Partnership

[Midtown Manhattan, New York]

[Four Seasons Hotel]

Shin smiled at the words of the CEOs of the US retail companies.

He poured a glass of wine and swirled it calmly, while the CEOs of the retail companies watched Shin with great interest.

"So... How can you assure us that your products will outperform Tora and Suzuki in the US market, despite your console having lower specs?" Andrew asked with a smile as he sipped his wine.

Everyone gazed at Shin with curiosity.

Orio Masayoshi also fixed his gaze on Shin, wondering how his young boss would handle this situation.

Shin simply smiled at their questions and replied calmly, "Indeed, KiShin has lower specifications compared to the 16-bit Tora and Suzuki, but our company has something unique to offer that those two giants do not."

Andrew and his peers exchanged glances.

Celine fixed her gaze on Shin and asked with curiosity, "Oh? Is there something KiShin offers that Tora and Suzuki don't?"

Andrew smiled and remarked, "Interesting..." He paused and inquired, "I wonder what it is?"

Shin returned the smile and nodded, saying, "KiShin boasts an extensive and high-quality video game library, surpassing that of Tora and Suzuki."

Upon hearing this, Andrew and his peers glanced at each other. Andrew chuckled and commented, "I expected as much."

His peers also smiled at Shin's words, and Celine added, "Your company has indeed outperformed Tora and Suzuki in video games, especially in the Asian market. However, it remains uncertain whether KiShin's video games will gain the same popularity in the US market."

Joe nodded in agreement, saying, "That's true. Americans tend to prioritize product quality."

Shin maintained his smile and nodded, saying, "You're absolutely right, but shortly after launching the US version of FamiCom here, our company is already preparing for the release of the 16-bit console."

When everyone heard this, they were taken aback and looked at Shin in surprise for sharing such information. Andrew exclaimed, "You're willing to share this information with us?"

Celine was also surprised, but she began, "Even if that's the case, I don't think that's enough for us-"

Before she could finish her sentence, Shin interjected with a smile, "We won't just release a 16-bit console, but KiShin will also introduce an incredible portable console that will undoubtedly be a bestseller. I can guarantee you that."

Celine inquired with curiosity, "A portable console that will sell well?"

Erik chuckled and remarked, "You're quite vague, young man."

Shin spoke up, sensing their growing curiosity, especially Andrew's piqued interest. "This console will be initially launched in Japan before we introduce it to other foreign markets," he stated with a smile, taking a sip of his wine.

Andrew furrowed his brows while looking at Shin and commented, "Hmm... You're making me feel like we're taking a gamble here," he chuckled as he said so.

Celine added with a smile, "Mr. Suzuki, your words and tone exude vagueness, yet there's an air of certainty. It's accompanied by risks, and I must say, I like it."

Joe smiled and remarked, "In business, having some risk means it could either result in an epic failure or an epic success."

Erik chuckled as he gazed at Shin and said, "I appreciate the way you're handling this, young man." He followed with a question, "But even if your products outperform Tora and Suzuki, do you have a superstar endorsement, like Michael Jackson or Whitney?"

The others chuckled at that, and Shin replied with a smile, "Don't worry about that. I've already been planning on how to match the shining stars of these celebrities."

"Oh, really?" Andrew chuckled and stated with a smile, "I like the confidence."

Celine nodded and added, "The riskier it is, the more tempting it becomes somehow..."

Andrew and the others nodded, and Andrew continued, "Indeed. I suppose there's no harm in becoming your partner, Mr. Suzuki." This statement surprised everyone when they heard it.

After making that decision, Andrew turned to Shin and said, "Target, the retail company, will agree to partner with KiShin and take on the distribution of KiShin products. We're willing to invest and take the risk to market your products if they truly have potential in the US market."

The others exchanged thoughtful glances, and Celine ultimately made her decision.

Celine nodded and declared, "As the CEO of Kmart, I'm willing to partner with KiShin and distribute its products."

Seeing Celine's agreement, Erik and Joe also followed suit.

Just as Shin smiled, Andrew suddenly interjected, "Listen, Mr. Suzuki, we're willing to risk upsetting Tora and Suzuki as a token of our appreciation for you traveling all the way from Japan to the USA for this meeting. However, if your so-called incredible portable console turns out to be a failure, Target will have to reconsider our partnership with you."

Celine and the others nodded in agreement.

Shin continued to smile and reassured them, "Don't worry, guys." He paused to take a sip of his wine and added with a hint of merriment, "Besides, if my FamiCom and video games become a hit in the US market, there won't be a need to fret over whether the portable console flops or not." He chuckled.

Upon hearing this, Andrew and the others also chuckled, and Andrew remarked, "I suppose you're right," as he looked at Shin.

Celine and the others regarded Shin with amusement and offered their congratulations to KiShin for the partnership. After that, they engaged in light conversation while enjoying wine and French cuisine.

---

In the luxurious hotel room, early in the morning, Shin woke up in the wide and comfortable bed.

Shin received assistance from the concierge as he made his way to the hotel's luxurious restaurant for breakfast.

He spotted Orio Masayoshi waiting for him at the restaurant and invited him to join for the meal.

Shin inquired while observing Orio's refined dining etiquette, "Mr. Masayoshi, how do you feel about taking on the role of KiShin's USA branch president?"

Orio was taken aback by the proposition, almost choking on his food. He exclaimed and stammered in surprise, "President of KiShin's USA branch!?"

Shin motioned for him to lower his voice, considering the other diners in the restaurant.

Orio nodded and replied with a wry smile, "Young boss, this is the USA, and if I work here, I'll be quite far from my family!"

Shin furrowed his brow and asked, "So, you're not interested?"

Orio quickly shook his head and assured, "No, I am interested!"

Shin's furrowed brow relaxed as he suggested, "Then bring your family here."

Orio hurriedly nodded, and he concurred, "Maybe you're right..." While saying this, he anticipated the reactions of his KiShin colleagues who had often teased him about losing out in the Tetris rights negotiation.

Following that, Shin asked Orio, "Mr. Masayoshi, could you handle a task for me?"

Orio, in a good mood, inquired, "Of course, young boss, what is it?"

Shin nodded and explained, "Could you find out if there are any struggling singers in Hollywood right now?"

Orio was somewhat surprised by the request, then he responded, "From my perspective, there are plenty of struggling artists, especially actors and actresses in Hollywood. The competition is fierce, and many people are striving in the entertainment industry." He considered the situation and continued, "I assume there are many singers trying to make a name for themselves in Hollywood, but it's not easy, considering names like Michael Jackson, Whitney, Madonna, and others dominate the billboard."

Shin nodded, handed Orio a piece of paper, and added thoughtfully, "Look for an artist with these specific qualities."

Orio accepted the paper, examined it thoughtfully, and, though curious about Shin's intentions, didn't inquire further.