Meeting

Revolt Technology took note of the "Angler" announcement at COMDEX, and CEO Albert Chandler, learning about it from friends who attended the event, became intrigued by the advanced features of "Angler." The functions and features seemed so impressive that one couldn't help but wonder if they were exaggerated. However, given that it was IBM, there was no exaggeration...

Meanwhile, Shin had already arrived at the airport, ready to travel to the USA to meet the legendary Steve Jobs from his past life. Despite recognizing that the "Steve Jobs" in this world is a parallel figure from his previous one, and acknowledging potential differences, Shin couldn't help but think, 'Steve Jobs is Steve Jobs.' Even though, in his previous life, Steve Jobs had been fired from Apple in 1985 before returning in 1997, in this world, that event either hadn't occurred yet or might not happen at all.

Indeed, in this world, Steve Jobs also founded Apple and serves as its CEO, so the difference won't be too significant.

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A few months after the release of SKES and Gameboy, both consoles being open platforms, independent video game companies, existing for about a year, were elated. KiShin provided the video game development kit, enabling them to create their first games for SKES and Gameboy.

Companies like Kuma Games, Seebed, Shinroads, etc., stepped in to fill the void in video games for SKES and Gameboy. As KiShin only released a limited number of games for these platforms, it couldn't satisfy the market for several months. Independent game companies played a crucial role, providing quality games that resonated with players, causing Tora and Suzuki to struggle in the competitive video game industry.

Video games from independent companies, like 'Warrior of Dawn' with impressive graphics and gameplay from Kuma Games, gained popularity among players.

'Man's Eat' from Seebed, another independent video game company, featured a storyline about a man consistently devouring food from his boss's restaurant. The gameplay involved preventing the man from being caught by his boss, a concept that captured everyone's attention. For casual players, this type of video game resonated well.

Typically, casual players favored games like 'Tetris' and 'Super Mario Bros.' – all products of KiShin. However, Seebed's 'Man's Eat' stood out with its unique gameplay, appealing to casual players of all ages.

While the 'Shinroads' company drew inspiration from the name of KiShin's founder, the group of game developers were fervent fans of Shinro Suzuki. They crafted video games like 'Corny Boogie,' with a storyline revolving around a kid sent underground or to hell by a group of Yakuza possessed by demons due to his corny jokes. The snotty kid, donning a hat and constantly cracking jokes, navigated through side-scrolling levels and puzzles, capturing players' attention.

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Situated on Mariani Avenue in Cupertino, California, is Apple Headquarters. Shin, who has been in the United States for two days now, drove his rented car to the front of Apple's building. He parked the car in the expansive parking lot just in front of the building.

As he walked towards the front, Shin observed the Apple Loop Campus building. It was truly massive, prompting Shin to reflect on his KiShin main headquarters, recently purchased in Toshima ward, and still about two years away from completion. In terms of appearance, KiShin Headquarters couldn't compete with the current grandeur of the Apple Loop Campus.

The aesthetic appeal was striking, with numerous cars parked in the lot just in front of the Apple building, likely belonging to Apple's employees or executives. Several people were walking around and entering the building. Shin took out his KRS 1 Phone and dialed the number of Steve Jobs, provided by Orio Masayoshi.

The ringtone of the KRS 1 Phone echoed before being answered, and a man's voice greeted, "Hello?"

Shin smiled upon hearing it and promptly responded, "Mr. Jobs, it's me, Shinro Suzuki."

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In the Apple CEO's office, Steve Jobs heard the young man's voice. The introduction caught him slightly off guard, yet there was a hint of excitement in his reaction.

Despite Shinro Suzuki being much younger than him, that young man managed to revive the video game industry, propelling it to greater heights within just a year or two. Additionally, the companies owned by this young entrepreneur consistently generated profits despite being private. This fact truly intrigued Steve Jobs, making him wonder. One thing was certain – the young man proved to be a remarkable businessman and innovator in the video game industry, earning admiration from many.

With that, Steve Jobs smiled and remarked, "Oh, it's Mr. Suzuki. It's an honor to be called by you." He awaited a response as his KRS 1 phone sounded.

"Haha, the honor should be mine," Shin continued on the other side, saying, "I really appreciate your Apple products..."

Upon hearing that, Steve Jobs laughed and added, "I also enjoyed playing on SKES and Gameboy; my son was even fascinated with Pokémon!"

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Upon hearing Steve Jobs' flattering words, Shin couldn't help but smile wryly. From what he remembered, Steve Jobs' son should have been born in 1991, so Shin remarked with a smile, "A one-year-old liking Pokémon?"

The phone fell silent for a moment, followed by the laughter of Steve Jobs. Then, on the other end of the line, Steve Jobs said, "Hahaha, you got me."

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Steve Jobs had intended to reciprocate the compliment but was surprised that Shinro Suzuki knew his son was only a year old. Nonetheless, he continued, "Even though he's just a year old, he really liked Pokémon. When I presented a Pikachu on his birthday, he absolutely loved it..." Steve Jobs couldn't help but explain.

Steve Jobs then perceived that Shinro Suzuki appeared to believe him. Shinro Suzuki proceeded to inform him that he was actually outside the Apple Loop Campus building, near the front and the parking lot. Upon hearing this, Steve Jobs promptly stood up in his office and glanced out of the windows. However, due to the crowd and numerous cars in the parking lot, he couldn't spot Shinro Suzuki.

Upon Steve Jobs informing Shinro Suzuki that he was looking out the window, he noticed a young man with black hair waving his hand while holding a phone.

As a result, Steve Jobs spotted Shinro Suzuki approaching the building. Several people walking around couldn't help but look at Shinro Suzuki, who was waving his hand.

Following that, Steve Jobs proceeded to exit the building and welcomed Shinro Suzuki to the Apple campus. Employees observed as the CEO greeted an Asian young man entering the premises.

Subsequently, Shin and Steve Jobs walked to the CEO's office to discuss the potential partnership between KiShin and Apple.