Decision

As Apple and KiShin secretly planned a collaboration, Steve Jobs presented KiShin's idea to the board of directors.

Meanwhile, in the Sazama Mansion, Shiro and Sazama sat in the room, adhering to traditional customs, with their tea placed on a low Japanese table.

Amidst the discussion, Shiro mentioned the Suzuki Group board of directors pressuring him to partner with Tora for a joint venture in developing a video game console. Sazama, sipping his sake, remained silent.

Later, Sazama, wearing a stern expression, remarked, "I am no longer the current Chairman of the Suzuki Group. The decision lies not with me but with you. Therefore, I cannot impose my opinion," he said, gazing at Shiro with a touch of melancholy.

Anticipating his father's response, Shiro countered, "But, father, even if you're not the current chairman, you still hold a significant share! Your opinion remains crucial!"

Sazama chuckled and nodded, saying, "Indeed, you make a valid point. I can still influence the Suzuki Group, but at my age, I've had my time leading the company to great heights." Pausing, he gazed deeply at Shinro Suzuki, stating, "Now, it's up to you whether you can lead the company even further. You will be the one to decide."

Shiro's expression became complex as he admitted, "You know, father, I wouldn't hesitate if KiShin weren't my son's business. But..." He paused, looking down, and continued, "KiShin is my youngest son's company. If Suzuki Group partners with Tora, it's like ganging up on my own child, beating him with others' help." His tone carried a sense of helplessness.

Observing Shiro's predicament, Sazama sympathized with his son, not wanting his youngest grandson to face opposition from others. Despite this, Sazama gently patted Shiro's shoulder, expressing understanding. "I can empathize with you, but..." He paused, glancing at the sake-filled cup, and continued, "From a business perspective, Suzuki Group may not quickly surpass KiShin in the video game industry. However, by partnering with Tora, collaborating between two conglomerates for innovative game development, there's a significant chance to deal with and potentially surpass KiShin in a short time." Sazama's voice remained almost emotionless.

Shiro, taken aback by his father's words and tone, couldn't help but find it a bit unbelievable. "But..." he hesitated in his response.

Witnessing his son's reluctance, Sazama's eyes and brows sharpened, his overall expression turning serious. "Shiro, my son, you should already know not to hesitate when it's crucial for business. I understand the conflict, going against your youngest son's company, but..." He paused, emphasizing, "Even if it means opposing your son's company, you must compete in the best interest of the Suzuki Group."

Seeing Shiro still unwilling, currently biting his lower lip, Sazama added with a smile, "Moreover, consider this a test for your youngest son. Can he stand against two giants joining forces to compete with him, or will he give up? Perhaps..." Sazama paused, still smiling, "he might be compelled to become a part of the Suzuki Group if my youngest grandson fails."

Hearing this, Shiro sighed helplessly. Indeed, partnering with Tora to innovate their video game products together seemed like a wise choice. Currently, KiShin almost monopolized the market, leaving Tora and the Suzuki Group with mere scraps, not even a soup to drink, but just leftover bones to chew.

---

Inside the Tora Headquarters, in the conference room, Asahi Tanaka and the board of directors discussed the plans and the plan portfolio of Tora Corporation. When it finally shifted to the video games sector discussion, Asahi Tanaka remarked, "As of now, the Suzuki Group has yet to respond to our proposal for a partnership."

The board of directors nodded in agreement, and one executive commented, "But it shouldn't be long before they agree, right? In the video games market, both Tora and Suzuki are facing declining sales due to KiShin's SKES and Gameboy, along with their 16-bit video games that have captured the attention of enthusiasts."

Another director chimed in, "Indeed, if we can't halt the decline in our sales, we might be compelled to further reduce the prices of our video game products, which is far from ideal."

Asahi Tanaka nodded and remarked, "That is correct. KiShin is consistently on the move, continually expanding at an unprecedented rate. In fact, this year, based on our estimates, KiShin's net worth has surged like never before. Their foray into other industries such as merchandise, cellular phones, films, and, notably, their expertise in video games, has led to a gradual profit increase across all the sectors they've ventured into."

The board of directors nodded, and one director expressed with a subtle hint of disbelief, "That is correct. I find it truly unbelievable. If someone had mentioned a company like KiShin to me before, I would likely have scoffed at the idea. However, witnessing it in reality is truly stupefying."

The executives and Chairman Asahi Tanaka nodded in agreement. Chairman Asahi Tanaka added, "Indeed, and to be honest, if KiShin were a public company, I would have invested half of my money in it."

The board of directors, upon hearing that, laughed outwardly, but deep inside, they resonated with Chairman Asahi Tanaka's sentiment. They acknowledged that they would likely do the same if KiShin were indeed a public company.

Meanwhile, in the Suzuki Group, Chairman Shiro initiated a conference meeting. Before delving into the video games sector discussion, Chairman Shiro, after careful consideration, made the decision to partner with Tora. This choice elicited sighs of relief from the board of directors.

Meanwhile, Shounen Jump finally released a new series called 'Naruto'. After being read by numerous manga enthusiasts, they sensed the series had great potential.

However, the current reigning manga sensations were 'Dragon Ball' and 'One Piece'. Despite KiShin's engagements in various industries, it also delved into the manga and anime sector. KiShin Entertainment was on the verge of completing the animation for 'Dragon Ball' some episodes.

When the trailer for 'Dragon Ball' aired on TV Asahi, manga enthusiasts were thrilled. However, Pokémon fans expressed concern that their anime might be discontinued due to the arrival of the 'Dragon Ball' anime. KiShin reassured them that Pokémon would indeed continue.

Upon hearing this, Pokémon fans sighed in relief. Simultaneously, they were reassured that Ash's savage roasts of Misty would persist.