Setting: Shibuya District, early morning. A crowded train screeches into the station. A pair of worn-out sandals steps out onto polished concrete.
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[INT. TOKYO STATION – MORNING]
A pair of nervous eyes scanned the towering skyline.
HIROSHI ARAI, dressed in a faded kurta-style shirt and carrying an old satchel, takes a deep breath.
HIROSHI (V.O.)
"They said Tokyo eats the weak alive. But I'm not here to be eaten. I'm here to live."
People rush past him, eyes on their phones, dressed in suits. Hiroshi steps aside, clutching a printed job listing.
He walks 3 km to save train fare, reaches Tsukishiro Corporations — the largest real estate firm in Japan.
[INT. TSUKISHIRO HQ – RECEPTION]
Receptionist looks at his resume and scoffs.
RECEPTIONIST (in Japanese accent)
"You're applying for assistant project analyst? With… this resume?"
Hiroshi bows politely.
HIROSHI
"I may not look the part. But I learn fast. And I don't cheat."
She sighs. "Wait here."
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[INT. TOP FLOOR – CEO OFFICE]
REIKA TSUKISHIRO, sitting like royalty in a pristine office, sips matcha.
Her eyes are icy, lips painted crimson. Files are brought. She notices Hiroshi's file.
REIKA
"Village school? No university? Why is this resume on my desk?"
BOARD MEMBER
"We needed fresh blood… He made it to final round."
REIKA
"Fine. I'll test him myself."
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[INT. INTERVIEW ROOM]
Hiroshi enters. Reika is already seated.
She looks at him like he's dirt. No greetings.
REIKA
"Your clothes are wrinkled. Your English is flawed. Why are you wasting my time?"
HIROSHI (calmly)
"Because I won't lie to please you. I'm not here to beg. I'm here to prove."
REIKA (smirks)
"Prove?"
She throws a thick file in front of him.
REIKA
"Analyze this. Ten minutes."
Ten silent minutes pass.
He opens the file, writes fast, adds a suggestion no one noticed.
She reads it, expression unreadable.
REIKA
"…Interesting. You saw something even my team missed."
HIROSHI
"I don't wear suits. But I read people. And I work harder than anyone in that shiny room."
REIKA
"You're hired. But just for a week. One mistake—you're out."
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[INT. ELEVATOR – MOMENTS LATER]
Hiroshi rides down. Smiling. He got the job.
Behind him, Reika watches the security camera footage.
She whispers—
REIKA
"Country boy, let's see how long you survive in my world."
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END OF CHAPTER 1
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