Date A Live Encore - Volume 10 - Chapter 2

Tohka President

 “—Visiting Japan. Brought to you weekly, our spotlight on new talented entrepreneurs in the economic world—” 

 With that, the title appeared on the TV screen as the background music started to echo. 

 It was an economics documentary broadcasted every Thursday evening, a program aimed at developmental growth, and the official medium for introducing Japan’s economic situation to the rest of the world. This show offered a unique perspective alongside a relaxed narrative. Although the content was still relatively serious, it wasn’t falling behind in its entertainment quality either. 

 Despite that, however, the Itsuka family rarely watched it. The reason was simple: the majority of the family and the guests who frequented their house were too young to be interested in this type of program. Usually around this time, the Itsuka TV would be playing shows from other channels or used as a screen for video games. 

 But, today was special because— 

 “—Today’s guest is a representative from YATO Corporation, its chairperson, Yatogami Tohka.” 

 “Umu! Nice to meet you!” 

 A familiar girl appeared on the screen. 

 She had long, night colored-hair tied up neatly and a pair of beautiful crystal-like eyes. Although her lovely facial features were still a bit childish, her form-fitting black suit and high grade black frame spectacles showed that she was a person with a lofty status. 

 “The developmental speed of YATO is completely unprecedented, like a modern Sunomata Castle. What is the secret behind your rapid growth?” 

 “The secret to our growth… hmm, isn’t that just like choosing to lose weight rather than naturally growing thin?” 

 “So it turns out it’s all about choosing extensive development and not expecting specific outcomes. What President Yatogami says should serve as a model for the select few that have established such huge joint ventures in only a single generation.” 

 “Hmm? Well, that’s just how it is. The most important part is new ideas.” 

 “…” 

 “…” 

 As the residents of the Itsuka household were watching the show, Shido and his little sister Kotori had sweat dripping down their faces. 

 “…How did it come to this?” 

 Kotori, while fidgeting with the tips of her hair tied together with black ribbons, asked that with one eye closed. 

 “Even if you ask me that…” 

 Shido scratched his face as he replied back, looking back at Tohka smiling on the screen. 

 This incident started not too long ago. 

◇◇◇

 “Hmm…” 

 One night, as Shido was washing the dishes in the kitchen, he heard a soft moan coming from the living room. 

 When he looked over there, Kotori had a serious expression on her face, staring at her tablet as she sat on the sofa. Shido washed the dishwashing detergent out of the bowls, wiped his hands, and walked over to her. 

 “What’s wrong, Kotori? Another job?” 

 “Ah… well, for the time being, let’s just say it is.” 

 Gently twirling the lollipop in her mouth, she turned the tablet’s screen to Shido. The name of a company appeared on top of the neatly arranged paragraphs. 

 “What’s this? Some company?” 

 “Yup. This is—an overview of the subsidiaries of Asgard Electronics.” 

 “Wow, there’s so many…!” 

 Looking at the list crammed onto the crystal screen, Shido couldn’t help but sigh. As far as he could tell, it included several enterprises ranging from heavy manufacturing all the way to stationery printing. It turned out that their plentiful funds were raised through these channels. 

 “So, what’s the issue here?” 

 Naturally, with all of these companies, it’s improbable that they can all be performing well. I’m considering merging and abandoning some of them. When DEM was active, these companies all helped disperse DEM’s influence, but that’s no longer necessary.” 

 “Hm—” 

 Shido nodded his head in understanding. 

 A British company, the magic association that aimed for the power of the Spirits—DEM—was their greatest adversary, but in the previous battle, its leader, Isaac Westcott, was defeated. Since then, DEM has steadily lost its footing. The anti-Westcott faction of the company launched a rebellion, and now DEM was suffering from internal strife. 

 “So that’s it… but this should be an issue for Asgard’s management section. Is this really something the commander needs to handle?” 

 “Well, for the time being, I’m still a part of the company, so it’s not like I’m completely uninvolved.” 

 “Hmm… huh?” 

 With an expression like he’d seen something incomprehensible, Shido slanted his head. However, Kotori didn’t seem to notice, and she continued on. 

 “Well, after a cursory look, the first candidate should be this one.” 

 While saying that, she moved her cursor over the contender. Shido once again looked onto the screen with a puzzled look. 

 “Eld Foods… a food company?” 

 “Uh huh. It was originally established to develop food for the Spirits. In the beginning, we didn’t know if pure Spirits could eat the same food as humans, so we set up various studies just in case, but either way, it’s useless now.” 

 “Haha… that’s true.” 

 Shido shrugged as he turned to the pots and pans stacked up in the kitchen sink—What was left behind after the Spirits had finished eating. 

 “While small, the company still has employees and a cover business… But since it continues losing money, it shouldn’t be much of an issue to merge it with the food department of another company. This desserts factory can continue being of use—” 

 “—Dessert factory?!” 

 At that moment, a voice full of energy echoed as if to interrupt Kotori. 

 Looking toward the source, Shido found Tohka, who was watching TV with the other Spirits, all turned towards their side. 

 “A dessert factory, is that a place where you make desserts?!” 

 “Yeah, that’s right. You’re well informed.” 

 “Umu, there was a TV special feature about dessert factories airing before. How impressive… so many snacks transported by conveyor belt and ready in a flash…” 

 Tohka looked completely entranced as her shaking hands intertwined with each other. Shido and Kotori couldn’t help but smile at the sight. 

 “Certainly you seem enthusiastic about this…” 

 “Umu. Of course I’m interested in this. Not just the dessert factory, new product testing, development, trials… the desserts displayed in the store are actually infused with the passions of so many people.” 

 While saying that, Tohka vigorously nodded her head. It was a very Tohka-like daydream. 

 Probably understanding that feeling, Kotori turned to look at Tohka. 

 “Huh, is that right? Then would you like to give it a try? 

 “Hm?” 

 “Doing stuff like trying out the original products. You want to give it a look and try, right?” 

 “What…” 

 Perhaps finally understanding what Kotori was getting at, Tohka’s eyes widened as her hands started to tremble even more. 

 “R-R-Really?!” 

 “Yup, the basic equipment should be ready and available, so that ought to be fine.” 

 Kotori proudly nodded. Shido whispered to her as sweat formed on his forehead. 

 “Hey… is it really okay to make a decision like that so easily?” 

 “No problem. The company is going bankrupt anyway. A company set up for Spirits has finally returned to its original intention by helping realize one of the Spirits’ dreams—the current company employee plan is to be transferred to an affiliated company. Tohka, if you want to, you could try being the president.” 

 “Ooh! Can I?!” 

 “…Hey?! You can’t be serious, Kotori!” 

 Shido couldn’t help but cry out. But Kotori gently waved her hand. 

 “Isn’t that great? There is still time before the merger; it’ll be a good social experience.” 

 “Even if you say that, to suddenly be president of the company…” 

 As Shido and Kotori were talking, the Spirits who were listening in on this conversation also began to gather. 

 “Hehe. You’ve just described something interesting.” 

 “Request. Please also include Yuzuru and the others.” 

 “Tohka-san as president… I also want to watch.” 

 “Ah—I want to as well. It looks like there’ll be some good benefits.” 

 Everyone looked on, eyes gleaming with interest. As if to console everyone, Kotori spread out her hands. 

 “Alright, alright, I understand. As for the positions… never mind, let’s just follow Tohka’s ideas.” 

 After hearing what Kotori had said, the Spirits started to grow more nervous. Shido sighed helplessly. 

 “—Shido, Shido.” 

 “…Hm?” 

 Amongst the noisy crowd, Tohka started to pull on Shido’s clothes. He slanted his head as he turned towards her. 

 “What’s wrong, Tohka?” 

 “I forgot to ask… what is a president?” 

 “…” 

 And like that, Eld Foods ushered in a difficult business reopening. 

◇◇◇

 A few days later, the employees of the company gathered in the conference room of Eld Foods. 

 …Well, despite calling it a conference room, it was actually just the narrow room in the corner of a building that was used for both commercial and residential purposes. The company employees gathered here all also had familiar faces. 

 The Spirits gathered around a long table reinforced with cardboard to prevent it from shaking. In front of everyone, there were nameplates with each person’s position written on it. 

 They were— 

 President Yatogami Tohka. 

 Senior Management Director Yoshino. 

 Management Director Hoshimiya Mukuro. 

 Section Chief of Human Resources Natsumi. 

 Section Chief of Marketing Tokisaki Kurumi. 

 Section Chief of Public Relations Izayoi Miku. 

 Special Missions Chief Tobiichi Origami. 

 OL Yamai Kaguya. 

 OL Yamai Yuzuru. 

 Part Timer Honjou Nia. 

 A sign labeling Shido as First Secretary also stood on the desk. Standing beside him was Shiizaki Hinako, with the position of Second Secretary. 

 “Ah, hello… I see you’re here as well, Shiizaki-san.” 

 “Ahaha… the Commander asked me to come. Originally, though, I was affiliated with this company…” 

 “Huh, really?” 

 “Yes. I can’t exactly say, “I work for a secret organization,” to my parents and friends. So on the surface I’m an employee of an affiliated company. The deputy commander belongs to a security company, and if I recall correctly, Nakatsugawa-san is affiliated with a toy manufacturing company.” 

 “So it’s like that…” 

 As Shido and Shiizaki were talking, there was a sudden ‘thump!” Turning over to look, Nia spoke with an unhappy look on her face while pointing at her position card. 

 “Hold on! Everyone else has official positions, why am I the only part timer! I demand a promotion, or at least better benefits!” 

 Nia stood up while also raising her placement card. 

 Then, Shiizaki scratched her face apologetically. 

 “Sorry, Nia-san. There is a reason…” 

 “And what could that reason be?! Bullying?! Is it bullying?! I won’t just suffer in silence!” 

 “Employees at our company are prohibited from engaging in side businesses.” 

 “Guh!” 

 Nia collapsed onto the table. That’s right, Nia still had a job as a manga artist. 

 “Hey, hold on. Doesn’t Mikki also have a side job?” 

 While speaking, Nia turned to look at Miku. That was true, in addition to being a student, Miku still had her job as an idol. 

 However, Miku raised a finger while not being the least bit concerned. 

 “Even though I am a section chief, it isn’t really a formal position, more like a… collaborative effort. You can consider it something like a one-day store manager.” 

 “Ah, so it’s like that… Uh, can I also be like that? Then can I at least be called an OL like 

 Kaguyan and Yuzurun…” 

 Nia pouted while saying that, but just like that Kaguya and Yuzuru revealed fearless smiles. 

 “Contrary to expectations, there is indifference on this matter, but can it really be possible for thou?” 

 “Description. OL stands for Operational Lady. This means feigning being an ordinary staff member and advancing investigations in the dark, the equivalent of a modern female ninja who decides success or failure through commercial espionage.” 

 “What a terrifying role.” 

 Nia leaned on the table as if giving up… OL generally meant Office Lady in English, but… well, if it were those two they would definitely end up doing something like this. Shido bitterly smiled. 

 Then, likely noticing that things were finally settling down, Shiizaki coughed a few times and promptly raised her voice. 

 “Uh… now then, let’s begin the new product meeting for Eld Foods—President, if you will.” 

 “Umu!” 

 Tohka energetically nodded in response to Shiizaki. 

 “I am the president, Yatogami Tohka! It’s nice to have everyone onboard! So, let’s talk about the strongest snack I’ve thought of right away. Everyone should have the information in front of them.” 

 After speaking, Tohka motioned around the table. Everyone had a few sheets of paper pinned together with small paper clips presented in front of them. Incidentally, this was what Shido had gathered together last night after listening to Tohka’s ideas. 

 “Here were my thoughts as I created this product: rarely do new products ever focus on trying to make more than one person happy, so instead, let’s try to make it as widely accepted by as many people as possible—and so I came up with this. Everyone, please turn to the next page.” 

 As they listened to Tohka, the Spirits continued to flip through the information. 

 “This is…” 

 “Mun…” 

 “U-Um…” 

 Then, the same complicated look surfaced on everyone’s faces. 

 But this couldn’t be helped. After all, what was written on this was— 

 “Kinako chewing gum.” 

 “Kinako flour potato chips.” 

 “Kinako beverages.” 

 It was an entire collection of kinako-based products. 

 “To my knowledge, modern people lack a supplement for being calm and tranquil. So what encourages calm, peaceful feelings? That’s right, it’s kinako.” 

 However, Tohka, seeming to not notice everyone’s reactions, continued giving her enthusiastic speech. 

 “The gentle flavor, the reassuring aroma… and also its nutritiousness. Soybean iso… iso…” 

 “Isoflavones.” 

 “Yup, that one.” 

 After Shido whispered that, Tohka vigorously nodded and continued on. 

 “The effect produced by this substance is good for the body. It can relax the body and mind. For this era full of murderous intent, a bounty of kinako is necessary! Kinako together with more kinako shall serve as restraints! I call this the kinako social contract!” 

 Tohka raised her fist and shouted. Several of the Spirits were caught up by her momentum and started clapping instinctively… In fact, regardless of the content, Tohka’s speech itself still had incredible appeal. Regardless of the content. 

 “Kinako… although I don’t hate it, does it really fit well with potato chips?” 

 “That’s a fair question. No judgment can be made without actually tasting it.” 

 Natsumi and Kurumi looked at the data while saying that. 

 Then, Tohka, as if expecting someone to say that, turned to look at Shido. 

 “—Shido?” 

 “Alright.” 

 As Shido gently nodded, a small trolley filled with kinako products was brought into the conference room. 

 That’s right. Shido didn’t just help make the speech. He also helped develop various prototypes based on Tohka’s ideas. 

 “Interest. There was no expectation of a prototype…” 

 “It doesn’t look too bad at a glance.” 

 The Spirits, while lively discussing with everyone, grabbed the samples and immediately started trembling after eating the trial product. 

 “…S-So, it tastes like this…” 

 “Mun… Muku doesn’t detest this.” 

 Subsequently, they all began pondering with increasingly complex expressions on their faces. Judging from those looks, although it was still unknown if it could actually be sold, they seemed to be doing much better than expected. 

 No one raised any objections to it. After all, this proposal was made by the President, who held the authority to make the decision on her own. Moreover, in the end, this company itself was just a stage built for Tohka’s original ideas. 

 The Spirits looked at each other and nodded. 

 “Um… Then, let’s give it a try.” 

 “Yes, just like that. The design of the packaging should be handed over to Nia.” 

 “That task is far too heavy for a measly salary woman… but I’ll do it.” 

 “Then I’ll be responsible for destroying our competitors.” 

 “N-No you don’t need to do such a thing… also, Origami, what is Special Missions Chief even supposed to mean…” 

 As the Spirits stood up and noisily chattered, Tohka nodded her head in satisfaction. 

 As he watched everyone having fun, Shido secretly whispered to Shiizaki. 

 “…Shiizaki-san. Everyone seems a bit over excited, will this turn out okay?” 

 “It’s no problem. Honestly speaking, a balance like this may lead to a deficit, but with the budget allocated, even when not counting online sales, we have supermarkets set up within Asgard’s affiliated companies. So it’ll all be set up in our own stores. This isn’t just about creating new products, but also the pleasure in seeing those products sold in stores… or so the Commander said at least.” 

 Scratching her face, Shiizaki smiled bitterly. So it turned out to be like this, Shido nodded while expressing his gratitude for his little sister’s thoughtfulness. At the beginning, he was still imagining how this would all develop. Certainly, it was better to do it like this. Shido, looking at how Tohka and everyone were happily exchanging opinions, also smiled. 

◇◇◇

 “Uh…” 

 Morning, just a few days later. A sharp noise came from the side of his pillow causing Shido to jump awake. 

 For only a moment, he thought that it was the sound of an alarm clock, but that couldn’t be it. This sound was coming from his phone. 

 “Who would… this early in the morning…” 

 Shido rubbed his eyes, reaching out to grab his phone, pressed the reply button, and then placed the phone next to his ear. 

 “…Hello, this is the Itsuka residence—” 

 “—Shido-kun!” 

 At that moment, a loud scream pierced through Shido’s joints. Shido flinched as he put some more distance between himself and his phone. 

 “That voice… Shiizaki-san? Did something happen?” 

 “S-S-S-Something huge happened!” 

 “Something huge…? What’s going on?” 

 Hearing Shiizaki in such a panic, Shido raised the upper half of his body back up. 

 His confused brain woke up all at once. What the hell happened? Could it be that something happened to the Spirits—? 

 “—Sold.” 

 “Huh?” 

 “Like I said—sold out! The product that Tohka-chan came up with! It’s selling explosively!” 

 “…Huh?” 

 Hearing Shiizaki’s cry from the other side of the phone, Shido let out a dumbstruck voice. 

 “Selling explosively…? Was it the kinako flavored potato chips or something?” 

 “It’s everything! The kinako chewing gum, the kinako flavored drinks, and all the other products were all sold out in an instant. And the price is still increasing from online reselling! The company’s phone has been ringing non-stop since this morning!” 

 “H-Hold on. How did this happen?!” 

 “That’s what I want to know! Anyway, this is a big deal! I’ll send a car over, so please, come over to the office immediately!” 

 Those last words almost felt like a scream, then the phone hung up. 

 While left in this confused state Shido hastily changed his clothes, climbed downstairs and left the house. 

 —What happened next could be described as a pure spark of inspiration. 

 Eld Foods, which had unexpectedly produced this new, hot product, immediately decided to increase production. Products such as kinako potato chips, which had only been sold online until now, arrived at the specific stores and received several orders from retailers across the entire country. The product instantly became a national snack. 

 With the huge turnover from this, the board of directors consisting of Tohka, Yoshino, and Mukuro decided to increase factory capital for edible snacks (limited mostly to desserts). And at the same time, new product development had also begun. 

 A distinctively mature spicy kinako powder, a sample of new distinctive kinako snack, and also, some day in the future, this would lead to the legendary, completely authentic kinako powered machine— 

 All of this had set astronomical sale records and Eld Foods’ operating income had increased over 10,000 times. 

 The unprecedented kinako boom had arrived. A yellow storm had swept over the entirety of Japan. 

 The board of directors decided to let the company go public and Eld Foods’ stock price skyrocketed, establishing record highs. 

 At the same time, Yoshino and Mukuro started stock trading. They gained huge profits through their instincts alone, and by using that to continue buying more shares, repeating the company merger process and integrating many other companies as their own subsidiaries. This also included the companies affiliated with Asgard Electronics that were originally planned to merge with Eld Foods. Despite living together all year round, Shido had never heard Kotori this excited before. 

 When there were more than thirty affiliated companies, Eld Foods made an announcement of integrating its subsidiaries. The company’s name was changed to YATO Corporation. A giant comprehensive company involving multiple industries was born. 

 …Of course, no one could have seen such an outcome. 

 It was as if there was an existence like god in the world who was partial to Tohka, with her fortunes being as endless as the stormy waves in the ocean. 

 “H-How… did it become like this…” 

 The Secretary-General of the YATO Corporation, Itsuka Shido, said with a blank look. 

 Shido was neither in his house nor the bleak one-story building from earlier. They were instead located in a skyscraper in the core of the city. When Eld Foods changed its name to YATO, the company moved here. 

 The wide room was covered with soft, velvety blankets, and there was an oversized desk for working. Incredibly, this wasn’t even the President’s office, but rather the Secretary-General’s, prepared solely for Shido. 

 “—YATO’s—kinako—” 

 After hearing this voice, Shido raised his head. Miku showed up on the TV that was always on. 

 She was wearing a cute kimono like a tea shop poster girl, holding a container of kinako bread in her hands. Next to her was the anthropomorphized soybean mascot, Kinakomon. 

 It was an advertisement from the YATO Corporation. When the company was still called Eld Foods, Miku was the company’s advertising centerpiece and made tremendous contributions to its public relations. 

 “…” 

 Shido silently operated his phone which displayed the SNS messages. 

 On the screen. 

 “Sure enough, YATO’s kinako flavor is the best.” 

 “Cold kinako is a must for this year.” 

 “Kinakomon’s leather belt is so cute.” 

 Rows and rows of comments, all like this. 

 …Although not all of them, the majority were written by Kurumi’s clones, the so-called army recruited for posting messages on the internet. 

 Shido was also well aware of that. At the beginning, products like the kinako powder potato chips wouldn’t be on the radar for sparking conversation topics, so it seemed it was Kurumi’s influence behind that. The numerous clones, their existence was brought forth to increase the number of supporters. Kurumi called these individuals the “leaders of me.” 

 “…They’re too capable.” 

 As Shido sighed, a knock came from the door. 

 “Ah, please come in.” 

 Shido turned off the TV and replied back. And then, a woman opened the door and entered the room. 

 —A staff member of the YATO Corporation, the head secretary, Shiizaki. 

 She wasn’t wearing a uniform, but rather a high quality suit. Additionally, it was probably a physiological effect, her makeup was much more seriously applied than usual. 

 “Secretary-General, it is almost time for the meeting.” 

 “Ha, alright… then let’s go.” 

 Shido gave a half-hearted reply as he stood up from the chair. 

 …As of this moment, Shiizaki was now calling Shido “Secretary-General,” and Tohka “President.” After the company grew so big, this was probably unavoidable, but it still made him feel a bit awkward. 

 “Say… do I need to attend the meeting?” 

 “What are you talking about? Isn’t that the job of the Secretary-General? It can be said that the success of the meeting depends on the presence of the Secretary-General. Ah, and please don’t forget to prepare.” 

 Shiizaki raised her index finger as she spoke. 

 “Okay, okay.” 

 Shido picked up the huge bag in the secretary’s room and left with Shiizaki, taking the elevator to arrive at the primary meeting room above. 

 “Ooh, you’re here, Shido!” 

 As Shido approached the conference room, Tohka, who was sitting in the innermost position of the round table, energetically greeted him. 

 “Ah, everyone came early.” 

 Shido slowly raised his hand as he spoke, and then looked inside the room. 

 This large room was incomparable to their old dilapidated meeting room. The glass wall was reflecting the skyscrapers throughout Tokyo. 

 However, the people sitting around the table hadn’t changed at all. Tohka, Yoshino, Mukuro, Natsumi, Kurumi, Miku, Kaguya, Yuzuru, Origami—the Spirits gathered around the table while dressed in top quality suits. 

 “Ah, Darling!” 

 “Mun, you kept Muku waiting, Nushi-sama.” 

 “Fu, a corporate soldier is still a soldier regardless. That is to say, this is also the Yamai’s battlefield.” 

 The Spirits smiled and spoke without any restraint. While the outside was much more prim and proper, nothing on the inside had changed at all. Shido slightly smiled while letting out a sigh of relief. 

 “—So, please Shido. Hurry up with the first thing.” 

 After saying that, Tohka raised a finger. 

 “Ah, okay.” 

 Shido opened the bag in hands and handed over a stick wrapped in high-quality paper to Tohka. 

 This was a premium chocolate cigar (kinako flavored, of course). Tohka couldn’t think properly without eating this. 

 “—Shido, me too.” 

 “Sorry, can I have one too…?” 

 “…Ah, I also…” 

 The Spirits all raised their hands in turn after Tohka. 

 “Alright…” 

 Shido took out the snacks and drinks in the bag and handed them over to the Spirits in turn. Because everyone had different preferences, Shido’s bag was always packed with various snacks and treats. 

 …This was what Shiizaki meant when she said he was necessary to the success of the meeting. Although, to be honest, compared to a Secretary-General, this was more like working as a used car salesman or a sports stadium vendor. 

 “Okay, Yuzuru is potato chips; Miku is vanilla tea… hey, huh? Are we missing someone?” 

 At that moment, Shido had noticed. There was a faint tapping sound coming from somewhere. 

 Looking in the direction of that sound, Shido saw Nia on the other side of the glass wall. She was wearing a dark gray jumpsuit with a helmet, hanging on a gondola outside of the building. It looked like she was cleaning the windows. 

 She seemed to be saying something, but Shido couldn’t make it out through the thick glass. Nia seemed to notice this as well as she used the cleaning spray to write something on the window with her finger. 

 “Everyone·dressed up·in suits·is·very arousing·right?” 

 “…” 

 Even now, she was still saying stuff like that. Shido couldn’t help but feel a bead of sweat drip down. 

 Once she noticed her presence, Shiizaki hurried to pull down the curtains. 

 “Let’s begin the meeting.” 

 “Ignored?!” 

 Looking at her cold reaction, Shido let out a loud yell. Shiizaki sighed before continuing to explain. 

 “This is her punishment for secretly drinking on company grounds. Without a punishment, it would set a bad example for the other employees. As long as she takes her work seriously, she can come back.” 

“A-Ah…” 

 Hearing such a Nia-like reason, Shido could only scratch his face in disappointment. 

 And thus, the YATO Corporation’s board of directors meeting commenced. 

 “—So, today’s issue is about using kinako powder noodles alongside fried chicken.” 

 “Huh… do those two things go together?” 

 “The raw material is soybeans, so it ought to be feasible.” 

 “Acknowledgement. Make a trial product and send it to market if it is delicious.” 

 “No objections.” 

 “No objections.” 

 “No objections.” 

 “—Then, the next issue. The bidding prices for the residential development projects of Nanmu New Town have been announced, please confirm the request.” 

 “Un, the game department filed an application to develop a new app.” 

 “Also, the pharmaceutical department made a proposal for a new drug—” 

 “Hold on, how did the conversation change so drastically?! Are you saying that this company is responsible for all that as well?!” 

 Shido loudly screamed. 

 —The meeting ended after about two hours. 

 The topics were rich and diverse, from the establishment of a green energy sector, to the introduction of new industry rules for convenience stores, and even as far as commercial development of “Soybean Pro” as the centerpiece of a theme park. When the topic finally reached space exploration, Shido completely gave up thinking; Tohka only felt reluctant since it meant sending soybean flour towards the cosmos. 

 “Hmm…” 

 After finishing the meeting, Tohka stood up to stretch before turning to Shido. 

 “Though the meeting was interesting, I’m really hungry now. Shido, it’s almost time to prepare lunch!” 

 “Um…? Ah, right then…” 

 Although he was left mentally exhausted from all the information, Shido still agreed. During the meeting, Tohka was eating snacks, but for her that wasn’t a meal at all. 

 At that moment, Shiizaki, with a tablet in her hands, walked towards Tohka. 

 “Unfortunately, President, at noon we need to discuss overseas construction. The other party will host a reception. Now we need to be heading to the hotel where the meeting is located, please get prepared.” 

 “Muu… right. It can’t be helped. Let’s go, Shido.” 

 Tohka grunted in dissatisfaction, but still followed Shiizaki, and Shido followed suit. 

 Before leaving the meeting room, Tohka seemed to have thought of something as she turned to the Yamai Sisters and Origami. 

 “—Ah, that’s right. Kaguya, Yuzuru, Origami, I think it’s about time, but please take care of it, you guys.” 

 “What’s it time for?” 

 “Un, it’s just some troublesome work. Shido will learn about it soon anyway.” 

 “Hmm…” 

 Shido wondered to himself if it was yet another industry to start as he left the meeting room with Tohka and Shiizaki in tow. 

 After preparing, the three of them left the company building and headed toward the meeting spot. 

 Wearing a long coat over her black culottes suit, Tohka had a pair of sunglasses to cover her eyes, making her look more like a mafia boss rather than the president of a food company. 

 “President, the car is ready.” 

 “Okay, thank you.” 

 Tohka briefly replied as she walked towards the high-end black sedan at a brisk pace. While watching as this business exchange occurred, Shido smiled wryly. 

 Just at that moment— 

 “—Shido, move a little farther away from me.” 

 Just as they were about to enter the car, Tohka spoke with a frown. 

 “Huh? Why, Tohka? What—” 

 With a bang, the sound of something breaking through the air echoed, as Tohka’s body faintly moved. 

 By the time Shido noticed, Tohka’s fingertips were holding a smoking bullet. 

 “Huh…? Hah…?” 

 Shido, failing to comprehend what was going on, couldn’t hold back his shock. He looked back and forth between Tohka’s face and the bullet in her hands. 

 However, Tohka seemed to have anticipated this would happen. She took out her smartphone from her pocket and started to make a call. 

 “—Hey, Kaguya? It’s me. I was just sniped. Judging from the firing line, it should have been shot from the roof of the Fujiwa Building. Grab the sniper immediately… what, already captured? As expected of the OL. You work quickly.” 

 “Huh… Huuuh?!” 

 “—Umu, I am fine. Trying to defeat a Spirit like this is almost delusional. Yes, it’s probably one of Kuroi Real Estate’s subordinates, likely still holding a grudge on the bid for Tengu Hills.” 

 “Huuuuuuuh?!” 

 “—Hey, Origami? As you heard, the sniper is under control. I will leave it entirely up to you. Muu. We better reinforce the real estate sector here. Let’s turn Kuroi Real Estate’s headquarters into a kinako museum.” 

 “Huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh?!” 

 Shido, unable to keep up with things, could do nothing else but let out a lamentable cry. 

—Afterwards, the rapid development of the YATO Corporation only continued. 

 Eld Foods completed a miraculous rebirth, and as the new president of the YATO Corporation, Tohka received invitations for various speeches and TV appearances, along with commissions for consulting work and business reconstruction. Some companies even wanted to invite Tohka to join them as a consultant. 

 “Muu? Okay.” 

 Despite Tohka failing to fully understand this, she still accepted. She rebuilt several businesses and was called a prodigious entrepreneur. There was an autobiography published, Yatogami Tohka, Huge Kinako, that became a popular must-read book for people who are interested in business management. Incidentally, while it was ostensibly an autobiography and the person smiling on the cover was Tohka, the actual content was written by Natsumi. Also, in time, even Nia’s window cleaning skill became super powerful. 

 Nowadays, there was nothing that Tohka couldn’t do or anything that she couldn’t reach. 

 Her continuous victories forced other people to take the above statement seriously. With fortune comparable to landing sixes in dice 1000 consecutive times, Tohka ravaged the market and dominated the economic world. 

◇◇◇

 “…” 

 YATO Corporation, evening, in the President’s office. 

 Looking at Tohka as she stood by the wall overlooking the brightly lit city, Shido softly sighed. 

 —In retrospect, they really had gone through a lot. 

 In the beginning, they only planned to have some fun. A company that was on the verge of collapse had been retooled into manufacturing Tohka’s original desserts. 

 However, this sowed the seeds for the company to sell one hot product after another, engulfing so many things in an instant, and leading them here. 

 In front of Shido was a hegemon of the economic world that could mobilize 100 million yen worth of funds with a finger. Not even the government could ignore Tohka’s ideas now. 

 The young girl’s dreams gradually expanded and transformed into an unexpected monster. 

 “…” 

 Shido’s heart felt uneasy. 

 It really felt as though this happened all in an instant. In the grand scheme of things, it was such a brief twinkle in the eye of the universe that it could be used to convince someone that this was all a nice daydream. 

 But in such a short time, Tohka had obtained so much. Wealth, fame, status, power—she almost fulfilled all of the desires that humans generally wish to pursue. 

 So Shido grew a little scared. Will Tohka turn into someone he wouldn’t even recognize anymore? 

 —Guuuu… 

 And then. 

 “…Huh?” 

 As Shido was thinking this over, he suddenly heard that sound. 

 After a short pause, Shido noticed—a sound coming from Tohka’s stomach. 

 “…Muu, I’m hungry.” 

 Then, with a slightly embarrassed look, Tohka rubbed her stomach. 

 “—Ha.” 

 Seeing that, Shido couldn’t help but laugh. 

 “Hahaha, ahahahaha.” 

 “W-What’s wrong, Shido? There’s no need to laugh. No matter who it is, their stomach will always grumble when they’re hungry!” 

 “N-No… haha, sorry, sorry. I didn’t mean it like that… I just felt… reassured by that. No matter how much things change, Tohka is still Tohka.” 

 “…Muu? Isn’t that obvious? What are you saying, Shido?” 

 Tohka frowned as she slanted her head. At such movements that could only be described as cute, Shido laughed again. 

 “Anyway, this company really has become so large. At the beginning, it was almost all over for it.” 

 “Umu! It’s because of everyone’s efforts! But…” 

 Tohka fidgeted in embarrassment as she softly spoke. 

 “The company’s situation is good, but it’s been a bit too busy lately… there’s rarely a chance to eat the meals you make, Shido.” 

 “Aah… that’s true.” 

 Recently, Tohka has been having dinner with the dignitaries of several economic circles and politicians from various countries, often eating at high-end Japanese restaurants. At the beginning, Tohka’s eyes were shining from all the rare delicacies, but it seemed now that she still felt more comfortable with the other Spirits that knew her personally, so her mood had been dropping a bit recently. 

 Shido also felt that her being like this was quite pitiful. More importantly, he was quite happy to learn that Tohka would rather eat his home cooking than the menus of high-end restaurants. 

 “Alright.” 

 Shido clenched his fist and grinned. 

 “Speaking of which, since the commotion of the new product has finally settled down, let’s go home to eat for today. I’ll make anything and everything you want, Tohka.” 

 “…! R-Really, Shido?!” 

 After Shido said that, Tohka opened her eyes wide and leaned forward. 

 “Y-You said everything, right?! You’ll really make everything?! Hamburgers, curry, omelets, anything?!” 

 “Well, of course. I won’t be stingy and make only one thing after saying something like that. Every request, I’ll do it! Even fried chicken and sausages.” 

 “T-To go that far…!” 

 Tohka looked up at the sky like a devout believer who had just witnessed a miracle. Her body shook in awe to express her gratitude. 

 “This… has my absolute approval! Let’s go home immediately!” 

 “Right, we can’t forget to buy ingredients on the way back.” 

 “Umu!” 

 However— 

 “—You can’t!” 

 Immediately afterwards, a voice came to interrupt the two of them. 

 How long was unknown, but the President’s Secretary—Shiizaki stood there with sweat dripping down anxiously. 

 “S-Shiizaki-san…” 

 “We discussed this before, President! Today we’ll be having a meal with the chairman of the Federation of Economic Organizations! Please prepare immediately!” 

 “Muu… uu…” 

 Tohka stared at Shiizaki with a disgruntled look. 

 “…Do I really have to go?” 

 “Yes, Tohka-chan, you’re the President!” 

 “…!” 

 As Shiizaki shouted, Tohka’s eyes suddenly widened as if she noticed something. 

 “…Un, right, just like that. Hehe. Isn’t that quite simple?” 

 Then, she nodded as she walked to the window. 

 Tohka pushed a button on the wall. Accompanied by a deep turning sound, the large glass window slowly fell into the floor. The night breeze blew into the room as the documents on the desk fluttered with the wind. 

 “Wha…?! P-President, what are you doing…?!” 

 Shiizaki screamed while shielding her eyes from the sudden wind pressure. 

 Then, Tohka smiled and took off her hairpin and tie. Her long dark hair fluttered with the night wind as her dark colored necktie danced in the darkness. 

 “—We achieved our goal. I will resign from my position as of today. Is that alright?” 

 “What—” 

 After Tohka finished speaking, Shiizaki opened her mouth in shock. 

 “H-How can this be! Such a sudden resignation…! Without the President, what will happen to our company?!” 

 “Muu? Like this, then…” 

 Tohka placed her hand against her chin, as if thinking something over—and then turned to look in the direction of the window she had just opened. 

 There she noticed. Outside of the window was a cleaning gondola that was now swaying back and forth from the wind pressure—and at this point in time, there was a cleaner in this gondola. 

 “—Nia.” 

 “Wah! What’s wrong, Tohka-chan? Please don’t open the window so suddenly! It’s super scary!” 

 Tohka stared at the gondola and then towards Nia who was standing there, then placed her hand on Nia’s shoulders. 

 “—The next president is you, Nia! I’ll leave it to you!” 

 “…Huh? What did you just say?” 

 With those sudden words, Nia’s eyes turned into nothing more than two blank dots. Standing behind them, Shiizaki had the same look on her face. 

 However, Tohka didn’t care. She moved quickly and tightly grabbed hold of Shido’s hand. 

 “Alright, let’s go home, Shido! Can you hold onto me tightly?” 

 “Huh? This is… waaaaaaaaah…?!” 

 Firmly grasped by Tohka’s hand, Shido couldn’t help but scream. 

 But that was expected. Grabbing onto Shido’s hand, Tohka pulled him into a princess carry—and then jumped from the building window to the night sky. 

 “Hehe—hahahaha! That’s wonderful, Shido!” 

 “Ah… um, yeah… hahahaha!” 

 Despite the dreadful floating sensation covering him from head to toe, Shido still gave a laugh with a hint of self-abandonment, and together, they disappeared into the night. 

◇◇◇

 —Afterwards, the YATO Corporation, which had enjoyed miraculous growth, was met with a sharp decline after Tohka resigned as president. 

 It was as if a god had said, “…Hmm? So Tohka left? Then forget about it.” and subsequently lost all interest in the company. 

 The Spirits seemed to realize that their original goal had already been reached and all left the company one by one. Seeing that the mood had turned sour partway through, Shiizaki came to Tohka with a box of desserts as a gift. 

 It seemed she was scolded by Kotori for continuing to do things against what the Spirits had wanted. So she apologized but, well, someone like Tohka didn’t care about this at all; she was more interested in Shiizaki’s snacks, and thanked her for them instead. 

 In any case, after this twist, the Spirits returned to their daily lives. 

 “—Alright, I’ve kept you guys waiting!” 

 “Ooh!” 

 Today’s supper was special golden fried dumplings that Shido made from scratch. The gold-colored dumplings on the large plate caused the Spirits—especially Tohka—to all stare with brightly lit eyes. 

 “S-Shido, let’s eat it while it’s still hot!” 

 “Haha, that’s right. Then, thanks for the meal.” 

 “Thanks for the meal!” 

 The Spirits around the table pressed their hands together as they spoke before tasting the flavor of the dumplings. 

 Seeing this familiar and picturesque scene, Shido couldn’t help but smile. 

 Yet, at the same time. 

 “…Hmm?” 

 As if he had heard something familiar, Shido turned his attention to the TV in the living room. 

 A press conference of the YATO Corporation was being broadcasted on TV. The YATO Corporation, whose stock price had plummeted like Niagara Falls, appeared to have been acquired by the Asgard Electronics’ subsidiary company according to their original plan. The male employees were answering the reporters’ questions with heavy looks. 

 If he listened in carefully, he could hear the voice of someone screaming, “Let me go, I’m the President!” from the background. 

 “Stop her! Don’t let the President pass!” 

 “Please give up! There’s nothing else we can do!” 

 “Damn it! This is my company! I finally got ahead in life!” 

 “…” 

 A press conference that was somehow both subdued and overly noisy. Cold sweat dripped from Shido’s face. 

 However, Tohka was too preoccupied with dinner and didn’t even seem to notice. 

 “Umu! Sure enough, compared to those high-end restaurants, food prepared by Shido and everyone else is still the best!” 

 Tohka smiled, her mouth stuffed with steaming dumplings.