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Chapter 49 - Second Cross-Media Collaboration
🕑 Added 2025-09-16 11:23:14 +0000 UTCThe Pokémon planning seminar had just ended, and Takuya Nakayama, wasting no time, brought Group Leader Shimizu from the Third Development Department to the hardware development team’s office.
He gripped the red-and-white plastic sphere prototype tightly, his other hand holding a thick stack of design requirement documents from the meeting.
“Everyone, you’re aware of the meeting’s discussion,” Takuya said, his voice carrying undeniable urgency, as he placed the prototype on the hardware department head’s desk.
“The Pokémon digital pet’s software—basic interaction and nurturing functions—shouldn’t be a challenge for the Third Department,” he said, pausing to address the hardware engineers gathering around.
“The real challenge is its physical structure.”
Takuya lifted the prototype, tapping the black band and button. The sphere split open along the middle and snapped shut again.
“It must be extremely durable.”
“Imagine kids opening and closing it dozens of times daily, pressing the button countless times, or accidentally dropping it.”
“It needs to withstand such heavy use for at least two years.”
The engineers’ initially relaxed faces turned serious.
They exchanged glances. A senior engineer adjusted his glasses.
“Nakayama-san, that’s… a tall order.”
“Material selection, internal reinforcement, and repeated stress tests will demand extra effort and cost.”
“But it’s not impossible,” another engineer added, eyes glinting with a technician’s zeal. “We’ll conduct thorough reliability design and validation.”
Takuya nodded, a hint of approval on his face.
“I know it’s tough, but it’s a cornerstone of the project’s success.”
“I won’t meddle in the details—I trust you’ll nail it.”
Turning to Shimizu, he continued, “For software—basic interaction and nurturing—please relay the requirements to the Third Department.”
He pulled a file from his briefcase, containing the Pokémon digital pet program specs.
Shimizu took the file, nodded, and left.
With hardware and initial software settled, Takuya headed to the marketing department’s floor.
He found Mr. Suzuki, a middle-aged collaborator from the Fatal Fury campaign.
“Suzuki-san, I need your help,” Takuya said bluntly.
Suzuki set down his papers, offering a professional smile.
“Nakayama-san, go ahead.”
“Remember our Fatal Fury anime project?”
“Of course,” Suzuki nodded. “The Tatsunoko collaboration was a huge success for the game and Sega’s image.”
“Good.” Takuya handed him a note. “I need you to contact this animation studio—GALLOP.”
Suzuki glanced at the note, surprised.
“GALLOP?”
“Yes. They specialize in kids’ anime,” Takuya affirmed. “We have a new, high-potential IP needing animation, suited for a kids’ audience.”
“If possible, we’d like to designate Mr. Kunihiko Yuyama as director.”
“This is an S-tier project. Tell them Sega’s investment and commitment will far exceed Fatal Fury, with a much larger scale.”
Suzuki sensed the weight in Takuya’s words, his expression turning serious.
“Understood, Nakayama-san. I’ll arrange a formal meeting ASAP.”
“Also, please contact San-X about manufacturing peripherals for this project.”
“San-X?” Suzuki was unfamiliar.
“You know, Hello Kitty,” Takuya clarified.
“Oh! Got it! I’ll reach out,” Suzuki nodded eagerly.
GALLOP responded enthusiastically to Sega’s overture.
With Sega’s rising prominence, Fatal Fury’s anime success as a precedent, and Suzuki’s mention of an “S-tier project” with “unprecedented investment,” GALLOP’s executives didn’t dare delay, quickly scheduling a meeting.
About a week later, early May.
Nakano Ward, GALLOP Animation Studio.
Unlike Sega’s sleek, elite headquarters, GALLOP’s atmosphere was grounded and focused, scented with pencil shavings and paper.
Takuya and Suzuki arrived on time.
GALLOP’s president greeted them at the entrance, warm yet measured.
In the meeting room, after brief pleasantries, Takuya skipped excessive business preamble.
He placed a large, heavy leather case—bigger than a standard briefcase—on the table and opened it.
Inside wasn’t a thin proposal but thick, neatly bound stacks of documents.
Atop were vibrant character designs—Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur—capturing everyone’s attention.
Following were detailed world-building, character bios, story outlines, and episode breakdowns.
The sheer volume stunned GALLOP’s president and key staff, including a shy, bespectacled middle-aged man—Kunihiko Yuyama.
The president’s eyes flashed with realization: this wasn’t a routine business talk but the birth of a vast new world.
Tactfully, he stood, smiling at Suzuki. “Suzuki-san, shall we discuss business details in my office over tea?”
Suzuki glanced at Takuya, who gave a subtle nod, and followed.
“Good idea, President.”
As the door closed, only Takuya and GALLOP’s core creative team, led by Yuyama, remained.
Takuya’s gaze settled on Yuyama, the future Pokémon anime director. “Director Yuyama, GALLOP team, these are Pokémon’s concept art, world settings, and main storyline. Please review them, then we’ll discuss animation production details.”
