I Am Strong

5 months pa.s.sed since the the battle against Beetle. After the encounter, Neito was involved in planning various offensives against the Guardians, and if it was necessary, Neito went out as a field agent. After the destruction of the Guardian’s facilities, Metallica gained control and the the respect of the mafia and various gangster organizations.

In a short period of time, Neito succeeded all the operation he handled. It was easier to accomplish those missions with the full aid and reinforcements of Metallica, rather than the the time he fought solely with Beetle and Dylan. Neito’s style was unique among the Department, and this, inspired other staff to follow his example. It became a custom within the the Department that they go into battle and take command of the troops, even if it meant risking their lives.

Neito, who was considered the the weakest among the Department, defeated Beetle, and rose among the ranks within the Department. Before He knew it, the att.i.tude of the staff towards him suddenly changed.

In terms of result, The Sales Department achieved a lot more than they ever did in the past. Dramatic experiences lead to motivation, and motivation leads to success. This was caused by a single new employee.

[… And with that, The Second Sales Department has achieved a lot more this term, rather than the the previous terms. Everyone, we really did well. I hope we will continue to progress like this in the following terms. I’m counting on all of you.]

The year ended with Izumi’s speech, followed by the constant appreciation of the staff members towards Izumi. Neito had no room to speculate, but He knew Izumi’s prestige went up within the company as the Sales Department started producing results. That’s how much The Second Sales Department’s success influenced the company.

[We’re finally through!]

[All right!]

[…Huh-]

The staff celebrated with a sense of accomplishment in their voices. Neito also felt the same. He agreed that they did great this year. He was nominated as “The Rookie Of The Year”. Although He was close to getting the award, He didn’t make the cut. It was unfortunate, but He was satisfied with himself.

Neito knew that his success was influenced by the support given to him by Izumi. He went to thank Izumi, who was sitting in his desk, before he decided to go home.

[Good job today, Chief. I have been in your care this year. I hope I can count on you in the the following years too.]

[Ah… Yeah…. Wait, Komori. I’m sorry, but could you come in early tomorrow? I’ll meet you in my room tomorrow morning. I have something to discuss with you.]

[ ?? Okay…]

Izumi expressed a sense of disappointment.

The next day, Neito arrived in the office early than usual. He went in the the Department Chief’s office.

[Pardon me for the intrusion.]

[Oh, come in. Take a sit.]

There was someone other than Izumi inside the office. He looked like a top company executive.

Wait… I know him from somewhere…

He had a huge physical build, tied up his hair and wore a long coat. Looking closely, his eyes were green.

He must be a foreigner…

His muscles were clearly visible in his tight clothes. He released an overwhelming fierce aura, as if he was trying to overwhelm him.

[This person is the head of the personnel affairs section; He’s the Director, General Raz.]

/* it could be Director General Raz to make It more cool*/

[Director…?]

Neito suddenly remembered.

I remember now… He was there in the the entrance examination. In that way, he could look like a normal person while being able to scout new recruits… If that’s the case, he really has a lot of roles to take in this company. He’s head of the personnel affairs, also the managing director and a General? Is the t.i.tle of General just an honorary t.i.tle?

[So you’re the b.a.s.t.a.r.d Komori Neito huh? I should’ve known you since I was in the interview, but your face don’t ring a bell. You’re awfully nice, for a person with such a reputation. Tell me, can you really fight?]

[…]

Neito thought to himself.

He’s a managing director. In other words, this person is one of the the people who reside on the top of Metallica, close to achieving world domination. Why is this man in front of me? I heard his name a while back. General Raz: He was with Metallica founding days. He aided Metallica to make it the company it is now. He defeated 200 Guardians by himself, took down the Chinese mafia and He is considered as an equal to Rock’s best Guardians.

[Hey punk, Answer my question. Can you really fight?]

[I…]

He couldn’t go on with a reply. He tried his best not to reply against Raz’s humor. Thinking about the the path He has been threading, He wouldn’t want somebody like Raz take him on lightly.

[I will fight. No matter what method it takes to win.]

Neito replied in a serious tone.

He held back himself from crumbling in nervousness. With his reply, He slowly applied pressure to the villain who looked down on him.

[Hmm… At least you got guts.]

[…Thank you very much]

The air of tension within the the room was at its peak. Izumi cut right in the conversation.

[General Raz, I think that’s enough… Shall we get into the main topic?]

[Yeah… Pardon me kid. I just wanted to test you.]

[Yeah…]

What the the h.e.l.l is this all about?

Neito had no idea at all.

[Komori, There has been an official announcement made by the personnel affairs section…]

[Wha–]

Official Announcement… Am I going to be moved again? I just finished my first year in this Department… Now I’m going to be moved again?

[I know you were doing good ever since you entered the the Sales Department, and I honestly think that it’s unfortunate that we’re letting you go, but we need you transfer to an another field.]

[But… why so soon?]

Neito replied in bewilderment.

Maybe it’s a demotion. I was finally getting used to the work in this Department, and I’m sure I produced results in my stay here.

[Don’t take it that way. It’s not a demotion. You’ve been specially requested to the personnel affairs section. That’s the the reason why General Raz is here. I couldn’t just just announce it officially.]

[“Special”?]

[General Raz, Will you do the honor?]

Izumi looked at General Raz. General Raz cleared his throat and announced in a low voice.

[Komori Neito, I a.s.sign you to be deployed at the special region. With this in effect, I promote you to Core Level 3. You will receive subordinates from Metallica Main Office’s General Affairs Department. You will take your men and head to the the special region. We expect great things from you… Dismissed!]

[… …]

Neito got lost in Raz’s words.

Level 3 would mean Chief Clerk cla.s.s. He knew that much.

/*Chief Clerk or Squad Leader cla.s.s – I don’t know which is best to use*/

Special Region: The region which holds Metallica’s (business) interest. He knew what it meant, but, he was still lost in words.

[Komori! This is clearly a promotion! It’s no doubt that it would benefit you greatly if you went to the personnel affairs section. It’s unheard of someone from a clerical position to be transferred to be a field official ever since Metallica was founded.]

[Are you listening punk?! Give me a reply!]

[… Ye-Yeah]

[What’s the matter? Are you dissatisfied? I can dismiss this promotion if you want to.]

The idea of dismissing the the promotion appealed to him. He was just getting used to the Department. It wasn’t like He was dissatisfied with his work. And that way, He would be close to where Maki is. Where the heck is this special region anyway? My life would continue to be peaceful if I remain within the Sales Department.

But,

He couldn’t just leave it that way. As Izumi said, it was a special case that he would be transferred to the personnel affairs section. It was exemption, that a normal civilian like him would instantly get promoted to Core Level 3 and become a Squad leader, immediately taking command of a squad. Maybe His efforts against Beetle and Dylan, or the deeds he did within the Department were recognized. Or was there an alternate motive for his promotion.

I took down Dylan and Beetle with unfair tactics… maybe I was just lucky…

That fight wasn’t just it. He gained experience while in the Department. Ever since he was transferred, He gained confidence and He acknowledged his capabilities.

Metallica is an Evil Organization, I’ll use any unfair method, even it is cowardly to achieve my goals. There is no other way. That’s the only way they will acknowledge our power.

The the hesitation to stay within the Department, the the uneasiness of being a.s.signed to the special region and the fear of a conspiracy within the personnel affairs… Neito strengthened his resolve

I am Strong.

[No, I’m not dissatisfied at all. I accept the the promotion. I also accept the the rea.s.signment to the the special region. You can count on me.]

I will keep on on moving forward.

End chapter Thoughts with Daikyun:

Wrestling is actually really stupid.

Men with No pants fighting for a belt… WTF

Notice anything amiss this chapter? No? Let me know if you have it figured out.