Sirius Zero: Building A Corporate Kingdom After Being Expelled-Chapter 56: A Meeting in Japan

"Damn. Looks like I really don’t have an aptitude for learning human languages," sighed Aaron, as Tomoe and Kazuya sipped their tea on the plane.

"Well I’m happy that you at least tried. And that the great Aaron Zakhrov has at least one limitation," chuckled Kazuya.

"And don’t worry Master Zakhrov, you might struggle with the language, but you have already learned and mastered the social etiquette and customs," said Tomoe reassuringly.

"And relax. Both Tomoe and I can translate for you," said Natasha, looking up from the manga she was reading in the original Japanese.

"Hmm. All right," sighed Aaron, slumping back in his seat.

"Please fasten your seatbelts, we are about to land," said the pilot over the intercom.

----

"This is coming together nicely," said Aaron as he surveyed the construction drones flitting about the French style café that was being built in Akihabara. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

The café was designed to look like a traditional French café, with large windows set in pointed arches, a sloping tiled roof, and a set of ornate wooden doors. However, the glass windows were tinted and thick, the doors were reinforced and the walls themselves were made from reinforced concrete over titanium alloy rebar.

"We’ve got the main structure up, we can start on the interior once the concrete dries," said Harry, as the drones landed in a row.

Kazuya and Tomoe approached them, their eyes wide.

"You’ve managed to put this up in less than a day?" asked Kazuya, his voice incredulous.

"All thanks to these puppies here, courtesy of Aaron," said Harry, patting one of the drones.

"Well if it isn’t Aaron Zakhrov!" came a voice from behind them.

They turned to see Friedrich Albrecht, walking towards them with another tall Japanese man with long silvery white hair.

"Friedrich! What brings you to Japan?" asked Aaron, shaking Friedrich’s hand.

"This is my friend and business partner, Hajime Yamamoto. We just came from strong arming the ministry of defense into letting us build them a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier," said Friedrich, as Aaron, Kazuya, and Hajime bowed to each other.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Yamamoto," said Aaron.

"Likewise, Mr. Zakhrov. And a pleasure to meet you too, Kazuya-san," said Hajime, bowing to Kazuya.

"Likewise, Hajime-san," said Kazuya, bowing back.

"So, what brings you here Aaron?" asked Friedrich, looking appreciatively over the under construction café.

"Business, Friedrich. SEGA and Sirius Software are collaborating on a new game, and I am helping Miss Tachibana here renovate her café," said Aaron, gesturing to Tomoe, who blushed and bowed to Friedrich and Hajime.

"Well, I must say you have impeccable taste, Aaron. In both architecture and women," chuckled Friedrich, as he surveyed both Tomoe and Natasha.

"Would you like to join us for lunch? We were just about to head out to the Hyatt," said Aaron.

"Sure, we’ll meet you there," said Friedrich, as Aaron and his group packed up the drones into the cargo truck they had rented.

----

"Aaron, I must warn you. Hajime Yamamoto is a very dangerous and powerful man. I’m not sure about that Friedrich Albrecht character, but I recommend you keep your distance from Yamamoto," said Kazuya seriously as they drove towards the Hyatt Regency.

"I’ll keep that in mind, Kazuya. But why are you so cautious?" asked Aaron.

"Ever since I took over running SEGA, I’ve made it a point to stay neutral in Japanese politics. But you heard what Friedrich said about the aircraft carrier. Yamamoto is the leader of a faction that wishes to return Japan to a full military superpower, and he’s been pushing hard for more military and dual use infrastructure development and investments," said Kazuya.

"I see. Well, I’m not really interested in playing geopolitics. Handling America itself is challenge enough," said Aaron, as they arrived at the Hyatt Regency.

"That’s a wise decision, Aaron. Just be on your guard. Your abilities and resources make you a target for many people, both good and bad," said Kazuya, as they parked the truck and got out.

"That being said, Kazuya. I think that whatever Yamamoto is planning would be a net positive for Japan," said Aaron cautiously.

"Privately, I agree, but publically, I am keeping a neutral stance. I cannot afford to be seen as taking sides in this," said Kazuya, as they walked towards the hotel entrance.

Aaron nodded, and the walked into the hotel restaurant, where Friedrich and Hajime were already seated at a table.

"Ah, there you are! We were just ordering," said Friedrich, as they sat down.

"Mr. Zakhrov, I must say, your reputation precedes you. I’ve heard much about your efforts at restoring civilizational elegance in America," said Hajime, his voice smooth and cultured.

"I think that is something we can all agree on," chuckled Kazuya, as a waiter approached their table.

"Welcome to the Hyatt Regency, gentlemen. May I take your order?" asked the waiter, bowing politely.

Hajime, Kazuya and Tomoe placed their orders in Japanese, while Aaron, Friedrich, and Natasha ordered in English, from the international menu.

The waiter nodded and left to place their orders.

"So, Friedrich, tell me more about this aircraft carrier project," said Aaron, as he sipped his water.

"Yes, the JS Akagi. It will be Japan’s first full CATOBAR aircraft carrier since World War 2, and its first nuclear-powered warship," said Friedrich enthusiastically.

"And what about the reactor? I’m assuming it’s one of your liquid metal reactors rather than the usual pressurized water reactors?" asked Aaron.

"Ha ha. You got me there! Yes, it is a Lead-Bismuth Eutectic fast reactor, should give the ship a range of 30 years before needing refueling," chuckled Friedrich.

"And how did you solve the Polonium build up problem?" asked Aaron.

"You’re a smart boy. How about you guess?" countered Friedrich.

"A molten lead shield perhaps? Although that would mean you’ll be playing for keeps. Once that reactor starts up, there’s no shutting it down until the ship is decommissioned," said Aaron.

"A trade off, but one that has massive upsides over what Uncle Sam is peddling," chuckled Friedrich.

"Uncle Sam can keep his toys. It’s about time that we built our own again," said Hajime.

"Well, here’s to a successful project," said Aaron, raising his glass.

"Kanpai!" said Hajime, Kazuya, and Friedrich, as they clinked their glasses together.

"Kanpai!" echoed Tomoe and Natasha, as they joined in the toast.

The food arrived, and they dug in, enjoying the delicious Japanese cuisine.