Friday, 6:00 AM - 66 hours remaining
Hanae hadn't slept.
She'd spent the early morning hours coordinating teams, reviewing plans, making adjustments. Now, as dawn broke over Tokyo, she stood on the fortieth floor looking out at the city turning gold in the sunrise.
Her phone had been buzzing constantly. Messages from reporters following up on yesterday's press conference. From business contacts asking if she was serious about reclaiming territories. From unknown numbers that were probably The Board checking her progress.
She'd ignored most of them.
But one message stood out. From her father, sent twenty minutes ago:
Come see me before you execute. I have something you need.
Hanae took the elevator down to the medical wing.
Her father was standing when she entered. Actually standing, leaning on a cane, but vertical. His color was better. His eyes clear.
"Otou-san, you shouldn't be—"
