Protecting Daigo Umehara
"Will doing this work?" After a long silence, Masao Umehara spoke, his voice somewhat hoarse.
He lived a life of strict adherence to rules and regulations. In his view, the media was like clouds in the sky—something you could only watch but never touch, let alone fight against.
"Mr. Umehara," Yamamoto smiled, a smile radiating strong confidence, "They are the media; they need news."
But we are Sega. We can generate news ourselves and determine whether many media outlets get firsthand scoops. Moreover, Sega spends a significant amount of money on GG advertising across various media outlets every year. The media management has to carefully consider the pros and cons. They will make the right choice themselves—the sales of a single report versus their long-term partnership with Sega.
These words, spoken calmly and deliberately, carried immense weight.
Masao Umehara fell completely silent.
Looking at the young man named Yamamoto in front of him, he seemed to be seeing a world he had never experienced before, a world where strength and rules mattered.
"Furthermore," Yamamoto added, "We are concerned that Daigo might be affected at school. If any problems arise, whether it's bullying from classmates or misunderstanding from teachers, please be sure to contact us. Sega can intervene with the school administration, and even, if needed, we can help contact the best private schools in Tokyo and provide full sponsorship."
"Hiss—" Sato gasped, whispering to Mrs. Umehara, "Auntie, this—this treatment is even better than that of a professional baseball player!"
Masao Umehara finally raised his hand, picked up the lawyer's letter, and then slowly put it down.
He stood up, walked to the cabinet, took out a brand new teacup, and poured tea for Yamamoto and Tanaka.
This action carries more weight than any words.
"Alright." Masao Umehara sat back down, picked up his teacup, and said, "We'll do as you say."
He paused, then looked at Sato: "Sato. Sato, I'll be troubling you more with the communication in the future."
11
"No problem! Leave it to me!" Sato patted his chest, his face flushed red, feeling as if he had participated in something of paramount importance.
After the matter was settled, Yamamoto and Tanaka exchanged a few more polite words before getting up to take their leave.
After seeing the guests off, Masao Umehara stood alone in the living room for a long time.
He went into the bedroom, took out the championship certificate and the one million Japanese yen check next to it from the safe, and looked at them for a while.
It seems that investing Daigo's future in Sega's games is a good idea.
It was evening when Yamamoto and Tanaka returned to Sega Headquarters.
The two men didn't even drink a sip of water before knocking on the door of the Managing Director's Office.
"Come in."
Nakayama Takuya was leaning back in his chair, fiddling with a Sonic figure that hadn't been released yet.
Seeing the two enter, he gestured with his chin, indicating that they should sit down.
"So, did you meet Daigo Umehara's parents? You weren't kicked out as a fraud, were you?"
Yamamoto cleared his throat, his expression even more serious than when he arrived.
He placed his briefcase on his lap and sat upright.
"Special Secretary Nakayama, the situation is completely different from what we expected."
He recounted in detail his visit to the Umehara Family, especially the "three rules" set by the father, Masao Umehara.
When he heard the words, "My son, Masao Umehara, cannot be a blind man who can't even understand a contract," Nakayama Takuya stopped playing with his figurine.
He nodded and said, "It seems Daigo Umehara has a good father." Nakayama Takuya placed the figure on the table, leaned forward, and looked at him with approval.
"Studies can't be neglected, gaming time is limited, and prize money is held in trust—listen to this! What ordinary parent would think of this? This is far more reliable than those parents in the idol industry who treat their children as money-making tools. This is practically a model for nurturing young professional gamers!"
He looked at Yamamoto: "You just said that Mr. Sato described Mr. Umehara as even more difficult to deal with than the final boss?"
Yamamoto nodded.
"I think this isn't about being difficult; it's about having a clear understanding of things." Nakayama Takuya tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table. "We're still worried about our children being spoiled, about parents being short-sighted and greedy, but this father has already paved the way. We corporate executives seem petty in comparison to this father."
He stood up and paced around the office.
"All the plans we've prepared—public relations, legal aid—will proceed as scheduled, and with even greater effort!"
Nakayama Takuya turned around, his eyes sharp and piercing.
"To the Public Relations Department, not only should the article be released, but they should also be instructed to focus on family education. Include Mr. Umehara's 'Three Rules'! Also, compare successful high school idols with examples of high school graduates who directly become employees or athletes. We need to tell the whole society that esports is not a monster; a good family is the fertile ground for cultivating champions. This is more effective than a thousand self-praises!"
"Yes!" Yamamoto replied immediately, feeling a sense of relief.
"And another thing," Nakayama Takuya added, "Send the lawyer's letter from the Legal Department! Not only send it, but make a big fuss about it! Let those gossip magazines know that this kid is now someone Sega is protecting. If they want to use an eleven-year-old to gain attention, they'll have to ask Sega's legal team for permission first!"
His words resonated deeply, stirring the passions of Yamamoto and Tanaka.
"Furthermore," Nakayama Takuya sat back down in his chair, a playful smile playing on his lips, "Send a gift to the Umehara Family. Don't send those tacky sake and sweets; send them a set of the finest study desk and chair, along with a complete encyclopedia. In my own name."
He paused, looking at his two subordinates.
"Tell Mr. Umehara that Sega supports not only a gaming champion, but also a cultured future star who won't be tainted by bad influences. I don't know if his son can understand the contract, but I hope his first professional contract will be with Sega."
Yamamoto and Tanaka exchanged a glance, both seeing deep respect in each other's eyes.
Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!
This move not only completely dispelled all of the Umehara Family's concerns, but also elevated Sega's image from that of a simple game company to that of a visionary and responsible talent scout.
"Go ahead and take care of it." Nakayama Takuya waved his hand. "I don't want to see our Tokyo champions distracted by these off-field issues at the Budokan's national tournament."
The two men accepted the order and left, and the office fell silent once more.
Nakayama Takuya picked up the file about Daigo Umehara on the table and looked at the expressionless little boy in the photo.
On screen, he's a ruthless Beast, but in reality, he's a model student strictly disciplined by his father.
"Ha, this is much more interesting than any game script."
77
Produce