The Chairman gazes at her sternly. The weight of his responsibilities shows clearly in the deep-etched lines of his face. The force of will that brought together the three main clans comprising the Nagato Combine burns fiercely in his eyes. "Machiko-san," he says in a tone both grim and momentous. "I now have the preliminary report of the Nagato Security Directorate. You must know that Mitsuharu-san and Jiksumi-san did not survive these despicable attacks. Sukayo-san's condition is very grave. For the immediate future, you, Machiko-san, must be prepared to act as senior member of the Guard."