KiShin's program

[Tora Headquarters]

"We're still grappling with the Suzuki Console, yet this KiShin device never fails to add to our troubles," Taro lamented with a sigh.

"If it weren't for our strong game library, we might have already lost our footing," one of the executives remarked.

"But there's an intriguing concept here – the constant introduction of diverse controllers like the Suzuki keyboard bundled with educational cartridges and the KiShin Zapper Light Gun. Perhaps we should develop our own," Taro suggested, shifting from lamentation to action. There was no time for lamentation; they needed to focus on creating their own controller.

"We do have a more capable research team than KiShin. We should be capable of crafting a superior controller for our console," one of the executives affirmed.

The consensus was unanimous among the executives.

[Suzuki Electronics]

"It appears they've been researching this controller for a while. Releasing it just after our keyboard controller with the console is quite a move," Nikko commented with a smile as he examined the gun-shaped Zapper Light Gun.

After examining it, he aimed the Zapper Light Gun at the television, where the screen displayed Duck Hunt. With a pull of the trigger, the duck fell down.

The other executives at the conference table watched with furrowed brows.

Nikko waved his hand in front of the Zapper Light Gun's sensor.

"The controller is detecting light from this," Nikko explained while keeping his eyes on the gun's pointer.

"We should develop something similar," someone suggested.

"Absolutely. We can't allow such a small company to exploit this technology," Nikko said with a confident smile.

***

[Suzuki™ Entertainment]

Suzuki Entertainment was a video games company subsidiary of the Suzuki Group, with Seki temporarily managing it until they found a suitable CEO.

"Are you able to lure KiShin game developers to join us?" Seki inquired as he held his phone to his ear.

"Unfortunately, they have no intention of switching companies," a voice replied on Seki's phone.

"How is that possible? Didn't you entice them with higher salaries?" Seki asked urgently.

The voice on the other end of the line shook his head, saying, "I did, but they remain resolute in their loyalty to KiShin. It's baffling how devoted and honest they are to KiShin..." the man lamented.

"Sigh... It's a shame. I really wanted to bring those talented individuals into our company," Seki sighed helplessly, shaking his head. "But keep trying to recruit them. Maybe some, or even a few, will eventually leave KiShin to join us."

The man on the other end of the call replied, "Understood."

After ending the call, Seki gazed at a photo in his hand.

It was a picture of Shiruu.

His men had come across his second brother on Shibuya crossing and snapped a photo of Shiruu sleeping on the sidewalk.

"Sigh... If only you weren't so stubborn," Seki sighed. He had hoped his second brother would return and lead this new subsidiary company by convincing their father.

After all, Shiruu was a genuinely intelligent individual. The alternative was his other obstinate, ignorant brother, Shinru Suzuki.

However, Seki had no intention of searching for Shinru, as Shinru lacked Shiruu's intelligence.

---

The sales of the Zapper Light Gun saw tremendous success thanks to the advertising campaign...

On the first day alone, its sales reached 13 thousand units.

With a price of 3,798 yen for the Zapper Light Gun, it was considered affordable compared to the Suzuki Keyboard controller. With 13 thousand units sold, KiShin had profited at least 49 million yen...

However, for other companies, they could only estimate KiShin's sales, as it wasn't public information. They roughly estimated the Zapper Light Gun's revenue to be around 35 million yen.

---

[KiShin Headquarters]

"It's yet another tremendous success. It seems I'll have to consider giving our employees a raise," Shin said with a wry smile. The employees who heard this erupted in cheers, and papers and documents were joyfully tossed around.

"You all are getting too comfortable!" Lee Han reprimanded the exuberant employees, though he seemed helpless amidst their celebration.

"Sorry, sir! We're just incredibly excited!" one of the employees bowed in apology.

Shin, understanding their enthusiasm, patted Lee Han on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Let them be... They deserve to celebrate during times like these."

Lee Han reluctantly nodded.

The employees sighed in relief, thinking Shin would let the matter slide, but then Shin continued with a joking smile, "Let them revel in their success now, so when the company faces challenges..." Shin paused and playfully added, "They'll have to work harder and strive to meet my expectations."

Lee Han looked at Shin in speechless disbelief.

"Ehhhhhh???" The employees exclaimed with a mix of amusement and astonishment, recognizing that Shin's statement was half-joking and half-serious.

---

Up until now, Shin had been hoping that independent game developers would create games for his open platform FamiCom. He had prepared for this ahead of time, expecting numerous programmers to develop their own video games and present them to KiShin Headquarters. After all, in the history of this world's video game industry, one of the main reasons for the industry's 97% decline was the influx of low-quality games flooding the market. This was likely why Suzuki 16-bit and Tora 16-bit had closed their platforms...

Shin couldn't wait any longer; he needed to inspire programmers to become game developers. Only through this could he elevate the popularity of video games in this world. Although his company was only several months old, he had to establish a program to support potential independent game developers in the future. Unfortunately, he couldn't rely on internet promotion, which was painfully slow and attracted few viewers. The best approach was to advertise through their broadcast channel partner, Asahi.

And so, Shin took immediate action, and his employees followed his directives.

---

A week ago.

In a modest apartment in Chuo, Tokyo.

A young man named Kinoshita Yoshi was currently without a job. He slumped on the hard wooden floor of his inexpensive apartment, his eyes filled with hopelessness as he gazed at the television displaying 'The Legend of Zelda'...

Kinoshita Yoshi had always been a fan of 'The Legend of Zelda' anime and video games. He appreciated the rich world background it offered. That's why when he was assigned to write a story for a video game project that aimed to emulate The Legend of Zelda within Tora, he was genuinely excited. As a proud storyteller, he didn't want to merely copy The Legend of Zelda; he yearned to craft a unique world that set itself apart from the iconic game.

However, because of this ambition, he was let go from his job...

And he understood why...

Now, everything felt utterly hopeless as he stared at the television, his life devoid of purpose...

His savings, a mere 600 thousand yen, probably wouldn't last him for long...

As he watched the television, playing The Legend of Zelda, finally came to an end.

"So, he'll be facing Aquamentus in the next episode..." Kinoshita Yoshi commented without any emotion.

Just as he was about to turn off the TV, an advertisement unexpectedly appeared.

Kinoshita Yoshi halted his action and fixed his gaze on the television. It was a KiShin advertisement, and whether it was for KiShin video games or something else, he was curious to see how successful KiShin was in challenging Tora.

After all, he held resentment towards Tora...

But the advertisement that played was unlike any other.

"Join us! You can develop your own video games for our console!"

A well-known celebrity declared, then added, "KiShin offers affordable development kits for independent video game developers! If you can create your own video games, KiShin can even assist you in distributing them with low royalty fees!"

"What are you waiting for, programmers? Get on board and start developing your games!"

Kinoshita Yoshi stared at the television, completely bewildered.

"I... Is there hope?" Kinoshita Yoshi murmured, a glimmer of hope now shining in his previously despairing eyes.