KiShin's Entertainment Album, Shin's ambitious plan and Mario Craze

[Suzuki Mansion]

Ruki Suzuki recently contacted her fourth brother for New Year and inquired about his well-being. She expressed genuine concern for him and also attempted to reach out to her second brother, although she suspected he might not have a working phone.

Despite her worries, all she could do was hope for the best for both her brothers.

Currently, she was engrossed in writing a novel, drawing inspiration from 'The Legend of Zelda,' a video game influenced by 'Peter Pan.'

Her journey as a novelist had its share of challenges. She occasionally received letters from her readers, and she noticed they fell into three categories: some were casual readers who enjoyed her work without much criticism, others provided constructive critiques that helped her improve, and then there were those she disliked the most – readers who labeled everything as "cringe." While some of their feedback was valid, most of it seemed to be focused on finding fault in everything. She carefully reviewed their letters to determine if they contained useful insights to enhance her work.

After completing her writing session, she turned on the TV and tuned into a music channel to unwind. However, what she witnessed next left her utterly shocked.

On the screen, her second brother, Shiruu, was performing on a bar stage, surrounded by a captivated audience.

"Shiruu Onii-san!?" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in astonishment.

---

[Suzuki Group Headquarters]

Inside the Chairman's room at the Suzuki Group Headquarters, the Suzuki father and his sons examined an album they held in their hands.

Indeed, it was none other than Shiruu Suzuki's album, released by KiShin Entertainment.

Shiro turned his gaze to his two sons and, with a furrowed brow, asked, "Why did you only inform me now that your second brother is actually signed with KiShin?"

Shiko and Seki exchanged glances, and Seki offered a wry smile as he explained, "We understand that you've been extremely busy, father."

Shiro simply looked at the album and instructed, "Play this album. Let's find out what surprises this 'stupid' brother of yours has in store."

They inserted the album into the cassette player, and the music began to play through the speakers. The song gradually started with these lyrics:

"I'll look up and walk

So my tears won't fall

I remember the spring day

A lonely night."

Shiruu's exquisite and melancholic voice filled the room as the song continued:

"I'll look up and walk

Counting the blurry stars

I remember the summer day

A lonely night."

Shiruu's singing continued, and the song flowed seamlessly. The Suzuki father and sons listened in silence, deeply moved by the song's melancholic and sorrowful melody:

"Sorrow is in the shadow of the stars

Sorrow is in the shadow of the moon

I'll look up and walk

So my tears won't fall."

The song was nearing its end, and Shiro even felt a tear threatening to fall as he recalled the day he had met Airi at the festival. Both of them were wearing traditional Japanese clothing, and their chance encounter had led to a gradual, heartwarming connection.

As if guided by destiny, Airi happened to be a member of a royal family, albeit a family that had significantly waned in power compared to its historical prominence. Nonetheless, their influence still held sway within the country. When Shiro's father learned of Airi's royal lineage, he strongly encouraged Shiro to propose to her.

Following their union, they married and were blessed with four sons and two daughters. However, as time passed, Shiro's affection for his wife gradually faded as he became consumed by his work. Moreover, the disappointments caused by their sons, Shiruu and Shinro, fueled his frustration with Airi for bearing children who didn't meet his expectations.

While engrossed in listening to the song, Shiro momentarily forgot that the performance was by his least favored son.

When the Sukiyaki song concluded, Shiko and Seki exchanged glances and turned their attention to their father. Shiko asked tentatively, "What are your thoughts, father?"

Shiro bit his lower lip to suppress his tears and replied, "That young rascal has matured..."

Seeing their father's emotions, Shiko and Seki were puzzled. Shiro continued, "But I won't fully accept him yet! He needs to do better to prove me wrong!" He said with unwavering determination.

---

[KiShin Headquarters]

Shin couldn't help but smile as he reviewed the sales figures for his second brother's album. Thanks to KiShin's marketing efforts, the album had slowly gained popularity in Tokyo. It had found its way onto music channels and radio stations, gradually introducing Shiruu's music to the people of Tokyo.

Shin genuinely felt happiness for his second brother, recognizing that he truly deserved the success he was achieving.

Looking ahead, Shin understood that to compete with Suzuki's roster of contracted superstars and the rumors of Tora seeking to sign western superstars, he needed to take a different approach. If he couldn't afford to acquire established superstars, he would create them.

Yes, this time, Shin intended to tap into famous songs from his past life and find suitable musicians to perform them, just as he had with Shiruu. This approach would not only be more cost-effective but also provide struggling yet talented artists with an opportunity, fostering their gratitude toward KiShin.

Shin's plan was to assemble a brigade of superstars who would remain loyal to KiShin. However, given that KiShin hadn't yet expanded into the western market, he had to temporarily set aside this ambitious plan.

---

February 25, 1991.

Many devoted fans of Super Mario Bros. had been fervently requesting KiShin to develop more Mario video games. It was as though their prayers had been answered when KiShin unveiled their latest creation: "Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels."

This move by KiShin sent shockwaves through the Japanese gaming community. As soon as Super Mario fans got wind of the release, they hastily formed long lines at various stores in Tokyo, and indeed, across the entire country of Japan.

For a period, the fervor for the Super Mario Bros. video game surpassed all expectations in Japan, reaching a level of excitement that was truly astounding.

The news of the Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels release was so significant that it made headlines on several major TV channels in Tokyo.

[NHK News]

"Good Afternoon, I'm Yumi Yamamoto, and right now, we are at one of the stores where KiShin is selling their video game. The sudden release of 'Super Mario Bros. 2: The Lost Levels' has sparked an unprecedented wave of excitement, not just in Tokyo but in various parts of Japan."

The scene then shifted to an incredibly long line, reminiscent of the frenzy that ensued when Apple launched its first iPhone in Shin's previous life. Among the eager customers, a heated argument broke out:

"I got in line first!" one man exclaimed.

"No, I did! Stop lying!" a rather imposing individual retorted, adding, "Quit complaining if you don't want trouble."

"You think you can intimidate me!?" the man challenged the imposing figure.

"You want trouble, huh!?" the tough-looking individual declared, ready for a confrontation.

As the two individuals argued, many people in the line either ignored them, distancing themselves, or curiously gathered to observe the commotion.

The camera captured this scene, and Yumi Yamamoto, though internally excited, maintained a solemn expression as she reported, "As you can see, due to the KiShin video game, there have been altercations and disagreements among the crowd," perhaps slightly overstating the situation, given that it involved only two people.

Yumi went on to interview both individuals, each sharing their perspective for the television audience. Meanwhile, those watching at home, particularly the older generation, shook their heads in disapproval and cautioned their younger family members to steer clear of video games.