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Chapter 170: Star Ring Child
🕑 Added 2025-10-26 09:36:25 +0000 UTCThe boardroom buzzed with approval and ease, directors awaiting Hayao Nakayama’s call to adjourn. But Takuya Nakayama’s calm, clear voice cut through, drawing all eyes back. “Regarding ‘Sega Galaxy,’ I have one more proposal. I suggest forming a dedicated ‘Creative Team’ within it, tasked with leading and reviewing story creation and world-building for all major Sega IPs.”
A raspy objection came from Director Takahashi, head of arcade operations, leaning forward. “Executive Nakayama, is this necessary? Stories are just embellishments. In arcades, players want visceral thrills, instant feedback. Who’d keep feeding 100-yen coins for a story?” He gestured openly. “A dedicated team for something so intangible will inflate costs and slow development. Why not let project teams handle it?”
His view echoed many in the room—businessmen and engineers who weighed everything by cost and profit, seeing gameplay and revenue as core, stories as mere wrapping. The atmosphere tensed subtly. Takuya met Takahashi’s gaze, smiling, not offended, and pivoted to familiar ground. “Director Takahashi, you’re familiar with *Fist of the Dragon and Tiger*, right?”
Takahashi nodded, proud of the promising project. “Why is its protagonist, Ryo Sakazaki, in South Town, home of *Fatal Fury*’s Terry and Andy?” Takahashi froze, never having considered it beyond a developer’s whim. Takuya’s voice, guiding yet firm, continued. “I never planned *Fatal Fury* as a standalone story. It shares a universe with *Fist of the Dragon and Tiger*.”
Murmurs rippled through the room. Takahashi sat up straighter. Seizing the moment, Takuya unveiled his grand vision. “Sega will release more games in this shared universe. When arcade tech matures and we have enough characters, we’ll launch a definitive title: *The King of Fighters*.” He paused, letting the name sink in. “Heroes from *Fatal Fury*, *Fist of the Dragon and Tiger*, and future games will receive mysterious invitations to a global fighting tournament, tied to a shadowy organization’s conspiracy.”
Takahashi’s skepticism faded, replaced by awe at the scope. Takuya pressed on, voice brimming with conviction. “A unified, captivating world can spawn anime, manga, and countless merchandise. When it reaches North America and beyond, Hollywood will come calling. The IP’s value—and our profits—will skyrocket exponentially.”
Takahashi, speechless, shifted from cost concerns to envisioning *The King of Fighters*’ potential wealth and influence. His initial doubts seemed shortsighted. Takuya elevated his argument to a universal principle. “The Creative Team’s mission is to systematically infuse our IPs with soul and charm, laying the foundation for multidimensional, sustainable monetization.”
He scanned the room candidly. “I can’t nurture every IP alone.” Pointing to the Sunrise investment papers, he asked, “Why does *Gundam* endure as a national IP? Its stories, fleshed out across works, enriched by fan creations, sustain its vitality. I’d wager *Gundam* can thrive for decades. Among our IPs, only *Pokémon* nears that potential. The Creative Team will incubate more like it.”
His words erased all doubts. Even Hayao Nakayama’s eyes shone with pride—this was true strategic foresight, planning for decades ahead. Director Hattori, newly appointed to lead Sega Galaxy, stood with a conciliatory smile. “Executive Nakayama’s vision is inspiring. Name this vital team.”
Takuya didn’t hesitate. “Star Ring Child. ‘Star Ring’ echoes ‘Sega Galaxy,’ each IP a shining star. ‘Child’ reflects creators’ childlike passion and purity—essential for stories that touch hearts.” The meeting ended on this hopeful note.
