"I propose that the company should immediately and secretly launch the research and development project for the next generation, which is the 16-bit home console!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the conference room immediately erupted into chaos.
"A 16-bit machine? Now?!"
A conservative director with gray hair immediately expressed his opposition.
"How many resources have we invested in the 8-bit machine? The results have been minimal! Now we want to bet on an even riskier 16-bit machine? This is too reckless!"
"Yes, the company's cash flow is not abundant, and opening another front is too risky!"
Echoes of agreement rose and fell.
The sales director did not back down and raised his voice.
"Precisely because the overall situation of the 8-bit machine market is settled, we need to open up a new battlefield even more!"
"Sega possesses strong hardware research and development capabilities; this is our advantage!"
"We are fully capable of developing a 16-bit console with performance far exceeding the FC, creating a technological generation gap, and seizing the first-mover advantage!"
He skillfully guided the topic to a recent successful case.
"Don't forget, the huge success of the tetris handheld has already proven that Sega has the potential to overturn the market landscape!"
"Are handhelds and home consoles the same?"
The opposing voice immediately retorted.
"Handhelds require less investment, have shorter cycles, and cater to different user groups. The success of tetris has its unique characteristics and cannot be simply replicated in the high-investment, long-cycle development of home consoles!"
The two sides were at a stalemate, and the proposal was deadlocked.
Hayao Nakayama listened quietly throughout, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly on the table, without expressing an opinion.
He knew that forcibly pushing the 16-bit machine plan now was not the right time.
Internal resistance required more convincing "evidence" to resolve.
His gaze unconsciously drifted out the window, seemingly penetrating layers of buildings, landing on a young figure who was engrossed in a development project.
Takuya's "K" project.
If fatal fury could achieve phenomenal success in the arcade market, if it could demonstrate Sega's powerful hardware and software integration capabilities and innovative thinking to the entire industry…
That would be the most powerful weapon to persuade these old guys.
The tapping fingers stopped.
Hayao Nakayama slowly spoke, his voice deep and authoritative.
"The proposal for the 16-bit console is temporarily shelved."
He did not say yes, nor did he say no.
"Currently, the company's resources must prioritize ensuring the smooth progress and successful launch of the 'K' project."
His gaze swept across the room, carrying an undeniable decisiveness.
"The ultimate market performance of the 'K' project will be the key basis for evaluating whether we are capable, and whether we should, move towards the next generation."
These words precisely conveyed invisible pressure to every corner.
It also meant that the test for Takuya Nakayama had been elevated to a new height concerning the company's future strategic direction.
He must withstand external sniping from Nintendo.
Moreover, he must use the results of the "K" project to respond to internal doubts and prove the feasibility of his grand strategy.
Sega Headquarters, Development Group Three.
The clatter of keyboards and low discussions intertwined, and the air was filled with the anxious atmosphere characteristic of the sprint phase.
Takuya had just returned from outside and was getting water for his cup at the tea break area when he heard some whispered discussions from the adjacent Market Department.
"Namco's pac-man FC version has been confirmed to be delayed."
"Really? The Christmas slot? They just gave it up like that?"
"It's said to be Nintendo's intention; who knows what's going on?"
Takuya's action of picking up the water cup paused in mid-air.
pac-man delayed? Nintendo's intention?
Several keywords instantly connected in his mind, pointing to an incredibly clear answer.
Hiroshi Yamauchi, that old fox, had indeed made his move.
The sniping targeting the "K" project came even faster than expected.
He held his water cup and walked back to his workstation calmly, his fingertips unconsciously tapping on the desk, making a faint clicking sound.
A hint of cold amusement, barely noticeable, crept onto his lips.
Anxiety? Anger?
Neither.
Instead, it was a… sense of validated excitement.
Nintendo's apprehension precisely indicated the significance of the fatal fury project.
Since you want to suppress it, I will use your strength to make this fire burn even brighter.
He picked up the internal phone and dialed the number of the Market Department head.
"Suzuki-san, it's me, Takuya Nakayama."
"Regarding the promotion of the 'K' project, I have a new idea."
"Yes, proactive offense."
"Contact several influential magazines, game-related ones like 'Beep' and 'Login', and animation-related ones like 'NEWTYPE' and 'Animage'."
"Arrange an exclusive interview."
"No, I will not appear myself."
"Please invite Director Ooba from Tatsunoko Production, and Caruda Teacher."
A slightly surprised confirmation came from the Market Department head on the other end of the phone.
"Yes, just invite those two."
Takuya's voice was calm and resolute.
"Their influence will attract more attention than me, the producer."
"We need to show the market that Sega is serious this time, that it's cross-industry, and unprecedented."
After hanging up the phone, Takuya leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the window.
A war without smoke had already begun.
A few days later, the latest issues of "Beep" and "NEWTYPE" magazines were almost simultaneously placed in the most prominent positions in major bookstores.
The cover headlines were exceptionally striking.
"Sega's Mysterious 'K' Project Revealed! Animation Master Ooba Jutarou X Popular Manga Artist Kurumada Masami, Cross-Industry Collaboration to Create a New Era of Fighting!"
"fatal fury — The Ultimate Fusion of Game and Animation? Exclusive Interview with the Creative Team!"
Inside the magazines, there were extensive exclusive interview reports.
Ooba Jutarou spoke eloquently to the camera, detailing the massive investment in animation production and how they closely collaborated with the game development department to ensure consistent action style and visual impact.
Between the lines, Sega's immense confidence and determination for this project were revealed.
And Kurumada Masami's interview section was even more eye-catching.
He shared his mental journey of designing characters like Terry, Andy, and Joe.
"This character design was also a new challenge and breakthrough for me."
Kurumada Masami spoke sincerely to the reporter.
"Especially, I want to thank Producer Nakayama of Sega."
"Our previous discussion about the visualization of the 'essence of power' gave me great inspiration."
His eyes gleamed with excitement, seemingly unable to contain himself.
"These ideas were not only used in the character shaping of fatal fury, but also gave me a clearer direction for a new manga I am currently conceiving."
"A story based on night sky constellations, where young boys battle a goddess from mythology."
This seemingly casual revelation, like a stone dropped into a calm lake, instantly stirred up ripples among anime fans.
Kurumada Masami's new work?!
Constellations? Mythology? Battle?
It sounded exciting!
A few days later, reports from "Login" and "Animage" followed suit, with "Login," which had a wider network in Nintendo circles, even revealing some unsubstantiated news that the release date of the FC version of pac-man had been changed to "to be determined."