The neon signs of Shibuya's Central Street cast their multicolored glow across the wet pavement, reflecting off puddles from the afternoon rain. Ryuji Sakamoto, a tall teenager with bleached blonde hair wearing his Shujin Academy uniform with the blazer open and a yellow graphic t-shirt underneath, trudged along the crowded shopping district with his hands in his pockets.
"Well, if it isn't a young man with promise!" called out a smooth, theatrical voice.
Leaning against a storefront was Tanaka, a middle-aged Japanese man in an expensive charcoal suit that seemed just a touch too flashy for good taste. His black hair was slicked back, and a gold watch glinted on his wrist as he gestured dramatically. Another sucker, he thought, barely containing his smirk. And this one looks particularly gullible.
"Oh hey, you're that TV shopping guy," Ryuji said, stopping in his tracks. A salary worker in a gray suit brushed past him, forcing him to step closer to Tanaka's spot by the store.
Tanaka's smile widened. "Indeed! And today, my young friend, I have an exclusive opportunity for an up-and-coming investor such as yourself." They always perk up at the word 'exclusive.' Like moths to a flame.
"Investor? Me?" Ryuji scratched his head.
"But of course! You have that spark of potential." Tanaka reached into his suit jacket and produced a glossy pamphlet with holographic text. "Have you heard of TanakaCoin? It's the next revolution in digital currency. Early investors are seeing returns of 500% or more!"
Hook, line, and sinker, Tanaka thought as he watched Ryuji's eyes light up at the mention of profits.
"For real? You can make that much?"
"Indeed! A mere investment of 50,000 yen could turn into millions!" Tanaka's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "But I can see you're a smart young man. Someone who recognizes value." They always hesitate at the high price. Time to reel him in with the 'special' offer.
"Uh..." Ryuji shifted his weight, looking down at his scuffed shoes. "That's kind of a lot though..."
"Ah, but for you..." Tanaka tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I sense great potential. A special rate - just 15,000 yen for you."
"Only 15,000?" Ryuji perked up. "That's way better! I think I could actually do that..."
"Excellent choice!" Tanaka's smile grew predatory as he pulled out a tablet with payment information ready. As Ryuji fumbled for his wallet, Tanaka's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. These high school kids are almost too easy. Start high, drop the price, and they think they're getting such a deal. They never suspect the coin is barely worth 1,000 yen. But that's the art of business - buying low and selling high.
The crowd continued to flow around them like a river around rocks, unaware of the small confidence game playing out in their midst. Tanaka could already taste the expensive sushi he'd treat himself to tonight with his latest mark's money.
Afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows of Class 2-D at Shujin Academy, casting long shadows across the empty desks as students filtered out after the final bell. Ryuji practically bounced in his seat, his uniform even more disheveled than usual as he waited for Ann to finish packing her bag.
Ann Takamaki stood by her desk, her ash blonde pigtails swaying as she organized her notebooks. She wore the standard Shujin uniform, though she kept her blazer unbuttoned and had rolled up the sleeves of her white shirt underneath.
"Yo, Ann! You gotta hear about this investment thing I got into!" Ryuji called out, nearly knocking over his chair as he rushed over to her desk.
Ann raised an eyebrow. "Investment thing?"
"Yeah! This guy Tanaka - you know, from the shopping channel? He's got this new cryptocurrency called TanakaCoin." Ryuji pulled out the glossy pamphlet, its holographic text catching the sunlight. "He says early investors are making huge returns!"
"Wait." Ann's blue eyes narrowed as she took the pamphlet. "You actually gave money to that TV shopping guy? Ryuji, those late-night commercials are totally sketchy."
"Nah, it's legit!" Ryuji leaned against a nearby desk. "I mean, he was gonna charge 50,000 yen, but he gave me a special deal for only 15,000. He could tell I had potential, you know?"
Ann's expression fell. "Oh Ryuji..." She set down the pamphlet. "That's literally one of the oldest scam techniques. They quote a really high price then offer a 'special' discount to pressure you into buying."
"But he seemed really nice!" Ryuji protested, though a flicker of uncertainty crossed his face. "I mean, sure, maybe it won't give those huge returns he mentioned, but it's still an investment, right?"
A warm breeze rustled the curtains as Ann shook her head. "Nice doesn't mean honest. Remember that 'magic' weight loss tea I almost bought from that super friendly lady at the underground mall?"
"That was different..." Ryuji mumbled, but his earlier enthusiasm had deflated somewhat.
"Was it though?" Ann shouldered her bag. "Look, I just don't want you to get burned. These crypto things are really risky, and that guy's whole setup sounds super suspicious."
Ryuji stuffed the pamphlet back in his pocket, his expression clouding. "Maybe... but I already bought in, so might as well see how it goes, right?"
Ann sighed as they headed for the classroom door. "Just... be careful, okay? And maybe do some research next time before jumping in?"
"Yeah, yeah." Ryuji waved her off, but his hand unconsciously pressed against his pocket where the pamphlet sat, its promises now feeling a bit less golden in the afternoon light.
Evening shadows stretched across Tanaka's luxury apartment in one of Tokyo's most exclusive districts. The space was decorated in what he considered tasteful opulence - black leather furniture, chrome fixtures, and abstract art that cost more than most people's monthly salary. Tanaka sat at his glass-topped desk, his charcoal suit jacket draped over his ergonomic chair as he counted his day's earnings.
"Another successful day," he chuckled, sorting through the digital transactions on his tablet. The blue glow from the screen illuminated his satisfied smirk. "That blonde kid's 15,000 yen will buy me a nice dinner at-"
His tablet chimed with a notification. Then another. And another.
Tanaka's brow furrowed as he opened his cryptocurrency tracking app. His eyes widened, the reflection of rapidly changing numbers dancing in his pupils.
"This... this can't be right." He adjusted his position, leaning closer to the screen. "TanakaCoin is up 200%? But it's worthless! It's just a scheme I..." His voice trailed off as another notification chimed.
He quickly opened his browser, searching for cryptocurrency news. There it was - headlines about TanakaCoin being the next big thing. Somehow, his fake currency had caught the attention of major crypto investors. The worthless coin he'd created was actually gaining real value.
"I don't understand," he muttered, running a hand through his slicked-back hair. "This was supposed to be a simple scam. Take their money, give them a worthless token, and..." He glanced at his tablet again. Another price increase.
Tanaka stood up and walked to his floor-to-ceiling windows, looking out over the glittering Tokyo skyline. His reflection stared back at him, confusion written across his features. The city lights twinkled like the zeroes adding up in his crypto wallet.
"That kid's 15,000 yen investment..." he calculated quickly in his head, "it's now worth nearly 45,000 yen." He let out a sharp laugh. "I accidentally made my marks money!"
He returned to his desk, slumping in his chair. His planned sushi dinner suddenly felt less appetizing as he watched the value continue to climb. For the first time in his career as a con man, his scam had turned legitimate - and he had no idea how to handle it.
"Well," he mused, straightening his silk tie, "I suppose there's a first time for everything." He picked up his phone, beginning to dial his crypto developer. Perhaps it was time to turn this happy accident into an actual business venture.
Tanaka's fingers flew across his mechanical keyboard, the rapid clicking echoing through his apartment as morning light spilled across his multiple monitor setup. Empty coffee cups littered his normally pristine glass desk, evidence of his all-night research session.
"It doesn't make sense," he muttered, scrolling through financial reports. "How did a fake coin become..." He trailed off as a new article caught his eye.
The headline read: "TanakaCoin's Unique Blockchain Structure Attracts Major Tech Investment."
Tanaka leaned forward, his tie loosened and shirt sleeves rolled up. "What unique structure? I just copied some basic code from..."
His eyes widened as he read further. The developer he'd hired to create the coin's blockchain - a freelancer he'd paid bare minimum to copy existing cryptocurrency structures - had accidentally introduced a revolutionary feature. The code included an innovative solution to the "blockchain trilemma" - the traditional trade-off between decentralization, security, and scalability that plagued most cryptocurrencies.
"That lazy bastard," Tanaka whispered, a hint of admiration in his voice. "He couldn't be bothered to copy the code exactly, so he simplified it. And in simplifying it..."
He pulled up another article, this one from a major technology journal: "TanakaCoin's Streamlined Architecture Could Revolutionize Digital Payment Processing."
What he'd intended as throwaway code had inadvertently created a more efficient transaction verification system. Major financial institutions were starting to take notice, seeing potential applications for international money transfers.
Tanaka's phone buzzed - another price alert. He glanced at his tablet, where TanakaCoin's value continued to climb. The morning sun caught the screen's reflection, making the numbers seem to glow.
"I tried to create a scam," he laughed, leaning back in his chair, "and accidentally created a legitimate financial innovation." He loosened his tie further. "The one time I try to cut corners by hiring the cheapest developer possible..."
He picked up his phone, scrolling through his contacts until he found the developer's number. It was time to offer him a full-time position - with proper compensation this time. Sometimes, he mused, success comes from the most unexpected mistakes.
Opening his email, he saw dozens of meeting requests from legitimate investment firms. For the first time in his career, Tanaka would have to learn how to run an honest business. The irony wasn't lost on him.
The sunset painted Tanaka's office in shades of amber and gold, a fitting backdrop for the latest surge in TanakaCoin's value displayed across his monitors. He sat in his leather chair, tie loosened, a glass of expensive whiskey in hand as he watched the numbers climb.
The sharp trill of his phone cut through his satisfaction. His lawyer's name flashed on the screen.
"Tanaka speaking," he answered, trying to maintain his usual smooth tone.
"We have a problem." His lawyer's voice was tight. "The Financial Services Agency is looking into TanakaCoin's initial sales practices. They're particularly interested in your early marketing strategies."
The whiskey suddenly tasted bitter in Tanaka's mouth. Through his window, he could see office workers in the building across the street, packing up for the day. How many of them had invested in his now-legitimate cryptocurrency?
"But it's a real business now," Tanaka said, setting down his glass. "The technology actually works. We're getting legitimate investment offers-"
"They're not interested in what it is now," his lawyer cut in. "They're looking at how you sold it. The initial high price quotes followed by 'special' discounts. The promises of unrealistic returns. The fact that you had no actual business plan when you started selling coins."
A notification pinged on one of his monitors - another major tech company wanting to discuss investment opportunities. The irony made him wince.
"What are we looking at?" Tanaka asked, his free hand drumming nervously on his desk.
"Best case? Fines. Worst case? Fraud charges." A pause. "And I'm hearing rumors that the police's white-collar crime division is starting to take interest."
Tanaka's reflection in the window looked pale despite the warm sunset light. Below, he could see people lined up at an ATM - probably some of them were buying cryptocurrency. His cryptocurrency. The one that had accidentally become legitimate just a little too late.
"How long do we have?"
"Hard to say. But you should probably postpone those meetings with potential investors. And..." his lawyer hesitated, "it might be wise to start gathering documentation. Everything you have about the coin's development. We need to prove you didn't intend to-"
Another notification pinged - this time an email from a major investment bank. Tanaka stared at it, his stomach churning. Success was finally within his grasp, and now his past was threatening to pull it all away.
"I'll send everything over," he said quietly. "And cancel my dinner plans. I think I'll be working late tonight."
After hanging up, Tanaka watched the sun disappear behind Tokyo's skyline, casting his office in shadow. On his monitors, TanakaCoin's value continued to rise, each uptick now feeling less like a victory and more like another nail in a potential indictment.
Rain pelted the windows of Shujin Academy's hallway as Ryuji tried to make a quick escape after classes. His footsteps echoed against the polished floors as he speed-walked toward the exit, nervously glancing over his shoulder.
"Sakamoto-kun!" A sharp voice cut through the after-school quiet. "Just a few more questions!"
Ryuji winced, picking up his pace. Behind him, Himiko Watanabe, a reporter from the Tokyo Daily, clicked down the hallway in her sensible heels. Her press badge bounced against her navy blazer as she pursued him, digital recorder already in hand.
"Look, I already told you everything!" Ryuji called back, not slowing down. "I just bought some crypto thing. That's it!"
"But you were one of Tanaka's first investors!" Himiko's eyes gleamed with an almost predatory excitement. "Your signature is on the early documentation. You must have been part of the initial scheme!"
Ryuji reached the shoe lockers, fumbling with his combination. "I didn't scheme anything! I just thought it sounded cool!"
Himiko pressed closer, her recorder thrust forward like a weapon. Her neat black bob cut framed an expression of intense determination that bordered on zealotry. "A high school student somehow gets in on the ground floor of what becomes a revolutionary cryptocurrency? That's hardly coincidence. Were you acting as a front for Tanaka? Helping him target other students?"
"What? No!" Ryuji grabbed his street shoes, nearly dropping them. "I don't even know what most of that means!"
Other students watched the scene unfold, whispering behind their hands. A few had their phones out, recording the confrontation.
"The public has a right to know!" Himiko declared, her voice rising. "This could be the financial scandal of the year! A crypto scheme targeting minors, and you're a key witness!"
"I'm not a witness to anything!" Ryuji finally got his shoes changed, making a break for the entrance. "I'm just a guy who made a dumb purchase!"
Rain soaked through his uniform as he burst outside, but Himiko followed, undeterred by the weather. Her professional makeup was starting to run, giving her an almost manic appearance.
"You can't hide the truth forever, Sakamoto-kun! I'll expose this conspiracy!"
Ryuji sprinted down the street, splashing through puddles. Behind him, Himiko's calls faded into the sound of rainfall and traffic. He didn't slow down until he reached the station, his heart pounding.
"Man," he panted, leaning against a pillar. "What is it with adults and making everything so complicated? I just wanted to try investing..."
His phone buzzed - another message from Himiko requesting an interview. He deleted it without reading, adding her to his blocked contacts list. The train couldn't arrive fast enough.
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Shujin Academy's courtyard as Ryuji's phone buzzed during lunch break. He sat on one of the outdoor benches, surrounded by the chatter of other students enjoying their meals.
"Hello?" he answered, balancing his bread in one hand.
"Ah, Sakamoto-kun!" Tanaka's smooth voice came through. "I have excellent news. Your investment has performed... surprisingly well. I'll be transferring your returns - approximately 45,000 yen - to your account today."
Ryuji nearly choked on his bread. "For real?!"
"Indeed. Quite unexpected, but legitimate." Tanaka cleared his throat. "And ah... should anyone ask, perhaps emphasize that you believed in the technology from the start."
After the call ended, Ryuji pumped his fist in the air. "See? I told Ann it wasn't a scam!"
Later, as the final bell rang, Ren, Ann, and Morgana peered out the classroom window at the school gates.
"She's still there," Ann sighed, watching Himiko Watanabe pace near the entrance, her digital recorder ready. Her navy blazer was slightly rumpled now, suggesting she'd been staking out the school all day.
"Can't you just talk to her?" Ren asked, adjusting his glasses as he watched the reporter checking her phone.
Morgana poked his head out of Ren's bag. "Something seems off about her. She's way too intense for a simple cryptocurrency story."
"Tell me about it," Ryuji groaned, slumping against the wall. "This morning she tried to follow me into the bathroom! Said she was 'pursuing all leads' or something."
Ann twirled one of her pigtails thoughtfully. "Even though you actually made money on the investment?"
"Yeah! Tanaka just called to say he's sending the money. But she keeps saying there must be some big conspiracy." Ryuji peeked out the window again. "Like, what kind of criminal mastermind would pick me as their partner?"
"She's coming inside!" Morgana warned, ducking back into the bag.
Himiko's determined clicks echoed up the stairs. Her makeup was pristine but her eyes had a slightly wild look, like a predator that had gone too long without a meal.
"Quick!" Ann grabbed Ryuji's arm. "We can go out through the practice building!"
The group hurried down the hallway, their footsteps mixing with the sound of Himiko's heels getting closer. They ducked into the practice building just as she reached their floor.
"Sakamoto-kun!" her voice carried through the halls. "The public deserves answers!"
"The public deserves to leave me alone," Ryuji muttered as they snuck through the practice building's corridors, passing empty music rooms and art studios.
They emerged on the other side of the school grounds, away from the main entrance. The late afternoon light painted the school buildings in warm orange tones as they made their escape.
"You know," Ren said as they hurried toward the station, "most people would be happy to be interviewed about their successful investment."
"Yeah, well, most people don't have crazy reporters treating them like they're some kinda criminal mastermind," Ryuji replied. "I just got lucky for once. Why can't that be the whole story?"
Ann checked behind them to make sure they weren't followed. "Maybe she's just desperate for a big scoop?"
"Well, she can find it somewhere else," Ryuji said, checking his phone. A notification showed the money transfer from Tanaka had completed. "At least something good came out of all this."