BBS Progress

Following Director Yoshikawa's request, Nakayama Takuya streamlined the report, repackaging it into a "performance showcase" more suitable for circulation within the bureaucratic system, and then handed it over to the Public Relations Department.

The rest was no longer his concern.

A cunning old fox like Director Yoshikawa knew how to use this "stepping stone" to knock on one heavy door after another in the labyrinth of Kasumigaseki.

He then wandered off to the Computer Software Development Team.

In stark contrast to the race against time when developing email clients, the development team now resembles a bustling university clubroom.

The whiteboard was covered with messy tree diagrams and network topologies, labeled "BBS Forum Planning," "

The message mentions something like "implementation of a friend list".

Nakayama Takuya turned his attention to the BBS architecture diagram on another whiteboard.

How's the BBS progressing?

"Very smoothly!" Team Leader Nohara handed over a document, his face full of confidence. "The core posting, replying, and..."

The forum section functionality has been implemented. We are preparing to set up the first test section on the Tokyo intranet.

"Not bad." Nakayama Takuya nodded.

Having confirmed the progress of the BBS, Nakayama Takuya stepped aside and dialed Professor Yonezawa's office number.

The phone rang a few times before being answered, and Professor Yonezawa's strong, energetic voice came from the other end. "Hello?"

"Teacher, it's me, Takuya."

"You brat, you finally remembered this old man?" Professor Yonezawa's tone carried a hint of smugness. "Have you run into some unsolvable technical problem again, and need to borrow my people?"

"No way," Nakayama Takuya chuckled. "This is good news. On behalf of Sega, I'd like to donate a system to our school."

"Donate?" Professor Yonezawa scoffed. "Your company's game consoles are better suited for elementary school students. We at Tokyo Tech don't do that."

"It's not a game console," Nakayama Takuya and said, emphasizing each word, "It's a complete electronic bulletin board system, that is, a BBS."

The other end of the phone went silent instantly.

Several seconds passed before Professor Yonezawa's voice rang out again, tinged with a barely perceptible seriousness: "You said—"

Is this what I'm thinking of? A virtual space where all teachers and students can post information, discuss topics, and even chat casually online?

"Teacher, your vision is truly remarkable," Nakayama Takuya a smile. "We've got it done. I'm thinking, rather than letting it circulate in the commercial world, why not first make our school the first university in Japan to have its own BBS? That would be more befitting of our school's status in the industry."

Professor Yonezawa's breathing sounded somewhat heavy even through the telephone line.

He knew better than anyone what this meant for a university.

This is not just a tool; it is a revolutionary platform that can break down departmental barriers, stimulate intellectual exchange, and unite the entire school!

"You rascal—" Professor Yonezawa's voice was filled with complex emotions, a mixture of surprise and admiration, "You've put in the effort."

"You flatter me, teacher," Nakayama Takuya said sincerely. "This is called in-depth industry-academia-research collaboration; it's a heartfelt way of giving back to my alma mater."

"Alright, alright, stop with the act!" Professor Yonezawa said with a laugh. "I'll talk to the principal about this. You should be added to the list of distinguished alumni."

"Then thank you very much for your guidance, teacher." Takuya expressed his gratitude to Professor Yonezawa.

Professor Yonezawa's tone suddenly changed, "Stop talking the talk, when are you going to actually install it?"

"Don't worry, teacher." Nakayama Takuya smiled. "It should be about a month from now. I guarantee you'll see Tokyo Tech's first online post right here in your office."

"Okay! I'll be waiting!" Professor Yonezawa's voice was filled with eager excitement.

After hanging up the phone, Nakayama Takuya let out a soft breath, an irrepressible smile on his face.

It's done!

Section Chief Eikura from the political world, Jun Murai from the academic world, and his own mentor, Professor Yonezawa, in the field of electronic engineering.

A comprehensive network, spanning from top to bottom and covering the three dimensions of policy, academia, and technology, has quietly been laid out.

Sega's internet journey has its three most crucial pillars firmly in place!

He turned and walked back to the Computer Software Development Team, where the lively scene made him feel even better.

Nohara leader Nohara was leading several core programmers in a discussion around a whiteboard.

Those two Tokyo Tech were among them.

Nakayama Takuya walked over with a smile, clapped his hands, and attracted everyone's attention.

"Everyone, thank you for your hard work." He cleared his throat, his gaze sweeping over the young and excited faces. "I have some good news to share: our BBS has found its first 'client'."

"Clients?" Team Leader Nohara was taken aback, and the others stopped their discussion and looked over curiously. "Executive Director, aren't we not at the stage of commercial promotion yet?"

"That's right." Nakayama Takuya grinned, revealing a set of white teeth. "Two very special clients. It doesn't pay, but its name is more valuable than any money."

He paused deliberately, basking in the expectant gazes of the crowd, before revealing the answer, word by word.

Tokyo Institute of Technology!

The office fell silent for a second, then erupted in cheers even louder than when the communication problem was solved!

Wow! It's our school!

"Awesome! We're going to build a BBS at our school!"

The two Tokyo Tech students were so excited their faces turned red. Their eyes were filled with admiration and fervor as they looked at Nakayama Takuya. This was no longer just a simple job; it was about personally ushering in a new era of exchange for their alma mater!

"Team Leader Nohara," Nakayama Takuya turned to the equally excited Nohara, "Within two months, I want to see a stable, user-friendly BBS system that will drive the entire university's faculty and students crazy, officially launched at Tokyo Tech! Any questions?"

"No problem!" Team Leader Nohara straightened his back, his voice booming like a bell, "Mission accomplished!"

Seeing the team's high morale, Nakayama Takuya nodded in satisfaction.

Nakayama Takuya had just left the Computer Software Development Team and returned to his office when there was a knock on the door.

"Please come in."

The door was pushed open, and standing in the doorway was a travel-worn figure—it was Hideo Kojima, whom he hadn't seen for almost a year.

He looked thinner and his skin was darker, with the weariness of a transoceanic flight under his eyes, but his eyes were surprisingly bright, as if they held an inextinguishable fire.

"Welcome back, Coach Kojima!" Nakayama Takuya immediately stood up and greeted him with a smile.

"Executive Director." Hideo Kojima nodded, and without much small talk, placed a well-preserved black cassette case on Nakayama Takuya's desk.

"The master copy of ' The Clear and Present Danger ' is complete." His voice was a little hoarse, but every word was firm and resolute.