Japanese companies follow a lifelong employment system, which brings another problem: promotions depend not only on merit and ability, but also on seniority.
This is called "nenkō joretsu" — seniority-based promotion.
In other words, Japanese workplaces have strict hierarchies. Unless you're someone like Kentarō—a widely known returning executive—ignoring the rules can have severe consequences.
Being nonconformist is the gravest offense.
So Tetsu could be 80% certain that, regardless of Kitagawa Takeshi's talent, he had experienced his work being appropriated by superiors.
And indeed, when the topic was brought up, Takeshi's breathing grew heavier. He tugged at his tie, loosening the collar as if to feel some relief.
"Kobayashi-kun, if you're going to mock me for this, there's no need—you've probably experienced the same, haven't you?"
Tetsu smiled, barely able to suppress his laughter.
"Look at my age. Do you think I am the one taking work from others… or the one being taken from?"
Given his family connections, he was only ever in the position to take, never to be taken from.
Takeshi fell silent instantly.
It was not something obvious at first, but Tetsu's point made him realize the situation.
Tetsu added, calmly:
"Mr. Kitagawa, your skill is excellent. Why suffer oppression from your superiors? You should shout loudly: 'My boss is nothing!' Forget your current job. Let GG Company disappear from your sight forever. Come to the Atlus Workshop. Here, no one will ever take your work. Only you can boss others around, never the other way."
Everyone despises those who abuse authority. But given the chance, anyone would want to be the one holding it.
Takeshi didn't speak, just breathed more heavily. He stood up as if to leave, but ultimately sat back down.
After repeating this a few times, he finally stood again.
"I'm sorry… I have to go. Truly, I apologize."
He took the simple business card seriously, bowed deeply, and left without saying yes or no.
Tetsu chuckled, making no attempt to stop him.
The matter was effectively settled.
Japanese personalities are complex; from Takeshi's behavior, he had already mentally leaned toward acceptance. But due to a non-existent sense of "loyalty," he couldn't easily leave GG Company.
He would likely return, and then confirm what he already knew:
—His work would still be appropriated, his rights unprotected. Then he could tell himself with justification: I didn't betray the company. The boss wronged me. I'm merely switching jobs legitimately.
Tetsu stretched lazily.
It just goes to show: positioning is everything.
It seemed the digital board in Akihabara could be bought back. A few hundred thousand yen? No problem!
Tetsu had earned over five million yen in August, spent two million on a second set of equipment, and had spent more besides.
In September, on the 25th, he made over nine million yen, including money from Kobayashi Blocks and Kobayashi Doctor. The latter was still arcade-based, so the profit was smaller, and the Tank Battle game wouldn't pay out until October.
Even so, Tetsu now had over ten million yen in his pocket.
He could easily fit a few more people into his studio.
With business settled, he could finally enjoy the school festival.
Tetsu strolled leisurely, hands in pockets, stomach filled with takoyaki, a skewer of dango, and a cup of lemonade. Just enough to feel satisfied.
Not that he was greedy—Japanese portion sizes were simply small.
He stopped at a food stand.
A few students were tasting the food, while a brown-haired girl worked alone behind a temporary counter.
Tetsu walked over, greeting her casually.
"Give me twenty orders of takoyaki—ten for here, ten to go."
Nezaki Nene looked up, momentarily stunned.
Twenty orders? For what reason?
"Just kidding," Tetsu spread his hands. "Why are you the only one working?"
She tilted her head. "They… went to get ingredients."
"What ingredients require so many people?" Tetsu asked, feigning curiosity, and stepped behind the counter.
Looking into her light-brown eyes, he said, "Need some help?"
In an instant, Nene's expression lit up.
It was rare—someone actually offering help without being asked.
While not strictly necessary, hearing the words lifted her spirits.
She smiled. "Sure, if you don't mind."
Helping meant just minor tasks like arranging dishes. Hard labor? Tetsu wasn't interested.
Occasionally, he noticed Nene glance at him with a mix of nervousness and anticipation as she carried items past him.
"Seems she really wants me to help. Of course, fatigue is self-inflicted."
Tetsu put down what he was holding and waved to her.
"Nene-san, how should I arrange this?"
"Ah…" Nene clasped her hands, showing sincere emotion.
"Complicated for someone who hasn't done this before. Just turn it inward like this."
One teaching earnestly, the other learning lazily—but pleasantly.
…
Ten minutes later, after others returned with ingredients, Tetsu excused himself, leaving with an extra serving of takoyaki as payment.
Back at the game booth, the crowd had grown. Compared to food like takoyaki or crepes, the game console was still far more fun.
Tetsu's classmate, Nakagawa, and her friends couldn't stop playing. Nakajima took notes furiously. When Tetsu approached, Nakajima looked up: "100 yen per try, or leave your name to play."
Tetsu said, "Name: Kobayashi Tetsu, Position: President, Atlus Workshop."
Nakajima looked up, polite but slightly embarrassed.
Soon he relaxed into a broad smile.
"Kobayashi-kun, amazing! These students really like the game. Look—they've written down so many names."
Tetsu glanced: over ten names, plus others who paid—over fifty high school students had tried the game. Approval rating: 94%.
"This is enough. In a few days, we'll show this to Tanaka Minoru and make him publish it!"
Nakajima nodded vigorously.
Tetsu calmly handed over his takoyaki to Nakajima.
Nakajima took a couple of bites, then spoke:
"Kobayashi-kun, shouldn't we give some to that kid?"
He meant Kozukawa. Usually aloof, now the only one excelling at the game, she was starting to fit in.
"You wouldn't understand," Tetsu said, arms crossed, a mysterious smile on his face.
If she ate now, what would happen afterward?
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