Ajal.
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Chapter 33 - Next-Gen Plan?
🕑 Added 2025-09-14 11:55:26 +0000 UTC“I propose the company immediately and secretly start developing a next-generation, 16-bit home console!”
The statement detonated the boardroom like a bomb.
“A 16-bit console? Now?!”
A gray-haired conservative director immediately objected.
“We’ve poured so much into 8-bit consoles with little return! Betting on a riskier 16-bit machine is reckless!”
“Exactly, our cash flow isn’t flush. Opening another front is too dangerous!”
Supporting voices echoed.
The sales director didn’t back down, raising his voice.
“Precisely because the 8-bit market is settled, we need a new battlefield!”
“Sega’s hardware R&D is our strength!”
“We can develop a 16-bit console far surpassing the Famicom, creating a technological edge and seizing first-mover advantage!”
He deftly referenced a recent triumph.
“Don’t forget, Tetris handheld’s massive success proves Sega’s potential to disrupt markets!”
“Handhelds and consoles are different!” a critic shot back.
“Handhelds require less investment, shorter cycles, and target different users. Tetris’s success is unique and can’t be replicated in high-cost, long-cycle console R&D!”
The debate deadlocked, the proposal stalled.
Hayao Nakayama listened silently, fingers tapping the desk, withholding his stance.
He knew pushing a 16-bit plan now was premature.
Internal resistance needed stronger “proof” to overcome.
His gaze drifted out the window, as if piercing through buildings to a young figure immersed in a project.
Takuya’s “K” plan.
If Fatal Fury achieved phenomenal arcade success, showcasing Sega’s software-hardware integration and innovation…
It would be the strongest weapon to sway these skeptics.
His tapping stopped.
Hayao Nakayama spoke, his voice low and authoritative.
“The 16-bit console proposal is on hold for now.”
He neither agreed nor opposed.
“Our resources must prioritize the ‘K’ project’s smooth progress and successful launch.”
His gaze swept the room, carrying undeniable resolve.
“The ‘K’ project’s market performance will determine if we have the ability—and should—move to the next generation.”
His words sent invisible pressure to every corner.
It also raised the stakes for Takuya, tying his test to Sega’s future strategy.
He had to withstand Nintendo’s external sniping.
And prove his grand vision’s viability with “K”’s results, answering internal doubts.
Sega headquarters, Third Development Department.
Keyboard clatter and hushed discussions mingled, the air thick with the urgency of a sprint phase.
Takuya, just back from outside, was at the break area filling a cup when he overheard marketing staff whispering.
“Namco’s Pac-Man Famicom version is confirmed delayed.”
“Really? The Christmas slot, just given up?”
“Word is, it’s Nintendo’s call. Who knows why?”
Takuya’s hand froze mid-motion.
Pac-Man delayed? Nintendo’s doing?
The keywords clicked, forming a clear answer.
That old fox Hiroshi Yamauchi had struck.
The snipe at “K” came faster than expected.
Holding his cup, he returned to his desk, fingers unconsciously tapping, making soft clicks.
A faint, cold smile crept onto his lips.
Anxiety? Anger?
None of that.
Instead, a thrill of validation.
Nintendo’s wariness proved Fatal Fury’s weight.
If they wanted to suppress it, he’d use their force to fan the flames higher.
He picked up the internal phone, dialing the marketing director.
“Suzuki-san, it’s me, Takuya Nakayama.”
“I’ve got a new idea for ‘K’ project promotion.”
“Yes, we strike first.”
“Contact influential magazines—gaming ones like Beep and Login, animation ones like NEWTYPE and Animage.”
“Arrange an exclusive interview.”
“No, I won’t appear.”
“Invite Tatsunoko’s Director Oba and Kurumada-sensei.”
The marketing director’s surprised confirmation came through.
“Yes, just them.”
Takuya’s voice was calm and certain.
“Their clout draws more eyes than me as producer.”
“We’ll show the market Sega’s serious, cross-media, unprecedented.”
Hanging up, Takuya leaned back, gazing out the window.
A smokeless war had begun.
Days later, Beep and NEWTYPE’s latest issues hit bookstore shelves prominently.
Their covers screamed attention.
“Sega’s Mysterious ‘K’ Project Unveiled! Animation Titan Shutaro Oba x Popular Manga Artist Masami Kurumada Create a Fighting Game Epoch!”
“Fatal Fury—The Ultimate Game-Animation Fusion? Exclusive Creator Interview!”
The magazines featured in-depth interviews.
Shutaro Oba spoke confidently, detailing the animation’s heavy investment and close collaboration with game developers to ensure unified action and visual impact.
The text radiated Sega’s confidence and resolve.
Kurumada’s interview was even more striking.
He shared his journey designing Terry, Andy, and Joe.
“This character design was a fresh challenge and breakthrough,” Kurumada said earnestly to reporters.
“I owe thanks to Sega’s producer, Nakayama.”
“Discussing the visualization of ‘power’s essence’ with him was incredibly inspiring.”
His eyes gleamed with excitement, almost uncontainable.
“Those ideas shaped Fatal Fury’s characters and clarified my new manga’s direction.”
“A story of boys fighting for a goddess, inspired by constellations.”
This casual reveal, like a pebble in a still lake, sent ripples through anime and manga fans.
Kurumada’s new work?!
Constellations? Myths? Battles?
It sounded electrifying!
Soon, Login and Animage followed with reports, Login—well-connected in Nintendo circles—hinting at Pac-Man Famicom’s release date shifting to TBD.
