The Tyrant Billionaire

Everyone was barely holding on, clinging to their last breath. If similar companies received support, they would immediately recover and seize the entire market. The remaining companies would then have no chance of survival.

Hardy's intention was to instill a sense of crisis in them.
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With a sense of crisis, it would be easier to control them.

As for those who refused to submit, the solution was simple: support their competitors, and the rest would naturally die out.

It didn't matter if they had the potential to become large corporations in the future.

Right now, he could strangle them in the cradle.

By fostering competition among Japanese companies, preventing them from forming a united front, they would be easier to acquire.

Although some people saw through Hardy's scheme, there was no way to counter it. They were powerless to thwart Hardy's plan. Even if they understood, they had no choice but to play by his rules.

Submit, or perish.

Hardy continued: "Tomorrow, at the Imperial Hotel, the seven major financial groups will formally begin negotiations with Japanese companies. Any company interested in collaborating with them can bring their company reports and attend."

The hearts of the major entrepreneurs in attendance were stirred.

Collaborating with American companies meant a chance to survive. Without collaboration, the outcome would likely be one: company closure and personal bankruptcy.

Perhaps they could also choose to sell their companies to the American financial groups.

Otherwise, once competing companies emerged, their own enterprises would inevitably be eliminated, and by then, they might not even be able to sell.

Hardy stepped down from the stage.

The banquet officially began.

But this was hardly a proper banquet. There weren't even any women present. What could a group of men do? They simply gathered to discuss business and economics.

The representatives of the seven major financial groups were surrounded by Japanese entrepreneurs, engaging in discussions about acquisitions and partnerships.

On Hardy's side, he was accompanied by Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida, who raised his wine glass in a toast to Hardy. After taking a sip, Yoshida spoke respectfully to Hardy:

"Special Envoy Hardy, Japan's current food supply can barely meet the minimum needs. Many citizens are surviving on potatoes, sweet potatoes, and wild vegetables. Could you perhaps speak to President Johnson about increasing food aid?"

After Japan's surrender, the United States implemented various controls over the country, including on food supplies. Japan, with its limited land and large population, had always struggled with food shortages. During the war, Japan plundered massive amounts of food from Southeast Asian countries, which allowed it to enjoy over a decade of prosperity.

During those years, the Japanese government strongly encouraged population growth, and within just ten years, the population increased by more than 10 million, representing 14% of the total population of Japan—a staggering figure.

However, after Japan's defeat, the country was no longer able to obtain food from other sources, and domestic food production was very limited. Coupled with the population boom, this led to a severe food crisis.

Countless people died of starvation.

Although the United States provided Japan with food aid, it also imposed restrictions, making it impossible to fully meet Japan's demands.

Hardy understood what Prime Minister Yoshida Shigeru was getting at—he had his eye on the $570 million aid fund Hardy had brought with him. But Hardy had no intention of giving in. That money wasn't meant to buy food. They should either be content with the minimal provisions they were already receiving or find a solution themselves. Hardy wasn't here to do their job for them.

"Prime Minister Yoshida, I've always believed that solving problems requires addressing the root cause. Only then can the problem be completely resolved. Wouldn't you agree?" Hardy said.

"Ah, yes, that's certainly true," Yoshida replied, unsure of Hardy's meaning but agreeing with the general sentiment.

"The root of Japan's problem is its economic stagnation. Once businesses resume operations, and workers have jobs again, resources will naturally flow into the hands of the people. Simply providing aid is not a sustainable solution; it only fosters laziness."

"What I'm doing now is addressing Japan's economic issues at the core. Once the factories are back in operation, producing goods for export to the United States, large quantities of food can be brought back in return. What do you think?" Hardy asked.

"Yes, that's certainly true," Yoshida said with a forced smile.

That aid fund Hardy brought? It wasn't going to be handed over to the Japanese so easily.

Weapons are only useful when they remain in your hand, retaining their power of deterrence. Once given away, they lose their value entirely.

The uneventful banquet came to a close.

The members of the delegation returned to the Imperial Hotel to rest early, as they had important work the next day: the formal start of the acquisition of Japanese companies.

The next day.

From early morning, a steady stream of entrepreneurs began visiting the Imperial Hotel, seeking meetings with representatives of the seven major financial groups, submitting reports on the status of their companies.

Most of them were approaching companies within their respective industries.

Several textile companies sought out the Texas financial group. Texas was the largest cotton producing state in the U.S., accounting for more than half of the country's cotton acreage and over 45% of total production.

Cotton was also the state's largest export agricultural product.

With an abundant supply of cotton, the textile industry there was naturally strong, making the Texas financial group a major player in textiles, clothing, and light industry.

A few well established Japanese steel companies approached Morgan, Rockefeller, or Mellon, as America's steel industry was largely dominated by these three groups.

Petrochemical companies naturally sought out Rockefeller, who was known globally as the oil king.

Of course, some companies approached the Hardy Group. Toshiba, Hitachi, Panasonic, and Sharp were the first to come forward, hoping to collaborate with the Hardy Group on electronics.

The Hardy Group owned the largest television factory in the U.S., as well as other electronics companies. The main products of Toshiba, Hitachi, Panasonic, and Sharp included televisions, electric fans, refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, electrical outlets, bicycles, radios, motors, and more.

Hardy did not personally meet with them.

The vice president of the Hardy Group was fully in charge.

The current situation of these companies was dire, and Hardy's instructions were clear: acquire shares in these companies, collectively owning a majority. Japanese companies would retain no more than 40% of the shares.