The Tyrant Billionaire

Japan was now in desperate need of aid, they hoped to revive their economy.

$570 million—such a large sum would make anyone's heart race.

Now, Hardy had complete control over this money, and it was up to him to decide how it would be spent. How could the Japanese government not be deferential?

Initially, when Japanese businesses were seized and sold off, there had been a lot of resentment toward Hardy, as it seemed he was disposing of Japan's assets at a discount. But now, those feelings had turned to respect. Those assets would have otherwise just rotted away. Now, they had been exchanged for much needed funds.

The American conglomerates that had purchased these assets would likely develop them, eventually employing Japanese workers. From any angle, it was a beneficial arrangement for Japan.

Previously, it seemed as though Hardy was plundering Japan's assets, but now they understood that he had their best interests at heart. Converting assets into money was indeed more helpful for Japan in its current state.

If Hardy knew what they were thinking, he would sincerely apologize and say, 'I only have money and my own interests at heart. Helping the starving Japanese was just a convenient and humanitarian act that I didn't mind doing while protecting my interests.'
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"Prime Minister, allow me to introduce you to Mr. John Jay, Vice President of Rockefeller Financial Group's Manhattan Bank," Hardy said, making introductions.

"Mr. John Jay, welcome to Japan," Prime Minister Yoshida quickly bowed and shook hands.

The Rockefeller Group was one of the top financial groups in the United States, wielding considerable influence over both American politics and the economy. Yoshida dared not be negligent.

"This is Charles Lee, Vice President of Morgan Stanley Investment Bank, part of the Morgan Financial Group," Hardy continued, introducing another key figure.

Yoshida once again bowed respectfully.

As Hardy introduced the individuals from the seven major financial groups, each name was well-known. If any one of them had come to Japan on their own, they would have received utmost attention. Now, coming as a group led by Hardy, the Japanese Cabinet was beginning to realize just how significant Hardy's influence was.

Hardy had previously said that, given Japan's dire economic situation, simple policies would not suffice to bring about recovery. He would bring investment teams, and these were the people Hardy had promised to bring.

This further reinforced the belief within the Japanese Cabinet that Hardy genuinely wanted to help Japan resolve its current economic crisis.

"Mr. Hardy, a podium has been set up over there, and the journalists are waiting. They hope you can say a few words and give an interview. Would that be alright?" Prime Minister Yoshida asked.

"Of course," Hardy nodded in agreement.

Public speaking didn't faze him.

As Hardy stepped up to the podium, the reporters went wild, snapping photos with their cameras. Dressed in a meticulously tailored Italian suit, Hardy exuded both poise and authority.

Hardy deliberately asked Prime Minister Yoshida to stand beside him, a gesture that left Yoshida somewhat flattered. Standing beside Hardy, Yoshida placed his hands in front of him, taking half a step back, clearly hesitant to stand as Hardy's equal.

It was evident that these Japanese officials, trained by General MacArthur, were exceedingly deferential, at least outwardly.

Hardy noticed that, but he didn't really care. The feudal age was gone, and whether people bowed or knelt mattered little to him. In fact, it felt awkward in this day and age.

Hardy scanned the reporters briefly before speaking into the microphone in a clear voice:

"Before I came, I asked the Japanese government to provide me with a report on the current living conditions of the people and the state of the economy. According to the report, Japan's economy is in complete disarray, on the verge of collapse. Many businesses have gone bankrupt, and those that haven't are unable to operate.

A vast number of workers have been laid off, inflation is rampant, prices are soaring, and food is in short supply. The basic livelihood of the people is not being guaranteed."

At this point, Hardy turned to look at Prime Minister Yoshida.

"Is this the case, Prime Minister?"

"Ah, yes, the situation is indeed as you described," Yoshida quickly replied, though the question was somewhat uncomfortable. Nonetheless, it was the truth.

Hardy continued, his expression solemn.

"The reason for the current state of affairs can be traced back to the war. The Japanese people were misled by imperialist and Nazi's, which led to the outbreak of conflict. War is brutal, and this is the direct cause of Japan's current situation."

"Those Nazi's supporters were sentenced last year. Some were hanged, and others were given life sentences. They have faced the punishment they deserve. Although they are gone, they left their terrible legacy to the Japanese people. Before coming here, I spoke with President Johnson about Japan.

President Johnson said that Japan must completely rid itself of imperialist and Nazi ideology if it is to be reintegrated into the international community."

Upon hearing the words "reintegrated into the international community," the reactions were immediate. Both Prime Minister Yoshida and the members of the Cabinet, as well as the journalists and businesspeople present, were visibly stirred.

Why?

Because Japan, at present, was an occupied territory, legally speaking not an independent country. In its efforts to regain independence and become a sovereign state, Japan had paid a heavy price and only succeeded in rejoining the United Nations in 1956.

At present, the United States was exercising strict economic and political control over Japan, and the prospect of regaining full independence seemed distant.

But Hardy's words today felt like a ray of divine light.

They saw a glimmer of hope for the restoration of Japan's sovereignty, something that stirred even greater emotion than the recovery of the economy.

Many people in the audience looked at Hardy with newfound admiration.

After delivering this message, Hardy turned again to face Prime Minister Yoshida. "Prime Minister, Japan's recognition of its role in the war is crucial. This is a matter of attitude. Only by acknowledging its mistakes can Japan truly break away from imperialism and Nazi ideology and regain international recognition."