Chapter 51: Akina's Worries, Takeshi Iwata Fights Iwanami Again!

"Though that child lacks talent, she seems quite enthusiastic."
"Kohhy, I really must apologize for troubling you."
"Don't say that. I actually felt quite good about it."
"Then, regarding this..."
"Believe it or not, back at the Budokan, I was genuinely startled."
"I looked like a yakuza, didn't I?"
"Yes. But right now, I feel like that doesn't really matter anymore."
"Arigato."
"There's no need to thank me like that."
"For myself, and for them as well."
"Iwata-san, you really are a gentle person."

Kohhy did not end up singing. On the one hand, Akina's appearance was simply overwhelming; on the other hand, Kohhy's vocal style was truly unsuited for a cappella.
Yet, she felt this experience was exceptionally wonderful.
It wasn't just because Iwata Takeshi was going to use her song in his movie, nor was it just because she had taken Shinobu as her disciple.
It was also because these people—whom she had never interacted with before and whose outward appearances seemed so terrifying—were, in truth, ordinary human beings.

Regarding the use of the *City Hunter* theme song, Iwata Takeshi naturally offered a fair price and made a promise with Kohhy that she must attend the premiere.
Kohhy smiled and agreed.
As for certain other matters, there was no need to spell them out too clearly.

***

"Mister, I knew I wasn't wrong about you. You're really great."
"Shinobu, let's go."
"Mister..."
"Alright, alright."
Shinobu left the set with visible reluctance, her older sister Miho once again playing the role of the barrier standing firmly between Iwata Takeshi and Shinobu.
Iwata Takeshi could only feel a helpless resignation at this, waving a hand in farewell.

And what about the one who remained?
"Are you in a bad mood?"
"Iwata-san, allow me to remind you: you are merely a yakuza, not some psychological counselor."
"Akina, do you know how cruel it is when someone uses the gentlest voice to utter the most ruthless words?"
"Haha..."
Akina was amused by Iwata Takeshi's remark.
Yet, Iwata Takeshi had indeed hit upon the truth.
She was naturally troubled by something weighing on her mind, and it genuinely caused her pain.

Iwata Takeshi broached the subject once more. "Anything I say won't be of much use. I can only do what I believe is right."
Akina didn't even look at him. "What do you consider right?"
"To live well."
"Am I not living well right now?"
"Akina, you are truly beautiful, but it is written plainly all over your face that you are living miserably."
"I don't need your pity."
"How about this: I'll send some men to grab your sister, give her a proper fright, and threaten her never to take her clothes off in front of a camera again. How does that sound?"
*Puff!*
Akina covered her mouth, but she couldn't hold back her laughter.
A yakuza was a yakuza; such methods were entirely natural for Iwata Takeshi to suggest.
The matter weighing on her mind did indeed concern Akina's younger sister.
Heaven knows what crossed the girl's mind—not only did she debut in high-exposure swimwear, but now she had taken the plunge entirely, filming pink films.

It was entirely possible to imagine what sort of titles would be printed on those videocassette covers, and the name Akina would almost certainly be featured among them.
"Actually, I lost to Miho. Shinobu is a very good child."
So that was it. No wonder she wanted to sing a song.
Seeing Akina's expression at that moment, Iwata Takeshi felt a pang in his chest.
Her self-destruction was driven not only by the betrayal of her lover, but also by the betrayal of her family.

Just as he was about to say something, Akina suddenly smiled.
"You think I'll commit suicide? Is that what all of you think? Well, I refuse!"
She remained a fiercely competitive woman.
At that very moment, Iwata Takeshi could only hope she would always remember the words she had just spoken.
Of course, in Iwata Takeshi's eyes, Akina was breathtakingly beautiful at that moment.

***

The world is a fascinating place; while some people were rushing to shoot their films, others had arrived at the Roman Club.
"Big Sister Takenaka, the two of us have visited repeatedly. Surely our sincerity is evident enough by now?"
"Big Sister, whatever other demands you might have, please feel free to state them."
Suo and Moriyama had truly arrived at the right time today, as Big Sister Takenaka was present at the establishment.
Still dressed in that cherry-blossom kimono, Big Sister Takenaka radiated an air of elegant composure.

"Suo-san, Moriyama-san, I am deeply grateful for your sincerity. However, the crucial question right now is: what is the true extent of our strength? Can we genuinely shake the foundations of that old codger?"
It appeared that this Big Sister's attitude had also undergone a shift.
Suo and Moriyama exchanged glances, joy flickering across both of their faces.
"Please rest assured on that front. Whether it is capital or manpower, the Big Brother and we have no problems whatsoever..." Moriyama said with absolute confidence.

Suo interrupted him, saying, "Big Sister, the two of us have continued operating in the entertainment industry in accordance with the plan formulated by the Third Patriarch back then. While we might not compare to the brethren engaged in traditional businesses, we have nonetheless accumulated a considerable foundation over the years."
When yakuzas spoke of "traditional businesses," they meant gambling.
The yakuza originated from street vendors and gamblers, and the earliest members primarily hailed from two professions: *tekiya* (peddlers) and *bakuto* (gamblers).
Gambling had always been the yakuza's primary bedrock; compared to peddling wares, it was simply a much faster way to make money.
The Yamaguchi-gumi's Third Patriarch had vigorously promoted the entertainment enterprise, effectively carving out a new path.
Suo and Moriyama were doing well—in fact, their description was quite modest.

Big Sister Takenaka was well aware of this in her heart, but she smiled and said, "Your strength is indeed formidable, but last time..."
At the mention of "last time," old Moriyama's face flushed red. He naturally knew which "last time" she was referring to.
"Hmph!" Suo let out a cold snort. "That brat Iwata Takeshi simply got lucky!"
Takenaka continued, "Yet on that occasion, he proved quite capable of putting up a fight, and his momentum lately has been extremely strong."
Upon hearing the word "momentum," Suo immediately retorted, "Shooting those kinds of movies nowadays doesn't make any real money! Besides, hasn't someone already stepped out to issue a public warning? We haven't seen that brat make a peep in response."

That was indeed the truth; shooting proper films in Japan was difficult to turn a profit on, leading many to shoot pink films instead.
Suo and the others were no exception, and their business wasn't limited to movies anyway.
As for the "warning," it naturally referred to Kinji Fukasaku.
A deeper smile surfaced on Big Sister Takenaka's face. "That Kinji Fukasaku... could it be that Suo-san..."
"Ahem, ahem..." Suo coughed twice. "He isn't a yakuza."
Though his denial had a certain logic to it, everyone understood the score.

Takenaka did not press the point further. Instead, she pivoted the conversation. "Just as Suo-san said, Iwata Takeshi has indeed made no public response, but I always have a feeling it's not that simple. Why don't we..."
She drew out the final syllable, causing Suo to frown before immediately picking up the thread.
"If Big Sister has an idea, please speak your mind."
Takenaka's expression turned serious. "Let's place a wager, shall we?"
Suo's frown deepened, as if his brows were locked together. "Does Big Sister intend to nominate Iwata Takeshi for the position of *wakagashira*?"

Takenaka did not deny it. "If he manages to weather this current crisis, doesn't that prove he is a talent of moldable timber with limitless future potential?"
The pressure and suppression coming from renowned director Kinji Fukasaku was no small matter.
Yet Takenaka's proposition struck even Moriyama as utterly bizarre.
Leaving everything else aside, Iwata Takeshi was so young—what qualifications did he have to become a *wakagashira*?

Suo, however, was thinking along different lines, and a certain possibility flashed through his mind.
"Very well. If that brat Iwata Takeshi isn't crushed by Kinji Fukasaku, then we lose."
Big Sister Takenaka maintained her smile. "Splendid. And if the brat indeed proves inadequate, we shall throw our support behind Suo-san."
"It's a deal!"

***

Emerging from the Roman Club and getting into the car, Moriyama could no longer contain himself.
"Big Brother, what on earth is that woman Takenaka thinking? What qualifications does Iwata Takeshi have..."
"Still don't understand? Think about it: if the *wakagashira* is merely a punk kid like Iwata Takeshi, while at the same time we eliminate Chairman Yamamoto or manage to throw him behind bars, then who will be calling the shots when the time comes?"
Logically speaking, the acting chairman would call the shots.
Yet that blockhead Moriyama suddenly had a name flash through his mind.
Yamaguchi Fumiko!
That was it—Takenaka Kazuko was allied with Yamaguchi Fumiko anyway. Was this woman planning to rule from behind the curtain?
Cold sweat broke out on Moriyama's forehead. But when he looked over at his Big Brother Suo, a bizarre smile had actually appeared on Suo's face.

***

On the set of *Infernal Affairs*, filming proceeded in full swing.
Shin'ichi Chiba's arrival infused the production crew with a lively and joyful atmosphere.
Although he consistently portrayed deeply serious roles on the silver screen, Chiba was actually warm and approachable in person, and he greatly enjoyed making people laugh.
Thanks to this, the filming progressed even more smoothly.
On Iwata Takeshi's fierce face, smiles would occasionally appear.

After wrapping up a sequence of shots, the old man Shimazu brought over the telephone.
"Moshi-moshi."
"Iwata-san, how is the filming proceeding?"
"Shimatani-san, please rest assured. We will likely finish ahead of schedule."
"That's wonderful. Only, this time..."
Iwata Takeshi felt a trace of puzzlement. Did Toho's Shimatani Shigeo have something else on his mind?
"Shimatani-san, has some sort of problem arisen?"
"It's not exactly a major problem. Regarding *Infernal Affairs*, someone has proposed holding a small-scale screening committee, and they intend to host it at the Iwanami Hall."

Hearing this, Iwata Takeshi thought to himself that this was identical to last time, and let out a hearty laugh.
"That is naturally not a problem..."
Before Iwata Takeshi could finish, Shimatani spoke up directly from the other end of the line.
"Renowned director Kinji Fukasaku has expressed a strong interest in Iwata-san's new work."
Iwata Takeshi understood immediately. "He's the one who proposed it, isn't he?"
"Mm," Shimatani replied simply.
Iwata Takeshi continued, "He's not just coming to trash my movie, is he?"
Shimatani laughed as well. "He said that if *Infernal Affairs* turns out to be exceptional, he will introduce it to Shochiku."
That meant it would be screened in Shochiku's theater chain.
*Right down my alley!*
Iwata Takeshi declared with grand confidence, "Then I'll see you at Iwanami."