Tokugawa minor mansion, inside Kenzo Tokugawa's office, the couple of parents were talking about a matter related to Kira, their daughter.
"Honey, isn't it too hasty to give Kira that much money?". Said Nanami while analyzing a document.
Kenzo sighed and shook his head.
"No, no… Kira may have been born with a weak body, but her mind is strong. She's such an intelligent girl that she won't disappoint us". Nanami tried to object, but silently returned the document.
"So, do you agree?". Kenzo asked, holding a pen in his hands.
"Fine… but you must keep an eye on her. Don't let only an accountant or manager take care of her". Nanami watched as her husband signed the document.
"I have 24% of the Tokugawa group's shares and you have 5%. I'll grant her 4% of mine and you 1%… Kira now owns 5% of the Tokugawa shares". Kenzo reported while handing her the document to sign, and Nanami, without any problem, placed her signature.
For any normal person, 5% of shares would seem like a speck of dust, but the Tokugawa group was a conglomerate worth hundreds of millions of yen. Although in Japan there were some with larger capital, those groups had most of their wealth in the underworld.
The Tokugawa group amassed great fortune since it established itself in the Shogunate, but money is not eternal, and it was gradually lost due to the economic crisis brought by World War II.
One thing that cannot be denied is that the Tokugawa family was the strongest political faction. Every prime minister who came to power in the country answered to the call of the Tokugawa.
Kenzo's actions were done behind his father's back, but since he himself overstepped by taking Kira to the underground arena, he had to make a decision.
Kira's rejection of the combat arena reached his ears, and that fact provided an opportunity to obstruct any further attempts from his father.
Kira was such an understanding child that, even though she was restricted to staying at home and visited hospitals every time she got sick, she never questioned nor reproached her fragility. She was so mature and intelligent that Kenzo was proud.
His move, and attack against his father, consisted of making Kira interested in business just like him.
Without him knowing, Mitsunari was already expecting that move from his son. Children always think they are smarter than their parents, but they forget that their parents raised them and know everything about them.
…
Life was harsh for Kira. She never expected that she would reject money, and only now did she understand that money had become just paper. Thanks to her first simulation, she obtained a lot of gold that could be converted into hundreds of millions of dollars, but because of how she reacted, she forgot all about that gold.
In her previous life, if she offered millionaires the chance to learn magic or become psychics, she was sure they would pay all their money to obtain it.
Since Kira lived like a little princess and lacked nothing, she focused her attention on her abilities.
Only half a year had passed since her grandmother Sabuko left. After finishing guiding her in beginner magic, she left silently, leaving behind a note saying she didn't want a dramatic farewell.
Kira felt that there was nothing more dramatic than leaving without saying anything.
If you wonder how she managed to finish her magic studies so quickly, it was because her grandmother was not a talented mage; all her knowledge was beginner level, something Kira mastered without issue.
Thus, the mission "Learn all of Sabuko's knowledge" was completed, and she obtained "Magic: Memory Make (Fairy Tail)."
A powerful and ancient magic based on memories, like in the anime Fairy Tail. This magic allows manipulation of memories and grants perfect memory. The user can recall minute details such as heartbeats, footsteps, or even the magic of others. It also allows creating illusions or copies of oneself made from memories.
Additionally, it allows the creation of new spells by combining those memorized and the cancellation of enemy spells by "forgetting" them. Unlike other types of magic that require incantations or recitations, it doesn't need complex gestures; one only needs to touch their temples.
If Hermione's memory was already good, with Memory Make it practically surpasses eidetic memory. Kira had just obtained it and tested it with the spells she had already learned; as a result, she discovered she could now understand the essence of spells, making their use easier.
For example, with a simple flame spell using Memory Make, she could turn that flame into a flamethrower.
You can already imagine how Kira reacted when she learned from her father that she now had 5% of the Tokugawa group's shares and, to make matters worse, she had to take charge of some businesses to learn.
Out of all the subsidiaries of the Tokugawa conglomerate, she had to choose one to manage. Kira picked the one that seemed the least complicated:
Tokugawa Real Estate, in charge of managing rentals, maintenance, and leasing of buildings or land owned by the group. Its assets were around 1.5 billion yen.
…
One month later, as the sub-manager of Tokugawa Real Estate, Kira had to thank her weak body. The manager or sub-manager would come to her house to report on the company.
"Miss, that would be all for today. We would like your opinion on how we should proceed. The executives propose continuing to invest in buying land to resell it". The sub-manager asked. Kira didn't know if it was just for appearances or if he truly wanted her opinion.
She was a 10-year-old girl; she didn't believe this man truly wanted her opinion, but she answered anyway without holding back.
"From all the data, the company has invested a lot and has gained profit by selling land, but remember that since 1988 it became a good strategy. We must not be greedy. I believe that by the end of this year, 1990, we should stop all acquisitions and sell everything. A collapse is coming". Kira recalled the bubble collapse that began at that time.
The sub-manager fell silent; he didn't expect that answer. He remembered that just a month ago the young miss didn't know anything about Japan's economic terms.
"Why do you think, miss, that a collapse is coming?". he asked curiously and waited in silence.
"Banks have been offering huge loans with low interest. Everyone is going into debt to buy property, which will artificially inflate the market. The Bank of Japan will raise interest rates to control inflation and overheating". Kira was going to continue, but she stopped when she saw the moved expression on the sub-manager's face; she knew he was no longer listening.
"Miss… all your words will be reported to the executives". Said the sub-manager with genuine respect, bowing before leaving.
Without Kira knowing, the sub-manager, already in the car, headed straight to the central headquarters of the Tokugawa conglomerate to report to Kenzo, his superior.
Kenzo, a wise businessman, understood his daughter's vision and ordered everything to be sold before the end of the year.
…
In the courtyard of the Tokugawa mansion, a pair of grandfather and granddaughter stood before a large crowd.
Mitsunari Tokugawa quickly learned of his son's move. Perhaps his granddaughter didn't show the same passion he had, but he assumed it was because she was still a child.
"He thinks that by surrounding Kira with the business world, he'll turn her into someone like him, foolish boy". He thought as he recalled his son Kenzo's actions.
"Grandfather, why did you call me?". Kira spoke formally.
"Kira-chan, call me grandpa". Mitsunari said in a sad tone.
"I am younger; it would be disrespectful to address the elder Tokugawa that way". Kira replied, convincing her grandfather.
"Well, you're such a well-mannered girl, just like your father". Mitsunari noticed the density of his son reflected in his granddaughter's way of speaking, but in his mind, he believed he had won this round.
In the wide courtyard, there were 12 columns with 10 men dressed in black each, Mitsunari's guards.
"I heard you're learning to run companies; clearly your father is preparing you to inherit everything". Mitsunari spoke while looking at the bodyguards—. I also heard that even if you don't leave the house, they keep you informed about the corporation, but it won't always be like that. Even with your weak body, you will have to attend meetings in person. Kenzo still hasn't assigned you any security personnel.
"Grandfather, there's no need for you to worry; in the minor mansion we have plenty of staff". Kira tried to ease the old man's concern.
"No… my granddaughter must have her own personnel. Kira, call all my best bodyguards and choose whoever you want". Declared Mitsunari while looking at the men guarding him. Many had spent years protecting him, but now he was entrusting them to his granddaughter.
Each one had the experience and knowledge to surpass any amateur bodyguard.
Kira frowned, though it was hidden by her bangs. She looked at all those adult men with intimidating faces. She didn't want these people; it was already enough living in the minor mansion while being watched.
However, she also knew she had to start forming her own faction, and she would follow her own rules.
"Grandfather, I don't want to take all your personnel; if I take everyone, who will protect you?". She looked at the men.
"You want all of them? Hahaha, I never expected that". Mitsunari was surprised that his granddaughter wanted all the personnel.
There were 120 people, trusted individuals of Mitsunari, trained to protect him.
"Yes, grandfather… but so you can feel at ease, I can take some; I would prefer young people. They are used to your presence; taking them would be uncomfortable for them to serve me". Kira gave her honest opinion. Although she didn't say the whole truth, it was enough to move her grandfather.
"I understand… let's wait in the conference room. I'll call all the young personnel". Mitsunari led his granddaughter to the meeting room.
It was a large traditional room with tatami flooring, where at the upper side there were two cushions for sitting. Kira and Mitsunari sat down while chatting.
"Tell me, Kira, how is your new position going? Your father should have placed you as a chief or department manager". Mitsunari spoke while waiting for the personnel to arrive.
"Grandfather, I am very intelligent, but to lead a company as large as a Tokugawa affiliate, I must have experience. Father is preparing me so that when I take command, I won't make any foolish mistakes". Kira defended her father while speaking respectfully.
"I understand… you are so intelligent. Kira, you are a very good girl". Mitsunari said dreamily.
"Grandfather, I want to start a business. Can you help me?". Kira asked to see his reaction.
"Of course… Kira-chan, ask anything from your grandfather and I will grant it". Mitsunari patted his chest while waiting for her answer.
"It's nothing difficult. As you know, I read all the books in the house library. I found some medicinal recipes and I want to test their effectiveness to sell them throughout Japan". Kira expressed her plan.
"I see… I'll speak with your father so he gives you all the support. Elders must help the young in our family. We don't measure money by amount, but by weight. I will gift you 500 kg of yen so you can create your company". Declared Mitsunari while observing his granddaughter's reaction.
Kira calculated mentally: a 10,000 yen bill weighs approximately 1 gram, and 500 kg of bills would be about 5 billion yen.
"Grandfather, that would be about 5 billion yen, that's a lot of money". Kira said, unable to believe the amount.
"That is nothing for our family. Take it as a reward for your dedication. You are very intelligent; in just a few seconds you managed to calculate the equivalent in money". Mitsunari, amazed, looked at his granddaughter. He had to admit it: Kira was the most intelligent among all Tokugawa generations.
"Thank you, grandfather, I won't disappoint you. I have thought a lot about how to make this plan work; traditional medicines are more natural. Japan is a country where the elderly prefer natural over chemically processed products". Kira smiled. She had planned to tell her father, but telling her grandfather turned out to be a good idea.
She had about 2 billion dollars in gold, but as you can imagine, it was impossible to use that gold directly. That's why she planned to create a profitable business to "launder" that money… she needed a front.
An hour later, the meeting room was filled with more than 100 people, all dressed in black suits.
"They are the newest security agents of the Tokugawa companies". Mitsunari introduced them briefly.
All the affiliates and even the Tokugawa company itself were protected by a security company. Only the best were promoted to protect the main Tokugawa mansion, even Mitsunari himself.
"All of you seem firm, and wait for my granddaughter to call you. If that happens, from now on you must follow her orders and protect her at all costs" Mitsunari stood up to make it clear.
Kira observed the reactions of the 100 men; all of them were between 20 and 30 years old.
Kira's small body stood up to face them. Without anyone knowing, she was using her psychic powers to read their minds. She wanted to know what they were thinking and how they reacted.
"She's just a child. We went through hellish training just to serve a child. Money is money, and guarding a child is easy money". Kira heard dozens of superficial thoughts and, even though most were unmotivated, she accepted them.
"Grandfather, I've decided… you… you… the one with short hair… etc." Kira began walking through the columns and rows while selecting the chosen ones.
"Well… those who were not selected may leave". Tokugawa looked at everyone Kira didn't choose and, although he didn't know what criteria she used, he accepted her decision.
Out of the 100 men, only 61 remained.
"What will be your first orders for these gentlemen?". Mitsunari asked, curious about his granddaughter's reaction.
He had done all this to observe how Kira would act.
"Gentlemen, I am not a normal child. Whoever follows me, be assured that you will stand at excellence… we will never be anywhere but first place. From this moment, I establish my special force, "Shinsengumi." From now on, you belong to the Shinsengumi". Kira declared calmly while extending her hands.
"Shinsengumi… the special police force of the Bakumatsu. Kira, a curious name". Mitsunari knew all the history of his clan and understood where the name came from.
Kira didn't choose it because of history; the name was inspired by the anime Samurai X.
"At this moment, we will appoint your vice commander and 10 captains. I, Kira Tokugawa, will be your supreme commander. Now I want you to fight among yourselves, and only when 11 people remain, 10 of them will be captains and the last one standing will be the vice commander". Kira ordered as she stepped away from the group.
Everyone stood in silence, unable to believe it. Mitsunari spoke with his granddaughter, still moved by her words.
"Kira-chan, do you want them to fight? I can organize a tournament". He proposed excitedly, but his granddaughter shook her head.
"No, they will fight right now. Only the strongest will be my right hand. Fight… of course, the only rule is not to use weapons or deliver fatal blows". Kira declared as she sat down to watch the winners.
…
After a few hours, one person, exhausted and with a battered body and face, remained standing in the room.
"They're done… I am very satisfied". Said Kira, not caring that the floor was covered in blood and sweat, and walked barefoot toward the winner.
"Mi…ss, my name is Shuumei Kanou". Said Kanou, confused after hearing her murmur.
Kira noticed that, even with his bruised and blood-covered face, he was one of her younger subordinates.
Shuumei Kanou was only 20 years old and a martial artist specialized in Karate. His fighting style, as Kira could observe, was to stay on guard and strike strategically.
"I remember… I remember everything". Said Kira. She hadn't made them fight out of vanity; she provoked the battle to use her Memory Make magic and memorize all the combat techniques of her new bodyguards.
"Excuse me, miss". Kanou asked, confused.
"Nothing… from now on, Kanou, you are the vice commander of the Shinsengumi. And you 10 are my captains. Those who did not qualify will be soldiers. For now we are few, so divide yourselves evenly". Kira spoke while looking at those who didn't make it.
Today was a great day; not only did she begin the foundation of her faction, but she also paved the way to develop a business that would generate income.
…
At the exit, waiting for the car to take her home, Kira waited for her grandfather.
She didn't have to wait long, as the old man appeared with a bodyguard carrying a cage.
"Kira-chan, look what I got…". Mitsunari excitedly showed her the cage.
Kira approached only to see a sleeping dog, its fur was dark brown.
"A dog". Kira murmured, making little noise so as not to wake it.
"Yes, although it looks like a young dog, it is actually a puppy. I always wanted to have a lion or a bear as a pet, but that would bring problems with animal protection groups. So they mixed the DNA of a lion and a bear into a dog. Despite some failures, they managed to create a Tibetan Mastiff with traits of both". Explained Mitsunari, excited; his loud voice woke the dog.
"It's very cute". Said Kira. She had only seen the anime Baki, and a dog like this had never appeared in its scenes.
Kira, as a follower of science, was more curious about the research carried out to create this breed of dog.
"I'll give it to you… give it a name". Mitsunari quickly handed her the cage.
"Since it was created for you, grandfather, you should choose the name". Kira accepted the gift without problem; she had always liked animals.
"Well then… this little one who will keep you company will be called Noro. He will be called Noro". Mitsunari named the dog and, as if it liked it, it let out a small bark.