Chapter Summaries

Key plot points and events

• A gaming magazine previews the GP2’s launch lineup: four-player Tetris, technically impressive Plants vs. Zombies, crossover party game Sega All-Stars, a Pokémon action-puzzle spin-off, and Ace Attorney. Kenta is persuaded that the range suits both quick and longer play sessions.
• Kenta and two classmates preorder the blue-and-white GP2 at Yamada’s shop. Yamada records their orders and learns Sega will soon install demo stations in prime store locations, distribute large quantities of promotional leaflets, and reward compliance with extra console stock.
• Sega’s marketing push becomes highly visible across Akihabara, building anticipation two months before launch.
• On release day for the new Pokémon virtual pets, Kenta buys a Mudkip device and his friend buys Torchic. The devices sell out rapidly amid excitement around the new anime and third-generation Pokémon.
• They discover that the virtual pets can transfer their Pokémon into the upcoming GP2 games, Ruby/Sapphire. The feature recalls the original Game Pocket’s memorable transfer mechanic and convinces a nearby office worker—who had been undecided about buying a GP2—to get one at launch.
• The shop announces that GP2 demo stations and a Ruby/Sapphire demo, including double battles, will arrive the following Tuesday. Meanwhile, retailers struggle to replenish virtual-pet stock as demand overwhelms supply.

Character developments and interactions

• Kenta moves from interested reader to committed GP2 buyer, then becomes excited about the Pokémon transfer feature, which connects the new launch to his childhood memories.
• Kenta’s classmates share his enthusiasm: both preorder consoles, and his chubby friend eagerly explains the potential value of transferring a trained Pokémon into the new games.
• Yamada, initially managing ordinary preorders, becomes an active participant in Sega’s retail campaign, rearranging his shop to secure more launch stock.
• The office worker shifts from uncertainty to determination after learning his Treecko can transfer to the GP2.
• Players, shop staff, and Sega’s representative interact amid mounting demand: customers crowd the store, the manager struggles to serve them, and retailers press distributors for stock.

Significant themes

• Marketing and platform momentum: Sega coordinates magazine coverage, retail displays, demos, leaflets, and product launches to dominate attention.
• Nostalgia paired with innovation: The transfer feature revives a beloved childhood experience while giving players a new reason to buy the next console.
• Connected entertainment: Pokémon’s anime, virtual pets, and games reinforce one another, turning a small toy into part of a larger game-world experience.
• Scarcity and hype: Sold-out products, packed queues, and strained supply show how anticipation can transform a launch into a market-wide frenzy.

Nakayama Takuya inspected Sega Joypolis and directed Ueda to improve the park’s rides, food, merchandise, and customer experience. He left Ueda with plans to turn an underused area into an IP-themed tavern and tabletop gaming venue for Yu-Gi-Oh! and other games.

• Kenta and Fatty discussed Pokéwalker feeding mechanics and planned how to train their Pokémon for GP2.
• Nakayama Takuya visited Sega Joypolis, where Ueda reported that attendance had risen after Gundam and Kamen Rider attractions were added.
• Nakayama Takuya told Ueda to keep limited-edition badges scarce, improve equipment maintenance and staff service, and treat the merchandise store as a key source of revenue.
• After criticizing the park’s overpriced, slow, and mediocre meals, Nakayama Takuya ordered Ueda to streamline food preparation and add Pokémon- and Sonic-themed dishes and tableware.
• Nakayama Takuya proposed replacing old claw machines with a medieval tavern, drink bar, and tabletop gaming area that would promote Yu-Gi-Oh! cards and use playful penalties to build excitement.

Nakayama Takuya approved Takashima’s $15 million plan to relaunch Dragon Ball Z in North America, pairing fast-paced broadcasts with toys and a separate home-video strategy for the earlier episodes. He directed Takashima to pursue licensing and distribution through existing video retailers, then pointed him toward Sega Galaxy for help.

• Nakayama Takuya told Ueda to propose a Bandai flagship store beside Joypolis that would link the amusement park’s visitors to merchandise sales.
• Takashima submitted a revised $15 million proposal built around airing Dragon Ball Z on Cartoon Network and selling toys made from existing molds.
• Takashima and Mitsui Chuta argued that North American fans favored combat, so the project would skip Dragon Ball’s slow early episodes and begin with Dragon Ball Z.
• Nakayama Takuya approved the proposal and instructed Takashima to distribute the earlier Dragon Ball episodes on VHS and VCD through Blockbuster, Walmart, and Target.
• Nakayama Takuya told Takashima to investigate Funimation’s rights, pursue a complete new dub and release, and seek Sega Galaxy’s help with home-video distribution.

Nakayama Takuya discussed expanding Dragon Ball Z in North America before meeting Toei’s Yoshimura at an NHK forum, where Yoshimura proposed reviving Saint Seiya. Nakayama challenged Toei over the anime’s abrupt ending and began explaining why the Hades Chapter had stalled.

• Nakayama Takuya ordered Takashima to use Sega Galaxy’s North American contacts to plan Dragon Ball Z videocassette releases, building on a strategy of TV broadcasts, toys, and VHS rentals.
• At an NHK Research Institute Forum in mid-March, Nakayama Takuya met Toei Animation managing director Yoshimura and discussed the companies’ anime and merchandise businesses.
• Yoshimura proposed that Sega, Bandai, and Toei collaborate on a Saint Seiya remake or sequel, with Masami Kurumada returning to the franchise.
• Nakayama Takuya questioned Toei’s account of why the Saint Seiya anime ended after the Poseidon Chapter in 1989 and accused the studio of rushing its conclusion after deciding to stop production.
• Nakayama Takuya argued that the Hades Chapter’s long shelving had several causes, including declining manga popularity and exhausted production staff, then began identifying tensions between Masami Kurumada and Shueisha as the central factor.