Chapter 273: Gundam SEED
Osaka, Hinotori Building.
Ryota received a call from the president's office and rushed over.
"President? Is there any news about Mirai-sensei?"
he asked loudly upon entering, but he saw Genji sitting on the sofa with a blank face. Ryota's heart skipped a beat: "What's wrong, President? Is it fake news?"
"No, it's true."
Genji shook his head and sighed: "That guy appeared in Higashimachi District. He wants to buy an anime company. Tomorrow he can bring someone to help him."
Such a large financial change, of course, must be Ryota's responsibility as CFO.
"Buy an anime company in Higashimachi District?"
Ryota asked. He knew why Genji was displeased. Hinotori Publishing decided to move its core business to Saitama half a year ago, but due to Mirai-sensei's departure, the situation in Saitama is still bad.
Mirai-sensei finally appeared, but he did not return to Osaka, or even to Saitama. Instead, he founded an anime company in Higashimachi District, which, of course, displeased Genji.
But, in fact, no one can stop Mirai-sensei's behavior now. Although he went on a trip half a year ago, 60% of Hinotori Publishing's shares were transferred to Takumi's name through Aika. It can be said that Hinotori Publishing is now a company where Mirai-sensei has the initiative.
Although Genji is still in charge of management, he has no initiative in such an important political strategy.
"President, why don't you convince Mirai-sensei?"
Although Genji has no initiative, Ryota knows that the relationship between the elders and the young man is very good. Logically, if Genji speaks to convince Mirai-sensei, he should desist.
"I..."
Genji was speechless. He wanted to convince him, but things are different now. Alice told him the story. The reason Mirai-sensei left was because of his daughter. How could Genji have the face to persuade him?
He felt guilty and now thought that the reason Mirai-sensei had not returned was because he didn't want to see them, father and daughter.
"Well, Japan is Japan, he'll always come back when he gets tired of playing." Genji sighed: "He said he wanted to make a Gundam anime. Take the opportunity to open the market there. Japan is also a very large market. If done well, it will be a smart decision."
"Ryota, go early tomorrow."
Japan. Although it has the word "district". But there are hundreds of millions of people there. Market prospects are also very broad. Being located abroad and far away, Hinotori Publishing and Kanto Manga Company have not developed it, but it's only a matter of time. There's no harm in getting there early, and Takumi's actions are not deliberate.
"I know." Ryota nodded: "Then I'll go and prepare immediately."
This matter is very complicated and time is short, so he needs to prepare some documents.
"Wait, there's one more thing." Genji stopped him before leaving: "Don't use Hinotori Publishing's name to acquire it this time. Manga Paradise, in Japan, is quite entangled. If it's discovered that it's us, Takumi will be in trouble."
He said: "Help Takumi hide his identity so that Manga Paradise doesn't attack him too much."
Genji thought long-term. Takumi wanted to surprise Japan, and the best way was not to reveal it. Manga Paradise has a great influence in the media. If it can be hidden for a while and Hinotori Publishing's involvement is revealed after the anime airs, Manga Paradise will have nothing to say.
However, Ryota frowned slightly: "This is difficult...".
He said: "Manga Paradise has a wide network of contacts in Japan, and we cannot hide it from them."
"If there's something that can't be hidden, I'll ask Sakura Books's people for help." Genji snorted: "Let Sakura Books help Takumi prepare a flawless identity, and then hand over the anime company to him; it will surely work."
Sakura Books Bookstore has grown rapidly in the last six months and its influence has almost doubled. Genji saw that Sakura Books's new owner is a very powerful capitalist group, and it's easy for those capitalists to prepare an identity.
In addition, Sakura Books and Hinotori Publishing maintain close collaboration. When moving to Saitama, Sakura Books actively helped them. Although Genji didn't understand why Sakura Books valued them so much, Sakura Books would undoubtedly help Mirai-sensei prepare a new identity.
"That's right...",
Ryota nodded. He was also surprised by Sakura Books's rapid expansion: "But, Mr. President, the biggest problem is not this... Mirai-sensei wants to make a Gundam anime. This matter is undeniable...".
He paused and said: "All of Japan knows that Gundam is Hinotori Publishing's theme. They will find out that we are interfering."
Gundam manga are now Hinotori Publishing's theme, so wherever Gundam appears, except for several pirated manga, it is authorized by Hinotori Publishing.
"Don't worry. I'll let Kurosawa hold a press conference tonight. In the future, Gundam and Magical Girls will waive the right to use the names, and other companies will also be able to use them,"
Genji replied. His company has occupied these two themes for too long, and in fact, the effect is not very good. Now, mangaka from other companies draw similar content, but they have given them different names and there are also subtle differences in the setting.
If this continues, the name "Gundam" will be replaced by other pirated names, such as "Mobile Suit" and "Super Robot." It's better to open it up as soon as possible and let others use this name to confirm Hinotori Publishing's authority.
"Mirai-sensei agreed?"
Ryota asked, surprised.
"He told me before that he proposed these two themes so that others would explore the market, the more the better." Genji smiled: "So he doesn't care, but I can't bear to let it go, that's why I've been suppressing it for so long."
"This time he wants to make a new anime, so I'll help him fuel the fire. If there are more Gundam themes... it will also be good for his anime."
After saying this, Ryota felt relieved. If the use of "Gundam" is approved, it will cause great excitement. All of Japan will be able to use this name to produce manga and anime. The Japan branch will produce them, and Manga Paradise will not suspect anything.
It's even possible that Manga Paradise will use it; after all, Gundam is still the most recognized name.
"Alright, I'll go do it right away."
Ryota, suddenly full of fighting spirit, said goodbye to Genji and prepared to go downstairs.
It was Mirai-sensei's first appearance in half a year. Although it was unknown what kind of anime he would produce, based on his previous experience, Ryota and Genji were full of confidence.
This new anime could undoubtedly boost Japan's anime industry, or it could even attract the Japanese manga industry's attention back to Mirai-sensei.
Tokyo, Shinjuku District.
"How about here, Mirai-sensei?"
After dinner, Eiji Takashima accompanied Takumi to a luxury apartment.
"The furniture is intact, security is strict, and there is complete video surveillance outside. All residents of the building are, at minimum, administrative employees. The monthly rent is 1,000,000 yen and it's very close to our company."
He introduced it while accompanying Takumi to see the suite. It has three bedrooms, two living rooms, and an independent bathroom. It is decorated with great splendor, with all kinds of elegant furniture and some elements with Japanese characteristics.
"Yes, this house is beautiful."
Takumi opened the balcony window door and looked outside. The building was surrounded by a scene of bright lights, and the city's night view was vividly displayed. This is a prosperous area, no wonder the monthly rent is so expensive.
But Takumi will work here temporarily. This building offers him the greatest security. Fingerprint and voice recognition are even required to enter and exit, which is very secure.
"They won't interrupt me drawing manga here..."
He has been moving around various places, and often unexpected events arise that make it difficult for Takumi to draw, but now that he has found this apartment, he can update the manga on time and regularly.
"Okay, here it is."
Takumi turned his head and said he didn't want to keep choosing.
"Good..." Eiji Takashima breathed a sigh of relief: "Then, I'll go rent this place for you first... Mirai-sensei, how long do you plan to rent it for?"
Takumi thought for a moment: "First, rent it for half a year..."
Half a year should be enough to make the anime, or even sooner. If it's too short, there might be accidents, but if it's too long, there's no need. Half a year is just right.
"No problem."
Eiji Takashima left. There was an administrator waiting at the door. After a brief conversation, they left to take care of the paperwork. Takumi didn't bring any money, so he asked Eiji Takashima to help him pay.
However, after confirming his identity, this small amount of money put no pressure on Eiji Takashima. After the company's acquisition tomorrow, they would get their money back.
The price Takumi offered Tsuki Animation Company was very reasonable, and he didn't take advantage of the opportunity to lower it, which aroused the Takashima family's gratitude. Furthermore, although the company's new president had changed, the Takashima couple's power lay with Takumi. When he wasn't in Japan, the couple was the company's absolute administrator.
This treatment is at two extremes compared to the treatment given by Manga Paradise. The Takashima family's loss had been minimized, so, naturally, they were grateful to Takumi.
Of course, for Takumi, this was normal. He didn't know many people in Japan. Since the Takashima couple were able to found such a company, their abilities could be trusted.
As for the acquisition price, it was even more trivial. Hinotori Publishing's anime department also needs to expand, and after the launch, profits will multiply several times over.
Takumi waited in the room for a while, and Eiji Takashima returned excitedly with a card.
"Mirai-sensei, this is the door card. You can use it to authenticate and input fingerprints." He handed the card to Takumi and carefully asked: "Will Hinotori Publishing send someone tomorrow?"
"Yes." Takumi flipped the card over and smiled: "If you're worried I'll run away, you can stay here tonight."
"No, no... How could I!"
Eiji Takashima quickly shook his hand. He confirmed Takumi's identity while eating, and now he had no doubt whatsoever.
"Mirai-sensei, you can sleep peacefully here. I'll pick you up tomorrow...". He smiled, turned, and left, but stopped before leaving and asked again:
"By the way, just out of curiosity, what's the new anime called?"
"Gundam SEED".
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