Revisiting Blizzard

Hoshino and Sugiura exchanged a glance.

They both knew that Nakayama Takuya's record these past few years had become increasingly impossible for headquarters in Tokyo to ignore.

With Jupiter leading in sales, plus Silicon Valley Online's epic IPO this time, Nakayama Takuya entering the core level of the board was practically a nail hammered into the board.

Privately, even, quite a few directors were already discussing the question of succession after President Nakayama Hayao retired.

"Senior Managing Director," Hoshino lowered his voice, "the president mentioned on the phone recently that once matters in the United States are wrapped up this time, he hopes you can return to Tokyo to preside over a comprehensive expanded strategy meeting."

Nakayama Takuya smiled and did not pick up that thread. "With my father holding the fort in Tokyo, I'm very reassured. My next schedule is rather tight. I'm planning to go take a look on-site at Blizzard and NVIDIA."

He stood up and fastened the buttons of his suit. "For the follow-up work after Silicon Valley Online's listing, including the account settlement with Goldman Sachs and the allocation of acquisition funds on Frank's side, I'll have to trouble the two of you to communicate more with Tom Kalinske."

"Please rest assured. We'll handle it properly." Hoshino also stood and gave his assurance.

Nakayama Takuya glanced at the street scene of Redwood City outside the window.

The wave of the Internet had only just lifted its first crest. The true tide was still to come.

"Then I'll leave it to you both," he said. "I'll be going ahead."

The next day, Nakayama Takuya appeared in Irvine.

Blizzard's office was still the same old state.

Someone was pacing in the corridor with a stack of printouts in his arms, two people in the meeting room were