Tokyo: Are you even a proper lawyer?

"Your father invited you here today," Rio Arimura continued.

"I originally thought that he saw your abilities and that I was indeed doing something meaningful with you, so his attitude softened."

"But now... I'm not so sure anymore. I'm worried... worried that they might say something... unpleasant, or that their attitude... might make you uncomfortable. I'm really sorry to have dragged you into this..."

Masashi Akiyama listened quietly as she finished speaking.

Rio Arimura's confession confirmed some of his previous suspicions.

The Arimura family embodies the typical traditional Japanese family business mindset.

The patriarchal system involves clear plans for children's lives, with the hope that they will stay on a controllable and promising path.

And clearly, Rio Arimura, who was standing in front of him, was an obvious variable in this system.

"I understand," Masashi Akiyama said. "No need to apologize. Now that you're here, I'll handle it."

His calmness seemed to give Rio Arimura some strength, and she nodded, forcing a smile.

"Okay! Let's go in then."

Masashi Akiyama followed Rio Arimura into the hall.

Two people were sitting on the sofa.

Rio Arimura's father, Kentaro Arimura, looks to be in his fifties. He is in good shape, with his hair neatly combed and wearing a well-tailored navy blue suit. Even at home, he sits upright.

Arimura Riko's mother, Arimura Masako, was a beautiful woman who appeared gentle and quiet.

"Father, Mother, this is Attorney Masashi Akiyama," Rio Arimura introduced, her voice much more docile than usual.

"Mr. Arimura, Mrs. Arimura, good evening. I apologize for disturbing you." Masashi Akiyama bowed slightly.

Kentaro Arimura's gaze swept over Masashi Akiyama, and after a moment, he nodded slightly.

"Attorney Akiyama, it's an honor to meet you. I am Rio's father, Kentaro Arimura, and this is my wife, Masako. Thank you for taking care of Rio."

"You're too kind. Attorney Arimura is a hard-working and capable assistant," Masashi Akiyama replied.

"Assistant?" Kentaro Arimura seemed to give a soft hum. "Rio, please have Attorney Akiyama sit down. Sato, serve tea."

The butler withdrew in response, and the guests took their seats.

Rio Arimura sat down next to her mother, placing her hands on her knees, looking somewhat stiff.

The initial small talk revolved around trivial topics such as the weather and traffic, and the atmosphere was relatively peaceful.

Mrs. Arimura didn't say much, but smiled appropriately, demonstrating the perfect qualities of a hostess, while Kentaro Arimura led the conversation.

"I heard that Attorney Akiyama's firm has recently taken on several high-profile cases? And won them all?"

Kentaro Arimura picked up his teacup and gently blew on it.

"It's just luck; everything is done according to the law."

"...Hmm." Kentaro Arimura nodded, then put down his teacup and turned his gaze back to Masashi Akiyama.

"The law is certainly important, but in this society, sometimes just knowing the law is probably not enough."

"Connections, resources, and understanding of the rules... all are equally crucial. Attorney Akiyama is young and promising; he must understand this deeply?"

It has begun. Masashi Akiyama thought.

"Different fields have different rules. In the legal field, evidence and procedure are the most basic rules. Respecting these rules is a lawyer's duty," Masashi Akiyama replied.

"Duty... Heh, well said." Kentaro Arimura chuckled. "However, I've heard that Attorney Akiyama's cases seem rather... unusual? Either he's defending murderers, or he's suing big shots. These kinds of cases are high-risk, with unstable returns, and they're also prone to...getting into trouble. Does Attorney Akiyama have some special ambition in choosing this path? Or is it just that young people like challenges and excitement?"

That's a very impolite statement.

Rio Arimura's hands, resting on her lap, clenched slightly as she instinctively looked at Masashi Akiyama with concern.

"I wouldn't call it ambition." Masashi Akiyama seemed oblivious to the barb in his words. "I just feel that some cases need to be taken on, and some voices need to be amplified. As for risks and controversies, we in the legal profession deal with risks and controversies all the time; the only difference is which kind we're facing."

"Oh?" Kentaro Arimura leaned forward slightly. "Does Attorney Akiyama mean that you feel you're doing things that others wouldn't dare to do, or disdain to do? Is it a kind of chivalrous spirit?"

His tone was now completely undisguised in its sarcasm.

"Father!" Rio Arimura couldn't help but whisper.

Kentaro Arimura glanced at her with a slightly warning look in his eyes, then continued to look at Masashi Akiyama, waiting for his answer.

The word "chivalry" is too heavy. I'm just a lawyer, nothing more. Whether others dare to do it or not is their choice, and it has nothing to do with me.

Kentaro Arimura stared at him for a few seconds, then suddenly burst into laughter.

"Alright, alright, that's all. Attorney Akiyama is indeed as calm as the rumors say. Don't just talk, try the snacks your wife prepared. They were ordered from an old shop in Kyoto, and they're quite good."

The atmosphere eased for a moment.

Mrs. Arimura gently invited her to have some snacks, but Rio Arimura's heart was in her throat.

As expected, Kentaro Arimura changed the subject again.

"Attorney Akiyama's firm doesn't seem very big? Is it mainly run by you alone?" he asked casually.

"Yes, that's right now. I have one assistant." Masashi Akiyama glanced at Rio Arimura.

"Assistant... I heard that Rio is doing some auxiliary work for you?"

"With her education and abilities, she could easily hold a more important position in my company, receive more systematic training, and be rewarded more generously. At her age, this is a crucial period for accumulating experience and expanding her network. In my opinion, spending her time on those... well, trivial and uncertain things is a waste."

Kentaro Arimura finally began to openly denigrate the value of his work at Masashi Akiyama's office.

Rio Arimura's face flushed red. She wanted to retort, but her mother gently pressed down on the back of her hand.

Masashi Akiyama put down his teacup.

"Mr. Arimura, I have no intention of commenting on your considerations regarding your daughter's career planning. However, I need to clarify one point about her work at the firm. Attorney Arimura's work with me is not merely auxiliary or trivial; she independently handles preliminary case data preparation, initial evidence screening, client communication, and some investigative work."

"In the two most recent cases, her meticulous observation and acquisition of key information played a crucial role in the direction of the cases. A lawyer's work is composed of countless trivial details, and it is precisely the rigorous handling of these details that builds a solid foundation for the defense. I believe that what Attorney Arimura is currently experiencing and learning is the solid foundational training necessary to become a qualified lawyer. As for whether her future is bright..."

Masashi Akiyama paused for a moment, then said, "It depends on her own efforts and choices, and I believe that with her passion and perseverance, as long as she is on the right path, her future will not be bleak."