Kyoya Ootori straightened his coat as he made his way to the Ministry of health. It was the changing of seasons and autumn was quickly shifting to winter. As usual, he was the representative of the Ootori Group for such matters. It was his job as the third son to maintain these relationships and to make sure that the Ootori Group hospitals weren't just following the national standards but going above and beyond these expectations.

That was what it meant to be part of the Ootori legacy. Upholding tradition while making room for innovation. Ensuring perfection but keeping watch for mistakes.

The Minister of health presented the facts that Japan was in an economic crisis. "We've projected that for the year 2025, it will be a crucial and pivotal time for the healthcare industry. With the sudden increase of elderly individuals needing further care, there is a need to solve the gap with the shortage of healthcare professionals and projected number of patients."

The government had no choice but to involve major players in the healthcare industry with the nationwide plans of addressing this impending problem. He glanced briefly at Kyoya Ootori and watched him read the reports and statistics that the minister of health was going through.

At a time like this, there was no better support than the Ootori Group. A long standing and well-established conglomerate that was not only involved in the healthcare sector but has branched out to other businesses.

Kyoya looked through the all the projected figures and noted there were differences with how the ministry of health approached the problem as opposed to how his team handled it. "We are already addressing this issue even with our smaller scale clinics in line with the nationwide goals set by the World Health Organization conference two years ago." Kyoya stated.

He placed the document down gently and pushed his glasses up. "In fact, we've already safeguarded the imbalance and the ratio of the nursing shortage and patient load by going to the root of the problem which was decongesting our tertiary level hospitals and focusing on our ambulatory clinics."

"Yes, Ootori-san. This feat you created with hospitals under the Ootori group was something we wanted to replicate with the government hospitals as well."

"We'd be happy to assist you in any way we can." Kyoya replied coolly with a polite smile that was practiced for years. "After all, the health of our nation is something that goes beyond business. However, we'd still have to negotiate certain terms with this."

It didn't take long to come to an agreement. In the end, the institution he represented was one that worked for their best interest.

"I'm glad the Ootori Group is on the same page as us with this matter. We understand that the system is heavily technology based and we'd like to have your system in place." He followed Kyoya as they exited the building.

"Of course, it is part of the vision of our company." Kyoya smiled graciously. "After all, the Ootori Group is dedicated to the care and improvement of everyone's quality of life."

"Shall we have a drink?" he offered. "To commemorate and wish for the success of our project."

The polite smile Kyoya had on hid the fact that the Minister of Health acted just as planned. He gave a polite nod of his approval as he followed the man to their intended destination. It was usually a nearby teahouse or izakaya that allowed them to have these discreet gatherings. Some politicians were far too predictable for his taste. Always acting with the as if they solely fought and acted for 'best interests of the community', but the questions asked behind closed doors have always been the same.

Step 1: Flattery. It came in various shapes and sizes, but they always started there.

"Ootori-san, if I may…" the minister looked at him from head to toe and had this grunt of approval. "I'm amazed your father has raised such a fine man as yourself. I can only wish to have a son as accomplished as you." He looked at one of his assistants and pointed to his target. "Can you believe this man is just 27 years old yet already part of the top 20 richest individuals in the country?"

"You're too generous with your praise, Mukai-san." Kyoya politely rejected the praise. It was far too shameless for him to accept such words. "I'm not as nearly as accomplished as you make me sound."

Once they feel like they've fattened their targets ego, they move onto the next phase.

Step 2: Calculated vulnerability. They would continue to express their extreme hospitality to 'lower down' the guards kept in place.

Minister Mukai simply gestured to his assistant. It looks like he's trained the boy well. Kyoya carefully accepted the sake the man's assistant poured for him. They go back and forth between paying respects either to his own accomplishments or his family. After another few rounds of false politeness and flattery, they moved onto the next step.

Step 3: Presenting the possible setbacks.

"Between you and me…" The minister whispered. He drank the entire contents of his glass to express his sincerity. To symbolize that he was lowering down his walls as well. "I've heard there's a chance that we might find it difficult to convince the local council." He shook his head to express his frustration and disappointment. "I don't think they'd give up their authority on this…there's some tension now between the liberal party headed by Yamamoto-san and the opposition."

Kyoya took a sip from his drink and continued to listen to the Minister air his frustrations. It won't be long until the next step.

Step 4: The 'solution'

"If I may…I think if we show our support to Inoue-san's cause, this may help us have an easier time navigating through the permits needed to secure the project and ensure its success."

Step 5: Bargaining and presenting the counter argument.

Kyoya pushed his glasses and placed his cup gently on the table. He refilled the minister's empty cup of sake then his own. "I'm sure arrangements can be made with Inoue-san. If I'm not mistaken, he's currently fighting for the redistribution of the properties in that area."

Kyoya refilled the empty cups of sake once more. "Has the liberal party has monopolized the area?" he feigned his ignorance of the topic. Of course, he already knew that several small-scale commercial complexes and apartments were owned by the opposing party.

"That's what he's been doing since he ran for Mayor. They've been blinded by their greed." The Minister expressed his frustration. He quickly apologized for his lack of tact and harsh words and continued "I think if we have the support of the Ootori group, it will ease the tension."

Step 6: Conclusion

"I understand how difficult this must be for you." Kyoya expressed his 'empathy'. "It shouldn't be too difficult to discuss the adjustments with the chairman."

"I'm glad you think that way, Ootori-san." The minister bowed to his waist. "I'm ashamed to ask this of you. Are you sure this arrangement wouldn't be too troublesome to discuss with your father – I mean the chairman?"

"Otousama is a reasonable and practical man. This is something the Ootori Group can assist you with. We'll send a copy of our terms once we've fully discussed the matter."

To think that ideals made in the past were still applicable in this modern day setting. Kyoya wasn't one who dabbled too much with Philosophy, but often found himself seeing the words of Thomas Hobbes reenacted.

After all, there is some truth to it. Human nature is naturally nasty and brutish, most especially when faced with corruption of greed and inequality imposed by society.

Hi! I'm back. After writing another Kyoya fic, I decided I wanted to write another. It's got a mix of a setting. I want us to grow along with Kyoya as he moves to his university age and we'll continue to see him once he starts working.