Light Novel Volume 0/Summary

Prologue
Atsuomi Ayanokoji monologues about the disparity of society in Japan, and how one can be in heaven while another in hell. A person born rich can go into poverty while some many rise from rags to riches. He had a humble origin and not much money growing up. He had wasted much of his life away, but his ambition never ceased as he aimed to be at the top.

By 25, he had amassed the funds while being of age to enter politics, but lost all his savings after losing. He campaigned on all sorts of lip services only to fall short. It was 2 years later that he was able to get elected while serving in the ruling party. Unlike others who had established pedigrees in politics, he was a newcomer and free to be attacked. To rise up, he had to take on dirty work that no one else did. Ranging from working with the Yakuzas to bribery and worse. At age 36, he had finally gained some power, which meant that more things had to be done to solidify his base.

Jump to another scene, it was the first time he saw his 1 month old child through the glass. Tabuchi reported the results of his tests and that there were no defects from the baby. He was told that he could interact directly with the baby, but instead, he ordered them to start the fourth generations tests immediately. He orders Tabuchi to film this moment of a parent giving away their child to the whiteroom. Once done, he put the baby down and wished to be in contact with Sakayanagi.

After 10 years of politics, he wanted to start a new life here, and doesn’t mind sacrificing everything, even his child. But first, he had to erase Naoe sensei, who was a stepping stone as well as the absolute authority. He tells Kiyotaka to struggle if he wants to live and that he is very fortunate to be seen by him instead of being raised by a family member. He was lucky for that, but, whether he was a child or an adult, everything is to be done by himself. He never thought he would have a child. That is until 4 years ago where he learnt about the Whiteroom's existence.

Chapter 1
In a Sasagawa restaurant, Atsuomi and Kamogawa were waiting for Naoe-sensei to arrive. The former commenting that they’d be lucky if he even arrived, saying that he has failed to show up many times before. Despite being asked how long he'll wait, Atsuomi replied that he'll wait indefinitely, unless there's a message to say otherwise. He gave a scale, saying 80% of people would be obedient while the remaining 20% naive enough to summon an audience with Naoe would be given a terrifying ordeal. However, mostly it was Atsuomi who got the back end of the stick, saying he's almost been killed by a golf club and ash tray before. He found it to be part and parcel, since even if their anger were directed at him, Naoe still wouldn’t entertain them. Kamogawa pitied him for having to deal with it for the past 4 years.

Atsuomi questions him, asking if his father Kamogawa senior never taught him the ironclad rule of giving it your all, which was how Atsuomi got this job. These types of people were who he hated most, second generation leeches, who gets everything on a silver platter. His father Komogawa Toshizou had supported Naoe for a few years, and had over 30 years worth of political experience. He replied that his father never said it before, but he was instead taught to never cross Naoe-sensei and to accumulate years to get a good position. He then asks Atsuomi to talk more about himself and how he got into Naoe's good grace.

Atsuomi tells him chatting is over before correcting his posture, hearing a taxi just arrived. Naoe's figure could be seen, alongside some bodyguards and a woman. Atsuomi blocked Komogawa from Naoe's view but it was unneeded as he asked for Asama. Naoe Jinnosuke from the Citizen Party has had many ministerial roles, and is currently the secretary general. Aside from the Prime Minister, he was only half a step behind the Vice President, but his importance was definitely higher.

Despite being 68, he could easily hold the position for 20 more years, showing no signs of retiring. Despite being his senior of 3 years, Asama who was the vice minister of many ministries bowed deeply to Naoe-sensei. Both of them being so high above that Atsuomi couldn’t even imagine, as his head touched the floor. Despite wishing to eavesdropped, he moved to a different room to ensure his political journey is not threatened.

Returning to Kamogawa who was preparing to drink, Atsuomi tells him to do otherwise out of respect when they send them off. He was regularly seen sitting on his knees, to which he had gotten used to by doing it for hours at a time in front of Naoe. After eating briefly, he went to the toilet and returned to see another man with suited bodyguards. Turns out it was another Member of Parliament Kijima, who was fourth in line of the Citizen Party, and the man closest to the Prime Minister among the younger members.

It appears that Naoe was preparing to run for the next election already as he called Atsuomi into the room. Naoe praises Atsuomi for working under him for 4 years when others couldn’t even manage 6 months, while also being part of the handful of politicians that entered in their 20s. Most importantly, he did so despite being a 'have-not', a term meant for people not of rich backgrounds or blessed backgrounds. The highest someone like him could achieve is at politics, while any higher requires being connected in a multi generation system where his child has to get up there to give him a higher position. He thanks Naoe for accepting him, though the latter said he owes it all to his competency. Likewise, he was also helped by him, but his efforts had not been acknowledged.

They began talking about Isomaru Youkou, the third in line to the Citizen Party, and an elderly man like Naoe. After decades of facing him, Naoe says he is not someone to worry about but instead, it was Kijima who was number 4. Kijima was young and popular, but his biggest factor was coming up with Advanced Nurturing High School. So much so that the image of the Citizen Party is synonymous with Kijima's face. Naoe called Atsuomi to see whether he was still with him, with him replying that Naoe will always be the one he studies under. It was a known fact that after choosing a faction, you aren’t allowed to leave. Naoe then assigns Atsuomi and Kamogawa a new project, which was the blueprint of the Whiteroom. Despite how impossible it sounded, there was no room to disagree as they accepted the project, with fame promised to follow along if they did it well.

To solve Japan's population issue, this project seeks to take in all the lost and abandoned children, while also making them fervent supporters of the Naoe faction. This top secret project wasn’t told to their own party member, but Naoe already prepared someone to help the two of them, his name being Sakayanagi. However, Naoe wasn’t going to spare them any financial assistance nor allow them to use his name to start up the project, as he wishes them luck.

Before leaving, Naoe introduces Tsukishiro Tokinari to Atsuomi, and says he's useful and not much order than him. By useful, it meant that he was willing to do any and all shady things, as well as having influence in the opposition party. They left soon after, but not before Atsuomi saw Tsukishiro's eerie smile. Kamogawa was confused as to why Naoe showed up in a taxi, as well as openly having an affair with a much younger girl. Atsuomi replies that Tsukishiro was useful for a reason, but their focus should be on the project. Kamogawa's impression hadn’t been good in front of Atsuomi, but he reasons that he should be useful if approved by Naoe.

Chapter 2
Kicking off the planning stage, Atsuomi calls Ooba to assign a new job for him, knowing dirty means are inevitable. Kamogawa suddenly buzz his door as he invited him in. Kamogawa was surprised at Atsuomi's 10000 yen rental place, given how much a member of parliament is paid, and with his level, he should easily have over a 20 million yen salary. Kamogawa brings up Kisarazu who was 3 steps above himself, and how he is already living in a mansion, and that it was likely the bank loaned him money. However, Atsuomi rebuts him that banks won’t loan people whose terms are not guaranteed. This depresses Kamogawa, but unbeknownst to him, banks would probably flock to him cause of his association to his father. They discuss situations where they have limited money, and their differences were readily shown.

Atsuomi asks why he was here, but already knew it was through Naoe's order. He argues that he's fine with Atsuomi getting most of the credit, but even a little was fine, and that he can prove useful. He lighted up after Atsuomi accepted him, saying their first job is to secure an experimental facility. He assigns him research behind the size, budget and avoidance of public eye. If done well, he would be recognised. Knowing that with right words and praise, he has to be useful, Atsuomi sprinkled many in. To be safe, their budget should be around 700 million yen. After chasing him out, Atsuomi took out his bankbooks and gathered the 10 million yen he had as a start up.

Atsuomi travelled to a resident area in Shirokane located in Minato ward. The nameplate Sakayanagi was clearly visible as he was quickly taken in to see the master. They were the same age, and probed each other through their subtle words. Atsuomi went straight to the topic and said that he would like for Sakayanagi to be the pipe between himself and the financial world. He wasn’t bold enough to ask him to invest, but he wanted him to know their pitch for the future. Sakayanagi asks if it wasn’t wiser to ask from his father, however, it was rebutted that his faction was closer to Kijima. Although there was a chance he could be as well, Atsuomi trusted Naoe's words enough to seek him out. He was right, since instead of friend, he found his father to be a foe, to which the latter also embraced the rivalry. He went on to scan over the document, and sympathises with their issue.

Atsuomi continues guilt-tripping him and emphasises on saving the children for the future of Japan. Sakayanagi agrees to introduce him on the condition that he can watch over what he does. Atsuomi agrees as they agree to go for dinner. The day after, Atsuomi was hungover for drinking too much while Kamogawa, once again rings his door, saying he has found the right place. He had chosen Saitama prefecture as there was an abandoned factory in the mountains that was neither too big or small. For 2.4 Million, it was still quite expensive as they went to discuss remodelling. Atsuomi praises him for his prompt and useful works, as he addressed his concern that the children will be handled by him. After being too nosy, Atsuomi tells him off, saying that some things are better off not knowing unless he wants to be dragged inside as well.

For recruitment, orphanages doesn’t work as they are considered foster homes. They would need nurseries which would raise suspicions, but Atsuomi already found the right doctor. He will take in babies as old as 3 months, terming them newborns and collecting them from mothers who don’t want them. From the onset, they will be taught baby signing and be taught how to communicate the reason for their cries to adults through fast developments of their limbs.

After securing his financial connections, Atsuomi went to a vip room in a bar he frequented, wishing to see Mika. He still had to find the manpower and educator for his facility after securing the place which wasn’t easy. He slept for 10 minutes before waking up to Mika staring at him. The person before him was someone he had dated before, but they broke up because it was impeding her line of work. She had enlisted him to take out the number 1 worker in the bar before, and they are now in a give and take relationship. He showed her a series of photos and thereafter, she picked out Sonezaki as someone she recognised.

He entrusts her to get close to him as well as someone called Sasada. She hated the latter as he loves to blantantly touch her body without permission and is willing to spend anything to sleep with her. Atsuomi tells her to use that to her advantage and get as much money as possible. She begrudgingly accepts as he tasks her to get close to Naoe as well. Despite being an old man, she could never read him no matter how close she was to him. With that, Atsuomi left some money on the table and left soon after, ignoring her statement that she still has time. His priority now is reputation, ladies and alcohol would come after.

Months later, construction and painting of the facility was completed. Atsuomi tells Kamogawa that the trick to have something done well for less money is via threat and stories. Atsuomi was praised for collecting 400 million in one night. For him, finding people that was infuriated with money but starving for prestige was plentiful. Some may have already forgotten them, but it was wise to not draw attention. He then named it the White Room for its purity and image, making it simple. He advised Kamogawa to not be so easygoing in politics, as even now, their project could fail, though the latter was confused. Atsuomi then brings him for an interview, saying as an in charge, he needs to know who he is dealing with.

Souya greets Atsuomi but he says that he wasn’t hired yet. Souya was a doctor who had his licence revoked after some questionable research. Annoyed at the same reaction he received from everyone, Souya turns to leave but was stopped after being told the past wasn’t of concern. Souya had no regrets and was praised for diving into illicit activities, but he still had to be judged first. Souya promises to work under him, as the latter gave him another life. People like him were the easiest to use as all he cared was money and not fame, no one being close to him, in turn securing his loyalty. Moreso, he knows not to antagonise Atsuomi as he went to hire more people.

The interview of 6 started at 4 and ended at 8. Not only do they need professionals, they also need the right personality. With that, Ishida, Souya and Tabuchi were chosen. Atsuomi invites Kamogawa for dinner but a paper fell out coincidentally. Atsuomi went to call Tsukishiro who's number was on the paper. The latter knew it was him from the first second, which shocked the former. Tsukishiro was confident that they need him if he was forced to call, while also extending an invitation to meet. Atsuomi cursed him for knowing that he lives in his office but agrees, telling Kamogawa to eat himself.

An hour later, Tsukishiro drove over and then began talking. He was aware of everything, leading Atsuomi to believe that if he had failed, Naoe would had entrust it to him, showing he didn’t believe him since the start. More accurately, it was to replace his role as a politician. Atsuomi asks if he's aware of the dead reporter body at Ooarai City and its cause. Feigning ignorance, Tsukishiro said that the reporter was about to write a bad press of Naoe after being asked if he had done it. Atsuomi smashed his fist on the table out of anger. The dirty work was suppose to be done by him and has always been. He would never had left a body so easily found, and has close connection with the group connected to the reporter.

Tsukishiro replies that without a tangible body, a missing person's report would suffice, enough to strike fear into anyone crossing Naoe. Even if one was found, someone else will take the blame as Tsukishiro assures Atsuomi that Naoe is looking out for him. Atsuomi then asks for his help to gather human resource, which Tsukishiro already has but not for free. He asks for an interview which Atsuomi consents. He already done a through research on him and began listing his sad upbringing. Atsuomi plays along and revealed more poignant facts, and were nonchalant about them. Tsukishiro accepts him as a client despite his lack of knowledge. After giving some words of wisdom, Suzukake Tanji arrived as Tsukishiro tells Atsuomi that he is one of the persons of interest.

At 29, he was younger than them both, and had graduated as valedictorian of Tokyo University. Despite going overseas, his resume was still blank as he explains he was human watching. He came here for the money but before he continued, Atsuomi stops him and tells him to reveal his true self as his persona annoys him. He continued saying his not looking for fame or titles, but only for knowledge of human mechanics which the facility is built for. Atsuomi says he will be handed the stage unlike when overseas as he gave him the White Room information. For the first time, he had glimmer in his eyes like a child and began rambling many ideas.

Atsuomi went to visit the site again when Kamogawa approached him. The children were already handled by the former without the latter's awareness, but the scheme was almost done. The risks were increasing and they had to avoid criticism as well as parents asking for their child back. Next on the list was hiring doctors as kids are easily sick. Atsuomi already had someone in mind, but he was involved in two deaths before and has been drowning in alcohol.

3 months later, the operation is about to start as they close approach the final phrase. Atsuomi walks in with Ishida, Souya, Suzukake and Tabuchi in white coats. They were in charge of the first generation but they had no consensus on their own policies. They threatened to leave if their way wasn’t followed. Kamogawa scolds them as they were already paid but was rebuked by Atsuomi. They already had 15 children ready. The first three name mentioned were allowed to draw 5 cards and educate them for 3 years, with Tabuchi acting as supervisor. They will then be given a test, with the before performing group leader acting as official leader thereafter. No money will be given if they complain on losing as Atsuomi promises to drag their position down if he hears it. They will act like the ruling party and opposition, though the leader has the final say, discussions are still possible. They went on to accept his conditions.

Chapter 3
Three years had passed and their funds had become a surplus. However, if results weren’t met, they would be harshly punished by the people that is currently singing praises to them. Atsuomi received a call from a mistress of a wealthy family, stating that the child will be in the white room. He accepts but ponders how loose some people may be and that the white room is the perfect escape room for those situations. Atsuomi begins feeling how powerful this project can become and with the aging Naoe soon retiring, his position will soon be increased. With Sakayanagi already reaching the location, Atsuomi tells the driver to hurry, wishing to cement his position both in politics and business further.

Wishing to unveil the white room today, Sakayanagi was surprised at the lack of security, but again, they couldn’t draw attention to this. Atsuomi thanks him for his help the past 3 years, which the latter says that for the children to be saved, this plan already had his support. Atsuomi will be his personal guide as he asks whether he wants any children. Sakayanagi replies that they’ll let nature take its course not because of the lack of wants, but rather other constraints. Atsuomi apologises for prying as he too answers that if he wasn’t single, he may had looked into this too even though he finds it a weakness. Sakayanagi advised him to find a partner soon as it is indispensable to a politician.

Atsuomi gave the order to Tabuchi to begin the assessment. Sakayanagi was surprised that he left everything to the as most bosses wouldn’t trust their subordinates, less for 3 years. He answers that it isn’t his money that will be lost even if the results are subpar. Atsuomi praises and fears Sakayanagi's frankness as he gave a situation whereby the same theory applied, but Atsuomi's role would still be jeopardised. The children began arriving, most showing fine motor skills as well as understanding. They were given a primary school arithmetic test which involved till division.

Ishida and Souya's group were similar in demeanour whereby they were confronted the questions the same way while Suzukake's group was different. Souya asks what was done to raise such inorganic children to which Suzukake explains that he has harshly punished them if they failed to keep their composure when facing a difficult issue, hence the lack of reaction. The former says it's unjust corporal punishment while the latter retorts its education since they were infants. However, merciless as it sounded, Suzukake's group results were higher than that of the rest, their composure reaching and even exceeding some adults.

As an example, he played loud music in the room, and only his children were unperturbed and worked on the test. Both leaders of the other groups were heavily against his teachings, as well as Sakayanagi after they heard he had used both physical and mental fears on the children till they were numb from them. Enraged, Suzukake tells the outsider to not bud in as result is what matters, not the process to Atsuomi. They were then given a physical test, Ishida and Souya's children were dexterous but Suzukake's were on a different level. They were able to play the piano as well as a host of other skills. All these were done in just 3 years but the disparity was obvious, making them wonder how a longer timeline would work. His philosophy was simple, if one doesn’t have talent, just be punished endlessly till the brain registers an innate hatred, leading to improvement.

That said, he still praises the other two groups as they have what his group lacked which is emotions. By erasing emotions, he was able to raise the potential of the children, as he pitched how as leader, they can create the strongest human. Their anger dissipated, the other two agreed that even without humanity, their roles as researchers emphasises the desire for these strongest humans as they gave Suzukake the role. Atsuomi assigns him to start the second generation as well as their training policies, before turning to Sakayanagi who was in disbelief and left soon after. Atsuomi didn’t care about the sacrifice as their goal was to create 100 perfect humans. With a fearless leader and smart supporters, his role now is to stop any information from spreading out.

An hour later, Sakayanagi gave a review saying the kids were better than 90% of the children in the real world, but falls short of the last 10%. He tells Atsuomi that if he was able to rectify the emotional aspect of the children while still maintaining their current rate of progress, he would continue his support. Atsuomi understands but says other investors are more interested in outstanding abilities, something even above universities and olympic levels can’t attain, that only the White Room could through their program.

It seemed excessive to train them any further, faster or harder than the current level as he asks whether Atsuomi story was true. He repeats his goal of saving children as well as having his own ambitions. Sakayanagi leaves unconvinced but tells him to proceed. Atsuomi felt like Sakayanagi was naive as he planned for the long term, calling on Mika for a favour.

At night, Atsuomi got off the bed and woke up Mika. Her cigarette changes every time she sleeps with someone new. Atsuomi tells her to get off this line of work soon which surprises her. After knowing him, she had aged much but hadn’t thought about settling down, finding it hilarious. He had one last task for her as he pulled out a marriage certificate, asking her to sign and marry him. She laughed and teared a bit, asking for his motive. He explains that his goal requires a child from his flesh and blood, as well as someone who can keep quiet and convenient.

He tells her that it’ll be quick, and after the child is born, she was free and will be loaded with cash. Her origin also played a part as her family was literally nothing and dived into dirty lifestyles. He wanted his child to not be perfect from the start, but rather refined through challenges. Knowing people knew about them and would think it’d be natural, he also allowed her to choose either artificial or vitrp which wouldn’t take more than a year and a half. His child will then take over the White Room.