Stepping into Shinichi's room, his friends took a moment to admire the personalized decor before focusing on the computer setup.
"Nice computer, Shinichi," Arnold commented, "don't you use it much?"
Shinichi shrugged casually. "Not really, haven't had much need for it."
Satoshi chuckled, shaking his head. "Sounds like you're missing out on some great games!"
"Oh, right!" Arnold exclaimed, patting his backpack. "I brought those PC game CDs I mentioned, they're in my bag. Hold on..."
Before he could continue, Shinichi interjected, "I can grab them, don't worry."
Shinichi interjected, "I'll grab them."
He returned shortly with two cases in hand. "These the ones?"
Arnold and the others confirmed. The games were Diablo and CounterStrike.
"Let's get them installed!" Ryo declared, and the group eagerly inserted the CDs.
Shinichi watched curiously as CounterStrike prepared to install, but Takeshi suddenly chimed in, "Hold on, it's already here!"
Arnold and the others paused, peering at the screen. Sure enough, both CounterStrike and Diablo were already installed, along with a whole library of KiShin PC games and even a KP Software folder.
Satoshi whistled. "Wow, not just installed, but stocked full! Looks like you even have KP Software..."
Arnold's gaze shifted to Shinichi. "We thought you didn't play PC games, Shinichi. How come there's so much already on here?"
Shinichi himself seemed surprised. "No idea... Dad just gave me this computer a few weeks ago, but I haven't touched it much."
Ryo pondered. "Maybe he pre-installed some games for you then?"
The others nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it makes sense," Shinichi added thoughtfully. "I think this used to be his office computer."
Takeshi's eyes widened. "Whoa, your dad plays games at work?"
Takeshi's eyes widened. "Your dad plays games at work? Isn't that... risky?"
Shinichi chuckled. "Not really risky when you own the company."
This revelation raised eyebrows all around. "Owns a company?" Ryo asked, intrigued. "Which one?"
Shinichi shrugged. "Not sure, I never really ask. Mom just said it's a video game company."
"No wonder!" Arnold exclaimed, understanding dawning.
Takeshi grinned. "Alright, enough company talk! Let's get you schooled on PC games, Shinichi!"
The others echoed his enthusiasm, eager to share their knowledge.
Shinichi's classmates were eager to teach him the ropes of "Diablo," the new RPG game. As Arnold logged into his KP account and launched the game, Shinichi watched intently.
Arnold's character sported impressive gear, skillfully navigating dungeons and slaying monsters. Shinichi couldn't help but be drawn in, eager to try his hand at the game himself.
Soon, Shinichi created a new KP account and delved into his own adventure, immersing himself in the world of Diablo.
Shinichi became so absorbed in "Diablo" that his classmates didn't get to teach him "CounterStrike." Regardless, Shinichi was grateful for their company and about to saw them out as it was getting late.
Downstairs, Shinichi surprised them by rushing towards a man and embracing him. "Welcome home, father!" he exclaimed.
Shin's classmates recognized the man as Shinichi's father from his birthday party. Satoshi, Ryo, and Takeshi respectfully bowed, having already met him. Arnold, however, froze, staring intently at Shinichi's father.
Shin's classmates recognized the man as Shinichi's father from his birthday party. Satoshi, Ryo, and Takeshi respectfully bowed, having already met him. Arnold, however, froze, staring intently at Shinichi's father.
"How are you, Shinichi?" Shin smiled, then turned to his son's friends. "It seems you've invited some of your friends."
"Yes, Dad, they were teaching me PC games!" Shinichi replied.
Shin nodded, pleased. "Oh? In that case, why not have lunch with them?"
Shinichi was slightly surprised, then looked at his friends. Satoshi and the others about to politely decline, but Arnold unexpectedly agreed, much to their surprise.
Seeing his classmates accept the invitation, Shin smiled. They all headed to the dining room, where Shin and Mira enjoyed watching their son interact with his friends, their faces reflecting genuine happiness.
Only Arnold stood out with his unusually formal demeanor towards Shinichi's father.
After lunch, the classmates finally bid farewell, with Shinichi accompanying them out.
---
Exiting the house, Satoshi and the others glanced curiously at Arnold. "You seemed especially respectful towards Shinichi's dad, why is that?" Ryo noted.
Lost in thought, Arnold didn't respond at first. Ryo nudged him gently, repeating the question.
Startled back to the present, Arnold smiled. "Seriously, guys? Didn't you recognize him?"
Satoshi, Ryo, and Takeshi exchanged confused looks. "Recognize who? Shinichi's father, obviously," Satoshi replied.
Arnold explained that his father owned a video game magazine company. His classmates listened patiently, initially assuming he was bragging. But then, Arnold dropped a bombshell.
He revealed that Shinichi's father was none other than the owner and chairman of KiShin companies, Shinro Suzuki.
Satoshi, Ryo, and Takeshi were stunned. The news was unbelievable.
"I've seen countless pictures of him at my dad's company," Arnold assured them. "And remember Shinichi mentioning his father owned a video game company? Plus, his family name is Suzuki...it has to be him!"
The more proof Arnold provided, the more astonished they became. They couldn't believe they had been so close to a gaming legend without realizing it.