The Tyrant Billionaire

"The station has started preparations, and we need a host for this program. Given your background, we think you're an excellent fit and have decided to appoint you as the host."

Sayuri was delighted.

This was a major event, certainly more popular than shopping shows. Her fame would undoubtedly increase, making her a more prominent host on the station.

"Thank you for your trust, Director. I'll make sure to do a great job," Sayuri expressed her gratitude.

"This program was arranged personally by Mr. Hardy. The headquarters will also send someone over to help with planning, and as the primary host, Miss Yoshida, you'll also be part of the planning team," the director added.

Hearing that Hardy was behind the arrangement, a flash of last night's memory briefly crossed Sayuri's mind. Was this a reward for her devoted service?

"Understood. I'll do my best," Sayuri responded.

Hardy continued inspecting other industries over the following days. He visited a tobacco company, Shimizu Construction, Toshiba Complete Equipment Construction Company, Daikin Industries, Toshiba Corporation, Fujitsu Corporation, Sumitomo Electric Industries, Yokohama Rubber Company, Toyobo Company, and Nippon Paint Company.

Afterward, he also visited financial companies, such as Tokyo Mitsubishi Bank, Sumitomo Bank, the Development Bank of Japan, Sakura Bank, Tokyo Credit Union, Sumitomo Insurance Company, among others.

At each company, the person in charge would respectfully welcome him, glad to have Mr. Hardy inspect their facilities. Hardy's role was not just as an economic envoy; he was also a shareholder in these companies and financial institutions.

Then, Duncan came to report.

"Boss, I've made some progress on what you asked me to investigate," Duncan reported.
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"Let's hear it."

"After two weeks of observation, Miss Sayuri Yoshida hasn't had contact with any suspicious individuals. Her father is a small-time businessman, and her mother is a homemaker. Before joining ABC Television, she was in school and studied in the UK for half a year. She enjoys writing and has published an article on the awakening of Japanese women in a British magazine."

"She holds relatively progressive views, pursuing Western freedoms. She once told her classmates that she wanted to dedicate her life to the emancipation of Japanese women."

"We've uncovered some details about Ayako Sasaki as well. Her father is a diplomat, suspected of being involved in intelligence work. Two days ago, an apparent intelligence officer visited their home and met with her father, though we couldn't overhear the specifics of their conversation."

"However, we did intercept a phone call between Sasaki's father and an outsider, where your name was mentioned. The person on the other end insisted that Ayako should make an effort, comparing her to Setsuko Hara, saying she should work for the empire. Sasaki's father was quick to agree."

Hardy gave a cold laugh.

The Japanese had placed Setsuko Hara around MacArthur's circle, subtly influencing him to do many things for Japan.

Now that Hardy had arrived, Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida was trying to send Ayako Sasaki his way, hoping to influence him as they had MacArthur.

But Shigeru Yoshida didn't understand—Hardy was not someone a woman could sway. The women around him were all exceptional; how could he be controlled by just any woman?

Moreover, he despised being schemed against.

Hardy was not one to tolerate slights, and with his current status, he didn't even need to beat around the bush. He called for his assistant and ordered, "Call Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida and tell him I need him to come here."

The assistant quickly went to make the arrangements.

Prime Minister Yoshida received a call from the Economic Envoy's office and hurried over. At that moment, Hardy was in the courtyard practicing his shooting skills.

Since coming to this world, Hardy had not developed a great interest in other sports, but he'd taken a liking to boxing, combat training, and shooting.

These activities not only kept him fit but also increased his fighting capabilities. Who knew when they might come in handy? If he was going to engage in sports, he preferred activities that enhanced his strength.

So he'd set up a small shooting range in a corner of the estate, often going there to practice. There was also a small gun room nearby, filled with various pistols, rifles, and shotguns that Hardy favored.

When the assistant brought Yoshida over, Hardy ignored him.

He wore a belt with a beautiful Colt revolver holstered at his waist. Hardy focused intently on six glass bottles twenty-five meters away.

Yoshida stood at a respectful distance, not daring to interrupt.

Suddenly, Hardy moved.

He swiftly drew his revolver, firing rapidly at the distant bottles. The gunshots nearly blended into one continuous sound, a testament to his shooting speed.

Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang, bang.

All six glass bottles shattered in quick succession.

Finished, Hardy coolly re-holstered the revolver.

Yoshida was stunned; Hardy's marksmanship was remarkable. He remembered Hardy's background as a former Marine who fought in the Pacific theater. There had been an interview where Hardy claimed he had killed over thirty Japanese soldiers during the war.

Hardy still didn't acknowledge Yoshida, acting as if he hadn't noticed his presence. He picked up a Winchester M1887 from the table and began shooting at metal targets in the distance.

Each shot sent a crisp ring through the air as the targets reverberated.

After the shotgun, Hardy took an AK-47 assault rifle. Recently completed in 1947 and just starting to enter production in 1949, the AK-47 had barely been introduced to the Soviet military, and Hardy had managed to acquire a few of them.

The rifle burst into loud, rhythmic firing.

He held it steady, sending rapid rounds into the metal targets, creating a staccato of sharp clinks.

After the magazine was empty, Hardy finally felt satisfied.

He turned and looked at Yoshida, who quickly stepped forward.

Holding the AK-47, Hardy remarked, "This is a fine weapon, newly developed by the Soviets. I'd bet it'll become a legendary firearm."

Yoshida smiled and nodded.

Truthfully, he didn't understand much about these things.

"I called you here for two matters," Hardy said, dismantling the AK-47 as he spoke, deliberately maintaining a casual demeanor that, especially in front of a prime minister, was highly disrespectful. His aim was to intimidate Yoshida.

"Mr. Hardy, please go ahead," Yoshida replied deferentially, showing no hint of offense at Hardy's disregard.