Chapter 64: The Beginning of the New Year
January 1, 1988, New Year's Day.
The snow in Tokyo had stopped.
Last night's snowfall covered the rock garden and the branches of the old pine trees, reflecting a clean, bright light that wrapped the ancient mansion in a quiet and solemn atmosphere.
In the master bedroom on the second floor, Satsuki woke up.
She woke naturally in the slightly dry air from the heating.
She opened her eyes and stared at the exquisite Tiffany glass chandelier on the ceiling for a few seconds.
Out of habit, her mind immediately began to process information: trends in Nikkei index futures, exchange rate fluctuations, production reports from the Shanghai factory… countless streams of data flowed through her thoughts.
"Stop."
She gave herself a command.
Her thoughts halted abruptly.
"It's the holidays," she reminded herself.
Satsuki turned over, buried her face in the soft down pillow, and took a deep breath.
Although the part of her shaped by Wall Street was eager to jump back into the market, her fourteen-year-old body simply relaxed in comfort.
Since she had already made so much money, there was no point in it if she didn't take time to enjoy it.
"Young Mistress, Happy New Year."
The respectful voice of the head maid came from outside the door.
"Come in."
The sliding door opened. Four maids entered in an orderly line, carrying copper basins, towels, and a set of formal attire on a red lacquer tray.
This was her outfit for Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the New Year.
A bright red furisode kimono.
The fabric featured a "Clouds, Pines, and Cranes" design, created over the course of a year by the Kyoto establishment Chiso using traditional Yuzen dyeing techniques. Gold thread embroidery shimmered in the light, every detail showing its immense value.
"The Master chose this especially for you," the head maid said with a smile. "He said that since this is the Year of the Dragon, the family should be prosperous and vibrant. This outfit suits you best."
Satsuki sat up and raised her arms, allowing the maids to dress her layer by layer.
She looked at herself in the mirror.
After her mother passed away, Shuichi never seemed concerned that such a luxurious and striking kimono might be too much for a young girl.
But on Satsuki, it felt completely natural.
Although she was only fourteen, she didn't look like a princess.
She looked like someone with authority.
"Not bad," she said.
"Let's go. Don't keep Father waiting."
In the main hall, the air carried the scent of Toso wine and ozoni soup.
Shuichi was already seated.
He wore a black montsuki haori hakama, the most formal traditional attire, and held a newspaper in his hands, his brow slightly furrowed.
Hearing footsteps, he looked up.
The moment he saw his daughter, his eyes brightened.
"Oh… as expected of my daughter."
He set the newspaper aside, his earlier concern gone, replaced with pride.
"I have to say, you look more dignified than any princess I've seen at the Imperial Palace."
"Father, it's the New Year. If the wrong people hear that, it could cause trouble," Satsuki replied with a light smile as she bowed gracefully.
"What's there to worry about? This is the age of capital," Shuichi said with a laugh, gesturing for her to sit.
After sitting down, Satsuki didn't look at the food.
Her attention went to the newspaper.
"Father."
She placed her fingers on it and gently pushed it away.
"We made an agreement last night."
Her tone was calm but firm.
"Until January 15, no business discussions at home. No financial reports. No work calls."
Shuichi paused, then rubbed his nose awkwardly.
"I was just taking a quick look. It's a habit. If I don't check the market in the morning, I feel uncomfortable."
"That's exactly the problem," Satsuki said.
She poured him a cup of Toso wine and handed it to him with both hands.
"You've been pushing yourself too hard. When every decision feels high-risk, the pressure builds up. Even if you succeed, it affects your judgment."
She met his eyes.
"What I need is someone who can stay calm and think clearly at critical moments. Not someone driven by impulse."
"So please rest."
"This is for the family—and for me."
Shuichi looked at her.
In her eyes, he saw both trust and expectation.
That feeling steadied him.
"…Alright."
He drank the wine in one gulp.
"I'll listen to you. No more thinking about it."
He threw the newspaper into the trash.
"Let's eat. After that, we'll go to Meiji Jingu. Fujita has already prepared the car."
"That's better," Satsuki said with a small smile.
At 10:00 AM, they arrived at Meiji Jingu.
Despite the cold, the shrine was crowded.
People stood in long lines, waiting to pray for good fortune in the new year.
Satsuki and Shuichi didn't need to queue.
Their car entered through a reserved path.
Priests were already waiting to receive them.
Satsuki adjusted her collar.
"We don't need to pray to gods," she said quietly.
"Because we create the conditions people pray for."
They entered the inner area.
The ritual was formal and lengthy.
Shuichi closed his eyes and made a sincere wish.
Satsuki stood beside him, hands together.
But she didn't make a wish.
She was thinking about the timeline ahead.
A critical year.
After finishing, Shuichi opened his eyes, filled with hope.
"With you here, I'm not afraid of anything," he said.
Satsuki gently brushed a bit of ash from his shoulder.
"As long as you trust me, everything will be fine."
After leaving the shrine, they went to Ginza for lunch at Shiseido Parlour.
The restaurant was filled with elegantly dressed guests.
No one openly discussed business.
Satsuki cut into her Wagyu steak and looked out the window at Ginza 4-chome.
"Father," she said.
"For the next half month, let's go to Karuizawa."
"Karuizawa? In winter?" Shuichi asked.
"It's quiet," she replied.
"And I heard Chairman Yoshiaki Tsutsumi is also there."
Shuichi paused.
"Are you planning something?"
Satsuki smiled slightly.
"No. I just want to go skiing."
She continued,
"If we happen to meet him casually, it's more effective than forcing a meeting."
Shuichi understood immediately.
This was about positioning.
Showing confidence without effort.
"Haha! Good!" he laughed.
"Let's go! I won't lose to him in skiing!"
He looked at her warmly.
"And I want to see you in a ski outfit."
Satsuki smiled.
She lifted her glass slightly.
"Then it's settled."
"A proper break… so we can perform even better afterward."