Chapter 136: He Was Actually Scared

"Takamine… that… that's…"

Shirogane pointed a trembling finger at the obvious big-shot luxury car.

"That's your company ride, to take you to work," Rinji said calmly.

"...Did you send them?"

"No, they were sent by the place you're working at," said Takamine Rinji.

"…"

For some reason, Shirogane Miyuki had a very bad feeling.

"Um… just to ask, what kind of job is this exactly?"

"Watch over the money, and occasionally entertain some people."

"Seriously? That doesn't sound right at all."

"It is what it is," Rinji said. "This is a part-time job I worked really hard to find for you over summer break. Don't worry—it's absolutely legitimate and fits your need for social experience. It'll really help you grow."

"…Alright then."

Though it still felt off, Shirogane chose to trust Rinji.

After all, Rinji had never done anything to hurt him. And he didn't believe for a second that this was some sort of prank.

A part-time job always came with its own quirks—Shirogane had worked in enough places to understand that well.

Wearing his suit, he stepped outside and walked up to the intimidating-looking bodyguards.

"Uh… pleased to work with you all…"

Shirogane bowed quickly.

"No, it's our pleasure."

Seeing him bow, the bodyguards quickly bowed in return.

"You're here to pick me up for work? Thanks a lot."

"It's an honor."

"…"

Shirogane was now even more certain something was off.

But he had no choice. He braced himself and boarded the car—maybe the job just came with very generous benefits.

Once inside the long limousine, the bodyguards shut the door and took their seats on either side of him, their presence making Shirogane feel suffocated.

---

The car drove through the streets, and Shirogane kept thinking about what kind of job Rinji had actually arranged for him.

At first, based on the description, it sounded like a cashier at a department store. But…

He glanced at the burly guards beside him.

'Come on! What kind of cashier job needs this level of security!?'

The car drove all the way from Setagaya to central Tokyo, finally stopping in front of a massive building.

"Shirogane-san, we've arrived."

"O-Okay."

Shirogane snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the place he was supposedly working at.

Then—

His entire body froze.

"D-Dainippon Bank!?"

Dainippon Bank—second only to the Bank of Japan. It was the largest bank in Japan, with assets spanning the globe. It stood at the peak of Japan's financial industry, with the power to influence financial policies and banking laws. Even the Prime Minister would tread carefully around them.

'That guy Rinji… he really has connections. He got me into a place like this?'

Shirogane's thoughts were racing.

'But maybe this isn't so bad. I've heard even the janitors here are paid incredibly well. Even if I'm just a janitor, if I save enough this summer, it'll cover my family's expenses for months. I just have to work hard.'

With that optimistic thought, Shirogane stepped out of the car as the bodyguards opened the door for him.

"L-Let's go."

"Yes, sir."

Led by the guards, he arrived at the main entrance of Dainippon Bank.

What happened next nearly made his eyes pop out of his skull.

Both sides of the entrance were lined with people. The moment he stepped in, everyone bowed to him in perfect unison—a truly overwhelming scene.

Shirogane: "...This... is one heck of a welcome for a new hire."

He forced himself to believe this was just how large corporations greeted new employees. But he still felt uneasy. He was just a part-time worker—was this really necessary?

"Hello, hello! Are you Shirogane Miyuki-san?"

A slightly overweight middle-aged man jogged over and grasped his hand with a humble smile.

"Hello… and you are?"

"Forgive me, I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Kuroda, the Vice President of Dainippon Bank."

"Vice President!?"

Shirogane was stunned. Why was the Vice President welcoming a part-timer!?

"Right this way, Shirogane-san. I'll show you to your workstation."

"…Much appreciated."

Shirogane's feeling of wrongness grew stronger by the second.

As Kuroda guided him through the building, every employee they passed bowed respectfully. Shirogane had no idea what was going on.

'Something is seriously wrong… this is not normal at all…'

Eventually, they took the elevator to the top floor. Kuroda stopped in front of a room labeled "President's Office" and opened the large double doors.

"Shirogane-san, this will be your office from now on."

"…"

This was the president's office!? Why bring him here?

"Um… excuse me," Shirogane asked nervously. "Where do I get the cleaning supplies?"

He still assumed he was there to clean the president's office.

"You think it's dirty? That's my mistake, I'll have someone clean it right away."

Kuroda began reaching for his phone.

"No, no! I mean, where's my workstation? What exactly am I supposed to do?"

"Oh, your workstation is right there."

Kuroda pointed to the seat at the center of the office—the president's desk.

"…"

'This is a dream. This has to be a dream…'

"Please, take a seat, Shirogane-san."

"O-Okay…"

Trying his best to ignore the overwhelming absurdity of it all, Shirogane sat down in the president's chair. At that moment, he noticed a nameplate on the desk.

It read: Shirogane Miyuki.

"Wait, does this mean…"

"Shirogane-san," Kuroda said, "For the next month, due to Chairman Katahara's extended business trip, you will serve as acting president of Dainippon Bank. We'll be holding a banquet this evening in your honor—"

Thud!

Before he could finish, Shirogane collapsed into the chair.

He had truly been scared stiff.