Ajal.
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Chapter 51 - Throwing Money
🕑 Added 2025-09-16 11:27:03 +0000 UTCIn the president’s office, GALLOP’s president, Akio Wakana, and Sega’s marketing representative, Mr. Suzuki, had finished initial pleasantries and were waiting.
Seeing Kunihiko Yuyama’s expression, Wakana had a sense of the outcome.
“Looks like Director Yuyama is very pleased with Nakayama-san’s proposal,” Wakana said with a smile, glancing between Takuya and Yuyama.
“President Wakana, ‘pleased’ doesn’t cover it,” Yuyama said, barely containing his excitement. “It’s a genius concept, with details beyond my imagination.”
“Then let’s discuss the specific terms,” Wakana said, his smile fading into a businessman’s sharpness.
He tentatively raised the issue of copyright, probing whether GALLOP could gain partial derivative product rights or a share of the anime’s profits.
“President Wakana,” Takuya responded firmly, leaving no room for doubt. “All Pokémon IP rights must belong 100% to Sega. That’s the premise of our cooperation—no negotiation.”
Wakana hit a polite wall, unsurprised. Sega’s massive investment left no room for concessions on core rights.
Adjusting his posture, he pivoted to production costs. “Then, about the budget…”
“12 million yen per episode,” Takuya interjected, cutting him off. “And we require a minimum of 100 episodes. If your team can craft suitable side stories or spin-offs without affecting the main plot, Sega will pay for those too, pending our approval!”
“Nani?!” Wakana’s eyes widened. Suzuki gasped, aware of Takuya’s resolve but stunned by the terms.
The industry’s average TV anime production cost hovered between 8 and 10 million yen per episode. 12 million per episode, with a 100-episode guarantee, was near theatrical film investment levels—especially with Sega allowing some filler content.
Wakana’s heart raced. This budget and scale weren’t just profitable—it was a windfall.
But instinct drove him to push further. “Nakayama-san, this is generous, but considering we’d need our top team and potential scheduling pressures…”
Before he finished, Takuya dropped another bombshell. “President Wakana, the TV anime is just the start. If the collaboration goes well and market response is strong, Sega will invest further in a Pokémon theatrical film, with a budget at or above the TV series.”
Theatrical film!
Those words crushed Wakana’s haggling resolve.
Looking at this young, sharp-eyed, big-spending man, he felt Sega’s unyielding ambition for this project.
“Deal!” Wakana blurted, beaming. “We’ll follow your terms! GALLOP will deliver the highest-quality work!”
“Of course, we trust GALLOP’s capabilities, which is why we want Director Yuyama as the anime’s chief director—our confidence in your expertise,” Takuya said, stating the core requirement. After all, Yuyama was the Pokémon anime director in his past life.
“No problem! It’s all yours, Yuyama-kun,” Wakana said, patting Yuyama’s shoulder.
“Hai! Leave it to me!” Yuyama replied, brimming with enthusiasm.
The remaining negotiations went smoothly.
Both sides quickly agreed on production timelines, broadcast schedules, and key personnel.
The Pokémon anime project was officially greenlit!
Leaving GALLOP, the evening sun bathed Nakano Ward’s streets in a golden glow.
Takuya and Suzuki walked side by side, both smiling with satisfaction.
Behind them, in GALLOP’s president’s office, Wakana and Yuyama exchanged smiles laced with excitement, anticipation, and a hint of pressure.
“President, we’ve taken on something incredible,” Yuyama said.
“Indeed,” Wakana nodded, his gaze deep. “Sega’s Nakayama Takuya is a formidable young man. Not only does he produce stunningly brilliant ideas, but this proposal and storyline alone hint at massive profit potential. His prep work is airtight, and his negotiations are swift and ruthless, leaving no room to react.”
He paused, his tone mixing relief and gravity. “For GALLOP, this is an unprecedented opportunity—and challenge.”
Yuyama nodded, his eyes already envisioning the vibrant, miraculous Pokémon world taking shape under their pencils.
The pressure was immense, but the drive was greater!
Outside GALLOP, Takuya and Suzuki walked along the sidewalk.
Suzuki couldn’t suppress his grin, recalling Wakana’s eager agreement.
Takuya’s steps remained steady, his gaze on the city skyline outlined by dusk.
He turned to Suzuki, his smile fading into seriousness. “Suzuki-san, the anime is settled for now. But Pokémon’s empire-building is just beginning.”
Suzuki snapped to attention, listening closely.
“Next, peripheral promotion—especially plush toys kids love—I’m entrusting to you. Particularly the talks with San-X.”
Takuya’s tone was calm but carried unwavering trust, as if assigning a natural task.
This trust warmed Suzuki, but also brought heavy pressure.
He understood the challenge.
“Nakayama-san…” Suzuki hesitated, voicing concerns. “San-X won’t be easy.”
Takuya nodded, unsurprised. “With Hello Kitty’s dominance in Japan, their stores, and vast sales channels, negotiations will be tough. After last year’s second Kitty boom, they’re riding high and won’t easily back our new IP.”
