Next-Generation Plan?

"I propose that the company immediately and secretly launch R&D for the next generation—namely, a 16-bit home console!"

The moment he said it, the conference room erupted.

"A 16-bit console? Now?!"

A conservative director with graying hair immediately voiced his opposition.

"How many resources have we already poured into 8-bit consoles? With very little to show for it! And now we're supposed to gamble on an even riskier 16-bit machine? This is far too rash!"

"Exactly. The company's cash flow isn't exactly abundant. Opening up another front would be far too risky!"

Voices of agreement rose one after another.

The sales director refused to yield and raised his voice.

"It's precisely because the 8-bit market has already been decided that we need to open up a new battlefield!"

"Sega possesses formidable hardware R&D capabilities. That is our advantage!"

"We are fully capable of developing a 16-bit console that vastly surpasses the Famicom, creating a generational technological gap and securing a first-mover advantage!"

He deftly steered the discussion toward a recent success story.

"Don't forget—the enormous 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 thing?"

The opposition immediately fired back.

"Handhelds require less investment, have shorter development cycles, and target different users. Tetris succeeded under special circumstances; that success cannot simply be replicated in high-investment, long-cycle home-console development!"

Neither side would back down, and the proposal reached a deadlock.

Nakayama Hayao listened quietly throughout, his fingers unconsciously tapping lightly against the table. He offered no opinion.

He knew full well that the time was not yet ripe to force through a 16-bit console plan.

The internal resistance required more convincing "proof" to overcome.

His gaze drifted unconsciously toward the window, as though passing through the layers of buildings outside to settle on the young figure bent over a development project somewhere beyond.

Takuya's "K" Plan.

If Fatal Fury could achieve phenomenal success in the arcade market, if it could demonstrate Sega's formidable ability to integrate software and hardware, as well as its innovative thinking, to the entire industry...

Then it would become the most powerful weapon for persuading those old men.

His tapping fingers stopped.

Nakayama Hayao slowly spoke, his voice low and commanding.

"The proposal for a 16-bit console will be shelved for the time being."

He neither agreed nor disagreed.

"For now, the company's resources must prioritize ensuring the smooth progress and successful release of the 'K' Plan."

His gaze swept across the room, carrying an unquestionable decisiveness.

"The final market performance of the 'K' Plan will be the key basis for evaluating whether we have the capability—and whether we should—move into the next generation."

With those words, invisible pressure was delivered precisely into every corner of the room.

It also meant that Nakayama Takuya's test had risen to an entirely new level—one that concerned the company's future strategic direction.

He had to withstand Nintendo's attacks from outside.

More importantly, he had to answer the internal doubts with the results of the "K" Plan and prove that his grand strategy was viable.

Sega Headquarters, Development Team Three.

The clatter of keyboards mingled with low discussions, while the air was thick with the particular tension of a final sprint.

Takuya had just returned from outside and was filling his cup at the break area when he heard several hushed remarks coming from the marketing department next door.

"Namco's Famicom version of Pac-Man has definitely been delayed."

"Really? They're just giving up the Christmas season?"

"Apparently it was Nintendo's decision. Who knows what's going on?"

Takuya's hand froze halfway through lifting his cup.

Pac-Man delayed? At Nintendo's instruction?

Several keywords instantly linked together in his mind, pointing to an unmistakably clear answer.

That old fox Yamauchi Hiroshi had made his move after all.

The attack aimed at the "K" Plan had come even faster than expected.

Holding his cup, he calmly returned to his workstation. His fingertips unconsciously tapped against the desk, producing a faint tick-tick sound.

A trace of icy amusement crept onto his lips, almost imperceptibly.

Anxiety? Anger?

Neither.

Instead, he felt a thrill at having been proven right.

Nintendo's wariness only underscored the importance of the Fatal Fury project.

Since they wanted to suppress it, he would use their efforts to make the flames burn even brighter.

He picked up the intercom and dialed the head of marketing.

"Mr. Suzuki, it's me, Nakayama Takuya."

"I have a new idea for promoting Project 'K.'"

"Yes, we're taking the initiative."

"Contact several influential magazines—gaming publications like Beep and Login, and animation magazines like Newtype and Animage."

"Arrange an exclusive interview."

"No, I won't be appearing personally."

"Invite Director Oba from Tatsunoko, along with Mr. Masami Kurumada."

A slightly surprised voice came through the phone as the marketing director confirmed the request.

"Yes, those two."

Takuya's voice remained calm and certain.

"Their names will draw more attention than mine as the producer."

"We need the market to see that Sega is serious this time—cross-industry, unprecedented."

After hanging up, Takuya leaned back in his chair and looked out the window.

A war without smoke had already begun.

A few days later, the latest issues of Beep and Newtype appeared almost simultaneously in the most prominent spots at major bookstores.

The cover headlines were exceptionally eye-catching.

"Inside Sega's Mysterious Project 'K'! Animation Master Oba Kotaro X Popular Manga Artist Masami Kurumada—Creating a New Era of Fighting Games!"

"Fatal Fury—The Ultimate Fusion of Games and Animation? Exclusive Interview with the Creative Team!"

Inside the magazines were extensive interview features.

Oba Kotaro spoke eloquently to the camera, detailing the massive investment in animation production and the close collaboration with the game development department to ensure a unified action style and powerful visual impact.

Every word revealed Sega's immense confidence and determination in the project.

Masami Kurumada's interview section was even more attention-grabbing.

He shared his thoughts and experiences behind designing characters such as Terry, Andy, and Joe Higashi.

"These character designs were also an entirely new challenge and breakthrough for me."

Masami Kurumada spoke earnestly to the reporter.

"I especially want to thank Sega's Producer Nakayama."

"Our earlier discussions about visually expressing the 'nature of power' gave me tremendous inspiration."

Excitement gleamed in his eyes, as though he could barely contain himself.

"These ideas have not only shaped the characters in Fatal Fury, but also given me a clearer direction for a new manga I'm currently developing."

"A story inspired by the constellations of the night sky, about boys fighting for a goddess from mythology."

This seemingly casual revelation was like a stone cast into a tranquil lake, instantly sending ripples through the anime and manga fan community.

A new work by Masami Kurumada?!

Constellations? Mythology? Battles?

Just hearing that was enough to make one's blood boil!

A few days later, reports from Login and Animage followed. Login, which had particularly extensive connections within Nintendo circles, even disclosed some unconfirmed rumors that the release date for the Famicom version of Pac-Man had been changed to pending.