LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 263.1
Chapter 263.1. Resolve
Corruption—does it mean the act of defiling one’s duties? Sakimori pondered this absentmindedly, sitting on the railing of a building rooftop.
If so, nearly everyone living in this world would be guilty of corruption. The more power one has, the more so.
From minor transgressions to large-scale ones, corruption came in many forms. Feeling slightly tired, he gazed at the scene below, letting out a yawn. At the very least, I’m completely black, he thought with a wry smile.
Under the chilly sky, the air shimmered with heat below. Despite it being winter, the energy of the people made it seem alive and vibrant.
Sakimori looked down at a vacant lot on the outskirts of Hakata City, designated as an evacuation zone. There, a large crowd formed a line as people distributed supplies from mountains of cardboard boxes, handing out blankets and food to those waiting.
“Even with corruption, you can still see people smile, huh?”
With a cool, hard-boiled smile, he watched over the scene at leisure, letting the cold wind brush against him.
A few days had passed since Otomo Sorin’s corruption had been exposed. It was swiftly announced that supplies would be distributed to the former slum residents, drawing crowds of struggling people.
A small child scribbled something resembling letters on a sheet of paper with a ballpoint pen, then pressed a thumb covered in red ink onto it. Seeing the clear fingerprint left behind, the child nervously looked up at the staff member.
The staff member checked the paper. Though the child couldn’t write, leaving scribbles resembling wriggling worms, the fingerprint was sufficient. Satisfied, the staff placed the sheet on top of a towering pile of paper and gave the child a kind smile.
Fingerprints allowed later confirmation in case a valid family register was discovered, leading to its cancellation. This measure deterred residents from the outer district from lining up. Balancing the risk of being exposed, they’d inevitably choose not to join the line.
“Alright, that’s good. Here are your supplies. And for temporary housing by Amatsugahara Corporation, ask that staff over there.”
“Okay, thank you! Wow, it’s warm!”
The child, dressed in thin, muddy clothes, was handed a bundle of ration tickets, a blanket, and an old coat. Pressing their face against the blanket, the child smiled like a blooming flower, delighted by the warmth, before thanking them and running off.
“Don’t trip now!”
“I won’t!”
The temporary housing provided by Amatsugahara Corporation was rumored to include lodging, showers, and even meals. Hearing this, the child’s steps grew light as they skipped along.
Others, too, received supplies and headed for the housing.
“Can you believe this? What’s gotten into them all of a sudden?”
“They say Mayor Otomo was ousted. Something about evidence of corruption coming to light.”
Skinny men, barely more than skin and bones, carried blankets under their arms, shocked by the sudden distribution. They speculated on the cause of the unexpected generosity.
“Evidence of corruption? Isn’t that old news? Covering it up should be easy.”
“Apparently, they clashed with the Kanto faction and lost.”
“Ah, that makes sense. The new mayor seems kind—sounds good to me.”
Accepting the explanation with a wry smile, they acknowledged the reality. Corruption was rampant, yet the fact it was exposed meant losing a power struggle.
For the former slum residents, it didn’t matter what had happened. As long as they received food and clothes, nothing else mattered.
Otomo Sorin had been ousted recently, simply because evidence of corruption came to light. Double-entry bookkeeping was discovered—that was it. Ordinarily, such a thing could be easily concealed. But his opponents were Konoha and Sakimori, making it impossible.
He was stripped of his position as mayor, with 60% of the city council once dominated by the Otomo clan now replaced by Kanto’s three great families. In the blink of an eye, both the Taira and Minamoto families exploited his vulnerability.
Otomo Sorin now serves as a part-time advisor. While his abilities were still needed for city management, in a few years, the transition would be complete, and his family would lose its influence.
“Here you go.”
“Thanks! You’ve been a great help.”
Konoha handed supplies to the person in line, smiling as they smiled back. Their gratitude lifted her spirits, though she still had questions.
“Hey, Rei. These supplies were prepared by Amatsugahara Corporation, right?”
She asked Rei, who was also distributing supplies nearby. Why were ration tickets included? That seemed strange.
“Yeah, these were from Amatsugahara Corporation. There’s nothing impossible for Rei, the deputy leader who brings miracles.”
Rei answered without hesitation, a faint smile on his lips, showing no guilt or shame.
“Miracles, huh? Well, these were prepared… Anyway, if I had to choose, I’d always pick this option.”
With a wry smile, she handed a blanket to the next person in line. Every powerful figure had their share of corruption. If that were the case, she’d simply choose the lesser evil.
“Amatsugahara Corporation always acts with the perspective of the slum residents in mind.”