Part 4: Chapter 3

    In the VIP room of the Akasaka Plaza Hotel, Ota of the Liberal Party was sitting with Shimazaki in conversation. He was in a good mood; as a result of his successful passage of an important bill, he had risen fast to become a star of his party. "I hear Chairman Matoba suffered a bizarre death--a shame, isn't it?" Set's avatars, the Apeps, could possess humans and control them however they desired. However, because of the Apeps' innate poison, those who were possessed would start to rot from within. This was how Matoba had died, though Ota had no way of knowing that.
    "So, Chief Secretary, what's the deal with the New AI Project? Can it be shut down?" Shimazaki eyed Ota with displeasure.
    The AI Project, of course, was the "official" name of the Demon Banishment Project.
    "Right. Well, since Fujita started it up of his own accord, in theory it should be perfectly plausible to cook up some sort of trumped-up reason to shut it down, but it's being backed by the American Aide to the President. We can't just ignore that. Come on, I've already seen to it that you get all the contracts to the Capital Reconstruction Project; don't be so greedy." Watching Shimazaki like a hawk, Ota laughed heartily.
    "So why are you making such a big deal about this AI project anyway? Does it interfere with your business somehow?"
    "I suppose you could say that." Shimazaki lit a cigarette.
    "Fujita's a tough customer. I'd prefer not to go up against him if possible." Ota's face was stern as he spoke.
    "Planning to announce your candidacy for the party chair, then?"
    "Think whatever you want."
    Shimazaki's eyes glinted with cunning. "What do you think your chances would be?"
    Currently within the Liberal Party, Ota was thought to be a strong candidate for party chair, but his faction held only a moderate amount of backing in the Lower House, his supporters there holding seats in the low 60s. In order for Ota to win the election, he'd need either another faction to support him or to crush one of his rivals entirely. Therefore it was only natural for him not to want to face off against Fujita.
    "If only Hamano would support me in the election..." Ota stared at Shimazaki willfully, as if trying to communicate something implicit. And as if he understood entirely, Shimazaki nodded.
    "I am sure things will turn out just as you would like. There's no need to worry."
    "I never asked you to do anything! Still, since when have you been able to wield that much influence?" Ota asked the question in hushed tones.
    "I am sure I will get the chance to tell you some day."
    After all, you'll get to directly experience it for yourself eventually...
    Shimazaki bared his yellow teeth in a grin.