Oguchi Hisao opened the second file box and pulled out a stack of project progress reports.
"Regarding Hideo Kojima's team, they submitted the E3-exclusive demo for MGS2 last week. He managed to cut out an entire stealth level from the game, carefully removing any potential spoilers and ensuring thorough English localization. I played it myself, and the completion level is remarkably high." Oguchi flipped to the next page. "However, he has a specific requirement: the demo area must be equipped with Sony's Trinitron displays. He claims other brands' color accuracy doesn't meet his standards."
"Get him the displays," Takuya Nakayama said with a wave of his hand. "As long as he doesn't burn the budget on unnecessary things, the company can afford a few monitors."
"Next up is the trailer lineup." Oguchi produced a list. "Phantasy Star IV, Toy Story, Yakuza, Pro Soccer World PSW, King of Fighters III, Super Robot Wars Alpha, and Super Shinobi. All seven games will have high-quality CG trailers. Where gameplay footage is insufficient, we'll use CG to fill the gaps. The visual impact at the E3 Exhibition will be undeniable."
Nakayama nodded in satisfaction as he scanned the list.
This lineup was enough to set player expectations sky-high.
"What about the Toy Story collaboration?"
"Bernard worked his connections in the US," Oguchi Hisao said, pulling out a fax. "Pixar provided some pre-rendered clips they were already preparing for the movie, and Yuji Naka incorporated them into the game's trailer. Disney also agreed to mention our game in their own promotional channels."
"Getting something for nothing—Bernard's done a great job," Takuya Nakayama praised. "What about Nagoshi's Yakuza? He didn't do anything too outrageous, did he?"
"Nagoshi's been really energized since returning from Osaka. The trailer's got a very cinematic feel—gangsters, neon lights, rainy nights—the atmosphere is spot-on. But to prevent the IDSA from slapping an adult rating on it too early, the trailer avoids explicit gore, focusing more on building tension."
Takuya Nakayama nodded in satisfaction. That kid Nagoshi knew what was important.
"For Pro Soccer World PSW, Director Yoshikawa spent a fortune securing his endorsement," Oguchi Hisao said, pointing to a name on the list. "Paolo Maldini—AC Milan's star player. Through European agents, Director Yoshikawa flew him to Los Angeles to promote our game."
Takuya Nakayama raised an eyebrow. Maldini—a true titan of the football world.
"That must have cost a fortune, right?"
"Seven figures in US dollars," Oguchi Hisao replied. "But Director Yoshikawa said the funds would come from his department's marketing budget. As long as we make a splash in the European and South American markets, it'll be worth every penny."
"As long as he's got it under control." Takuya flipped to the last document. "Have the merchandise designs been finalized?"
Oguchi handed him a thick, colorful catalog.
"We've partnered with Bandai, Sanrio, and Mattel for exclusive event merchandise. It includes everything from Sonic figures and Kusa Motoko statues to Super Robot Wars mecha assembly models."
Takuya opened the catalog. The printing was exquisite, and each item exuded an irresistible "buy me now" allure.
"Oh, and for King of Fighters III and Super Shinobi, we've prepared the first chapter of the tie-in manga as a gift for players who try the demos," Oguchi Hisao added. "These little favors are exactly what gamers love. It'll also pique their interest in the games."
Takuya closed the catalog and leaned back in his chair.
Personnel were in place, ammunition was plentiful, and logistics were secured.
Everything was ready—all that remained was the east wind.
"Notify all Development Teams: the final internal review will be conducted at the end of the month," Takuya Nakayama said, standing up and walking to the window to gaze down at the bustling street below. "Those that pass will be packaged and shipped to Los Angeles. Those that don't will get an additional two weeks. If they still aren't ready after that, we'll cut them outright. We can't afford to make a fool of ourselves at E3."
Oguchi Hisao folded the document and stood up. "Understood. I'll personally oversee the preparations for this batch of projects."
It took them a full seven days to complete the initial preparations for the E3 Exhibition. Nakayama and Oguchi worked closely together to confirm the list of participating companies, track the progress of on-site materials, and conduct preliminary reviews of the trailer edits. Finally, the complex tasks were concluded.
After finishing these duties, Nakayama reorganized his schedule to prioritize visiting the various directors of Sega.
Next was the Investment Department.
Hoshino and Sugiura had just returned to Tokyo from New York.
The final steps for Silicon Valley Online's listing on Nasdaq were complete.
The two had been involved in both the initial fund transfers and the subsequent share transfers.
Although they had been restricted to the second-floor viewing area during the bell-ringing ceremony and had left the celebration banquet early to avoid highlighting Japanese capital's involvement, the astronomical sum that had appeared in their accounts was enough to erase any regrets.
Takuya Nakayama pushed open the door to the Investment Department's manager's office.
Hoshino and Sugiura were gathered around the coffee table, sipping tea.
Several freshly printed financial statements lay on the table.
"Managing Director," they said, standing up to greet him as he entered.
Takuya Nakayama pulled open the single-seat sofa and sat down, casually leafing through the reports.
The numbers were impressive.
"You've only been back from the States for a couple of days, and you're already poring over these statements instead of recovering from jet lag?"
"Reviewing these numbers is more refreshing than sleeping," Hoshino said, pouring Takuya a cup of tea. "These figures are more invigorating than ten cups of espresso. We spent half a month in the US, watching Silicon Valley Online's stock price surge daily. That kind of thrill is truly addictive."
Sugiura chimed in, "That trip to the US opened our eyes. The way those Wall Street types scramble for shares is more intense than the Tokyo rush hour train. Those suit-and-tie fund managers would practically beg to get their hands on more non-public shares at cocktail parties. The experience of creating vast wealth in one go is truly exhilarating."
After a few minutes of casual chat, the conversation turned to business.
Recently, rumors had been circulating within Sega.
Whispers about Takuya Nakayama's imminent appointment to the Board of Directors, and even his eventual succession as President, were spreading privately across departments.
Hoshino set down his teacup and cut to the chase.
"We've all heard the rumors outside. About you joining the Board of Directors and the subsequent changes in your position."
Takuya Nakayama picked up his teacup, not rushing to respond.
Sugiura continued, "We've discussed this. No matter who proposes it or who opposes it at the Board meeting, these two votes from the Investment Department are firmly tied to you."
Hoshino nodded. "Unanimous support. You point the way, and we'll follow."
Please Support me by becoming my patreon member and get 30+ chapters.
[email protected]/Ajal69
change @ with a
Thank You to Those who joined my Patreon