The Tyrant Billionaire

As factories of the seven major conglomerates gradually began operations, many workers earned a bit of money, which they could use to buy food and supplies on the black market.

This created a perfect cycle.

The volume of goods Hardy transported increased, and the black market business grew even more prosperous than before. With the market expanding, it's estimated that monthly earnings could easily reach millions of dollars.

As an economic envoy, Hardy could have lifted the restrictions on food and supplies in Japan entirely, given that the U.S. now had a surplus in food production that couldn't be consumed domestically. However, Hardy still adhered to the previous restrictive policy.

Why?

It made more money. Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire

Why sell at a fair price when you can get ten times that amount?

At least for the next year, this situation won't change.

The main point is that Hardy uses the black market to draw in Japanese gangs. Now, the "Straw Hat Group" is expanding rapidly, having already become the largest organization in Japan, covering all regions of the country.

This is highly advantageous for Hardy's later plans.

The Japanese Prime Minister received a call from Economic Envoy Hardy's office, saying there was something to discuss, prompting Shigeru Yoshida to hurry over.

Hardy received Shigeru Yoshida in his apartment.

Now, Hardy's authority had grown even greater, overseeing Japan's economy and culture, making Yoshida more respectful than ever before.

A servant brought two cups of tea.

One was placed in front of Shigeru Yoshida.

"Please have some tea, Prime Minister," Hardy said.

Yoshida quickly bowed in thanks and respectfully said, "Mr. Hardy, please, there's no need to address me as 'Prime Minister.' Just call me Yoshida."

Hardy took a puff of his cigar, set it down in the ashtray, and said to Yoshida, "I recently discovered something and thought it might require a change, which is why I called you over to discuss it, Prime Minister Yoshida."

"Ah, please go ahead, Mr. Envoy."

"I came across a document noting that Japan's prostitution and brothel industry used to be legal. Is that correct?" Hardy asked.

"Yes, it was indeed legal."

Before Japan's defeat, it had been a feudal society, where the brothel business had existed legally for thousands of years. In some films, scenes depict women being arrested, but these were only unregistered women; those with legal registration were permitted to operate.

"Then, MacArthur later issued a decree that prohibited brothels and the business of prostitution throughout Japan, leading to the eventual closure of legal brothels. Am I correct?" Hardy asked.

"Yes, Mr. Hardy, that decree was issued by General MacArthur. He thought the prostitution business was morally damaging, so he outlawed it, and later, I signed the government's administrative order."

Shigeru Yoshida was well aware of this matter, as he had handled it himself.

"And did banning prostitution actually stop the business?" Hardy asked.

Yoshida was taken aback.

Then, he replied awkwardly, "No, I've had reports indicating that these women have simply gone underground, and more people are joining as illicit prostitutes. The number is probably even greater than before."

Hardy nodded, and said solemnly,

"I think this decree has been a failure. Firstly, several states in the U.S. have already legalized prostitution; it's considered part of culture."

"Moreover, some things cannot simply be banned with a single decree. Not only has it not disappeared, but it has actually increased. From my research, I believe the number of women in this industry is now ten times what it was before."

"Previously, brothels were legal, with government oversight, and these women underwent regular health checks. But now, they've gone underground, and there's no way of knowing if they're carrying diseases, which could spread to many people, causing an extremely adverse impact on society."

Yoshida nodded, agreeing with Hardy's reasoning.

Prostitution had existed for ages, and Yoshida saw no moral issue with it. Instead, he was more concerned about the loss of control.

"The most important point is that the government used to tax the brothel business, but now, with everything going underground, the government doesn't receive a single yen, which has significantly impacted its revenue. Don't you agree?" Hardy said.

"That's absolutely correct," Yoshida agreed.

"So, I intend to enact a new decree to lift the previous ban, allowing the brothel business to become legal once more. This would not only strengthen control but also generate additional government revenue. What do you think?" Hardy looked at Yoshida.

"Ah, that would certainly be ideal, but what about General MacArthur?"

This ban was imposed by MacArthur, and Yoshida was worried about angering him.

Hardy looked at Yoshida and said sternly, "I am the Economic Envoy, responsible for Japan's economy and culture. Is the legality of brothels not a matter concerning economy and culture? Since MacArthur made a wrong decision, I have the authority to correct it."

"I hope the Japanese government will promptly enact a new law to lift the original ban. Of course, while it will be legalized, it won't be like before, where brothels could be opened anywhere. I believe some regulations should be established."

"For instance, let's confine these specialty businesses to a specific area, where conducting such business would be legal. Outside that area, it would be illegal. This would make management easier."

After leaving Hardy's apartment, Shigeru Yoshida sighed slightly upon getting into his car. Envoy Hardy was indeed exercising his power, but this law was one MacArthur had established. Lifting it would undoubtedly anger MacArthur.

Clearly, this was a struggle for power between two high authorities, and they were caught in the middle.

They couldn't afford to offend either side.

Offending either side would be unbearable for him. Now, Hardy controlled Japan's economy—not only through administrative power but also by holding Japan's true economic lifeline.

Currently, Japan's large corporations are all controlled by the seven major conglomerates.

Japan's financial industry is entirely under the control of these seven conglomerates.

Most small industries in Japan are controlled by the financial sector, and thus, indirectly by the seven conglomerates.