35 Asahi's reminder

The KiShin SKT FamiCom continued to make waves in Tokyo, drawing the attention of numerous companies and corporations. Even in the prestigious Minato Ward's Azabu district, where the Suzuki Group's main headquarters was located, the unique and striking design of the building didn't go unnoticed. However, it was inside the meeting hall of the Suzuki Group building that the topic of discussion was the unexpected rise of a relatively small company, KiShin.

As a conglomerate, it was unusual for a corporate giant like Suzuki Group to be intrigued by a small player like KiShin. Nevertheless, the word about KiShin was spreading across Tokyo, and the increasing sales of the KiShin SKT FamiCom were causing envy among smaller electronic companies. The phenomenon even piqued the interest of industry giants like Tora and Suzuki.

People from various parts of Japan, including Osaka, Yokohama, and Nagoya, started to hear about KiShin and its captivating video game machines. This led them to travel to Tokyo, either to enjoy the arcades or to purchase the KiShin SKT FamiCom for themselves. As a result, KiShin's sales skyrocketed, prompting the company to ramp up production.

Chairman Shiro Suzuki sat at the head of the board of directors, attentively listening to Nikko Tabata, the CEO of Suzuki Electronics, who was presenting the trends of KiShin SKT FamiCom across Tokyo. Once Nikko Tabata concluded his presentation, the board of directors erupted into a lively discussion.

Shiro Suzuki, however, was not feeling well about the subject, particularly because it revolved around video games—something that had adversely affected his son's future. Despite his discomfort, he concealed his emotions. In this setting, among the board of directors, he had to exercise caution and safeguard his image. Losing his composure here would be detrimental to his reputation.

One of the directors, a middle-aged man with black hair and features resembling Shiro's, wearing a smile, asked, "What do you think, Chairman?"

This was Vice Chairman Shito Suzuki, Shiro's younger brother. 

Shiro Suzuki's composure wavered, and his facial expression twitched. He clenched his fists and gritted his teeth but refrained from reacting aggressively. Instead, he maintained a strained smile and replied thoughtfully, "It's indeed a highly profitable business. I can't fathom how such a small company achieved this, especially when the video game industry was expected to decline long ago."

Vice Chairman Shito Suzuki, however, didn't back down. He knowingly prodded further, "I recall your youngest son's interest in video games... He must be aware of this, right?"

The mention of Shinro, Shiro's youngest son, caused Shiro to visibly struggle with his anger. His expression betrayed his irritation, and he seemed on the verge of slamming the table. Yet, he restrained himself, clenching his fists and biting back his fury. His eyes gleamed with a hint of malice as he glared at his younger brother.

Undaunted, Vice Chairman Shito Suzuki met his elder brother's gaze head-on, showing no fear. Inwardly, he reveled in provoking his brother.

As the board of directors turned their attention back to Shiro Suzuki, they bombarded him with various questions. Shiro, gradually letting go of his anger, responded to their inquiries.

Finally, an employee brought the KiShin Famicom console into the meeting hall, capturing the curiosity of everyone present. They also set up a classic 1990s small television and connected the KiShin SKT FamiCom to it for a closer look.

Following the employee's demonstration of the KiShin SKT console, the board of directors resumed their fervent discussion. They contemplated a strategy similar to that of Tora Corporation, albeit with the distinction that they lacked direct contact with the KiShin company.

---

Amidst the board of directors' disagreements, Chairman Asahi Tanaka ultimately arrived at a decision: not to exert pressure on the KiShin company. The risk was simply too great. If the board of directors were correct in their suspicions and this was all part of a larger Suzuki Group scheme, there could be a deeper plan at play that might lead to significant losses for Tora Corporation.

Consequently, the notion of replicating the KiShin SKT FamiCom was also dismissed. While the idea of imitating imitating a successful product was tempting, it might prove to be a trap set by the Suzuki Group, potentially resulting in substantial losses.

Chairman Asahi Tanaka found himself in a candid conversation with his younger son, Kenji Tanaka, at the Tanaka grand mansion. In the comfort of their home rather than the workplace, Asahi Tanaka spoke more informally, choosing to share important information with his son.

"The Suzuki Group has deep roots in Japan, and they even have connections in the underworld. So, we need to exercise caution when considering any plans involving a company that may have ties to the Suzuki Group," Chairman Asahi Tanaka advised Kenji. After informing his son that the owner of the KiShin company was the son of the Suzuki Group's chairman, he believed it was essential to keep Kenji informed.

Kenji expressed his disdain to the underworld, saying, "I thought the government was already working to eliminate those criminals?"

Chairman Asahi Tanaka sighed and responded, "Indeed, but some powerful ones still remain. Do you remember that card game company?" He asked, prompting Kenji to recall the situation.

Kenji was taken aback by his father's question and responded, "Was it that Nintengu Koppai in Kyoto?" he inquired.

Chairman Asahi Tanaka nodded and began to explain, "Yes, indeed. That game card company initially invested a significant amount of money in arcades. However, when the video game industry declined, it faced financial challenges and eventually shifted its focus to producing toys and game cards. Since gambling was prohibited in Japan by the government, they encountered further difficulties. But they came up with an idea: they created card games featuring licensed American cartoon characters and exploited a legal loophole, allowing them to resume game card production without being associated with gambling." He provided this explanation in a series of words.

Kenji was puzzled and asked, "What does this have to do with the underworld?"

Chairman Asahi Tanaka smiled at his son and replied, "Their game cards became popular among Yakuza members." Kenji's eyes widened in surprise.

"Then, why do we have any dealings with a company like that? Is Aunt Narumi okay there?" Kenji questioned, clearly shocked. He remembered visiting the traditional Japanese mansion of Nintengu Koppai's owner and touring the toy and game card factory with his father when he was just a teenager. At the time, he was quite clueless about the situation, but he recalled that his aunt was married to the owner of Nintengu Koppai.

"Don't worry, Kenji. Your aunt is safe there. Besides, Nintengu itself isn't a Yakuza organization but simply has connections with them," Asahi reassured his son.

"How can that be okay?" Kenji couldn't comprehend how his father remained calm while discussing such matters.

Asahi smiled and explained, "Kenji, you have to understand that Yakuza can be divided into good ones and bad ones. Some Yakuza families engage in legitimate businesses, while others are involved in illicit activities. It's essential to steer clear of the shady ones, but it's acceptable to have connections with the honorable ones."

"How can we even determine that?" Kenji asked in surprise.

Asahi simply smiled and remarked, "You'll realize it's not a problem when you feel comfortable around them."

Kenji couldn't help but smirk and playfully teased, "Old man, you're quite unpredictable." Since they were in a more relaxed setting at home, there was no need for formality.

His father, Asahi Tanaka, responded with a knowing smile.