01x06 - Episode 6

[bunniefuu]

RISE UP

SEIYA AOSHIRO

Mr. Seiya Aoshiro.

Am I really allowed to pick such

a handsome businessman for an interview?

My publication is more home to

articles like that.

INCONSISTENT POLITICIAN'S

CONSTANT FLIP-FLOPPING

Although I imagine he has flaws

since he's only human.

But what would dragging that out lead to?

No.

If this feature gets greenlit,

I could take charge of my own work.

My chance is finally here.

His family's apparel business

was in the red during the recession.

He started helping out the business

while he was a student

and began working there in earnest

after graduation, started reorganizing,

causing sales to grow steadily.

The rise of a young executive.

Come in.

How's it going?

I've read a few articles.

What'd you think?

He's exactly how I imagined.

He's not a typical nepo baby.

He actually worked hard.

That's true.

He cares about the employees,

he has good character,

and a strong sense of responsibility.

He just seems perfect in every single way.

So where can I find an interesting

and unexpected angle?

I don't have a clue.

What list of questions could I send?

I can give you one helpful tip

you may find useful.

The guy's way greedier than he looks.

And full of himself.

Write a letter that caters to

someone like that.

Well, then.

Good luck.

- Shinoda.

- Yes?

Are you free to help me right now?

I was going to tell you at the meeting,

but I'm working on an interview

after talking to Mr. Murai.

- That right?

- Yes.

- Never mind then.

- What?

Good luck with landing the interview.

What?

What was that smile?

Good luck.

Mr. Murai did the same.

Good luck.

Kitahama Desk and Mr. Murai.

Hold on.

What's wrong?

I might be in trouble.

- What is it?

- Don't you want it?

I do!

You're scaring me.

The interview with Aoshiro I was

quietly working on at Mr. Murai's request.

Okay.

Apparently, Kitahama Desk knew.

In other words, Mr. Murai and Desk

have their eyes on it.

This is a big deal.

There must be some big secret

about Mr. Aoshiro.

I'm guessing they already

have a few leads.

They're trying to get me

to meet him directly.

But for what?

Any ideas?

Desk asked me the other day if I knew

anyone who's close to Seiya Aoshiro.

Hold on. That's all he did.

Something's definitely up.

- It smells like a big story.

- Right?

Mr. Murai and Kitahama Desk

both had these big smiles,

and wished me luck.

- Huh?

- Right?

Those two only smile

if they're up to something.

Hey… Can I eat this now?

Hello?

It's starting to get interesting.

I actually got to say the phrase

I've been wanting to.

Screw you!

Do you have it out for him?

Your shouting is disrupting our work.

This isn't what we talked about!

I understand your point.

I want you and your supervisor

at our office!

Got it?

Are you okay, Mr. Yamabuki?

What happened?

Kitahama Desk rewrote my article.

What?

You're working on an interview?

You know that, too?

Not the details.

I'll tell you, because it might help you.

Did you read the editorial?

Um…

The politician Katsuya Sadamatsu, right?

Correct.

That man is his aide.

I interviewed him and his aide over dinner

about his political work.

To my surprise, Sadamatsu

turned out to be clean and a good guy.

But Desk got ahold of my draft

and changed it,

turning it into a nasty piece.

Why would he do that?

You know puff pieces?

An article to help elevate the subject

and give them an advantage.

That's right.

Desk told me this.

Why?

We don't publish puff pieces.

If we published that without hinting

that he's after voters,

and the government used it for PR,

a lot of parties would start gloating.

You get it?

The Sengoku Weekly was about to get used.

Desk avoided a fiasco.

In the end, he saved me.

He was a good guy in person.

I truly wanted to root for him.

I got to learn just how blind I was.

So the lesson is,

we can't easily trust anyone.

It's better to go in skeptical.

Well, you have to be critical either way.

Don't make any assumptions.

Always remain neutral.

It's hard to do, though.

That's all.

Always remain neutral.

DEAR MR. SEIYA AOSHIRO

FORGIVE ME FOR…

This is the Sengoku Weekly.

Is Hinako Shinoda in?

That's me.

I'm Miyamoto, Seiya Aoshiro's assistant.

I'm sorry for the sudden letter.

Mr. Aoshiro appreciated

the thoughtful handwritten letter.

He would love to do the interview.

Thank you!

I will create a proposal including

compensation and contact you again.

Give my greetings to President Aoshiro.

I will, look forward to hearing from you.

Goodbye.

He gave the okay!

Nice one.

- That's great.

- Not bad.

Check and make sure

he's okay with photographs.

Yes, sir.

Seiya Aoshiro?

That's amazing.

He might like it if you wore

his brand for the day.

That's a good idea!

- And pay for it yourself.

- Yes!

I totally would.

You're so pumped up.

I'm worried things are going too well.

Maybe that handwritten letter

really worked.

Slow down a bit.

Another one, please!

Don't get sloppy drunk again!

When did I ever get sloppy?

When you got back from Niigata.

Stupid Sengokusha!

That's not my fault.

My phone died,

then I got lost in the rain,

and rang a doorbell.

I know, you told me.

Then I almost got eaten by a bear

in the sticks.

The bear's a lie.

Busted.

Another one, please!

A bear-repelling bell?

Hina.

I get you're happy to finally work

on your own project,

but don't get carried away.

Good point.

Remember your favorite horror novel.

Horror novel?

The ones who screw around

get cursed first.

Same thing here.

Don't jinx me!

Be careful when things seem

too good to be true.

Seiya Aoshiro, right?

Pretty roses have thorns.

Hold on!

What's lurking below the surface?

Can you be a little more reassuring?

Good medicine tastes bitter.

The schemer is undone by his own schemes.

Too much of a good thing.

That's all negative, Asuka!

Bathroom!

Sorry!

How are you drunk already?

Sorry. Thank you.

The PR zine.

You're still involved?

No, but why does that matter?

You're carrying around

your former department's work?

Why are you being so harsh to me today?

Sorry, I'm kidding.

Anyway, do your best.

I'm rooting for you.

Thank you. I'll do my best.

What about the bathroom?

Bathroom?

Good morning.

- Good morning…

- Wow.

Nice.

Looks good on you.

It's Mr. Aoshiro's brand.

That's great.

If you please.

Is the interview ready?

Yes, I had Kitahama Desk

look over the questions yesterday.

It's just…

You want to ask me something.

You seem to have some thoughts

on Seiya Aoshiro, don't you?

It's not that I don't.

But I don't have enough evidence

to merit telling you now.

Some bad rumors about him, right?

Yes.

I did some research online,

but didn't find anything.

The facts are that he did

revitalize the company.

He may have a talent for business.

And as you can see,

he's charismatic and attractive.

Is it better if I don't know

the true objective of today's interview?

Sorry for not being forthcoming.

But all you have to do

is conduct a smooth interview.

I swear.

Just creating a connection with him

would be big.

I see.

It would be even more amazing if you

could exchange personal numbers with him.

Me?

With this hot guy?

Provided it’s possible.

If the opportunity presents itself.

Have a snack ready and try to

make him lower his guard beforehand.

Suzaki is already upstairs,

getting set up.

You can ask him for advice.

Okay.

You going?

I'll get the room ready

and wait for him outside early.

I'm off then.

Almost forgot.

Even if you happen to notice or

realize something in the middle of it,

try to keep your poker face.

Okay.

All right, good luck then.

Thank you!

Good morning, I'm Shinoda.

I apologize for the inconvenience.

Not at all, I look forward to today.

You really did come alone.

Yes.

I do things alone when I can.

I even took the subway.

I didn't even miss my transfer.

YOUNG BUSINESSMAN

SEIYA AOSHIRO

- Let me lead the way.

- Sure.

Ms. Shinoda.

Drinks.

Is coffee okay?

Thank you.

Do you two know each other?

Yes, we often work together

on the Incident Team.

Incident Team?

Well, to be exact, I'm a freelancer.

But I do most of Sengoku Weekly's shoots.

Usually a cameraman from the Photo

Department gets sent to interviews,

but Mr. Suzaki was swapped in

last minute for this.

Ms. Shinoda.

Check if he needs milk or sugar.

I'll take it black.

Okay.

- You two help yourselves as well.

- Thank you.

I'm fine, why don't you have a cup?

Sure.

So you mostly take scandal photos.

No, I take all sorts of photos.

Our chief sent me here

since Shinoda's still a newbie.

I figured that was the case.

They're worried about you.

Eyes forward.

Sorry.

- Please be careful, it's hot.

- Thank you.

You're kind, Ms. Shinoda,

just like in you were in your letter.

I'm curious to know

where your warm character comes from.

Oh, no…

Maybe I'll interview you instead.

Where are you from?

Rural Chiba.

Were you running around

in the fields as a kid?

I wasn't that much of a tomboy.

You're from Niigata, right?

What were you like?

I loved sports.

There were many big parks around.

Have you been to Niigata before?

I have!

To ski or snowboard?

No, for work.

A month ago, but it was a short visit.

Kota Kubozuka.

In his teenage years,

he caused an as*ault case.

I want you to check

their Niigata residence.

Your work was crucial.

Even if you happen to notice or

realize something in the middle of it,

try to keep your poker face.

You okay?

I'm sorry.

Did it get on your clothes?

I'll go use the restroom.

Is Mr. Aoshiro involved in the serial

accidental deaths?

Is it a coincidence?

No, hold on.

Mr. Aoshiro?

You should request an interview.

Mr. Suzaki was swapped in

last minute for this.

So you mostly take scandal photos.

It's not a coincidence!

How did I not notice until now?

I'm so stupid!

How can I be so slow?

Pretty roses have thorns.

The guy's way greedier than he looks.

Mr. Aoshiro is connected

to the serial mysterious deaths.

Something's set in motion.

I feel like I'm getting dragged

into something again.

Things are getting interesting!

No picture, no real name,

won't answer the phone.

What if I end up with a boyfriend?