Otaku Translation: Absolute Number One C118

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Chapter 118: Kneel Down! Kneel Down!

Chihara Rinto could do little to help his unfortunate apprentice, Michiko. Even if he wanted to fight her legal battles, he lacked the authority. Reporting the matter to child welfare organizations would likely be futile—Nambu Ryoko’s actions were widely accepted as exemplary parenting in this era. Chihara was the outlier.

Moreover, who hadn’t been poked on the forehead or spanked as a child? Such acts hardly constituted abuse. If Chihara attempted to pressure Nambu Ryoko through unconventional means, it might backfire spectacularly. Though he had the potential to become a major industry figure someday, he currently lacked the clout to issue something akin to a “mob-style ban.” Worse still, targeting Nambu Ryoko might inadvertently draw TEB’s favor toward her, turning his intervention into assistance instead.

After pondering for a while, Chihara concluded that action without Michiko’s consent was unwise. He needed to know whether she was ready to sever ties with her mother entirely. If he forced a rift prematurely, how would Michiko cope? Would she end up in a children’s welfare facility? Was that truly better than her current situation?

This was reality, and personal preferences couldn’t always dictate actions. Acting impulsively might feel satisfying but carried responsibilities too burdensome to bear, especially since both he and Michiko were public figures with their own constraints.

He stood silently for a moment before returning to the meeting room. Turning to Shiraki Keima, he started to ask, “How did she get in…?” but stopped himself. There was no point. Michiko visited almost daily, and everyone in the crew treated her warmly as his disciple. Nambu Ryoko likely identified herself, and no one would have questioned her entry. Dwelling on it now was futile.

Shiraki Keima looked guilty. “It’s my fault, Chihara-sensei. I stepped out briefly and didn’t secure the door properly.”

Chihara smiled faintly. “Don’t blame yourself, Shiraki-kun. No one could’ve anticipated this. It’s just… bad luck for Michiko to have such a mother.”

He had made up his mind. Direct intervention wasn’t appropriate unless Michiko decided to resist her mother. If she took that step, he would support her wholeheartedly, even if it invited trouble. For now, though, this was Michiko’s battle to fight. Once he intervened, navigating the ensuing domestic chaos would require improvisation—there was no clear plan for untangling such messes.

As an informal mentor, this was all he could do.

---

Chihara Rinto’s eldest disciple, the hapless otaku-turned-slacker, had been dragged away, forced to submit to her mother’s authority once more. Meanwhile, time marched forward relentlessly, indifferent to human suffering. By Friday evening, anticipation for the final episode of Hanzawa Naoki reached its peak. Across Japan, izakayas, restaurants, and bars found themselves eerily empty—a stark contrast to their usual bustling Fridays.

Kajiwara Shohei was among those absent regulars. A weary salaryman, he typically unwound with drinks after work, but every Friday night these past few months had been different. Shohei made it a point to rush home and watch Hanzawa Naoki. To ensure he wouldn’t miss an episode, he programmed his TV and VCR to record the show in case mandatory overtime delayed his return.

Shohei adored Hanzawa Naoki. In his eyes, Hanzawa was the epitome of perfection. He admired Hanzawa’s sense of mission—that a banker must uphold their duty by supporting small businesses rather than abandoning them during tough times. This steadfastness, even against powerful adversaries like branch managers and executives, inspired profound respect. Though Shohei worked in advertising and had no ties to banking, he deeply resonated with Hanzawa’s philosophy.

He also marveled at Hanzawa’s resourcefulness. Whenever dire situations arose, Hanzawa always managed to resolve them ingeniously, using sincerity, persistence, and righteousness to move others—an approach Shohei greatly admired.

Beyond admiration for Hanzawa’s abilities, Shohei envied his friendships with Tomari and Kondo. Their camaraderie shone brightest in moments of crisis. When Hanzawa faced trouble, Tomari risked everything to assist him. Similarly, when Kondo encountered difficulties, Hanzawa reciprocated with equal dedication. This pure, selfless male friendship moved Shohei far more than the melodramatic love triangles depicted in shows like Doctor’s Heart, which struck him as artificial and uninspiring.

Even the portrayal of romance in Doctor’s Heart paled compared to Hanzawa Naoki. Though romantic elements occupied only a small portion of the latter, scenes of Hanzawa sharing meals prepared by his wife or gently patting her head radiated warmth and authenticity. His wife’s unwavering support—despite frequent relocations, invasive investigations, and his demanding job—left Shohei deeply touched.

These moments felt genuine and beautiful. Shohei aspired to emulate Hanzawa: to possess such friends, such a spouse, and embody the same ideals. Hanzawa Naoki wasn’t just a character; he was Shohei’s idol.

Idols deserved support, no questions asked. Shohei had already pre-ordered the complete collector’s edition of Hanzawa Naoki, including behind-the-scenes footage set to arrive in early September. Additionally, he purchased various merchandise tied to the series: cookware identical to what Hanzawa’s wife used, and even the novel adaptation of the screenplay, which he spotted at a bookstore. Supporting Chihara Rinto, the creator of this masterpiece, seemed fitting. After all, Chihara hailed from humble beginnings—his family bankrupt and deceased—and Shohei hoped to bolster him before fate claimed another brilliant mind prematurely.

Thus, Shohei returned to his apartment early that Friday evening, arranging takeout bento and dried squid alongside chilled beer. As he settled in, the familiar piano melody began, gradually intensifying until the opening scene of Episode Ten unfolded. Everything was leading to a climactic resolution!

Shohei watched intently, gripped by waves of escalating tension. The stakes rose higher with each passing moment. Kondo, Hanzawa’s trusted friend, betrayed him, leaving Hanzawa unable to gather evidence exposing Oowada’s corrupt lending practices during the board meeting.

Summoning Kondo to a kendo dojo, Hanzawa chose understanding over coercion, exemplifying his oft-repeated mantra: “No matter your profession or aspirations, human relationships are paramount. Show empathy; everyone faces hardships.”

During the pivotal board meeting, emotions reached a fever pitch. Hanzawa, tears streaming down his face, furiously confronted Senior Managing Director Oowada, shouting, “Kneel down! Kneel down!” This blatant act of insubordination sent Shohei’s adrenaline surging. As Oowada knelt, Hanzawa accepted his impending exile for daring to challenge authority.

A seasoned office worker, Shohei understood this outcome. To consolidate power among factions loyal to Oowada, the bank president had no choice but to exile Hanzawa. Without such political acumen, he wouldn’t hold his position. Yet Hanzawa accepted his fate calmly—he was, perhaps, an idealist. Having burned brightly, he cared little for what remained.

Hanzawa had done what he believed necessary, pursuing justice despite knowing it would go unrecognized in rigid corporate hierarchies. That made his actions all the more admirable.

With Hanzawa accepting transfer to an affiliated company, Hanzawa Naoki concluded its main storyline, leaving only a forty-minute special episode (SP). Shohei wiped his slightly moistened eyes, unsure whether emotion or sheer intensity had overwhelmed him.

Rooted in reality yet transcending it, the series returned to earthbound truths—a testament to its brilliance. Only those who’d experienced Japanese workplaces could fully grasp its depth.

Draining his beer, Shohei moved to his computer—one of the earlier adopters of personal PCs due to his advertising career. Design software gave him a competitive edge, and he recently upgraded his system. Inspired by Hanzawa, he aspired to ascend his company’s ranks, dreaming of one day shouting, “Kneel and apologize!” to senior colleagues who stole credit—even if exile followed.

Logging onto a forum, he navigated to the drama discussion board. Countless threads mourned Hanzawa Naoki’s conclusion. Some speculated about a second season, interpreting the ending as foreshadowing Hanzawa’s triumphant return to Tokyo Central Bank. Others shared reflections on the series, while some raged against the president—not criticizing his acting but vehemently opposing Hanzawa’s exile. Both Oowada and the president delivered stellar performances, alongside Chihara Rinto’s meticulous direction. Each episode averaged over 400 shots, pushing the three directors nearly to exhaustion.

Ignoring the outrage, Shohei recognized these critics as workplace novices. Hanzawa’s exile aligned perfectly with the harsh realities of corporate life. This was realism—beginning, unfolding, and concluding within the confines of truth.

Starting a thread, Shohei began sharing his thoughts:

“I am like Kondo, struggling daily for survival. Around me are people resembling Osaka Branch’s deputy manager—sycophants clinging desperately to superiors for advancement—or…”

He wrote extensively, pouring out his admiration for the series. Though not a professional critic, he lacked the technical vocabulary to dissect its merits formally. Still, he wanted to convey one simple message: this drama was extraordinary. It resonated deeply with working adults.

As countless others echoed his sentiments, Hanzawa Naoki truly came to an end.

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