Ajal.
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Chapter 19 - Grand Plan
🕑 Added 2025-09-13 04:04:21 +0000 UTC“Everyone,” Takuya’s gaze swept the room, his tone brimming with passion, “I believe fighting games hold immeasurable market potential.”
“First, from a direct commercial perspective, their fast-paced, intense competition will drive sky-high coin-in rates—an irresistible lure for our arcade operators.”
This point immediately resonated with several market and operations executives in the room.
“But beyond that,” Takuya pivoted, pointing to a grander future, “the complex, skill-driven nature of fighting games naturally lends itself to competitive play.”
“We can build a new concept around it—electronic sports, or Esports!”
“Esports?” Another novel term hit the room.
“Yes, Esports!” Takuya emphasized. “Its essence is no different from traditional sports like soccer or basketball—centered on competition, skill, and victory.”
“The only difference is the arena is a screen, the athletes are players, and the tools are joysticks and buttons.”
“Imagine if we successfully promote fighting games—we could organize tournaments of all scales, from amateur street challenges to professional national or even global championships!”
“These events would draw massive audiences, generating huge promotional and commercial value.”
“And their popularity would, in turn, boost the game’s reach and longevity, creating a virtuous cycle!”
The grand vision of Esports ignited the room’s atmosphere.
This transcended merely developing a game—it sketched an entirely new industry ecosystem.
To fuel this ambitious proposal further, Takuya unleashed his final trump card.
“To maximize the ‘K’ project’s impact, we must not only perfect the game itself.”
“I plan to produce a high-quality companion animation for it!”
“And I’ve already made preliminary contact with two industry titans, hoping to bring them onto the project.”
He paused, then clearly announced two names.
“The first is the renowned animation director, known for sharp action storyboarding and masterful fight scenes—Mr. Shutaro Oba!”
“The second is the manga artist who’s captivated countless readers with his bold, dynamic style and striking character designs—Mr. Masami Kurumada!”
Shutaro Oba? Masami Kurumada?
The mention of these towering names sparked an audible wave of gasps and murmurs.
Those familiar with animation and manga were visibly stunned, their faces alight with disbelief and excitement.
Inviting these heavyweights to create a companion animation and character designs for a new arcade game?
This was a massive move!
It not only underscored Sega’s commitment to the “K” project but signaled plans for broader entertainment synergy, elevating the proposal’s scope far beyond a single game, especially when paired with the Esports vision.
Takuya’s presentation concluded.
He bowed slightly and stepped aside.
The room fell briefly silent, as if digesting the immense information.
Seconds later, applause erupted like a tidal wave, lingering long.
This wasn’t the earlier polite clapping—it was heartfelt approval and excitement.
“Remarkable vision!”
“The fighting game concept is fascinating!”
“The technical approach is clear and feasible!”
“Esports—what a forward-thinking idea!”
“If we can really get Director Oba and Kurumada-sensei, that’s just…”
Team leaders, their earlier doubts gone, voiced admiration, their words brimming with enthusiasm for the new genre and project.
Several executives shed their initial reserve, smiling approvingly, some even approaching Takuya to ask about proposal details.
The room’s atmosphere turned warm and vibrant.
Those who’d planned to mock or challenge the “young master” now looked at him with awe and respect.
Hayao Nakayama maintained a calm smile throughout, quietly listening to the buzz.
As applause and chatter subsided, he raised a hand, gently pressing down.
The room hushed instantly, all eyes on Sega’s helmsman.
“It seems everyone holds Takuya’s ‘K’ proposal in high regard,” Hayao said, his voice steady and commanding.
He scanned the room, his gaze lingering briefly on key team leaders and executives.
“If there are no objections… then I declare—”
He paused, decisive. “The ‘K’ project is officially approved!”
“The development will be assigned to…” His eyes landed on the head of Development Team 3. “Team 3.”
The Team 3 leader shot to his feet, his face a mix of excitement, honor, and nervous responsibility.
“Yes, President! Team 3 will give our all and won’t let you down!” he declared, his voice trembling slightly with emotion.
The meeting ended in a fervor of enthusiasm.
Attendees left, buzzing with excitement and lingering thoughts.
But talk of “fighting games,” the “K” project, “Esports,” and Takuya Nakayama spread like ripples from a stone, cascading through Sega.
The playful “Takuya Effect” label took on new meaning.
Perceptions of the young “heir” shifted entirely from “president’s son” to “visionary, talented game producer.”
Former biases and disdain dissolved before undeniable talent.
Some once-skeptical mid- and senior-level managers even began cozying up to Takuya, their attitudes shifting astonishingly fast.
Hayao stood at the meeting room door, watching the animated employees in the corridor, a faint, satisfied smile curving his lips.
His gaze turned outward, deep and sharp.
His youngest son’s first step was steadier, stronger than he’d expected.
Takuya didn’t leave immediately.
He stood alone by the large floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at Tokyo’s skyline and the city’s distant pulse.
Sunlight bathed his profile, outlining youthful, resolute features.
The proposal’s approval was just the start.
The real challenge was only beginning.
His heart burned with unprecedented determination.
A new era of fighting games was about to be ushered in by his hand.
