The KiShin advertisement on the kids' channel began to garner attention from people in the Tokyo area. Even prominent corporations like Tora Corporation took notice.
Kenji, the youngest son of Tora Corporation's chairman, felt compelled to request a meeting with his father after witnessing the KiShin advertisement.
To be candid, he never expected KiShin to create a home arcade. The idea was so noble that it astonished both him and Taki, the senior manager.
Asahi Tanaka, the chairman of Tora Corporation, sat in his grand and spacious office. He observed the city through the transparent walls as his youngest son entered.
"So, what would you like to discuss with me?" Asahi inquired, maintaining a serious demeanor.
Kenji smiled as he settled into a chair opposite Asahi and said, "You'll undoubtedly find what I'm about to say intriguing, father."
Asahi's expression turned stern as he responded, "Please refrain from calling me 'father' during work."
Kenji's smile waned as he looked somewhat helpless and replied, "You're quite serious at work, I see."
Asahi gazed at Kenji sternly and emphasized, "At work, you're an employee, and I'm your boss. I've instilled that discipline in you for a reason."
Kenji, feeling somewhat helpless, uttered, "Alright, alright, Chairman Tanaka, I'm here to discuss an intriguing matter with you."
Asahi's expression reverted to its usual demeanor as he inquired, "Oh, what kind of proposition do you wish to discuss?"
Kenji awkwardly smiled. His father had a penchant for formalizing work-related conversations, converting "intriguing matter" into "proposition."
Kenji handed the document he held to Asahi, placing it on the desk's surface.
Asahi picked it up and began to read. The document was authored by Kenji, detailing KiShin, PCB, and recounting information about arcade machines and more.
A frown creased Asahi's brow as he read on. He was familiar with KiShin; his CTO had already briefed him. However, his interest in such a small company was limited. Though he had started small himself, his responsibilities to shareholders and maintaining transparency were paramount. Even if he found KiShin's arcade machines intriguing, it was unlikely the shareholders and board of directors would be think the same.
The arcade industry had suffered a 97% loss during the global financial crisis, making it a risky venture.
Asahi was about to voice his concerns when he reached the document's final passages, revealing images of the upcoming KiShin product: the SKT Famcom consoles.
Unconsciously, Asahi tightened his grip on the paper and regarded Kenji with a serious expression.
Kenji smiled and inquired, "What do you think, Chairman?"
Asahi relaxed his expression and replied, "This proposal must be presented to the board of directors."
Surprised, Kenji looked at his father and asked, "Are you considering the video game industry now, Father, er I mean, Chairman?"
Asahi nodded, disregarding the slip in Kenji's address. He explained, "I had an interest in experiencing KiShin's games for myself, but with the responsibilities of overseeing thousands of employees, I must approach this with caution."
He continued, "I'll discuss the possibility of creating a new subsidiary for video games and consoles with the board of directors." Asahi's eyes lit up with enthusiasm.
---
In the grand mansion of the Suzuki family, the entire household had gathered in the dining room.
Seated at the head of the table, Shiro enjoyed his meal with a sense of calm.
Airi, donned in traditional Japanese attire, savored her meal alongside her husband. Their grown children occupied seats along the length of the lavish table.
Reina Suzuki, a young woman just a year older than Shin, couldn't contain her excitement as she exclaimed, "Father, I really wanted to purchase the latest fashion!"
Shiro, trying to maintain a serious demeanor, couldn't help but crack a smile. He glanced at his wallet, ensuring it was adequately filled with cash. Reluctantly, he handed her a stack of yen notes, which left her somewhat displeased. "Is this all?" she muttered, counting a mere 40,000 yen.
Shiko, the eldest son with raven-black hair and above-average looks, interjected before his mother could react, "That's already quite a generous amount! You should appreciate what you receive!"
Reina scoffed in irritation. "Appreciate? My friends will mock me with this pocket change!"
Shiko's patience nearly wore thin, but before he could respond, Airi, their mother, intervened soothingly. "Let her be, Shiko. She's still young."
With their father observing, Shiko reluctantly complied.
However, their third brother, Seki, couldn't remain silent. "We all have to work for our money. She should learn the same. It's only fair."
Reina retorted disdainfully, "Work? No way! With a capable father like mine, a princess like me deserves to be pampered!"
Seki wanted to argue further but refrained in the presence of their father.
Ruki, the second daughter, remained unfazed by the family drama, engrossed in her favorite book.
Airi, their mother, reproached her third son, saying, "Do you really want her to work? She's a woman, after all. Women should be homemakers, and men should be the providers."
Seki acquiesced, recognizing his mother's support for her first daughter. Reina couldn't hide her satisfaction and wore a smug smile.
She extended her hand to her father, requesting more money. Shiro felt a growing headache, knowing this situation was an all-too-frequent occurrence in the family.
Shiro retrieved his wallet and pulled out a golden card, handing it over with some urgency. "Take this! And please refrain from bothering me for a few days."
Reina eagerly accepted the card and exclaimed, "Is this the Mizuho Bank Gold Privileges Card?! With a 20 million yen limit!"
Shiro nodded, confirming, "That's for you. I hope it keeps you content for a few weeks at least."
Reina scoffed, showing little regard for her father's intentions. "A few weeks? Just 20 million? It'll barely last a few days!"
Seki couldn't help feeling a touch of envy. His sister had just received 20 million yen so effortlessly.
Ruki glanced at her sister, adjusted her glasses, and closed her book with an audible snap. The sudden attention of everyone in the room didn't faze her. She finished her meal and calmly made her way upstairs to her room.
Shiko elegantly wiped his mouth after finishing his meal and addressed his father, "Father, Ruki is also a girl. Isn't it unfair that you only gave Reina, the eldest daughter, that sum of money?"
Shiro huffed in response, "Ruki isn't as demanding as Reina. A few books make her happy."
Reina chimed in, undeterred by her father's remark, "My younger sister lacks sophistication. She's quite dull. No wonder she gets along with someone like Shinro-"
Before she could finish her sentence, Shiro's voice thundered, "Don't mention that name in my house!"
The room fell silent, and Reina in particular grew still.
Airi cast her husband a concerned look. "Calm down, dear-"
Shiro interrupted her, his anger directed at her as well. "It's because of you! You let that kid run wild, and now he's probably out there selling his computer and belongings just to get by!"
After his outburst, Shiro abruptly stood up and left the room, not even bothering to finish his meal.
Once Shiro had gone, Airi turned her stern gaze toward Reina. "You know your father doesn't like it when the second and fourth are mentioned!"
Reina lowered her head and offered an apology. "I apologize, Mother."
Airi sighed and got up, departing from the dining room.
Shiko and, especially Seki, exchanged glances with Reina and couldn't help but chuckle. "Looks like you managed to disappoint Father yet again," Seki teased, his amusement evident in his tone. He relished the chance to say this to Reina.
Shiko merely snorted in agreement before walking away. Seki shot a brief, lingering look at Reina before following his elder brother.
Reina found herself alone in the dining room, her frustration reaching its peak. She erupted in anger, shouting, "Damn you, Shinro! You always manage to cause trouble, even when you're not here!" She slammed her hand on the table in sheer exasperation.