One week later.
Tokyo, Sega Headquarters.
The heavy wooden door to the Managing Director's Office was knocked on softly, the sound carrying a hint of caution.
"Come in." Nakayama Takuya did not look up. Holding a warm latte, he continued reading a North American market research report on his desk.
The door opened, and Mitsui Chuta walked in.
He clutched a thick document envelope in his hand, his face filled with unconcealed exhaustion. He had none of last week's high spirits, when he had seemed to command the world with a sweep of his hand.
"Managing Director Nakayama." Mitsui Chuta walked to the desk, bowed deeply, and respectfully offered the document envelope with both hands. "This is the draft merger letter of intent rushed out by Bandai Legal Department and the Finance Department."
Nakayama Takuya set down the report, took the envelope, unhurriedly untied the cotton string wrapped around it, and pulled out the thick stack of papers inside.
He did not speak at once. He merely flipped through them quickly.
The rustle of turning pages was especially distinct in the quiet office, every sound seeming to tread upon Mitsui Chuta's taut nerves.
Mitsui Chuta stood where he was, his hands hanging properly at his sides while his thumbs uneasily rubbed against the seams of his trousers.
Nakayama Takuya soon finished reading. He casually tossed the draft onto the desk, where it landed with a soft sound.
"So it could be done after all." Nakayama Takuya leaned back in his leather chair, fingers interlaced, smiling at Mitsui Chuta. His tone was as relaxed as if they were discussing household matters. "Looks like Yamashina Makoto was truly driven into a corner this time. He is even willing to hand over complete actual control of the overseas channels. And Bandai's conservatives—the ones