The Tyrant Billionaire

"Oh, and notify the correspondents in Korea. Have them do similar interviews with the Eighth Army stationed in Korea," Hardy added.

The editor guessed that this was part of a strategy to intimidate the Japanese people by emphasizing the strength of the U.S. military, another form of cultural dominance.

One day, George Sutherland, the Chief of Staff of the Allied Forces in Japan, received a call from Hardy inviting him for a drink.

Previously, Sutherland had received a telegram from Major General Williams, who described Hardy as his best friend and partner, mentioning that Hardy was eager to meet new friends among the Allied Forces in Japan. Williams had personally recommended Sutherland to Hardy.

Hardy was now a renowned figure: a wealthy American tycoon, media mogul, and a close friend of President Johnson. In Japan, he held an almost emperor-like status, with close ties to the Seven Great Consortium.

Sutherland had long wanted to meet someone of Hardy's stature but hadn't had the opportunity.

Meeting Hardy was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. So when he received Hardy's call, he immediately replied, "No, Mr. Hardy, I should be the one treating you. Let me arrange a place in Tokyo for drinks."

"Hehe, it's all the same, isn't it?" Hardy replied with a laugh.

Their meeting was set at a famous Tokyo club, which was originally the estate of a wealthy Japanese merchant from the Meiji era. The architecture was a traditional Japanese garden style, later converted into an exclusive club.

A long table was laid out with an array of Japanese delicacies.

Four women in kimonos sat nearby, serving them as Hardy and Sutherland enjoyed their drinks and conversation.

In front of others, they didn't discuss anything confidential, sticking instead to general topics to get to know each other.

Both men had a genuine interest in establishing a connection, making the conversation engaging and pleasant.

Hardy sighed. "Just a few years ago, I was a soldier under your command, fighting on the Asian front. Time really flies when I think back."

"Mr. Hardy, you've accomplished so much in just a few years. You're now a legendary figure in America, admired by many young people," Sutherland praised.

"I've just been lucky," Hardy said with a smile.

"I don't believe luck alone could bring you this far. The newspapers have written extensively about you. Your major decisions have been nothing short of brilliant," Sutherland insisted.

After a satisfying meal, the two took a walk in the garden, continuing their chat.

Hardy said, "General Sutherland, I intend for The Global Times to do an in-depth feature on the Allied Forces Headquarters, showcasing its strength. This kind of publicity would reinforce the perception among the Japanese that the U.S. military is invincible, which would be helpful for future governance."

The U.S. military had long engaged in political propaganda in Japan, and as Chief of Staff, Sutherland was in charge of such initiatives.

"Of course, no problem. I'll fully support this," Sutherland agreed immediately.

This was a mutually beneficial initiative, so there was no reason for him to refuse.

"I'd like to start with General MacArthur, followed by the division commanders. I hope you can help coordinate this," Hardy said.

Sutherland hesitated slightly. "Arranging interviews with the division commanders is easy, but I can't guarantee anything with General MacArthur. You know, sometimes even we can't predict the Supreme Commander's mood."

"Hehe, just help me reach out. If General MacArthur isn't willing, that's fine," Hardy replied.
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MacArthur was still in Osaka.

Since Hardy's arrival in Japan, he and MacArthur had yet to meet—like two kings avoiding each other.

When MacArthur received Sutherland's call and heard that Hardy wanted to arrange an interview with him, a smile appeared on his face. Organizing such an interview to publicize himself and his troops seemed like Hardy's way of extending goodwill.

MacArthur's ego was immense.

Besides, MacArthur loved the spotlight. The chance to be interviewed and show off to the Japanese was irresistible.

"I agree to the interview," MacArthur declared.

Two days later.

The chief editor of Global Times, accompanied by a few of his most competent reporters, approached Sutherland, the Chief of Staff at Allied Forces Headquarters. Sutherland immediately contacted MacArthur, while the journalists dispersed to various bases to interview all the division commanders.

This time, Global Times wasn't the only media presence; a crew from ABC Television was also there, ready to capture everything on film.

MacArthur, ever the showman, was dressed in a perfectly pressed uniform, his hat tilted slightly to the side, with his trademark corncob pipe clamped between his teeth.

MacArthur's attire set him apart from most serious military men, and his authority had grown unchecked since occupying Japan, rendering him free from any formal constraints.

MacArthur relished standing in front of cameras, exuding an air of triumph. Always harboring presidential ambitions, he believed interviews with the press boosted his public profile, so he eagerly accepted these opportunities.

In response to reporters' questions, MacArthur spoke eloquently.

"Since arriving in Japan, I've accomplished a great deal. I led the army to occupy this land, forcing the Japanese to surrender and ending their war of aggression in Asia."

"I established a military tribunal to try war criminals, including the Japanese Emperor."

"I restructured Japan politically, abolishing the imperial system, ending the Emperor's feudal rule, drafting a new constitution for Japan, and implementing American-style economic policies and freedoms of the press and speech."

His excitement only grew as he continued.

"When dealing with the Japanese, you must treat them as beasts. Only then will they respect you. If you defeat them decisively, they will willingly offer you their wives and daughters. Rule over Japan with an iron fist—that's the only truth."

The reporters were astonished, and even the officers standing beside him were left speechless.

However, MacArthur was known for his shocking statements, and no one could really stop him.

Following the interview, MacArthur took the reporters and the film crew on a tour of the military base.