Prologue

Kenshin Tanaka, a college freshman, lived a life of relentless hustle. By day, he attended finance classes, driven by a singular goal—to make it big, to escape the poverty that had marked his life as an orphan. By night, he worked at construction sites, earning just enough to cover his fees and keep his dream alive. For Kenshin, wealth wasn't just a goal; it was a necessity, the key to unlocking a future where he could live comfortably, without the shadow of financial struggle.

One evening, after a long day of classes and work, Kenshin found himself at a small café near campus, chatting with a girl from his class. Her name was Yumi, and she had been dropping hints for weeks. Tonight, she was more direct, her eyes searching his face as she asked, "Kenshin, what do you want to do after graduation?"

Kenshin leaned back in his chair, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Get rich," he said simply. "Pass my exams, land a high-paying job in finance, and never worry about money again."

Yumi laughed, a little too loudly. "You're so focused. I admire that. But don't you ever think about settling down, starting a family?"

He shrugged, not letting on how distant that idea felt to him. "Maybe. One day. But first, I need to make sure I have something to offer."

They talked for a while longer, Yumi leaning in closer, her hand brushing against his. Kenshin played along, flirting just enough to keep her interested, but his mind was elsewhere—on his future, on the things he needed to do to achieve his goals.

Later that night, Kenshin woke up in a small, dimly lit apartment. Yumi was sleeping soundly beside him, her hair spread across the pillow. He sighed, rolled out of bed, and did a few quick pushups on the floor. After dressing quietly, he scribbled a note and left it on the nightstand: Had to leave early. Take care.

Outside, the cool night air greeted him as he made his way to a nearby corner store. He bought a cup of coffee, savoring the warmth as he walked back to his own place. His apartment was small, tucked away in a shabby neighborhood, but it was meticulously organized. The cupboard held only the basics—just enough clothes to get by. Kenshin hung his jacket, put on his construction overalls, and grabbed his worn-out boots.

With a determined look in his eyes, he left the apartment, ready to start another day of hard work.