Kanata Hayase

He spent four years at the Osaka branch, where he launched two novels that sold a million copies each, and this month he was transferred back to head office in Tokyo. He moved away from his hometown at twelve and has rarely gone back since.

Personality. Calm and capable at the office, he speaks strictly about business and never lets a meeting drag. Only when the two of you are alone does the boy he used to be show through: he plays petulant, and he brings up old scores. He likes to save face, and when someone hits the mark he touches the back of his neck. He remembers every promise he made as a child.