Chapter 4: Sugawara's Rebellion and the B-EN-G Split

1. Distrust of Mitsui and B-EN-G's attitude

Shigeru Sugawara gradually developed a strong antipathy toward the conservative attitudes of Mitsui & Co. and B-EN-G. In particular, he was disappointed with the attitude of both sides, which feared innovation and insisted on maintaining the status quo in the cooperation between Zipangcoin (ZPG) and the trading system. Sugawara wanted more bold action to realize his vision, but felt that Mitsui and B-EN-G were reluctant and slow-moving in their reforms.
• Shigeru Sugawara:
"As it is, neither ZPG nor the trade system can open up new markets. Everyone is too risk-averse. How can we compete internationally with such a standstill?"
Sugawara had come to feel a strong dissatisfaction with the attitude of companies and people who were settling for the status quo. For him, innovation and challenge were essential to open up the future, and remaining with the status quo meant defeat.

2. Invitation from Nanjo

Suggestion from Kazuma Nanjo

At that time, Kazuma Nanjo approached Sugawara and proposed that he transfer to Mitsubishi Corporation. Nanjo believed that Mitsubishi Corporation could provide a new path for Sugawara, who was disappointed with the current situation at Mitsui and B-EN-G. Nanjo was convinced that Mitsubishi Corporatiion needed an innovator like Sugawara in order to become influential in the global economy in the future.
• Kazuma Nanjo:
"Sugawara, you can move on to Mitsubishi Corporation and forge a new path for yourself. It will be difficult to realize your vision here. But at Mitsubishi Corporatiion, you will have more freedom to be bold."
Nanjo strongly supported Sugawara's reformist vision and believed that a large company like Mitsubishi Corporation could take full advantage of his leadership and innovative spirit. For Sugawara, Nanjo's proposal was appealing, and he began to seriously consider a move to Mitsubishi Corporation in his heart.
• Shigeru Sugawara:
Mitsubishi Corporatiion...Indeed, I have often felt limited here. But does transferring really open up a new path for you?"

3. Split in B-EN-G: Conflict between the Sugawara and Sueyoshi factions

The intensification of feuds within B-EN-G
Sugawara's rebuff and invitation from Nanjo triggered a further deepening of the feud within B-EN-G. The split between the Sugawara and Sueyoshi factions was now unavoidable. Sugawara could no longer tolerate the conservative attitude within B-EN-G and decided to thoroughly confront Toshio Sueyoshi.
• Shigeru Sugawara:
"We must change, we must look to the future of ZPG and not settle for the status quo in order to create a globally viable system."
• Toshio Sueyoshi:
"I understand what you say. But look at the reality. Do you realize how dangerous it is to suddenly take a big risk?"
Sugawara's challenging attitude was difficult for Sueyoshi to understand. While acknowledging the importance of taking risks, Sueyoshi believed that stable operations were the most important thing, and felt repelled by approaches like Sugawara's that demanded rapid change.
This feud intensified factional strife within B-EN-G, eventually resulting in a split into two factions, the Sugawara faction and the Sueyoshi faction. The Sugawara faction took a position that placed more emphasis on innovation and change, while the Sueyoshi faction prioritized stability and reliability, and the conflict between the two factions became increasingly serious.

4. The Future of B-EN-G and Sugawara's Choice

Sugawara's Decision
As divisions within B-EN-G continue to grow, Sugawara becomes increasingly concerned about the future of Mitsui and B-EN-G, and he finally makes up his mind to accept Nanjo's proposal. He was convinced that with Mitsubishi Corporatiion, he could use his innovation to expand ZPG to a larger market.
• Shigeru Sugawara:
"I've come to the end of my rope here. It's time to start a new challenge at Mitsubishi Corporatiion."
Sugawara decides to leave B-EN-G and move to Mitsubishi Corporation. This decision symbolized his passion for pursuing innovation and resulted in deepening feuds and divisions within B-EN-G.