Matsushima snapped the folder shut, his palm already slick with cold sweat.
Sega was flexing its muscles—and muscles on the level of a dimensionality-reduction strike.
This report was plainly telling Sotsu: Sega lacked neither money nor top-tier IPs that could rake in profits, much less the myriad channels for monetizing them.
Acquiring Sotsu was not because Sega could not do without them. It was Sega showing them mercy, offering them a ticket aboard the ship to a new era.
"Director Hattori." Matsushima's voice was dry as sandpaper scraping together. "Sega's plans truly are... eye-opening. Today, I have broadened my horizons."
"The shareholders of Sotsu are all getting on in years." Director Hattori struck at the heart of the matter. "Why keep guarding your current little patch and nervously watching other people's faces? You might as well merge directly into Sega Galaxy. None of you will lose a single bit of your compensation, and the resources in your hands can be put to work on Sega's global platform. Sega needs you to run production committees and deal with television stations. You will no longer be middlemen who can be kicked aside at any moment, but part of the house."
Matsushima remained silent for a long while—so long that the shishi-odoshi in the courtyard gave another crisp clack.
He lifted the cup of sake before him, already cold, tipped back his head, and drained it in one gulp.
"Director Hattori, may I take these materials back for the other directors to review?"
Director Hattori nodded in satisfaction, revealing a warm smile.
"Of course. Sega has more than enough patience to wait for your good news."
The purpose of this drinking party had been perfectly achieved.
The next morning.
Sega Headquarters, Managing Director's Office. Sunlight streamed through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and spilled