Yakuza becoming video game developers

[KiShin Main Headquarters]

Just one day after KiShin launched its program to assist programmers in becoming video game developers, numerous programmers had already flocked to KiShin Headquarters, eager to request the KiShin Development Kits.

Inside KiShin's building waiting room, a multitude of programmers were already seated, not because they sought to apply to KiShin, but to enroll in the KiShin program for independent video game developers.

"I've always harbored a desire to create my own video game, but I never had the chance. Thankfully, KiShin is willing to provide Hardware Documentation and Development Kits; this will be a tremendous help," one of the programmers remarked with a smile.

"That's so true. I've often felt frustrated with Tora's video games and have constantly dreamt of making my own," another programmer chimed in.

"Hehe, what can you expect from Tora? All they ever do is follow in KiShin's footsteps and refuse to take risks by creating their own original games," another programmer added.

---

KiShin's new programs became a hot topic among the residents of Tokyo and its neighboring cities.

As KiShin expanded, it established branches not only in the Toshima Ward but also in other cities, thus enhancing brand recognition and reducing costs through a local presence.

This strategic move aimed to improve customer service and increase flexibility and agility since these branches possessed the autonomy to make decisions and take actions without awaiting approval from the main headquarters.

For this reason, many programmers unable to visit the main headquarters in the Toshima Ward began visiting other KiShin branches.

---

Due to KiShin's actions, Tora and Suzuki were quite taken aback. However, this time, they refrained from imitating KiShin; instead, they awaited KiShin's potential failure. After all, one of the reasons the video game industry had faltered was the influx of subpar video games from independent developers, overshadowing the few gems.

They couldn't comprehend why KiShin had made this move when they were undeniably profiting immensely from their video games, such as 'Super Mario Bros.' and 'The Legend of Zelda,' among many others. In fact, KiShin was even capitalizing on these video game characters by selling them as stuffed toys and action figures.

Even major broadcasting channels were reporting on KiShin's quest to recruit programmers to become independent game developers.

One major broadcasting channel continued with skepticism, "Has KiShin not learned from the past? Have they not heeded the lesson of the video game industry pioneer, 'Atari,' which allowed independent video game developers onto their system, ultimately contributing to their downfall?"

Another station added, "Could this be the downfall of KiShin's rapid ascent? Allowing inexperienced programmers to create their own video games?"

Meanwhile, there were more balanced opinions expressed by other stations.

"Even if KiShin tightens its requirements, permitting only video games meeting their standards to enter the market and be played on their FamiCom, it remains a risky endeavor. The untested nature of these games and the public's perception of independent video games not created by their beloved KiShin raise questions. Will it thrive, or could this mark the decline of the rising star, KiShin?"

Many people engaged in discussions on this topic, leading to heated debates.

While some speculated that this might spell the end of KiShin's ascent, others believed it could be the catalyst for further growth.

---

[Tora™ VG Entertainment]

In just a matter of days, Ogino Kichiro and Noya Kunio successfully persuaded numerous programmers to join them in developing independent video games, liberating them from Tora's demanding expectations that pushed for games to surpass KiShin's.

Even though achieving it in such a short time seemed implausible...

Twelve of the programmers agreed to join them, while the remaining fourteen chose to remain with Tora company.

Ogino Kichiro and Noya Kunio empathized with their decision, understanding the multitude of uncertainties at play.

In a bold move, Ogino Kichiro and Noya Kunio, along with the twelve programmers, collectively resigned from Tora company, leaving the higher-ups stunned by the sudden departure of so many of their programmers.

Following their mass exodus from Tora company...

[Tora Conference Room]

"What's the meaning of this? Why did fourteen of our programmers leave?" one executive exclaimed, clearly bewildered.

Many in the room exchanged incredulous glances, finding the executive's question rather self-evident. The departure was a clear sign of dissatisfaction with the company.

President Taro Ikeda, though appearing fatigued, remained composed. "It doesn't matter. The news has already reached the Chairman, and he has assured us that replacements will be introduced for those vacant positions," President Taro Ikeda stated emotionlessly.

The bewildered executive awkwardly scratched the back of his head, acutely aware of the judgmental gazes from his colleagues.

"The Chairman involving himself in such a trivial matter? That's quite unusual," remarked one of the executives thoughtfully.

President Taro Ikeda directed a dispassionate gaze at the executive who had spoken and replied, "That is not your concern. Do not question the Chairman's decisions..."

---

Shitai Chikafuji, a Kumicho of the Yamauchi Family, had been closely monitoring the video game industry for a considerable time.

In fact, he had established connections with Tora Corporation. He had held meetings with Asahi Tanaka, the Chairman of Tora Corporation, who had requested his assistance in investigating the former vice chairman, Jin, who had already been convicted.

Shitai had always harbored a keen interest in the video game industry, which led him to aid Asahi Tanaka. He had occasionally discussed his interests with the Chairman of Tora Corporation, Asahi Tanaka. Furthermore, Shitai even had some programmers within the Yamauchi family who expressed an interest in joining Tora, but Chairman Asahi Tanaka had advised him to exercise patience.

In fact, the Yamauchi Family also had lawyers within its ranks. Diverse professions within Yakuza Families were nothing out of the ordinary.

Shitai Chikafuji was determined to empower his people to create their own video games, fueled by his growing frustration with Tora's video games. Although he found a flicker of interest in a somewhat darker game called 'Odyssey of Neren Rage,' there was little else in Tora's gaming catalog that piqued his interest, except for the exceptional KiShin video games.

Just as impatience was starting to gnaw at him, an opportunity arose: Asahi Tanaka called, expressing his need for programmers in his company.

With this confirmation, Shitai couldn't contain his excitement and immediately ordered his men to summon the programmers groomed by the Yamauchi Family.

Grinning from ear to ear, Shitai watched as the programmers under the family's influence lined up before him.

"Let's show the world how we create video games!" Shitai exclaimed to the enthusiastic Yakuza programmers.