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Chapter 2 - The First Goal
🕑 Added 2025-09-13 03:25:45 +0000 UTCHayao Nakayama picked up the teapot and filled the cup in front of him with tea. The amber liquid looked particularly clear in the white porcelain cup. “Try it. This year’s new tea,” he said in a low but resonant voice, full of steady authority. “Gyokuro from Shizuoka, acquired through a contact.”
Takuya Nakayama held the cup with both hands, mimicking the original owner’s mannerisms. He first inhaled the aroma, then took a careful sip. A unique, fresh, and mellow flavor spread across his tongue—truly fine tea.
“It’s refreshing. Thank you, Father,” he said sincerely, setting down the cup. Though he preferred soda, he could still play the part convincingly.
“Hm.” Hayao Nakayama gave a noncommittal response, his gaze settling back on his son’s face. “You’ve graduated from university. What are your plans? Further studies, or…?”
Here it comes—the real topic. Takuya Nakayama steadied himself, meeting his father’s eyes with clarity. “Father, I’ve made up my mind. I want to join Sega and develop games!”
Hayao Nakayama’s fingers paused briefly on his teacup. He looked up at his son, his eyes probing. “Join Sega? Develop games?”
“Yes,” Takuya Nakayama nodded firmly, his stance resolute.
“Nonsense!” Hayao Nakayama’s brows furrowed, his tone growing heavier. “Do you even know the situation Sega is in right now?”
“Of course I do,” Takuya Nakayama replied immediately, unwilling to let his father think he was acting on a whim. “These past two years, our SG-1000 and the later Mark III have been crushed by Nintendo’s Family Computer in the market. Especially since last year, after Super Mario Bros. launched, the Famicom’s sales have skyrocketed. Now, capable third-party developers are all siding with Nintendo.” He deliberately spoke in detail to show he wasn’t clueless.
Listening to his son’s clear and logical analysis, Hayao Nakayama’s displeasure eased slightly, but his skepticism remained, his gaze growing more cautious. “Since you understand the situation, why dive headfirst into the quagmire of game development? You just graduated, with no real development experience and only theoretical knowledge of the market. Game development isn’t something you can succeed at with just passion and small-scale tinkering in university clubs.”
“Father, experience can be gained, and the market can be learned,” Takuya Nakayama said, sitting up straighter, his tone brimming with the vigor of youth and a hint of confidence from the future. “I know your concerns. Words alone aren’t enough, so give me some time to prepare. When I officially start at Sega, I’ll give the company—and you—a surprise. Then you can judge whether I’m suited for this path. How about that?” He intentionally left room for doubt, but the spark in his eyes was undeniable.
…
Three days later, in a café near the Toshiba Building in Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Takuya Nakayama sat at a window table, idly flipping through a newspaper, a cup of Blue Mountain coffee in front of him.
Soon, a young man wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a striped suit pushed open the door and entered the café. He scanned the room, spotted Takuya Nakayama, and walked over to sit across from him, casually ordering a cappuccino from the waiter.
“Takuya, long time no see! Why the sudden visit to Toshiba?” the man said, leaning back in his chair and looking at Takuya Nakayama. This was Ryōji Itō, a legendary figure from Tokyo Institute of Technology and a close senior to Takuya Nakayama. Even during his internship at Toshiba, he’d been secured by the company with a hefty signing bonus, a testament to his talent. Now, Ryōji Itō worked in Toshiba’s computer division.
Takuya Nakayama flashed a slightly shy smile, scratching his head. “Senior Ryōji, I just missed you, that’s all! And… I wanted to ask you about something.”
“Come on, no need for the sappy stuff. It’s been ages since you came to Toshiba to see me. Just spit it out—what’s up?” Ryōji Itō waved a hand with a smile, urging Takuya to get to the point.
Takuya Nakayama nodded, lowering his voice. “Senior, I heard… Toshiba’s been researching foreign computer technology lately?”
Ryōji Itō’s eyes flickered briefly. He asked calmly, “Yeah, so? You interested in that?”
Takuya Nakayama grinned, giving a knowing look. “Senior, I’m working at Sega now, so I’ve got to keep up with industry trends, right? I heard… there’s an interesting computer game from the Soviet Union?” He emphasized the words “computer game” heavily.
Ryōji Itō’s brows furrowed slightly, as if pondering something. After a moment of silence, he spoke slowly. “Where’d you hear that?”
Takuya Nakayama’s heart leaped—there was hope! He put on a mysterious air. “Senior, don’t worry about where I heard it. Just tell me if it’s true!”
Ryōji Itō stared at Takuya Nakayama for a few seconds, then sighed lightly. “Alright, since you’re asking… I won’t hide it. We’ve indeed noticed some developments from the Soviet Union, but…” He paused, choosing his words carefully. “The details are still unclear. You know how it is with the Soviets—information is pretty restricted.”
Takuya Nakayama thought to himself, Bingo! Coming to Toshiba was the right move!
“I heard there’s an interesting game from the Soviet Union called Tetris. Has your team come across it?” Takuya Nakayama leaned forward slightly, a trace of eager anticipation in his tone.
That’s right! Takuya Nakayama’s target was none other than Tetris, the puzzle game nearly every gamer has heard of! Tetris was the English transliteration of its Russian name, Тетрис.
“Tetris?” Ryōji Itō adjusted his glasses, the gold rims catching a glint of light. He repeated the unfamiliar name, frowning slightly as he searched his memory for any related fragments. “I think I’ve heard of some game developed in their computer labs… but you know, our department focuses on their hardware technology. We don’t pay much attention to those ‘frivolous’ things.”
Ryōji Itō paused, then asked, “So you want me to get you a copy?”
Takuya Nakayama clapped his hands together and raised them above his head. “Senior, you get me! If I were a girl, I’d marry you!”
“Get lost! Same old tricks! Do I look like I’m short on women?” Ryōji Itō laughed, playfully scolding him.
Seeing Ryōji Itō seemed intrigued, Takuya Nakayama pressed his advantage. “Senior, please help me out! You’ve got connections at Toshiba, and you know all the right channels. If you can get this game, I’ll treat you to drinks—Tokyo’s finest sake, as much as you want!”
Ryōji Itō thought for a moment, then nodded. “Alright, I’ll keep an eye out for you.”
Just then, the waiter brought Ryōji Itō’s cappuccino.
Takuya Nakayama raised his Blue Mountain coffee in a toast. “Thank you so much, Senior! I’ll drink to you with coffee in place of wine!”
Ryōji Itō, with an exasperated look, clinked cups with Takuya Nakayama, then pointed at his nose. “You’d better make good on this and treat me properly when it’s done!”
“Whatever you say!” Takuya Nakayama grinned, giving a playful salute.
