Shin's plan for the stakes

As Shin absorbed the collective gaze of his family, a whirlwind of thoughts coursed through his mind. He recalled countless conversations with his grandfather, Sazama, in which the old man would, with a twinkle in his eye, insist that all his Suzuki Group shares would one day belong to Shin. At the time, Shin had laughed it off, considering it nothing more than affectionate teasing from a doting grandfather. Yet, standing here amidst the silent shock and palpable tension of his family, the reality hit him — Sazama hadn't been jesting. He had meant every word.

Internally, Shin wrestled with mixed feelings. On one hand, the shares' sudden bequeathal took him by surprise, adding another layer to his already complex relationship with his family. On the other, Shin's personal wealth, spread across numerous bank accounts to a degree he himself found overwhelming, made the financial aspect of his inheritance seem almost superfluous. The Suzuki Group shares, while undeniably valuable, were not something he had actively coveted.

Yet, as he pondered deeper, Shin recognized the strategic importance of these shares beyond mere financial value. They were a lever, a means to potentially amplify the reach and capabilities of his own company, KiShin. With the Suzuki Group under his wing, he could accelerate R&D initiatives, diversify into new markets, or even bolster KiShin's standing in existing sectors. The shares represented not just wealth but an opportunity to drive innovation, to champion new ventures that could redefine the technological landscape.

As Shin found himself lost in a sea of contemplation, the room around him buzzed with escalating tensions. His uncles, aunties, and cousins converged on the elderly lawyer, their voices a cacophony of disbelief and frustration.

"Are you certain there's no mistake?" demanded Shintani, his voice laden with incredulity. "Such a significant decision... it must be reconsidered."

Shira Miyoshi, her patience fraying, added, "Please, read it once more. There has to be an oversight."

Amidst the uproar, Shimizu Myoga attempted to appeal to the lawyer's sense of duty, "Surely, Sazama wouldn't intend to cause such division within the family. Could you check the document again?"

The lawyer, a steadfast figure amidst the turmoil, raised his hands in an attempt to restore some semblance of order. "I understand your concerns," he began, his voice calm but firm, "but I assure you, there has been no mistake. Sazama Suzuki's will was explicit in his intentions, and it was my duty to convey his wishes accurately."

Across the room, Shin's parents, Shiro and Airi, exchanged knowing looks. Amidst the familial strife, their silence spoke volumes, a shared understanding of the gravity of Sazama's decision and the challenges it would pose for Shin.

Shito, unable to contain his dissatisfaction, pressed on, "But to leave everything to Shin? It's unprecedented. There must be room for negotiation."

The lawyer, maintaining his composure, responded, "Sazama was clear in his decision-making. It's not within my power to alter his wishes posthumously. My role is to ensure they are respected."

As the family's attempts to sway the lawyer proved futile, the reality of Sazama's final wishes began to settle in, leaving a mix of resentment and disbelief in its wake.

As the tension in the room reached a fever pitch, Shin noticed the effect it was having on his children, prompting him to subtly gesture for Mira to take Shinichi and Mikasa outside. Mira understood immediately, leading them away from the growing discontent.

Shito's frustration boiled over into an accusation aimed at Shin. "That brat isn't even dedicating his life to Suzuki Group! He had his own company, KiShin! Why would the old man want to leave everything to the brat!?" he exclaimed, looking for affirmation from the stoic lawyer, who merely adjusted his glasses in response.

Shintani then turned his gaze sharply toward Shin, seeking an explanation or perhaps a reaction. "Well, what does the lucky grandson have to say to his good grandfather, for giving him the shares?" he asked, with a hint of challenge in his voice.

Shin met his family's gaze with a calm, unwavering smile. "I appreciate my grandfather's faith in me, and I'm deeply honored by his decision. The truth is, while the 13% shares of the Suzuki Group, with its 48 billion dollar market cap, may seem significant, they represent just a fraction of what KiShin has achieved. My primary focus has always been on KiShin, which, to be clear, has already surpassed the Suzuki Group in net worth and success in business ventures."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing. "However, that does not diminish the value of these shares to me. They are a testament to my grandfather's trust, and I plan to use them wisely — not just for personal gain, but to bolster KiShin's future projects and innovations."

The room erupted into a mix of gasps and murmurs. Shin's aunties and cousins exchanged glances of disbelief and indignation. "Surpassed the Suzuki Group? Impossible!" Atsushi sputtered, his face reddening with frustration.

Shintani scoffed, "Using Suzuki shares to boost his own company? Preposterous!"

Shito's reaction was particularly notable; his face tensed, and he struggled to formulate a response, the implications of Shin's plans dawning on him.

As Shin articulated his vision for utilizing the inherited shares of the Suzuki Group to further propel KiShin, a palpable divide emerged within the room. His aunties and some cousins met his assertions with skepticism and disbelief. "KiShin surpassing the Suzuki Group? That's a tall tale if I've ever heard one," scoffed one of Shin's aunties, disbelief etched across her face. The cousins, too, whispered among themselves, casting doubtful glances Shin's way. The notion that KiShin, the brainchild of the family's once-considered black sheep, could eclipse the venerable Suzuki Group in net worth seemed unfathomable to them.

Shin's aunties and cousins found it hard to believe that KiShin could have outpaced the Suzuki Group, but for Shin's uncles, who occupy significant roles within the Suzuki Group, the idea wasn't far-fetched. They're well-versed in the business world and have kept close tabs on KiShin's financial growth, finding themselves taken aback each time they reviewed its net worth estimates. Even though they acknowledged KiShin's innovation, like the KS2 console that dominated popularity charts despite its slim profit margins, and the widespread acclaim of KiShin's games, they were still surprised by the pace of growth.

KiShin had launched products that fundamentally altered the tech landscape — the KiShin iPod, for instance, which single-handedly dethroned the DiskMan, taking the market by storm. Then came the KiShin iPhone, a device that revolutionized the cellphone industry, catapulting KiShin into unprecedented heights of success and influence worldwide.

As the reality of Sazama Suzuki's will settled in, the room became a cauldron of emotions. One by one, Shin's relatives began to exit, their departure marked by a mixture of rage and disbelief. The air was thick with tension, each leaving with heavy steps and cold glares directed at Shin.

Shin's uncles, aunties, and cousins passed by him, their disdain palpable. Muttered comments and harsh whispers filled the room, each phrase a verbal dagger aimed at Shin. "Unbelievable," one aunt whispered under her breath, shaking her head in dismay. A cousin scoffed, "So much for family," his tone dripping with sarcasm and resentment.

However, it was Shito, the vice chairman of the Suzuki Group and one of the figures who had most to lose from the will's provisions, who left the most cutting parting words. Pausing in front of Shin, he locked eyes with him, his gaze loaded with animosity. After a moment that seemed to stretch into eternity, Shito spoke, his voice low but laden with venom. "You think you've won, don't you? Just remember, the higher you rise, the harder you fall. This isn't over," he hissed, leaving no room for doubt about his feelings.

Without waiting for a response, Shito turned on his heel and left, his departure signaling the end of the family's collective outburst.

Shin watched silently as Shito turned on his heel and walked away, his words echoing in Shin's mind.

As the room emptied, leaving behind only the echo of departing footsteps, Shin watched silently, a solitary figure amidst the remnants of familial discord. His parents and siblings lingered a moment longer, their gazes turning to him, a mix of emotions playing across their faces. Shiko and Seki, his elder brothers, exited together without a word. Shiruu, his second elder brother, paused to offer congratulations, a gesture mirrored by Ruki with a supportive smile. Reina, in her characteristic manner, simply nodded to Shin before leaving, her acknowledgment subtle yet meaningful.

Alone with his parents, the gravity of the situation settled around them. His father, Shiro, the current chairman of the Suzuki Group, broke the silence with a question that weighed heavily in the air. "Are you truly serious about using your Suzuki Group shares to bolster KiShin?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Shin's response was immediate and unwavering. "Yes, I am," he affirmed, his resolve clear. "I aim to leverage these shares to influence the Suzuki Group in a way that its R&D can also support KiShin's development, particularly in areas where the Suzuki technologies have a depth of experience that KiShin is yet to fully master."

Shiro sighed, a complex mix of emotions playing across his face. "I can't promise anything," he said, his tone reflective of the challenges such a proposal would face within the boardroom. "But I'll try to convince the board about partnering with KiShin, even if it seems like KiShin stands to benefit the most from such an arrangement."

Shin's smile was of quiet confidence. "Even without your help, I'll do my best to secure a partnership with the Suzuki Group. I believe in creating value that, while it may seem to favor KiShin initially, will ultimately benefit both companies."

His parents exchanged a look, their expressions a mix of resignation. They had always known Shin to be a determined person, someone who, once set on a path, pursued it with unwavering resolve.

In their hearts, they harbored hope that Shin's ambitious plans would not only forge new paths for KiShin but also bring about a new era of collaboration and innovation for the Suzuki Group.

After the room had emptied of all but echoes of the day's tumult, Shin and the lawyer of Sazama, the stalwart keeper of the Suzuki patriarch's last wishes, lingered for a while longer. They engaged in a quiet conversation, a calm after the storm, discussing the intricacies of the will and the responsibilities it bestowed upon Shin. The lawyer, with years of experience and wisdom, offered Shin both counsel and consolation, recognizing the weight now placed upon his shoulders.

Exiting the room, Shin found Mira and their children waiting patiently. Their presence was a comforting reminder of the personal support system he had, a counterbalance to the professional and familial pressures he faced. Together, they prepared to leave, stepping out of the somber atmosphere of the estate and into the promise of the evening.

As they drove home, the city lights flickered past, a silent audience to Shin's contemplations. Mira, sensing his need for quiet reflection, kept the conversation light, focusing on the children and their day. Shinichi and Mikasa's innocent chatter filled the car, a balm to the day's intensity.