249 Quick Response

In January, Shin directed the KiShin Foundation to prepare in Kobe City. The foundation's employees, though initially confused, had to follow the orders, as Shinro Suzuki, despite Mira being the CEO, held authority.

On January 16, 1995, Japan was shocked by a devastating earthquake that struck Kobe City and spread to the Hyōgo Prefecture. The earthquake caused significant damage, affecting thousands of people, resulting in injuries and thousands of casualties. Additionally, it inflicted extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings.

The earthquake caused a complete disruption of both communication and transportation systems, severely hindering a prompt and timely system response.

This incident took everyone by surprise, and despite the Japanese government's efforts in response and deploying rescue teams, it still took hours before they reached the affected areas.

As media outlets covered the situation, Japanese viewers were astonished to see KiShin being the first to assist and help the injured people. NHK, a news outlet, captured the moment when a KiShin Foundation rescue team acted swiftly, providing relief foods and medical assistance to the affected people.

"I'm currently in Higashinada, where a corporate rescue team acted swiftly to provide assistance," reported Yumi Yamamoto, capturing the KiShin Foundation vehicle on camera.

Approaching an injured man, Yumi interviewed him. Despite his devastation, he expressed gratitude towards KiShin Foundation, emphasizing that their immediate help prevented his family from being stuck in their house.

Yumi then interviewed a KiShin Foundation rescuer who admitted, "This is the first time I've learned about KiShin having a foundation company. Despite my recent awareness, I was surprised by the Foundation's quick response. It might be naive to ask, but can you share how KiShin Foundation was able to respond so promptly?"

With a serious expression, the rescuer replied, "KiShin Foundation has highly trained professionals with expertise in search and rescue, medical care, and disaster response. Additionally, we recently established rapid response teams around the city," explaining in a series of words.

Japanese viewers were impressed by the KiShin Foundation's swift response in the situation. Within a few hours, KiShin Foundation not only provided a response but did so even quicker than the government.

As days passed, 7-Eleven and other retail companies, along with major corporations like Tora, Suzuki, Toyota, Mitsubishi, extended help to the affected people. While their contributions were appreciated, KiShin Foundation's rapid actions garnered high praise both nationally and internationally in the aftermath of the earthquake disaster.

In contrast, the government faced some criticism among the Japanese people. Despite their response within a few hours and dispatching rescue teams to affected areas, issues like food shortages and medical supplies still needed attention. Fortunately, KiShin Foundation stepped in, alleviating the government's pressure.

What frustrated most Japanese citizens was the government's refusal to accept foreign aid, causing delays in providing additional assistance.

"I didn't expect that a company like KiShin could provide so much help..." lamented a viewer at home.

"Yeah, I thought they were just a video game company, but they managed something our government couldn't..." sighed a middle-aged man.

"I heard that KiShin Foundation had a rapid response team or standby rescue team around the city of Kobe even before the earthquake happened," the middle-aged woman said.

"I know. I can say that KiShin Foundation is meticulous and prepared, as if they're vigilant against such situations. Seriously, our government should learn from KiShin Foundation," the middle-aged man nodded as he spoke.

If Shin knew what people thought of KiShin Foundation, even comparing it to the government, he would probably shake his head helplessly. Without future knowledge, he would likely be as clueless as everyone else.

After KiShin Foundation's quick response, its reputation soared nationally and internationally, with media outlets emphasizing its significant contribution. Other corporations, mostly Japanese companies, received appreciation from both the Japanese government and the people for their assistance. Surprisingly, even the number one Yakuza Gang, Yamauchi-Gumi, provided great assistance to the affected.

Meanwhile, those managing KiShin Foundation couldn't help but think of Shinro Suzuki. It was Shinro Suzuki who emphasized focusing their response rescue teams around the city of Kobe and some parts of Hyōgo Prefecture.

The managers of KiShin Foundation couldn't help but talk about this. Initially confused about why Shinro Suzuki would order the foundation to set up rescue teams around the city of Kobe and some parts of Hyōgo Prefecture, now, a devastating earthquake occurred in the very area where the teams were stationed.

The managers felt a chill just thinking about it, and now, they were discussing this remarkable coincidence. Some speculated that Shinro Suzuki might have some powers and sensed the earthquake threat, leading to ridiculous theories circulating among the higher-ups of KiShin Foundation.

---

"The KiShin Foundation has received quite a praise these days. You've founded such a helpful company," Mira said to Shin, who was currently watching the news on TV. Mira, the current KiShin Foundation CEO, possessed a soft and kind heart, aiming to help people through the foundation company.

"You're right. But you've helped and managed the KiShin Foundation very well," Shin smiled and replied.

"But I'm quite sad, you know. Many people were affected," Mira tried to smile but couldn't, given the horrible disaster she had witnessed from the helicopter.

Sensing the mood getting heavier, Shin remarked, "I heard some unpleasant rumors about me in your KiShin Foundation."

Mira was a bit surprised but smiled lightly, saying, "Who can blame them? It's your fault that you gave orders for such weird things, like the establishment of rapid rescue teams around Hyōgo Prefecture that actually managed to save many lives. It's such a coincidence." She paused and then recounted the rumors, mentioning, "The rumors of you having some powers." She continued, recounting more and more.

Shin felt a sweat running down his back as he heard Mira's recounting of the rumors.

Shin chuckled slightly, finding people's imaginations both weird and expansive.

"Those rumors are just a product of their imagination," Shin said, looking at Mira.

"Really? I felt they made sense," Mira teased.

"Don't fool around," Shin shook his head, focusing on watching the TV.