Conspiracy and doubts

[South Korea]

While the KiShin was experiencing rapid growth in South Korea, a conspiracy was brewing. This was due to the rapid expansion of Japanese video game console companies. Although many people were dissatisfied, especially when young South Koreans supporting these Japanese companies, they couldn't take action because these companies brought significant economic benefits to the country.

These companies created job opportunities and boosted consumer spending, a key driver of economic growth, as people purchased goods and services, leading to increased production and employment.

Despite the peoples and the nation's disdain for Japan, they still needed these economic opportunities, especially with the current president and his administration pursuing closer relations with the Japanese government, which many South Koreans disliked.

One notable critic of the current president was Han Woon-Shik, the chairman of the Samstar Group. That's why Han Woon-Shik had already begun grooming the next presidential candidate for the upcoming March 1992 election, which turned out to be Man Hwan.

Man Hwan had already gained significant influence in South Korea by openly criticizing the Japanese government. If Man Hwan were to win the presidential election, Samstar, along with many other corporations in South Korea, would work to push Japanese companies out of the country.

Following that, corporations aimed to seize the opportunity to become the exclusive representatives for selling these Japanese companies' video game consoles, ensuring that these companies could only access the South Korean market through them. This strategy had been devised by the chaebols in South Korea.

They were determined not to allow Japanese companies to thrive and profit excessively from selling innovative entertainment devices anymore. Having acquired sufficient knowledge of Japanese technologies, they had decided it was time to dominate the domestic market on their own.

---

[Nippon TV]

Akimitsu Ishizawa heard the buzz about KiShin planning to screen their new anime in various cinemas in Tokyo, and he couldn't help but frown slightly. 

Currently, Nippon TV held the top position as the number one TV channel in Japan, with impressive ratings. In the Kanto Region, its average rating reached 19.1%. In contrast, TV Asahi, which offered fewer appealing programs, had an average rating of only 9% in the Kanto Region.

Its rating plummeted after 'The Legend of Zelda' came to an end. Now, it's predicted that TV Asahi will experience an increase in ratings following the release of 'Pokémon.'

Akimitsu was quite curious about the anime, so he bought tickets for himself and his family to watch this hyped anime produced by KiShin and TV Asahi. He wanted to see what this new KiShin anime had to offer.

---

Meanwhile, Orio Masayoshi had been tasked by KiShin's CEO, Shin, to negotiate with potential partners. Orio Masayoshi, along with representatives from Boston Computer Exchange, Best Buy, and RadioShack, were currently in discussions at a café in Tokyo.

Orio Masayoshi felt somewhat uncertain about whether KiShin's products would sell well through e-commerce, but he had to have faith in the founder of KiShin. 

Despite the pressure from Tora and Suzuki, KiShin remained committed to entering the USA and European markets. At this moment, Orio Masayoshi was still engaged in discussions with American retail companies.

Especially considering their plans to release the Gameboy and the upcoming Super KiShin SKT or SKS.

---

[Tokyo, Japan]

Excitement was palpable among many people as they eagerly anticipated the new anime set to premiere in various cinemas and air on the television channel Asahi. 

The anticipation was electric, with devoted 'The Legend of Zelda' anime fans eagerly awaiting the release of the Pokémon anime, which was said to surpass it in terms of entertainment.

Many had already purchased their tickets, and, before they knew it, they were all sold out within a matter of days, not just in Tokyo but in various places across Japan.

"What do you think the Pokémon anime will be like? Will it be really good? Let's make a bet," a young man asked his friend with a smile.

"You're so influenced by 'Dramatic Mahjong' that you want to bet on anything," his friend chuckled in response.

"Go ahead, say it. I'll bet 10 thousand yen that it'll be a flop!" the young man insisted.

His friend chuckled wryly and remarked, "It'll be easy money for you if KiShin's new anime has a high chance of being a flop, won't it?"

"Hehe..." the young man laughed.

---

[Bunkyo, Tokyo]

[Todai University of Tokyo]

A good-looking young man with dyed blonde hair asked his black-haired girlfriend, "What do you think, babe?"

"You got me a ticket for a kids' show?" Reina said with disdain and a hint of mockery.

Kenshin coaxed her with a smile, "You might not know, but this is a new trend in Tokyo." He then pointed to a certain couple and added, "Even those two are going to watch it."

Reina pondered for a moment and said, "Alright. But make sure it's worth my time, or we might have to break up," before snorting and walking away.

Kenshin clenched his teeth in frustration at Reina's behavior, but he was forced to stick to the plan. Vicious thoughts crossed his mind, "I probably wouldn't stick to the plan if I'd already had a taste of you, bitch." His eyes turned icy as he continued, "You should be thankful that you're still sensitive and spoiled enough not to try that kind of stuff, or else... I'd toss you aside like garbage."

The reason he had invited her to the anime screening was because the local Yakuza in this Tokyo area had shown an unexpected interest in an anime connected to KiShin. 

Kenshin didn't fully understand why, but KiShin's influence on the local Yakuza in Tokyo was rapidly expanding, especially among the Yakuza with whom his father had connections.

To blend in with the local Yakuza, he had to feign the same interests as them. 

Some local Yakuza in Tokyo would secretly accompany him to Shibuya Cinema. This connection was crucial, especially with his father's affiliations, particularly the Yamauchi-gumi, the formidable top gang in Japan, which appeared to have some ties to KiShin's higher-ups.

"I need to tread carefully in this unfamiliar territory," Kenshin thought.

Being the son of the Oyabun of the second-ranked gang in Japan, he had to exercise caution with the local Yakuza in Tokyo associated with the number one gang, the Yamauchi-gumi. Furthermore, even within his father's territory, the influence of the Yamauchi-gumi was notably strong.

---

Before they knew it, May 29, 1991 had arrived, and many people had already flocked to various cinemas in Tokyo to watch the screening of Pokémon.