"This…"

Kaguya stared blankly at the document and the pen beside it.

IW was an enormous organization. A change of leadership would draw the attention of every major force in the world. And now, such a crucial decision was placed before her…

'What do I do? Refuse right away? Or stall and ask Rinji's opinion later? Wait, I don't even know his handwriting!'

She hesitated, then looked up at Wilson. "Um… I'm still a high school student. Isn't it too hasty to make a high schooler inherit the organization?"

"The Senate knows you well. It's exactly because we know you can handle it that we want you to inherit," Wilson said. "And you're the boss's son. In both identity and ability, you're fully qualified to be the next leader."

"But—"

"And it's not like you'd inherit immediately. The document says after you turn eighteen. By then you'll be in university, able to take on partial authority while studying, and fully assume leadership after graduation."

'I get what you're saying, but my signature won't look anything like Rinji's!'

If the handwriting didn't match, her identity would be exposed for sure.

'Wait… maybe they don't know what his signature looks like.'

"Well…" Kaguya forced a smile. "I don't think it's urgent. Isn't the organization doing fine now?"

"It's acceptable. Sousuke may be a bit stupid but he works hard, and your father's reputation and resources are still effective. But you know as well as I do, reputation and wealth eventually run out."

Wilson paused, sighed.

"According to your father's plans, I wasn't even supposed to build financial industries. He didn't like that. We focused on real industries because while he was around, no one dared stop us. Even without financial games, the organization visibly grew. But…"

Wilson shook his head.

"For reasons unknown, your father suddenly handed all power to Sousuke, gave up everything he created, and left. From then, the organization lost its intimidation. Sousuke isn't one to use force easily. Those who wouldn't dare oppose us before began stirring. The reason I built IW's financial wing was to counter groups like the 'Democracy Foundation'."

"And what does that have to do with me inheriting?"

"You're different from Sousuke. You're like your father—unbound by convention, never shackled by the world's gaze. Only under your leadership can IW regain its glory!" Wilson grew excited.

"…So that's it."

Kaguya realized that while IW's strength was growing, it lacked its old ferocity. For elders who had lived through its founding and conquest, Sousuke's IW was unsatisfying.

So, should Rinji really inherit?

While she pondered, Wilson went on: "When I followed your father, I thought he was too extreme. But facts proved him right. And… IW's future enemies may come not from outside, but within."

"Huh?"

"In those days IW was a blood-soaked organization. Operations soldiers, veterans or rookies, were all fierce. They longed to prove themselves with war and blood. But now…"

Wilson covered his face.

"I'll never forget two years ago, when some new recruits asked if we issued Desert Eagles. Damn it! What army would give soldiers a ten-round hunting pistol? That's insane!"

"Uh…"

"And when we gave them UMP9s, they said 'Hey, I know this one, its CV is Noto Mamiko!' Who the hell is that!? Which gun manufacturer is she from!?"

"…."

Watching Wilson's breaking expression, Kaguya didn't know what to say.

"I don't know if it's peace or what, but Operations has been flooded with military nerds. And now even shut-ins join in. Do they even know what they're facing? It's war! Blood and death! Corpses rotting in heaps that make you lose your appetite for months!"

Angry, Wilson pulled out a pack of cigarettes, offered one.

"Smoke?"

"No… no thanks."

He lit one for himself, exhaled, and continued:

"Sousuke wants to develop IW by peaceful, stable means, forgetting what built it. This softness makes some forget who we are. We're IW! We didn't achieve greatness by chatting over tea. We built it on bones!"

"…."

As Kaguya hesitated, Ai returned with the tea.

"Please enjoy."

"Ah, thank you very much." Wilson immediately switched expressions as he accepted the black tea from Hayasaka. "For the young mistress to personally make tea, I'm truly honored."

"Don't say that."

Hayasaka smiled, her eyes glancing toward Kaguya and the documents on the table.

'Rinji really guessed it right.'

"What are you all discussing?"

"Nothing much, just hoping the young master can return to inherit the organization…"

"This shouldn't be a small matter. I think Rinji also needs some time to consider. Isn't that right, Mr. Wilson?"

"True, I was a little impatient and came across as pushy."

Wilson nodded and put the documents back into his bag.

"Young master, don't feel pressured. Contact me in a few days once you've made up your mind."

Kaguya: "Ah… understood."