijikata smiled, “he made a good choice. I’ve seen you put in tremendous amount of time and effort in your work, Saito. I can’t even remember when was the last time you took annual leave.”
Saito nodded quietly, not really understanding where Hijikata was going with his questions.
“I’m sure that you’re aware of the current business climate and the risks we are facing?” Hijikata continued.
“I believe that you’re referring to the influential Kazama Group. Ever since its new heir assumed his position, he has been aggressively expanding their business. It’s reported that they have successfully bought over Amagiri Ltd, Shiranui Ltd, and even Nagumo Corporation that used to be our biggest rival,” Saito frowned, “it’s been rumored that his next targets are the Yase Group and our very own Yukimura Corporation.”
Hijikata exhaled heavily, “the rumor is true. In fact, he had met with Chairman Kodo and relayed his intention of merging both businesses through a political marriage between the Chairman’s daughter and himself.”
“But, isn’t our Chairman’s daughter still in school?” Saito asked, a little confused. He had never met her before, but had overheard some colleagues talking about her studying overseas at a prestigious university.
“Coincidentally, she has just graduated last month, and will be coming home next week,” Hijikata explained, “but Chairman Kodo has no intention of marrying her into Kazama Group, because it would mean the demise of Yukimura Corporation. He intends to preserve both the corporation’s good name and business, and in order to do so… He’ll need your assistance, Saito.”
“I’ll do my very best. Please direct me as to how I can help,” Saito replied resolutely, straightening up in anticipation of Hijikata delivering the main point of their discussion. He was never afraid of working longer hours or increasing his workload if he could help make Yukimura Corporation that had felt like a second home to him more successful.
“Thank you, Saito. I know you’re always dependable at work, but this time it involves your personal matter too,” Hijikata paused, looked at him intently, and spelled out the words slowly, “Chairman Kodo meant for you to marry his daughter.”
“What? What do you mean?” Saito blurted. This was not what he had expected at all. He was always calm and composed, but at this moment, shock and disbelief overtook him.
“Chairman’s daughter, Chizuru-san, has just graduated and has zero business experience. So, you’re chosen as his son-in-law to assist her in succeeding Yukimura Corporation,” Hijikata explained succinctly, watching Saito’s incredulous expression.
“But, why me? Won’t you be a much better choice, Hijikata-san?” Saito asked in confusion.
Hijikata snorted and folded his arms, “apparently, the Chairman thinks that I’m too old for his young and beautiful daughter.”
Saito was quiet for a while, before proceeding to ask more questions, “how about Souji? Or Heisuke? Sanosuke and Shinpachi are exceptional candidates too.”
“Well, according to our Chairman, Souji doesn’t even make the cut because he took too many sick leaves. Heisuke is deemed to be lacking in maturity and decisiveness compared to you,” Hijikata sighed, then closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose, he continued, “apparently Shinpachi frequents the bars for happy hours too regularly, while Sanosuke is overly popular with female colleagues and clients alike. So the Chairman is not inclined to pick either of them.”
Saito opened and closed his mouth to say something in defense of his equally capable and dedicated colleagues, but there was no denying the truth in the Chairman’s assessment of them.
His overworked mind suddenly felt more muddled, and he could only stare blankly at the wall behind Hijikata’s chair.
“Saito, our Chairman is of the opinion that you are the only one who fulfil his criterias for a son-in-law and company successor,” Hijikata’s voice pulled his attention back, “honestly, I fully agree with him. We’re all impressed by your upright character and very promising performance at work.”
Hijikata moved towards Saito and patted his shoulder empathetically, “look, no one has the right to force you to accept the Chairman’s arrangement, and you may think that it is a ridiculous idea, but all I can say is, it is not without merit.”
There was silence in the room as Saito gathered his scattered thoughts while Hijikata patiently waited for his reply.
“I’m sorry, Hijikata-san, but I have to respectfully decline,” Saito got up and bowed in apology.
“You’ve made a very quick decision,” Hijikata said, clearing his throat, “I was going to suggest that you go home to rest before giving it a thought.”
Saito shook his head, and looked at his right palm, “I can’t accept it because all along, there’s someone I’ve been waiting for.”
“Oh, who’s the lucky girl?” Hijikata asked, suddenly sounding very curious.
“Do you believe in fate, Hijikata-san?” Saito asked quietly, showing him the birthmark on his right palm in the form of a small outline of a sakura petal.