Private Don't Read Chapter 6: tycoon, a zombie prom fanfic

As KiShin distinguishes itself from other ventures, delving into industries such as video games and film, the spotlight particularly shone on its recent success with 'Jurassic Park.'

During a Warner Bros. conference meeting, CEO Frank Wilson, who initially underestimated KiShin Pictures, now found himself embarrassed in front of the executives due to the ongoing triumph of 'Jurassic Park.'

Witnessing the staggering success of 'Jurassic Park,' even the executives couldn't believe that the relatively new entrant, KiShin Pictures, managed to rake in half a billion at the US box office and achieved global success.

Sitting at the helm, Frank Wilson chuckled, cautioning, "Don't be overly intimidated by KiShin Pictures. They might have struck gold with their first film, but I assure you, they won't stand up to us. Unlike them, we release multiple movies annually. Their 'Jurassic Park' is not something to boast about." Frank Wilson, sounding somewhat reluctant, added, "And let's not forget, with franchises like 'Batman,' 'Looney Tunes,' 'Superman,' and 'Lethal Weapon,' we have a track record of consistent commercial success that surpasses KiShin Pictures and their 'Jurassic Park.'"

Upon hearing this, the executives nodded in agreement. One of them remarked, "Indeed... Moreover, whether KiShin Pictures can establish another film franchise remains uncertain."

In consensus, everyone nodded, and another executive added, "Hehe, I believe KiShin Pictures might just rely on 'Jurassic Park' for a few years."

However, a dissenting voice emerged, "I disagree. KiShin Pictures' parent company, KiShin Electronics, possesses numerous intellectual properties like 'Super Mario Bros.,' 'The Legend of Zelda,' and 'Pokémon,' among others."

As this information sank in, the executives and CEO Frank Wilson fell into a momentary silence. Frank Wilson shook his head, expressing his doubt, "I don't think KiShin Pictures will leverage their IPs in films. There's a chance, but one misstep with a poorly made movie based on their video game IPs could negatively impact the sales of their video games."

The executives collectively nodded in agreement upon hearing the statement. One executive chimed in, "True, but KiShin is under the control of a young man, essentially just a kid. He has the freedom to pursue unconventional ideas." Pausing, he continued, "However, Shinro Suzuki should exercise some sanity, especially in the realm of films. While the concept of adapting video games to films is intriguing, it carries the risk of turning into a tragic endeavor."

While some executives nodded in concurrence, others still harbored reservations.

Meanwhile, Universal Studio remained unperturbed by KiShin Pictures' 'Jurassic Park.' With a plethora of equally renowned franchises such as 'Extra-Terrestrial' or 'E.T.,' 'Jaws,' 'Back to the Future,' 'The Terminator,' and more, most of their franchises, akin to KiShin Pictures' 'Jurassic Park,' revolved around science and technology.

By mid-October, 'Jurassic Park' had achieved global fame, especially in the United States. Capitalizing on this, KiShin Pictures collaborated with McDonald's to distribute mini 'Jurassic Park' toys and a special 'Jurassic Park' food edition, quickly becoming a sensation among Americans.

The iconic Alan Grant hats gained popularity as 'Jurassic Park' merchandise became a trend among the populace.

Buoyed by the franchise's success, Shin embarked on the ambitious project of creating a real-life 'Jurassic Park'—intended to be KiShin Pictures' flagship attraction, akin to 'Disney Land' from 'Walt Disney Pictures.'

However, Shin was not content with relying solely on 'Jurassic Park.' Being opportunistic and possessing knowledge of the future, he recognized both similarities and significant differences between this world and his previous one.

While SKES and Gameboy had established themselves in the video games market for several months, they were still unavailable in Europe.

Contrary to popular belief, SKES and Gameboy had not yet seen a global release. Thanks to KiShin's robust connections with retail distributors in North America and Asia, an early release in these regions became possible. However, countries like Brazil, Australia, and the United Kingdom continued to rely on KES and 8-bit video games.

This discrepancy was attributed to stricter regulatory hurdles and regulations on video games in these countries, causing delays in the SKES release. Additionally, marketing considerations prompted KiShin to deliberately prolong the release in these regions, fostering excitement and anticipation among local video game enthusiasts.

Presently, KiShin's video game enthusiasts in the United Kingdom are limited to watching 'Jurassic Park' produced by KiShin Pictures.

The delay in releasing SKES and Gameboy in the United Kingdom has frustrated fans to the brink of madness. Some have gone to the extent of traveling abroad, particularly to the USA, to purchase these gaming consoles.

Despite the high cost, they deemed it a worthy investment, mirroring the actions of video game enthusiasts from other countries.

However, KiShin was actively engaged in negotiations with retail distributors in the United Kingdom to bring SKES and Gameboy to the market.

In the case of Australia, KiShin had to modify the SKES to comply with safety standards. In Brazil, where the country was grappling with a recession, selling the relatively expensive SKES and Gameboy posed challenges for KiShin in securing distributors.

Hence, although KiShin video games gained recognition, it was limited to specific countries. Even in Asia, where some could afford it, there remained a sizable population unable to do so. Consequently, some resorted to pirated video game consoles and games.

In response, on October 28, 1992, KiShin Electronics decided to significantly slash the prices of KES and video games, despite having already reduced them. This move prompted a surge in SKES and video game purchases, further contributing to the decline of Tora and Suzuki video game consoles and sales.

This strategic pricing maneuver continued to tighten KiShin's grip on the video game industry. Adding to the pressure, on November 1, 1992, news of the Tora and Suzuki partnership surfaced in Japan, capturing widespread attention.

The partnership between these two conglomerates for video game innovation truly astonished many. It was hard for people to believe that KiShin, a company worth less than both conglomerates individually, could compel them to join forces and unite against it in the video game industry.

The partnership between Tora and Suzuki caught the attention of KiShin executives. While some had mixed reactions, Shin, indifferent to opinions, prioritizes a meeting with Mira before heading to North America to meet Steve Jobs.

Shin has also tasked Orio Masayoshi with managing negotiations between Apple shareholders interested in selling their shares to KiShin. The allure of KiShin acquiring shares at a slightly higher price than the stock exchange value is enticing, especially given Microsoft's growing dominance in operating systems, causing Apple's stock price to plummet.

Outside KiShin's building in the parking lot, Shin strolled toward his Porsche 959, entered the car, and drove off. As his car glided onto the road, numerous onlookers couldn't help but admire its exterior.

Smiling, Shin headed to the Mejiro neighborhood in Toshima Ward, home to Gakushuin University where Mira is currently studying. When Shin's opulent car graced the university entrance, the surroundings were already buzzing with activity. Observers couldn't hide their curiosity at the sight of the luxurious vehicle.

Unfazed, Shin stepped out of the car to find Mira. Spotting her waving from a distance, he smiled, approached her, and took her hand. Amid the glances from onlookers, Shin couldn't ignore the subtle disdain in their expressions. It seemed they assumed Mira, with her bulging stomach, was involved with a wealthy man.

A woman wearing thick makeup and red lipstick snorted, remarking to her friend, "Look, someone's already secured a future."

Her friend nodded and shared her opinion. Some people quietly discussed among themselves, aware that Shin and Mira were still present. They maintained a subtle and silent tone, considerate enough not to let Shin and Mira overhear their conversation, making it seem like a private exchange.

Sensing the crowd's judgment, Shin furrowed his brows and remarked, "I told you that you could study at home. Now many people will think poorly of you."

Mira smiled kindly and responded, "Come on, we already discussed this. Besides, why should you care about others' opinions anyway?"

Shin felt helpless as he sighed. Holding Mira's hand, he walked to the Porsche 959 and simply said, "I just care for you."

Mira chuckled as they entered the car, "Don't worry about me. Besides, you still have a business to attend to..." She paused, noticing a newspaper on the side of the seat. Picking it up, she read the contents and saw a photo of the Chairman of Suzuki Group and Tora Corporation Chairman shaking hands, accompanied by the headline: "Suzuki Group and Tora Corporation, the two largest conglomerates, join forces in video game innovation!!!"

The article then elaborates on the collaboration between Tora and Suzuki, featuring a reporter's question to Chairman Asahi of Tora Corporation: "By joining forces in video game innovation with Suzuki Group, are you confident that the two companies can surpass KiShin in terms of video game console performance and game creation?" Mira furrowed her brows upon reading this.

Chairman Asahi's response caught her attention: "We possess extensive research capabilities, making video game console performance a non-issue. In terms of electronics, Tora and Suzuki have more expertise than KiShin Electronics. We only lag behind KiShin in video game creativity. However, through the joint partnership, the creative teams of both companies will collaborate, and you can expect our companies to produce exceptionally well-made video games. That's all I can say."

As Mira read this, she glanced at Shin, who was currently driving the car. She asked, "The partnership between Tora and Suzuki seems quite alarming. Aren't you worried?"

Shin chuckled while steering the wheel, "Why would I be worried?" He paused, glancing slightly at Mira, and continued, "After all, in terms of electronics and video game advancement, we already have a clear plan laid out in our portfolio. Besides, Tora and Suzuki are unaware that KiShin is on the verge of venturing into computers for now." With the developments of the 32-bit era that KiShin is preparing, it marks the beginning of the 32-bit era, 64-bit era, and 3D era. That's why Shin has already initiated the development of a Game Engine.

Mira gazed at the confident Shin and smiled; perhaps this is why she liked Shin so much—his confidence and commitment to his words.

Meanwhile, on November 9, 1992, in the USA, Las Vegas, Nevada, at Comdex, IBM left many attendees bewildered. Why? They unveiled a product called "Angler," an 8.5 inches high, 2.75 inches wide, and 1.75 inches thick device. The person introducing the device explained its features to a media reporter covering the advanced technological gadget.

As the people were bewildered, their curiosity and interest grew as they examined the "Angler" device. The presenter demonstrated its touchscreen capabilities, interacting with the screen using a stylus. Not only was it a cellular phone capable of making calls and sending messages, but it also featured a calendar and more.

"Angler" doubled as a handheld fax machine, allowing users to send and receive faxes. Despite its multifunctionality, IBM acknowledged that it was merely a prototype and not the finalized product.

The people felt a sense of regret; had they known the price and if it were affordable, they would have eagerly embraced such a device. Simultaneously, they acknowledged that its size surpassed that of the KRS 1 phone, making it less pocket-friendly. However, the functions of the "Angler" alone were compelling enough to pique their interest.

Meanwhile, IBM, having observed the games list on the KRS 1 phone, decided to incorporate a list of games into their finished product, the Simon Personal Communicator. The research for the Simon Personal Communicator accelerated, thanks to the involvement of a Japanese company named Mitsubishi as the hardware manufacturer.

Japanese companies, known for their prowess in electronics, demonstrated their capabilities at COMDEX. Suzuki Electronics, for instance, showcased their latest electronic products, including televisions and speakers.

Revolt Technology took note of the "Angler" announcement at COMDEX, and CEO Albert Chandler, learning about it from friends who attended the event, became intrigued by the advanced features of "Angler." The functions and features seemed so impressive that one couldn't help but wonder if they were exaggerated. However, given that it was IBM, there was no exaggeration...

Meanwhile, Shin had already arrived at the airport, ready to travel to the USA to meet the legendary Steve Jobs from his past life. Despite recognizing that the "Steve Jobs" in this world is a parallel figure from his previous one, and acknowledging potential differences, Shin couldn't help but think, 'Steve Jobs is Steve Jobs.' Even though, in his previous life, Steve Jobs had been fired from Apple in 1985 before returning in 1997, in this world, that event either hadn't occurred yet or might not happen at all.

Indeed, in this world, Steve Jobs also founded Apple and serves as its CEO, so the difference won't be too significant.

A few months after the release of SKES and Gameboy, both consoles being open platforms, independent video game companies, existing for about a year, were elated. KiShin provided the video game development kit, enabling them to create their first games for SKES and Gameboy.

Companies like Kuma Games, Seebed, Shinroads, etc., stepped in to fill the void in video games for SKES and Gameboy. As KiShin only released a limited number of games for these platforms, it couldn't satisfy the market for several months. Independent game companies played a crucial role, providing quality games that resonated with players, causing Tora and Suzuki to struggle in the competitive video game industry.

Video games from independent companies, like 'Warrior of Dawn' with impressive graphics and gameplay from Kuma Games, gained popularity among players.

'Man's Eat' from Seebed, another independent video game company, featured a storyline about a man consistently devouring food from his boss's restaurant. The gameplay involved preventing the man from being caught by his boss, a concept that captured everyone's attention. For casual players, this type of video game resonated well.

Typically, casual players favored games like 'Tetris' and 'Super Mario Bros.' – all products of KiShin. However, Seebed's 'Man's Eat' stood out with its unique gameplay, appealing to casual players of all ages.

While the 'Shinroads' company drew inspiration from the name of KiShin's founder, the group of game developers were fervent fans of Shinro Suzuki. They crafted video games like 'Corny Boogie,' with a storyline revolving around a kid sent underground or to hell by a group of Yakuza possessed by demons due to his corny jokes. The snotty kid, donning a hat and constantly cracking jokes, navigated through side-scrolling levels and puzzles, capturing players' attention.

Situated on Mariani Avenue in Cupertino, California, is Apple Headquarters. Shin, who has been in the United States for two days now, drove his rented car to the front of Apple's building. He parked the car in the expansive parking lot just in front of the building.

As he walked towards the front, Shin observed the Apple Loop Campus building. It was truly massive, prompting Shin to reflect on his KiShin main headquarters, recently purchased in Toshima ward, and still about two years away from completion. In terms of appearance, KiShin Headquarters couldn't compete with the current grandeur of the Apple Loop Campus.

The aesthetic appeal was striking, with numerous cars parked in the lot just in front of the Apple building, likely belonging to Apple's employees or executives. Several people were walking around and entering the building. Shin took out his KRS 1 Phone and dialed the number of Steve Jobs, provided by Orio Masayoshi.

The ringtone of the KRS 1 Phone echoed before being answered, and a man's voice greeted, "Hello?"

Shin smiled upon hearing it and promptly responded, "Mr. Jobs, it's me, Shinro Suzuki."

In the Apple CEO's office, Steve Jobs heard the young man's voice. The introduction caught him slightly off guard, yet there was a hint of excitement in his reaction.

Despite Shinro Suzuki being much younger than him, that young man managed to revive the video game industry, propelling it to greater heights within just a year or two. Additionally, the companies owned by this young entrepreneur consistently generated profits despite being private. This fact truly intrigued Steve Jobs, making him wonder. One thing was certain – the young man proved to be a remarkable businessman and innovator in the video game industry, earning admiration from many.

With that, Steve Jobs smiled and remarked, "Oh, it's Mr. Suzuki. It's an honor to be called by you." He awaited a response as his KRS 1 phone sounded.

"Haha, the honor should be mine," Shin continued on the other side, saying, "I really appreciate your Apple products..."

Upon hearing that, Steve Jobs laughed and added, "I also enjoyed playing on SKES and Gameboy; my son was even fascinated with Pokémon!"

Upon hearing Steve Jobs' flattering words, Shin couldn't help but smile wryly. From what he remembered, Steve Jobs' son should have been born in 1991, so Shin remarked with a smile, "A one-year-old liking Pokémon?"

The phone fell silent for a moment, followed by the laughter of Steve Jobs. Then, on the other end of the line, Steve Jobs said, "Hahaha, you got me."

Steve Jobs had intended to reciprocate the compliment but was surprised that Shinro Suzuki knew his son was only a year old. Nonetheless, he continued, "Even though he's just a year old, he really liked Pokémon. When I presented a Pikachu on his birthday, he absolutely loved it..." Steve Jobs couldn't help but explain.

Steve Jobs then perceived that Shinro Suzuki appeared to believe him. Shinro Suzuki proceeded to inform him that he was actually outside the Apple Loop Campus building, near the front and the parking lot. Upon hearing this, Steve Jobs promptly stood up in his office and glanced out of the windows. However, due to the crowd and numerous cars in the parking lot, he couldn't spot Shinro Suzuki.

Upon Steve Jobs informing Shinro Suzuki that he was looking out the window, he noticed a young man with black hair waving his hand while holding a phone.

As a result, Steve Jobs spotted Shinro Suzuki approaching the building. Several people walking around couldn't help but look at Shinro Suzuki, who was waving his hand.

Following that, Steve Jobs proceeded to exit the building and welcomed Shinro Suzuki to the Apple campus. Employees observed as the CEO greeted an Asian young man entering the premises.

Subsequently, Shin and Steve Jobs walked to the CEO's office to discuss the potential partnership between KiShin and Apple.

In the CEO's office at Apple, Steve Jobs and Shin discussed the potential partnership between KiShin and Apple.

After a while, Steve Jobs asked Shin, "Why do you want to partner with our company?" He paused and continued, "KiShin is clearly focused on video game consoles and games, whereas Apple is more focused on computers, software, and operating systems. We're centered on different aspects, and I don't see why KiShin would assist us in competing with Microsoft in the operating system realm."

Shin smiled as he sipped the black coffee Steve Jobs had provided. Honestly, he didn't like black coffee, but since Steve Jobs appeared to be a minimalist, Shin refrained from complaining. He then said, "Although KiShin and Apple specialize in different areas, they share similarities..." He paused, observing the furrowed brows of Steve Jobs, and continued, "For instance, Apple's QuickDraw development; I believe it would be crucial for the programs KiShin is developing. QuickDraw, being a graphics API, has been immensely helpful for our KiShin employees in video game creation. Yes, we used Apple's Macintosh for game development... There are various reasons, but in essence, the video game and computer software industries are interconnected, as video games wouldn't be possible without them," Shin explained in a series of words.

Steve Jobs nodded in agreement with what Shin had said, "I can see that. The proposal from KiShin involving 2D games, text-based games, and joint research on computers, GPU, and QuickDraw— in terms of research, KiShin would likely benefit the most. In my opinion, your company doesn't have much expertise in computer, software, and GPU development. KiShin might not contribute much to the joint research, and that's why I am hesitant about whether to agree or not."

Shin nodded in understanding and replied, "Certainly, KiShin wouldn't be the sole beneficiary. Apple would also gain from the joint research with KiShin." Shin smiled, noticing the confusion on Steve Jobs' face, as if prompting him to continue. Shin added, "I can inform you that KiShin has expertise in CPU and GPU technologies. Though we're still catching up with established companies in these fields, we do possess some expertise."

Steve Jobs was quite astonished when he heard that and remarked, "KiShin is developing its own CPU and GPU?" Seeing Shin nod, Steve Jobs couldn't help but chuckle as he continued, "Don't tell me KiShin is planning to enter the computer industry?" Though he said this in a light tone, he was actually quite vigilant. After all, if KiShin intended to partner with Apple, they might seek Apple's expertise in these computer technologies to enhance their own capabilities and potentially enter the computer industry.

Steve Jobs' vigilance wasn't unfounded. Given that KiShin was expanding into industries beyond video games, it would be reasonable to suspect that they might genuinely aim to enter the computer industry using the knowledge gained through collaboration with Apple. In Steve Jobs' view, KiShin seemed to be leveraging proposals related to video games and ideas for a partnership with Apple as a means to engage in joint research and acquire crucial expertise.

Although Shin appeared to be sipping the black coffee, he was secretly observing Steve Jobs' expression. He noticed Steve Jobs' eyes briefly turning vigilant before returning to normal.

With a smile, Shin said, "Entering the computer industry was indeed tempting, but no, KiShin isn't planning to compete in the computer industry. We're planning to compete in..." Shin paused and continued, "the processor market."

Steve Jobs felt a bit relieved upon hearing that Shin didn't plan to enter the computer industry, which Apple currently focuses its business on. However, he wasn't entirely sure whether to trust KiShin. The proof of KiShin's developments in CPU and GPU technologies was uncertain. Moreover, CPU research was time-consuming and expensive, requiring a team of engineers, scientists, and access to manufacturing facilities. Even for Apple, developing their own CPU was inconvenient, leading Steve Jobs to doubt whether Shinro Suzuki was telling the truth.

Sensing Steve Jobs' lingering skepticism, Shin delivered a final point, stating, "Not only that, but KiShin also specializes in cellular phone technologies. KiShin and Apple could collaborate on joint research for cellular phone developments."

When Steve Jobs heard that, he paused, setting down his Pinot Noir wine. He was astonished that Shinro Suzuki proposed a joint research for their cellular phones.

To be completely honest, Steve Jobs had been quite interested in the cellular phone industry. However, given that Apple was primarily focused on computer and software development, and lacked sufficient funds to venture into the cellular phone industry, as their funds were allocated for the development of computers, software, and operating systems.

But now, the founder and CEO of KiShin was voluntarily offering them an opportunity to acquire cellular phone technologies through a potential joint research between KiShin and Apple. Steve Jobs believed KiShin had expertise in cellular phone development, especially considering that he was currently using the KRS 1 phone.

With that, Shin and Steve Jobs delved deeper into the potential partnership between KiShin and Apple. Now, with Shin proposing a joint research initiative on cellular phones, Steve Jobs was almost convinced. Even if KiShin planned to enter the computer industry, he found genuine interest in the KiShin and Apple alliance, particularly due to the joint research on cellular phones.

Alliances between American companies and Japanese or other Asian companies weren't uncommon; IBM, for instance, was currently in alliance with Mitsubishi.

While Shin and Steve Jobs were in discussion, Steve Jobs remained unaware that KiShin was covertly acquiring shares from significant stakeholders. Even if Steve Jobs were to disagree with the partnership, KiShin and Apple would still be bound in an alliance.

Orio Masayoshi, along with individuals entrusted by Shin to approach Apple stakeholders for share acquisition, is currently engaged in a "tender offer." This process is being carried out without the CEO's awareness, as the stakeholders discreetly sell their shares.

Big and small stakeholders have already initiated discussions regarding the acquisition of their shares by KiShin. Orio Masayoshi and the team encountered some challenges negotiating with the larger stakeholders, but a few agreed, leading to KiShin successfully acquiring their shares. Some of these stakeholders even held positions on the board of directors, potentially altering the composition of the board.

Now holding a significant stake of 7.2%, KiShin has the potential to influence the board of directors. This influence is likely to grow, considering that KiShin is still in negotiations with other stakeholders.

Shin and Steve Jobs engaged in a lengthy discussion before Steve expressed, "Let me take some time to consider this with the board of directors."

Shin nodded, saying, "No problem." He was confident that Steve Jobs would agree. Even if he didn't, the shares KiShin was acquiring would soon astonish Steve Jobs, as some Apple shareholders had already sold their shares to KiShin.

This strategic plan was Shin's decision, the only way to ensure KiShin could secure a partnership with Apple. Considering Apple's future success, Shin would be foolish not to seize the opportunity to acquire its shares when he had the chance.

While Steve Jobs was voluntarily selling some shares to Shin, Shin happily agreed with the conditions set by Steve Jobs as he bought the shares.

As time passed, Steve Jobs, who discussed the alliance with KiShin with the board of directors, initially thought he might encounter disagreement. Surprisingly, there was no opposition at all, gradually making Steve Jobs feel that something was amiss.

Unbeknownst to Steve Jobs, some Apple shareholders had already traded their shares through brokers or intermediaries, transferring their assets to KiShin. By doing this, shareholders didn't need to report to the company that they had sold their shares. Consequently, CEO Steve Jobs remained unaware of KiShin's successful acquisition of Apple shares.

However, some of the Apple board of directors, who are friends with the few shareholders that sold their stakes to KiShin, are aware of the situation as they were informed by their friends.

During the conference meeting, Steve Jobs noticed the absence of Mr. Wright and Mr. Goodman, along with some other board members. With furrowed brows, Steve Jobs inquired, "Where are Mr. Wright and Mr. Goodman, and some other board members? They usually attend crucial board of directors meetings. Why are they not here today?"

Some of the board of directors exchanged dismayed glances. Steve Jobs, noting this, furrowed his brows, his expression silently posing a question.

Subsequently, one of the board members addressed Steve Jobs, saying, "Mr. Jobs, you may not be aware, but Mr. Wright, Mr. Goodman, and the others have already sold off their shares. According to the company's bylaws, they are no longer eligible to be part of the board since they no longer hold any shares in the company."

Steve Jobs' eyes widened slightly as he sought confirmation from the other board members, who nodded in agreement.

Upon witnessing this, Steve Jobs couldn't help but be astonished and exclaimed, "Really... They sold off their shares without me, the CEO, knowing?"

The board of directors maintained silence before one member solemnly disclosed, "Not only that, dozens of stakeholders have also sold their shares to a single entity."

Upon hearing this revelation, Steve Jobs and a few board members were quite shocked. Steve Jobs inquired, "They sold their shares to one entity!?"

Some of the board members who were aware of the situation nodded in confirmation.

Then, with a frown, Steve Jobs inquired, "What entity is it?" The few board members were equally eager to know. After all, if this entity had acquired a significant number of shares, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it would wield substantial influence over the company.

Some of the board members exchanged glances, and then one of them, sighing, revealed, "It was KiShin Electronics."

Upon hearing this, Steve Jobs and the few board members were visibly shocked. Steve Jobs exclaimed, "KiShin!?" in disbelief.

Some of the board members nodded, and one of them affirmed, "Yes. In fact, they indeed acquired Apple shares, and while it may not be a single entity, it can be regarded as such..."

Steve Jobs and the few board members wore confused expressions, prompting Steve Jobs to inquire, "What do you mean?"

Some of the board members exchanged glances, and one of them nodded, explaining, "Some stakes that Apple stakeholders traded were directed to KiShin subsidiaries, such as KiShin Merchandise or KiShin Entertainment Music. Though under different names, these KiShin subsidiaries could acquire Apple stakes. In essence, despite being subsidiaries, they still fell under the overall influence of KiShin, making it essentially one entity."

He paused and added, "In short, while these are KiShin subsidiaries, they are still considered part of the larger KiShin entity."

Upon hearing this, Steve Jobs and the few board members gained clarity. With a calm expression, Steve Jobs remarked, "I see..." Pausing, he continued, "No wonder some of you didn't oppose the alliance of KiShin and Apple this time." He couldn't help but chuckle wryly as he glanced at the board members who were already aware of the situation.

Simultaneously, Steve Jobs recalled the face and the initial meeting with the young man, Shinro Suzuki. Initially, he believed the young man to be genuine, but now, he couldn't shake the feeling that Shinro Suzuki was particularly cunning.

The fact that he even sold a portion of shares to Shinro Suzuki only heightened his influence in Apple. Now, Steve Jobs couldn't help but be concerned.

His control over his company was already slipping due to demanding shareholders, and now, another significant entity had acquired a substantial amount of Apple shares.

Steve Jobs couldn't help but massage his forehead as he forced himself to calm down. He couldn't help but think, 'Maybe I need to meditate later...'

Meditation would indeed help him in this moment. At this time, there's no need to worry about things; for Steve Jobs, everything will fall into place sooner or later. He wanted everything to flow naturally, like water in a river. Steve Jobs just hoped that KiShin would not influence the board of directors to remove him from office, as he was keen on planning for the company's success, even amid struggles with Microsoft.

Shin, currently relaxing at a beach with Orio Masayoshi and a few individuals who were the brokers that helped him acquire the Apple stakes, found them unwinding with him.

Some of these brokers even introduced their partners to him, an offer Shin declined. While Shin thought, 'What's wrong with these people... They're kind enough to share... Disgusting...' simultaneously, he understood their excitement, having gained substantial amounts of money by assisting KiShin in acquiring Apple shares.

Basking under the sun and observing people playing volleyball and enjoying the sea, Shin occasionally admired women in bikinis. However, he will not to pursue any romantic involvement with them.

Shin's phone rang, and he answered it to find Steve Jobs on the line. Shin smiled as Steve Jobs informed him of the success of the alliance between KiShin and Apple. Although Steve Jobs didn't explicitly mention KiShin acquiring shares, he congratulated Shin and abruptly ended the call without waiting for Shin's response.

Shin couldn't help but chuckle wryly, thinking, 'He should have known by now...'

In December, various US media outlets reported on the KiShin-Apple alliance. Upon learning of this news, companies had mixed reactions.

Microsoft, for instance, was aware of the KiShin-Apple alliance as early as November.

Around the same time, news of the Tora-Suzuki alliance in the video game sector also reached Americans. Excitement grew among ordinary American video game players who enjoyed both Tora and Suzuki consoles.

Meanwhile, the 'Jurassic Park' domestic box office in the USA reached an impressive $632 million, and the international box office soared to a whopping $341 million, continuing its ascent.

As the domestic box office for 'Jurassic Park' experienced a gradual decline, KiShin reduced the number of screening cinemas from 3,000 to 1,209. This decision was driven by a decrease in box office profits, although tickets were still selling, though not at the same rate as before. On the international front, the scenario differed. Instead of declining, the international box office saw a gradual rise. The widespread distribution of 'Jurassic Park' to various countries contributed to this increase, fueled by the global hype surrounding the film.

Given the immense popularity of 'Jurassic Park,' Amblin Entertainment, founded by Steven Spielberg, expressed interest in collaborating with KiShin on the sequels of the film and future joint ventures in filmmaking. Shin, finding no issues with this proposal, had KiShin Pictures enter into a collaboration with Amblin Entertainment.

Shin, recognizing the talented directors at Amblin Entertainment, aimed to harness their skills for his envisioned future film projects, particularly those tied to his previous life's movies.

Amid the establishment of the KiShin-Apple alliance, Shin recalled Pixar, the company behind Toy Story, the fully animated computer feature film.

While still in the USA, Shin contemplated the idea and decided to call Steve Jobs to inquire about the animation project.

Using his KRS 1 phone, Shin dialed Steve Jobs and asked, "Mr. Jobs, is Pixar currently working on any animation projects?"

At that moment, Steve Jobs exclaimed, "So you've caught wind of the animation project Pixar is working on?"

Shin smiled in relief, realizing that Pixar in this world was indeed creating Toy Story. He then inquired, "Haha, being a shareholder of Apple now, can you share the name of the animation project?"

Steve Jobs didn't find it surprising that Shin was aware of Pixar's animation project, especially considering its significant scale. Steve Jobs simply replied, "Indeed, Pixar's animation project is titled 'The Toy's Life Story.'"

Upon hearing the name, Shin couldn't help but smile at the project's title. Although it seemed unlikely for Steve Jobs to endorse such a name, Shin understood that it might not be the final name for the animation project.

Noticing Shin's silence, Steve Jobs added, "Let me assure you, this animation project is unlike anything before. It's poised to change the world." Steve Jobs chuckled and exaggerated, anticipating that Shin might find his statement hard to believe.

Unbeknownst to Steve Jobs, Shin simply smiled and genuinely believed in what he had just heard. Having originated from a parallel world, not vastly different but closely resembling the current one, Shin expressed to Steve Jobs, "I can contribute to Pixar's animation project. I have a subsidiary company specializing in computer-generated imagery and a motion capture company, if collaboration with Pixar is possible..."

Upon hearing Shin's proposal, Steve Jobs hesitated momentarily. However, considering the potential acceleration of the project and Shinro Suzuki's significant stake in Apple, he saw no major issues. Given Steve Jobs' occasional clashes with Pixar's creative team, he agreed, saying, "I'll agree under certain conditions..."

Shin smiled and inquired, "Oh, what is it?"

Steve Jobs replied, "I want your KiShin company to refrain from exerting excessive influence or control over my plans for Apple. Additionally, if I require some support, I need assurance that you'll provide it."

Upon hearing these conditions, Shin couldn't help but remark, "Mr. Jobs, these conditions seem quite demanding for a mere collaboration between my companies and Pixar." He paused, noting Steve Jobs' evident silence, and continued, "However, if you expect me to agree to such terms, then you should propose a corresponding price for the conditions you've set."

Holding his phone to his ear, Steve Jobs fell silent in contemplation before suggesting, "I'll offer you one-third of my Pixar shares, approximately 16 percent. How does that sound?"

Upon hearing this, Shin remained silent. While surprised by Steve Jobs' unexpected offer, Shin recognized that complying with the condition not to influence or control Apple contradicted his own vision. He didn't find the proposed share allocation sufficient, considering his own plans for Apple. Shin responded, "Can shares from such a modest company truly sway me into relinquishing my influence over you and Apple?"

Upon hearing Shin's skepticism, Steve Jobs anticipated the resistance and proposed, "I'll offer you half of my Pixar shares, amounting to 24 percent. All I ask is for you to ease your influence on Apple and support me in the board of directors through your proxy and directors elected from KiShin when required." He hoped Shin would find this offer agreeable.

However, he faced disappointment as Shin replied, "It's quite impossible for me to entirely relinquish my limited control and influence in Apple, but I'm prepared to offer my support. What do you think?"

Upon hearing Shin's response, Steve Jobs, having expected it to some extent, simply said, "Alright." While he couldn't entirely prevent KiShin's potential influence in the company, he found reassurance in Shin's commitment to support him. Steve Jobs continued, "I'll draft a contract for this agreement, and the collaboration between your companies and Pixar will commence. My Pixar shares will also be transferred to you, with the condition that you support my ideas in the board of directors."

Shin smiled and replied, "Alright."

Steve Jobs felt he had made a wise decision, especially considering that Shinro Suzuki's company, KiShin, currently owned 15% of the shares, equivalent to 465 million.

As time passed, Digital CGI and ASC Motion Capture companies collaborated with Pixar, contributing to the progress of the animation project.

Later, when Shin visited Pixar and discussed the project with the creative team, he suggested naming the animation "Toy Story." Initinally, the creative team expected Shinro Suzuki, as a major shareholder, to assert dominance and influence like Steve Jobs. However, they were pleasantly surprised to find that Shinro simply wanted the animation to be named Toy Story. Additionally, Shin requested that his KiShin companies be featured in the animation film, a request the creative team readily accepted.

Meanwhile in Japan, TV Asahi finally premiered the anime "Dragon Ball," garnering widespread attention. Consequently, a surge in interest led to an increase in the manga's sales. A similar phenomenon occurred with "One Piece" and "Naruto," captivating manga enthusiasts.

Simultaneously in South Korea, Man Hwan emerged victorious in the presidential election. As January approached, KiShin faced delays in releasing their highly anticipated video game products like SKES and Gameboy.

With the administration that faced strong animosity from Japan, South Korea targeted KiShin. While other Japanese companies like Tora, Suzuki, Toyota, and Mitsubishi were unaffected by South Korea's actions due to their stronger political standing, KiShin, lacking political influence in South Korea, found itself in a vulnerable position.

Despite protests from video game enthusiasts eager to experience KiShin's latest products in the South Korean market, the company faced an obstacle. KiShin, in response, informed the South Korean gaming community that political and diplomatic tensions between South Korea and Japan hindered the release of their products in the region.

This news left South Korean video game fans disheartened. The older generation, witnessing the support for a Japanese company by the younger generation, felt a sense of disgust. They admonished their children and the younger populace.

By January, the situation escalated, leading to the ban of KiShin in South Korea. Meanwhile, in Japan, at the KiShin Headquarters, Shin, upon learning of the ban in South Korea, couldn't help but sigh in disappointment.

South Korea's market was undeniably lucrative, yet with the ban in effect, KiShin received inquiries from SamStar Electronics and Hyun Motors regarding the distribution of KiShin video game consoles. Recognizing that KiShin was now prohibited in South Korea, both SamStar Electronics and Hyun Motors extended their hands to facilitate the potential release of KiShin SKES and Gameboy under their respective company banners.

In a conference room, Shin, accompanied by executives and Han Lee, who had just returned from Taiwan, wore a serious expression as they delved into discussions on this matter.

In their current deliberations, they faced the decision of selecting a company for product distribution in South Korea.

Amidst the discussion, Han Lee unexpectedly spoke, suggesting, "Mr. Suzuki, I must advocate for SamStar. While their offers may appear less favorable than Hyun Motors', their significant influence and strong brand presence in South Korea could offset this. Choosing SamStar might mean sacrificing a bit of profit, but the partnership could still be lucrative, establishing a valuable connection. Moreover, the disparity in the conditions proposed by SamStar and Hyun Motors is minimal..."

Shin, Mira, and the executives regarded Lee Han with a hint of surprise. Meanwhile, Shin, stroking his chin, remarked, "You have a point. Partnering with SamStar could also establish connections..."

Observing Shin's subtle decision, Mira, Lee Han, and the executives acknowledged that KiShin had opted to partner with SamStar.

Simultaneously, KiShin wasn't the sole entity grappling with this dilemma. Tora and Suzuki, while their companies weren't entirely banned in South Korea, allowing them to sell products like cellular phones, cars, and TVs, faced a ban on their video game consoles and games within the country.

In response, they received offers from other South Korean chaebol companies.

After a few days had passed, with SamStar joining forces with KiShin and Hyun Motors facing rejection, they proposed a partnership between the Tora-Suzuki Alliance. Ultimately, Hyun Motors secured a partnership with Suzuki, while the Lucky Gold Group teamed up with Tora.

Meanwhile, South Korean video game fans initially expressed frustration over KiShin's ban. Their mood briefly lifted upon learning that SamStar would distribute SKES and Gameboy under its banner. However, their excitement turned to anger again upon realizing that the release date was set a few months in the future.

It was taking an extended period, prompting some South Korean video game fans who could afford it to fly to Japan just to purchase KiShin SKES and Gameboy.

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, on January 8, 1993, a crowd of mostly young British people gathered outside a KiShin store, eagerly anticipating the release of SKES and Gameboy in about a week.

A frustrated British young man commented as he surveyed the long line, "Bloody hell, I thought the release of KiShin's latest products would be one of the most exciting things to happen in my life, but this line is killing me..."

"I agree, buddy," a middle-aged man echoed the young man's sentiment.

"You should be planning to buy SKES and Gameboy too. Which video games are you quite interested in?" The young man, realizing there's no use in complaining, decided to initiate a conversation with the middle-aged man.

The middle-aged man chuckled as he replied, "I'll only buy a Gameboy, and the video game I'm highly anticipating is 'Tetris'."

Upon hearing this, the young man felt speechless but chose not to reprimand the middle-aged man, considering his old age. However, from the young man's perspective, KiShin had far more interesting video games to offer than just 'Tetris.' In response, he proceeded to inform the middle-aged man about the captivating video games that KiShin had released this year.

Following KiShin's release in the United Kingdom, France, and various countries in Europe, the release extended to Australia.

As the release of KiShin's latest products continued in other countries, the company also launched a new video game, 'EarthBound,' which thrilled Japanese players who had become fans of the earlier 'EarthBound Beginning.'

Shortly after, 'EarthBound' was released in the United States. Matt, a devoted fan of this video game series, hastily made his way to the KiShin physical store to purchase the new installment. His excitement and joy were palpable, given KiShin's release of a new 'EarthBound' video game following 'EarthBound Beginning.'

Before the launch of 'EarthBound,' KiShin decided to introduce their own magazine, titled KiShin's Power. The magazine featured compelling and helpful insights into KiShin video games, making it particularly interesting for players like Matt.

When Matt spotted the latest issue of KiShin's Power, highlighting the new video game 'EarthBound,' he eagerly grabbed a copy. Upon obtaining 'EarthBound,' Matt promptly headed home and inserted it into his SKES cartridge slot.

Having enjoyed 'Earthbound Beginnings,' Matt found the video game captivating. He appreciated the game's uniqueness, both in terms of storyline and gameplay.

In 'Earthbound Beginnings,' the initial segment featured the in-game character battling a lamp, an eccentric choice that contributed to its limited popularity in the United States. While 'Celeste' gained some traction, it couldn't compete with the dominance of Super Mario and 'The Legend of Zelda' in the market.

Transitioning to 'EarthBound,' Matt loaded the game into his SKES. The KiShin logo appeared, and he eagerly observed as the introduction to the 'EarthBound' video game unfolded.

The experience commenced with statistics screens tinged in red, revealing an image of a UFO assaulting a city. At the top, the text read 'EARTH BOUND,' while bold red letters below declared 'THE WAR AGAINST GIYGAS!' The accompanying sounds heightened the anticipation, and Matt was already feeling the excitement.

The image of UFOs wreaking havoc on a city transitioned seamlessly into the video game title 'EarthBound,' accompanied by a lively sound theme.

Soon after, a cheerful music theme played as the video game title transformed into a small circle set against a black background. Inside the circle, three kids strolled through a vibrant street.

Subsequent scenes unfolded within the circle, showcasing the kids interacting with an elderly person, a bus traversing a road, the kids threading along a lakeside, a descent down seemingly ancient stairs, and a kid with a hat riding a bike. The upbeat music continued, and Matt began to sense that the video game promised a joyous adventure for the kids.

Within the small circle, set against the black background, the scene shifted. The kids now traversed a desert, with the kid in the hat leading, followed by a person with yellow hair and glasses. They arrived at a gathering of people surrounding someone on the ground. The kid with the hat and the person with yellow hair and glasses encountered a woman with matching yellow hair. The scenes then transitioned to the kid with the hat wandering in a dark forest, accompanied by the text inside the circle that read, 'KiShin presents.'

The transition seamlessly led into the 'EarthBound' video game title.

New game options emerged, and Matt selected the first option for a new game. He then adjusted the text speed, opting for the fast setting. The game also presented a choice for sound settings – stereo or mono. Matt decided on stereo.

Following that, he encountered an option for window style. As Matt scrolled through the styles, the window border color changed accordingly. Opting for simplicity, Matt selected the plain flavor window style. Moving on to character naming, he chose the 'I Don't Care' option, resulting in the default name 'Ness' for the boy with the hat.

This process was repeated for the other character names.

And so, 'EarthBound' unfolded as the city appeared in the night, accompanied by text on a black background stating, 'Onett, a small town in Eagleland.' The scenes then transitioned to a house, with white text against a black background identifying it as 'Ness's house.'

In a room, a boy peacefully slept on a bed until the house suddenly shook, jolting him awake. Rising from the bed, the boy stood up, signaling the commencement of the 'EarthBound' video game.

Taking control of his in-game character named 'Ness,' Matt observed that the 'EarthBound' introduction bore a resemblance to certain TV series, leaving him impressed. As he delved into playing the game, Matt guided 'Ness' to investigate the source of the earthquake.

Engrossed in 'EarthBound' for a few minutes, Matt found himself completely invested. The storyline proved to be both interesting and entertaining, with the mystery unfolding as he progressed through the game.

However, after playing for hours, Matt became somewhat annoyed when his in-game character, followed by others, would abruptly halt whenever the photographer appeared to take a picture.

The flow of Matt's gameplay was further interrupted when 'Ness's father called to inquire about how his in-game character was faring.

Fortunately, Matt had opted for the fast text speed option. As he continued playing, he began to discern that 'EarthBound' had a darker tone compared to the preceding 'Earthbound Beginnings.'

After a while, Matt felt tired playing and started to save the game by calling 'Ness's father. However, Matt still experienced the extended storytelling from 'Ness's father, further delaying the process of saving the video game.

Meanwhile, with the release of 'EarthBound,' Shin was also planning the production for an animated series of 'EarthBound'—a dream from Shin's previous life.

He consistently believed that 'EarthBound' warranted an animated series. The video game's storyline was genuinely captivating, deserving a visual adaptation.

Multiple KiShin animation studios collaborated to bring the animated series of 'EarthBound' to life.

Whether it becomes popular or not, Shin doesn't care; he simply yearns to witness the creation of an animated series for the exceptional video game 'EarthBound.' Following this, Shin contemplated initiating a video game project inspired by 'EarthBound'—the future 'Undertale.'

However, Shin pondered its potential popularity among video game players at this time, taking into account the limitations of the 16-bit era. Even if Shin managed to adapt 'Celeste' for the 16-bit, it would entail compromising graphics and compressing memory-intensive levels.

This would inevitably diminish the gameplay experience for video game players. Therefore, Shin has already set his company, KiShin, on the path of developing the next generation of 16-bit, even before the SKES and Gameboy hit the market.

While Shin is uncertain whether he has surpassed Tora and Suzuki in terms of video game console research, he remains confident in his ability to release the next generation. This confidence persists, even if Tora and Suzuki do not introduce their own video game consoles for KiShin to reverse engineer.

Undertale drew inspiration from EarthBound, a project Shin fully committed to. Progress in 32-bit research was boosted through joint efforts with three Silicon Valley companies Shin had invested in. Apple's involvement expanded KiShin's research facilities, attracting several other companies to contribute to ongoing projects.

Simultaneously, the Game Engine project was in progress. Given the absence of an existing Game Engine at the time, Shin and fellow developers had to build everything from the ground up, crafting their tools and framework—a time-consuming endeavor.

One pivotal figure in the development of KiShin's game engine was Andrew Reed, specifically selected for this significant and confidential project by KiShin.

Andrew, a highly intelligent recent graduate from Harvard, was thrilled to contribute to the company led by the visionary behind the video game industry's revival—KiShin. Upon presenting his qualifications, Andrew was promptly accepted. A few months into his tenure at KiShin, he was chosen for a particular project that left him truly amazed.

The project, named 'Unreal Engine: A Game Engine Development Project,' originated from the mind of Shinro Suzuki.

Upon delving into the project's concept, Andrew was captivated by Shinro Suzuki's visionary plan and ideas. The full realization of the Game Engine promised to significantly streamline the process of video game development.

With this development, Andrew pondered whether there would be any competition left in the video game industry. KiShin, Tora, and Suzuki stood as the industry's top companies, while others attempted to enter with unique consoles. Despite their efforts, none could rival even Tora and Suzuki, yet they still profited. Notably, independent game companies emerged, reaping substantial benefits with KiShin's support.

Approaching February, Tora and Suzuki observed the success of independent games on KiShin's platforms. Consequently, both companies opened their platforms to these independent developers. Most independent game companies, prioritizing profits, chose to make their games, initially exclusive to KiShin platforms, available on Tora and Suzuki platforms as well, seemingly without concern for KiShin's reaction.

However, certain independent video game companies displayed loyalty to KiShin by maintaining exclusivity on KiShin platforms. Upon noticing this, KiShin's leadership decided to extend more favorable offers to these particular independent game developers.

Meanwhile, in February, a month meant for celebration for the Suzuki couple, Shiro and Airi, due to Valentine's Day and their shared birth month. Shiro, aged 52 with a birthday on February 8, and Airi, aged 49 with a birthday on February 1, were supposed to enjoy festivities in the grand Suzuki household. However, an unusual silence permeated the Suzuki family's dinner table.

Reina, who pouted while eating her steak, snorted, "I didn't realize that Shinro having a child was such a big deal..."

Shiro and Airi furrowed their brows at Reina, who, upon noticing their reaction, fell into silence.

However, Shiko and Seki shared the same sentiment as Reina.

Shiro and Airi exchanged glances, and then Shiro spoke, "This is indeed a significant event." He paused, glancing at his two sons and two daughters before continuing, "Your mother and I are going to be grandparents, and you four will finally have a nephew or niece and become uncles and aunties..." Shiro beamed with a huge smile on his face as he spoke.

As Ruki, Reina, Shiko, and Seki sensed their father Shiro's imminent wide smile, they were left momentarily speechless by his words.

In particular, Reina retorted, declaring, "No way! I refuse to be called an auntie!"

Shiro and Airi chuckled at her protest and simply laughed.

Meanwhile, in Sazama Suzuki's mansion, Sazama and Kumiko were equally thrilled about their impending great-grandchild.

The rest of the Suzuki family received news that Shiro's youngest son was expecting a child with his wife. This prompted various reactions within the family, though not overly pronounced.

As Japan entered the year 1993, the preceding year, 1992, witnessed a decline in childbirth in the country, although it wasn't deemed particularly alarming.

The decline in childbirth in Japan stemmed from several factors. Speculations in the Japanese media suggested that the cost of raising children, coupled with the overall high cost of living, contributed to this trend. Additionally, many young individuals were seen prioritizing their careers or engaging in entertainment, such as films, the burgeoning popularity of anime, and video games. However, opinions on the role of entertainment in this decline varied, and it remained a matter of speculation.

Even in the 1970s and throughout the 1980s, Japan had been grappling with low childbirth rates. In response, the government had implemented various regulations aimed at boosting childbirth in the country.

Meanwhile, in Shin's grand household, he observed as the doctor conducted a check-up on Mira.

The female doctor reassured Shin that Mira was in good health. Leveraging his wealth, Shin had brought medical equipment to a private room in his house, where the doctors examined the baby in Mira's stomach.

Shin felt a mix of excitement and anxiety, contemplating whether Mira would navigate the pregnancy successfully and what would unfold during the delivery. Overwhelmed with thoughts, he even prayed to God for a smooth process.

Expressing his concerns to Mira in the presence of the female doctor, she chuckled and said, "Don't worry too much, Shin." She paused, glancing at Shin's private parts, and added, "I am already used to it... So, I think I'll do just fine."

Shin furrowed his brows, and the female doctor chuckled, noticing the playful meaning behind Mira's words. When Shin finally grasped it, he blushed, prompting both women to burst into laughter.

Shin found a reason to exit the private room. As he closed the door, the constant laughter of Mira and the female doctor lingered in his ears. Shin shook his head, simultaneously feeling less worried, reassured by Mira's comforting words.

Just then, his phone rang, and Shin noticed his father calling. Upon answering, Shiro inquired about Mira's pregnancy.

Shortly after, Mira's parents, Daichi and Miku, also called. Shin provided reassurance, and Mira's parents expressed their intention to visit and check on their daughter.

Shin didn't find anything wrong with it and agreed. Simultaneously, Shin's parents were also planning to come and visit shortly.

In Mira's room, Shiro and Airi paid a visit, inquiring about her current health.

"You should take care, eat healthy foods, and look after the baby," Airi advised Mira. Shiro echoed similar sentiments.

As time passed, while Shiro and Airi conversed with Mira, Sazama and Kumiko, Shin's grandparents, also came to visit.

Alongside Shiro and Airi, Sazama and Kumiko engaged in conversation while Shin sat beside Mira. After a while, Shiro, Airi, Sazama, and Kumiko bid farewell. Shin stayed with Mira before heading to the company to check on the progress of their project development.

The progress in Game Engine Development had advanced sufficiently for Shin to embark on the development of Doom.

Apple's support, coupled with early access to their operating system for KiShin, proved instrumental. The system also showcased a slight advantage over the current market.

KiShin successfully developed an early game engine prototype, closely resembling the Doom Engine.

That's why Shin, along with a group of key individuals, gradually developed a 'Doom' video game for Shin's past life. Although it appeared 3D, it wasn't truly 3D – but it was 1993, and technology had its limitations.

KiShin's video game was set to release for Apple's System 7. In Shin's past life, Doom was released for MS-DOS by Microsoft.

Meanwhile, in the United States of America, as Microsoft was working on video games and text-based applications for their operating system, on February 11, 1993, the founder and CEO Will Gates, along with executives, were astonished to discover that Apple had just integrated video games and text-based games into their operating system.

Upon witnessing this, Will Gates suspected that someone had leaked their company's plans to Apple. However, one executive refuted this, stating that Apple was ahead in developing video games and text-based applications for their operating system compared to Microsoft.

Considering that creating text-based games was more challenging than it appeared, prone to errors and complications, Apple had indeed outpaced Microsoft in this aspect of development.

Simultaneously, Will Gates and others at Microsoft were left speechless, contemplating the unlikely scenario of both Microsoft and Apple independently working on the same project without mutual knowledge.

Simultaneously, given the alliance between KiShin and Apple, Will Gates and others speculated that KiShin, a video game company with a prominent presence in the USA, played a key role in leading the development of these features.

As Apple released their video games and text-based games, promoting them as products resulting from the collaboration with KiShin, fans of both KiShin and video games eagerly purchased Apple computers.

However, given that Apple was relatively expensive during this period, only a fraction of the video game fans could afford it.

Ray belonged to this group; he purchased an Apple Computer enticed by the prospect of video games, fueled by his curiosity. Upon powering up the Apple computer, he initially encountered only Solitaire, Chess, and poker. Feeling like he might have wasted his money, Ray's sentiment changed when he discovered 'Tetris' and some other simple video games, providing him with at least a few options to enjoy.

As he delved into the text-based games, particularly trying an adventure text-based game, Ray became thoroughly engrossed in reading the unfolding story. The vivid descriptions of his character exploring the world created an experience akin to reading a novel, yet with the unique twist that he could shape the destiny of his character through choices.

Simultaneously, a 2D pixelated image of his character emerged in a forest, appearing as he typed commands on the keyboard to interact with the text-based game.

Ray couldn't help but acknowledge the intriguing concept of text-based games. While it felt like immersing himself in a novel or story, the interactive element, where players controlled and made choices for the main character, added a layer of engagement that surpassed traditional reading experiences.

Ray wasn't the sole enthusiast captivated by these text-based games; others who supported Apple or were avid video game fans shared his enthusiasm.

Meanwhile, on February 13, 1993, Mira successfully conceived a baby boy. Shin, filled with excitement, entered the room where Mira lay on the bed cradling their newborn. Shin felt an overwhelming mix of disbelief and joy in that moment.

Shin approached Mira, gently caressing her hair. Observing Mira's fatigued expression, Shin softly uttered, "Rest well..."

Nodding, Mira handed the baby to Shin. As he cradled the newborn, Shin examined the baby's face closely, rendered momentarily speechless.

While the female doctor inwardly likened the baby to a newborn monkey, Shin found the baby irresistibly cute.

In the meantime, Mira gazed at Shin with a smile, suggesting, "So, if it's a boy, should we name him Shinichi or Shuto?"

Shin drifted into thought for a moment before snapping out of his reverie. "Dear, I still think Naruto or Luffy would be great names..."

Mira and the nearby female doctor chuckled upon hearing Shin's suggestion.

Amused, Mira responded, "Oh, dear. You need to stop reading that manga Naruto; you're poking fun at our child..."

Shin, with furrowed brows, persisted with another suggestion. "How about Conan?"

Mira smiled and said, "No." Observing the disappointment on Shin's face, she chuckled and added, "But I thought Shinichi, the name you suggested, was quite good, don't you think?" Mira found Shin's naming suggestions occasionally eccentric.

Shin sighed and reluctantly nodded, saying, "Alright..." Perhaps he had inherited his parents' unconventional naming sense from his previous life.

The naming of Math Algebra had been the source of his misery in his past life. Bullied for his name, he developed a submissive personality, catering excessively to others. Fortunately, as Shinro Suzuki now, the influence of his previous life gradually diminished, and he transformed into a confident and assertive young man.

Meanwhile, Shiro and Airi, Shin's parents, entered Mira's room, both gazing at the baby. Mira's parents also visited after some time, and everyone admired the adorable baby. However, Minji, expressing her own opinion, felt the baby resembled a monkey. Yet, upon voicing this thought, she faced a reprimand from her parents.

Minji apologized while Mira chuckled at her little sister's predicament. However, deep inside, Minji couldn't help but feel envious of her big sister, who already had a wealthy husband and a child, while she remained single.

Since Mira's pregnancy around early June, Shin hasn't had sex for quite a while now, and he's been feeling the built-up lust. However, since Mira was still recovering, he distracted himself by taking care of their baby.

Afterward, he would immerse himself in work. But when he caught a glimpse of his employee's sexy body, Shin immediately shook his head and immersed himself in coding on his computer instead.

"Why do men have to be like this?" Shin thought as he continuously tapped into his computer.

No matter what, he would not resort to cheating; he is a man. After completing his programming for the game engine, he took out a Bible and started reading.

While tempted by evil, he would read the Bible or sometimes novels to quell the malevolent thoughts in his mind, recognizing their potential for harm.

As he immersed himself in reading, his phone rang, and he noticed it was the Yakuza leader, Obi Yuu.

Shin frowned, and surprisingly, Obi Yuu also celebrated the birth of his son. Truth be told, while Shin grappled with handling this group of criminals with mental problems, he could perceive that these people genuinely liked serving him overall, evident in their sincere joy at his son's birth.

"Is this how Kim Jong-un feels?" Shin pondered, sensing a parallel with dictators worshipped by their people and military.

He was also informed by Obi Yuu about his elder sister, Reina, being involved with a Yakuza gang and having a boyfriend named Kenshin.

Upon learning of this, Shin asserted, "Deal with that guy if he does anything to my sister," and Obi Yuu dutifully followed his orders.

No matter how spoiled his elder sister Reina was, there's a saying that blood is thicker than water.

Shin still cared for his siblings, no matter how poorly they treated him; after all, they were family.

While the KiShin-Apple gained some recognition in the United States of America, the Tora-Suzuki Alliance shouldn't be forgotten. On February 24, 1993, they launched their own handheld video game console in the Japanese market.

It was named the ToSuKi handheld, differing from the Gameboy. It featured a slightly rounded shape, and the screen followed this curvature, with controls positioned beneath the small screen. The screen itself was slightly larger than that of the Gameboy. The cartridge slot was situated on its back, similar to the Gameboy.

Even if KiShin were to sue Tora and Suzuki, the ToSuKi boasted distinct hardware and a different architectural design on its board. The overall design also differed from that of the Gameboy.

This is Tora and Suzuki's approach. In their imitations, they ensured that even if KiShin sued them, they were confident they hadn't violated copyright law due to the subtle differences between the two products.

So, even if KiShin fans worldwide were annoyed about why KiShin wasn't pursuing legal action, there's no point for KiShin in doing so. Not only would it be a waste of money, but KiShin would not ultimately prevail in the end.

Following the release of the ToSuKi, there was a limited video game lineup for the handheld.

The anime featuring both Tora and Suzuki, centered around mechs and technology, was also adapted into video games.

Moreover, they introduced a Pong video game, allowing two players to engage in a battle with Pong. Although an old video game from the 60s, it was enhanced by Tora and Suzuki.

Tora and Suzuki also introduced a video game reminiscent of Pokémon, though not exactly Pokémon itself. It revolved around collecting mechs, with mech battles being the primary gameplay.

Additionally, they released several Tora and Suzuki video game sequels exclusively playable on ToSuKi.

With these developments, Tora and Suzuki fans, who had been experiencing an all-time low as the KiShin dominated the market, found newfound happiness. The dwindling community also regained its vitality.

"This is a comeback!" exclaimed a Tora fan.

"Hahaha, Gameboy is doomed; ToSuKi will dominate Japan!" proclaimed a devoted Suzuki fan.

Interestingly, some of these Tora and Suzuki fans were "Scavengers" of video games. A few among them possessed a masochistic inclination towards enjoying what some might consider trash video games. They willingly devoted their lives to playing these games, and while some Tora and Suzuki games had bugs, these masochistic enthusiasts played them wholeheartedly, unaffected by the glitches.

These "Scavengers," in particular, didn't seek societal help, and that's precisely why they identified as Tora and Suzuki fans. The flawlessly crafted video games with minimal bugs from KiShin didn't inspire or interest them in the least.

If Shin were to discover the existence of this group of people, he probably wouldn't believe it even if he were slapped to death.

Who would dislike good video games, anyway? These unconventional individuals do.

With the release of ToSuKi, the battle between Tora, Suzuki, and KiShin in the video game community across several arcades was initiated.

With ToSuKi boasting a superior color palette, impressive sound speakers, and a more ergonomic design for comfortable holding compared to the blocky shape of KiShin's Gameboy.

"Gameboy? Or a piece of block?" A Suzuki fan grinned as he observed a KiShin fan holding a Gameboy.

The sales for ToSuKi on its first day were quite high. While it didn't reach the same level as KiShin's Gameboy, it was a significant achievement for Tora and Suzuki, especially considering the long period during which they hadn't seen any profits in the video game industry.

Additionally, Tora and Suzuki embraced collaboration with independent game developers, allowing them to create and develop their own video games for the ToSuKi handheld console.

Independent video game companies are growing each day, fueled by the rising popularity of video games. Those who once doubted the future of video games now find themselves looking up, as the video game industry has become a driving force for Japan's declining economy, providing crucial support.

Despite the overall video game industry's inability to fully counteract Japan's economic decline due to recession, it remains a significant asset in contributing to Japan's economic well-being.

With the launch of ToSuKi, Tora and Suzuki witnessed a surge in their video game sales. ToSuKi was consistently compared to Gameboy.

While Gameboy boasts the popular Pokémon video game, Tora and Suzuki introduced a game with similar gameplay. This enabled them to attract individuals who enjoyed the Pokémon gaming experience.

The video game created by Tora and Suzuki was named "Mech-O-Battle," focusing on collecting mechs rather than magical creatures.

Additionally, they produced an animation for this game. Despite these efforts, Tora and Suzuki faced tough competition against Gameboy and Pokémon.

However, they couldn't quite match the sales of KiShin Gameboy and its video games.

However, Tora and Suzuki maintained silence as they worked on developing their own 32-bit video game console, concurrently advancing their video game development.

Simultaneously, they launched new video games for their 16-bit consoles and introduced a console capable of running Tora and Suzuki's 16-bit video games.

As a result, the sales of their video games soared with the introduction of the ToRaKi 16-bit video game consoles. Priced more affordably than SKES, ToRaKi became a budget-friendly choice for many gamers.

ToRaKi represented an improved version of Tora and Suzuki's 16-bit video game consoles, leading to a surge in players enjoying Tora and Suzuki video games.

Meanwhile, KiShin captured attention by releasing games like 'Killer Instinct,' 'Super Mario Kart,' 'ActRaiser,' and 'Yoshi Island' for SKES.

Despite this, Tora and Suzuki remained composed, planning to stun KiShin with the later development of their video game consoles. Through joint research, the two companies anticipated completing the console development in approximately 3-4 years.

The joint partnership of Tora and Suzuki allowed pooling resources, making research finances more efficient.

Simultaneously, with the rising popularity and substantial profits in the video game industry, it expanded into the computer sector. Apple and Microsoft began incorporating video games into their operating systems.

Recognizing the potential of developing video games for computers, various companies initiated efforts in computer game development.

Meanwhile, Shin's investment in the World Wide Web is beginning to demonstrate its potential, with several companies starting to utilize the domain.

Web browsers also benefited from the gradual rise of the World Wide Web. Although the sites were only text-based, it was still a positive indication of the initial stages of the World Wide Web's ascent, and Shin's investment didn't go to waste.

As time passed, June arrived, and Shin received a message from Yakuza leader Obi Yuu, informing him that they had successfully taken control of the Yakuza Gang behind Kenshin. Shin couldn't help but be speechless; a few months ago, he had merely suggested dealing with Kenshin, and now they had conquered an entire gang. Although it took a few months, Shin found it quite unbelievable.

However, Shin chose to overlook that development as the release of the TV animated series of EarthBound was on the horizon. TV Asahi unveiled two anime trailers, both under KiShin—EarthBound and Yu-Gi-Oh.

The anime industry experienced growth following KiShin's success. Dragon Ball garnered widespread acclaim and was on the verge of being released in other countries.

As a result, other animation studios began adapting manga into anime, generating substantial profits. Some achieved significant financial gains, while others faced losses due to poorly animated content or less engaging storylines.

Meanwhile, in the competition with the Apple operating system, Microsoft launched their own video game on MS-DOS featuring 16-bit graphics and a side-scrolling gameplay.

They also introduced a word puzzle and other intriguing video games for MS-DOS, effectively enticing customers away from Apple who were considering purchasing their computers primarily for the video games in their operating system.

In response, Apple executives convened to discuss the situation, leading Steve Jobs to call Shin and inform him about Microsoft's strategic moves.

[KiShin Headquarters]

Shin sensed that it was time to soon release their video game "Doom," which had been developed using the prototype game engine currently under development at KiShin.

In their phone conversation, Shin remarked to Steve Jobs, "It seems I have to release the video game that will be the breakthrough in the gaming industry..."

Upon hearing this, Steve Jobs felt confused and inquired, "A breakthrough in the gaming industry? Can you elaborate?"

Shin proceeded to explain "Doom" to Steve Jobs, who gradually became intrigued and excited by Shin's explanation.

Following their conversation, Shin arranged for his video game "Doom" to be delivered to Steve Jobs for a firsthand look. As Steve Jobs played the game himself, he experienced excitement, as the video game clearly surpassed the current 2D pixelated games. Despite being categorized as a 2D game, it was, as Shin explained, simultaneously somewhat 3D.

Although it had limitations in its 3D elements, it was sufficient to leave a lasting impression on Steve Jobs.

Therefore, in June, Microsoft celebrated the surge in their sales attributed to the video games they were currently releasing. However, come August, KiShin took the stage by releasing Doom for Apple DOS, compatible with Macintosh OS 7.

Initially, Microsoft didn't perceive the threat posed by this video game, as they were still enjoying a sales boost. However, sales gradually and slightly declined, causing a bit of alarm at Microsoft.

Towards the end of August, Apple, on the other hand, experienced a bit of rise in sales.

Microsoft was confused because KiShin hadn't released any advertisements for the video game Doom. Consequently, many video game enthusiasts still weren't aware of the game.

Meanwhile, whether non-video game fans or dedicated gamers who played Doom, they experienced a feeling of exhilaration and enjoyment as if they had discovered gold among the trash.

Despite computers being expensive at the time, when people spread the word about Doom to their friends and showcased the game to them, Apple experienced a slight rise in sales.

Furthermore, those who already owned Apple computers purchased the Doom video game, causing a significant surge in sales for KiShin's Doom.

Despite the increase in sales for Apple and a significant surge in KiShin's Doom, the game remained relatively unknown to casual Americans, except for Apple users or those contemplating Apple for gaming.

A considerable portion of the USA's population was still unfamiliar with Doom at this point. Nonetheless, both Apple and KiShin experienced a modest rise in sales despite Doom's limited popularity within the broader video game community.

With the discreet launch of Doom by KiShin, some individuals took notice of its release.

George Owl, a visitor to the KiShin store, initially sought to purchase the latest KiShin video games. While perusing the video games section in search of quality titles, he unexpectedly encountered a game called "Doom." Positioned prominently on the shelves, George initially assumed it was crafted by an American independent game developer. However, upon closer inspection, he spotted the KiShin logo in the upper right corner of the cover, indicating its origin.

In response, George decided to buy it, placing it in his basket. As he approached the cashier with his selected games, including Doom, the cashier furrowed his brows upon noticing George's choice.

The cashier remained silent, and George Owl furrowed his brows while inquiring, "Is there something wrong?"

The cashier quickly shook his head, responding, "Oh, no, nothing." After a momentary pause while scanning the video game's barcode, he continued, "Interestingly, Doom was the game I wanted to play. I've been curious about it since it's published and produced by KiShin, but unfortunately, I don't have an Apple Computer."

Confused, George asked, "An Apple Computer?" He paused before questioning, "Why would you need an Apple Computer for a video game?"

The cashier, upon hearing George Owl's question, responded with a hint of surprise, glancing at George as he said, "You don't know?"

Observing the surprise in the cashier's expression, George asked, "What don't I know?"

Noticing George's lack of awareness, the cashier promptly explained, "It appears you purchased Doom without realizing it's not compatible with SKES or KES. It wasn't intended for video game consoles..."

George Owl frowned in confusion, asking, "What do you mean?"

The cashier chuckled and explained, "This video game Doom was intended for Apple computers, specifically Macintosh OS 7."

George, taken aback, looked at the Doom game in the cashier's hands and exclaimed, "That video game Doom wasn't for SKES or KES!?"

The cashier nodded, turning the Doom cover to reveal the logos of KiShin and Apple. On the back, a disclaimer indicated that the game was designed for Apple computers running Macintosh OS 7.

Upon realizing this, George Owl was genuinely astonished. He hadn't anticipated that the KiShin-produced Doom was meant for computers.

Considering the KiShin-Apple alliance, it wasn't entirely surprising. However, the predicament lay in the fact that he had purchased a Doom game intended for Apple computers, yet he only possessed a Panasonic computer running Microsoft OS.

Noticing George's silence, the cashier inquired, "Do you still want to buy this Doom game, knowing it's not suitable for SKES or KES?" He presented the game to George, anticipating whether George would choose to return it or proceed with the purchase.

As George Owl weighed his options, considering the possibility of buying an Apple computer or Macintosh OS 7, he knew it would dent his financial savings. Amidst his contemplation, frustrated voices from the line at the cashier counter erupted.

"How long are you gonna stand there, blonde boy?"

"Don't just stand there, don't keep us waiting!"

"Argh! Damn it! I saved money to play the video game Secret Of Mana and Super Metroid, and I was already excited to play it, but some fool just stood there…" grumbled a displeased man in line.

The man near the disgruntled individual discreetly shifted away.

As George Owl and the cashier noticed the growing impatience of the people in line, the cashier urged George, "Sir, please decide quickly, or I'll scan the barcode for this Doom game, and you'll make the purchase."

Pressured by the complaints from the people in line, George made a quick decision, saying to the cashier, "Just scan it. I've decided to buy it," his words gritted through frustration.

Observing George Owl's expression, the cashier genuinely wished for him to take a moment to reconsider. However, given the impatient crowd, he swiftly scanned the barcode of the Doom game and the other video games George Owl had purchased, placing them all in KiShin's wrap.

Accepting the package, George Owl promptly left the line, with annoyed glances from the onlookers. He walked out of the KiShin Store, the disapproving stares lingering behind him.

"Damn... The self-esteem of these people is unbelievable," George Owl muttered with a sigh. Taking the Doom game from the KiShin's wrap, he acknowledged, "Looks like I need to change my computer..."

In just a day, he purchased a Macintosh OS 7, deciding to pass on his Panasonic computer with Microsoft OS to his niece.

With that, George Owl inserted the Doom video game disk into the Apple computer, muttering, "You better not disappoint me..."

As he watched, George saw the Doom video game being installed on the computer, and after a while, the installation was complete.

George Owl promptly opened the Doom video game, muttering, "If you disappoint me, I'll never buy anything KiShin-related again." He couldn't help but feel the lingering pain in his wallet, despite having substantial savings.

Although he had considerable funds, money still stung, and he felt the ache in his heart.

As the credits displayed, showing white text KiShin Doom 1993 against a black background, the Doom title emerged on the screen. Below it, red text prompted, "Press to start."

"This is it, the moment of truth!!!" George Owl roared, his family in the living room exchanging looks and shaking their heads at the unexpected outburst.

With that, George Owl pressed a random key on the keyboard to initiate the game. A gunshot sound effect resonated as he pressed the key, revealing more options on the screen accompanied by music. George Owl selected "Single Mode," leading to additional choices. Opting for the first episode at random, he continued.

Next, faced with difficulty options, George Owl chose the easy mode. The music intensified, and as he observed a hand holding a gun on the screen, George moved his mouse, maneuvering his character. Within moments of starting the gameplay, George found it uniquely captivating, feeling his heart thumping with excitement.

George Owl skillfully navigated his character through the immersive 3D world of Doom. Marveling at the difference from traditional 2D pixelated games, he exclaimed, "This is unlike any other!" As he controlled his character, George focused on the first-person perspective, hands gripping a virtual gun, with character information displayed below the screen.

In the heat of the game, George skillfully aimed and fired at enemies, gradually becoming absorbed in the experience. A smirk played on his lips, and he chuckled, "Hehe, this game didn't disappoint me..."

Enhanced by captivating music and dynamic sound effects, George could sense that Doom was destined for success.

As time passed, the word about the exclusive video game Doom, designed only for Apple Computer with Macintosh OS 7 compatibility, spread rapidly. Enthused by the buzz surrounding this first-person shooting experience, Apple Computer owners flocked to the KiShin store to secure their copy.

By the end of August, KiShin's Doom experienced a significant surge in sales, showing no signs of decline. Despite KiShin's minimal marketing efforts, the game found its audience as enthusiasts gradually discovered it, some even going the extra mile to purchase an Apple Computer with Macintosh OS 7 to indulge in the immersive gameplay.

Meanwhile, gaming enthusiasts caught wind of the video game Doom, sparking discussions among friends.

"Have you heard of Doom?" Jordan inquired, prompting a puzzled expression from his friend who shook his head.

"Doom? Is someone stuck in Doom?" Jack quipped, eliciting groans from the group at the corniness of his joke.

Jordan, smiling, shook his head and proceeded to enlighten those unfamiliar with the video game. "Doom is a game released by KiShin that's been the talk of the town lately..."

While Jack and a few friends who stayed home for vacation weren't aware, some of Jordan's friends were already in the loop.

Upon hearing Jordan's words, Jack immediately inquired, saying, "Doom? Why haven't I heard of that before..."

Before Jordan could respond, one of his friends chuckled, "How would you know? You've been at home all day playing Super Mario Kart and Killer Instinct!"

Jack felt a bit embarrassed after the remark.

Jordan just smiled and explained, "Doom is a video game with a first-person shooting gameplay." Pausing to commend KiShin, he added, "As expected from KiShin, they've once again pioneered a new genre in the world of video games."

The friends who gathered to play the Doom video game nodded in agreement, stating, "The writer, narrator, and the concept of the game were all credited to Shinro Suzuki!"

Among those who were unaware of Doom until now, one of them remarked, "Oh, now I'm interested in buying that game..."

"Interesting... I wonder why KiShin didn't market it. If I had known, I would have been one of the first to visit the KiShin Store," another mused.

"Yeah, based on Jordan's praise, it seems like it's worth checking out," added one who was previously unfamiliar with Doom, nodding in agreement.

Jordan held significant influence in the group, being the most skilled gamer who occasionally shared advice about video games.

When Jordan and the others who had played Doom heard their friends expressing interest in the game, they chuckled. Jordan then clarified, "I don't think you're aware that Doom can't be played on SKES and KES..."

Confusion filled Jack and the others as Jack questioned, "What does that mean?"

Another chimed in, "Yeah, how come we can't play it on SKES or KES? Isn't Doom a KiShin video game?"

Some were perplexed, and another asked, "Where can we play it if not on SKES or KES? Could it be a Gameboy game?"

Jordan and the recent Doom players exchanged glances, and Jordan shook his head, stating, "No. It can't be played on the Gameboy either..."

Confusion marked Jack's face, his brows furrowed as he turned to Jordan and asked, "What do you mean? If it's not playable on any KiShin console, where can we play it? On Tora and Suzuki 16 bit?" Jack chuckled, and others joined in.

Jordan shook his head with a chuckle and replied, "No, that's out of the question too..." Observing the increasing bewilderment among friends unfamiliar with Doom, Jordan glanced at those who knew and chuckled. He then clarified, "It can only be played on an Apple computer with Macintosh OS 7."

When Jack and the others, who had just learned about the video game Doom, expressed surprise, Jack remarked, "It can only be played on an Apple computer?" Jack and the rest turned their attention to Jordan, who simply nodded.

Jack continued, "I see... considering the KiShin-Apple alliance, it shouldn't be too surprising. But since it's a computer game, is it really as good as you say?"

Other video game enthusiasts, like Jack, primarily place their faith in video game consoles. They often don't hold computer games in high regard, considering them either subpar or incomparable even to Tora and Suzuki's video games for the 16-bit consoles. Even the new video games heavily marketed by Microsoft don't capture much attention in the eyes of these gaming enthusiasts.

Jordan smiled and nodded, saying, "I assure you, even though it's a game for the Apple computer, it's exceptional. It introduces a new gameplay concept not seen even on the SKES—an innovation that breaks new ground in gaming."

Curiosity sparked among Jack and the others, though a hint of doubt lingered.

Jordan proceeded to explain the intricacies of the Doom video game. As Jack learned that it deviated from traditional 2D pixelated games, offering a cutting-edge 3D experience, curiosity transformed into genuine interest.

They collectively decided to invest their savings in purchasing an Apple computer with Macintosh OS 7, eager to delve into the unique world of Doom.

Discussions about the video game Doom among groups of video game fans in the USA are spreading rapidly. The game's unique concept has piqued the interest of many, leading even emerging video game magazines to purchase Doom for review purposes.

After KiShin's Doom began gaining recognition among video game enthusiasts, its sales surged. The same phenomenon occurred with Apple Macintosh OS 7, as fans were captivated by Doom's impressive graphics, sound, and fast-paced gameplay.

One dedicated fan, Richard Louis, became addicted to Doom and eagerly spread the word to his friends, gradually increasing the game's popularity. This grassroots movement gained momentum until Doom became widely known.

The game's popularity reached a point where even the media took notice. Numerous outlets covered and interviewed individuals proudly wearing Doom-themed shirts, further amplifying the game's fame.

The media coverage started with the popular TV show "The Computer Chronicles," broadcasted on the Public Broadcasting Service. This show featured Doom, contributing significantly to the game's widespread recognition.

Host Stewart Cheifet remarked, "We're aware that the gradual rise in popularity of revived video games has even impacted the computer industry." Pausing for emphasis, he continued, "But did you know that an unprecedented video game breakthrough has just occurred without your knowledge?"

Following these words, Stewart Cheifet approached a Macintosh OS 7, took a seat in front of the Apple computer, and proceeded to boot it up.

Turning to the camera, he declared, "If you're at home and have yet to catch wind of this video game, what you are about to witness marks a revolution in the world of gaming."

Meanwhile, viewers, who were computer enthusiasts at home and unfamiliar with the video game Doom, were eagerly curious about what host Stewart Cheifet was about to unveil.

As they observed, Stewart Cheifet powered up the Apple computer. Some viewers, noting the computer brand, remarked, "Apple Computer? Their operating system can't even be compared to Microsoft..."

Following the boot-up, the camera zoomed in on the computer screen. Stewart Cheifet took control of the mouse, and the camera captured the cursor as it approached the icon labeled Doom.

As the camera honed in on the computer screen, Stewart Cheifet's voice resonated, saying, "Everyone, some of you may be familiar with this video game, while others might not. Allow me to introduce you to Doom."

Following his introduction, Stewart Cheifet proceeded to open the Doom video game on the Apple computer. White text against a black background emerged, displaying the copyright symbol followed by "KiShin." As the camera captured this, the black background faded, revealing the title "Doom" accompanied by an intense musical theme.

While the camera was fixed on the screen, viewers unfamiliar with Doom looked on with curiosity as Stewart Cheifet's voice filled the air. He mentioned, "Before I forget to mention, this video game was developed by KiShin for Apple Computer."

This revelation surprised viewers at home. Developed by KiShin for Apple Computer? How did they miss that?

The camera continued focusing on the computer screen, revealing the title of the video game, "Doom," and the prompt "Press the key to start." Stewart Cheifet pressed a key on the keyboard to initiate, and a gunshot sound effect echoed. Following this, viewers noticed various options beneath the Doom title, prompting Stewart Cheifet to randomly select one.

Subsequently, as the video game Doom commenced, both those familiar and unfamiliar with Doom witnessed on broadcast television the groundbreaking scene where the camera captured the first-ever first-person shooting video game, Doom.

For those viewers previously unaware of the video game Doom, seeing it featured on today's episode of The Computer Chronicles piqued their interest. Watching Stewart Cheifet actively engage in playing Doom, relentlessly shooting enemies amid intense yet captivating sound effects and a gripping musical theme, captivated their attention.

Stewart Cheifet felt the intensity while playing the video game Doom. Randomly choosing the difficulty level to "difficult," he found the game challenging and was promptly defeated by enemies, considering he had only played it a few times.

"Oops, I died," Stewart Cheifet's voice resonated as the camera focused on the computer screen. He continued, "As you can see, this video game was the first-ever first-person shooting game ever made."

The camera shifted to Stewart Cheifet, who added, "Developed by a Japanese video game company, it's said to have revived the video game industry and gained popularity within the sector." Pausing, he continued, "Regardless of the claims, one thing I can affirm is that KiShin's creation, Doom, is a revolutionary video game. It was so groundbreaking in the computer world that it was hard for my show, The Computer Chronicles, to overlook!"

After making this announcement, the camera zoomed in on Stewart Cheifet as the tech or futuristic beat of his TV show played in the background. Stewart Cheifet added, "If you're eager to experience the video game Doom, you can exclusively play it on the Macintosh OS 7 platform and its subsequent versions."

Upon hearing this, viewers at home who had intended to purchase and install the game on their Microsoft OS-based HP computers expressed immediate frustration with furrowed brows. "Come on! I just want to play the game; why do I have to buy another computer!?" they exclaimed.

Host Stewart Cheifet seemed to anticipate the viewers' reactions as he reassured, "I understand some of you might feel frustrated that Doom is exclusively available on the Apple Computer platform. However, I can assure you, if you invest in an Apple computer to play Doom, it will be worth it!"

Most viewers, predominantly computer enthusiasts, perceived Stewart Cheifet's words as a promotion and advertisement for the video game Doom. Witnessing the impressive graphics and gameplay, they couldn't help but feel enthused about the game.

Unbeknownst to them, Stewart Cheifet and The Computer Chronicles program were being compensated by Apple for marketing. This move stemmed from Apple's impatience, considering KiShin's reliance on word-of-mouth wasn't meeting their expectations.

Following this episode of The Computer Chronicles, Apple's higher-ups were not disappointed; the sales of their Apple computers surged. Several media outlets also began to take notice of the video game Doom, hailed as a breakthrough in the world of video games. The fact that Doom was developed by the Japanese company KiShin, known for making waves in the gaming industry, added to its allure. Moreover, the popularity of Jurassic Park remained steadfast, with people absorbing the fact that the film had grossed over a billion dollars.

With the rise in sales of Doom and Apple Computers, other computer brands and the Microsoft OS experienced a slight decline in sales.

While the impact was minimal, it still affected overall sales stability. During the board of directors meeting, Will Gates expressed his concern, stating, "The KiShin-Apple Alliance has proven to be more troublesome than I initially anticipated." He paused and continued, "I couldn't believe that KiShin would develop a video game with limited 3D features. This is truly alarming."

The board members nodded in agreement as one member spoke up, "I've personally played the video game Doom, and I must say, it's unlike any other game I've experienced. It would be a shame if it's exclusively available on Apple Computers, don't you think?" He paused, capturing the attention of the board members, and continued, "I propose that we negotiate with KiShin to bring the Doom game to our operating system platform. This could restore our sales to normal levels, don't you agree?"

Those present found merit in the suggestion, with some expressing their support, "I agree. A quality game like Doom shouldn't be limited to a single platform; it's wasting its potential."

"Yeah, I think so too."

Upon hearing the consensus, Will Gates chimed in, "I share the same sentiment. However, considering the alliance between KiShin and Apple, do you think KiShin would be willing to make the game available on our Microsoft OS?"

Upon hearing this, the board members shared the sentiment, expressing their willingness for KiShin to make the Doom video game available on their platform. However, uncertainty lingered, as they questioned whether KiShin would agree, highlighting the existing alliance with Apple. The dilemma arose: who would betray the other in such a clear alliance?

As the board members exchanged thoughtful glances, Will Gates spoke up, acknowledging the collective contemplation, "I understand some of you may be pondering how we could develop our own video game similar to Doom."

Observing nods from some board members, Will Gates smiled and remarked, "You've made a valid point. Creating a video game similar to Doom is an alternative, but I must remind you that it would be both costly and time-consuming. We lack the same research and advanced video game development capabilities as KiShin."

Acknowledging the challenges, some board members nodded in agreement, and one member added, "I agree. It would be challenging to replicate the same video game, especially if it was developed using a proprietary program by KiShin."

Will Gates, along with other board members, nodded in unison. "Exactly," Will Gates affirmed. "Doom was indeed created through a program developed by KiShin, and that's the challenge. Without information on such a program and lacking the same video game development and advanced technologies, even if we can cover the cost, it will be a time-consuming endeavor."

Upon hearing Will Gates' words, the board members concurred with his assessment. Realizing that negotiating with KiShin was the most viable option, they considered that despite KiShin's alliance with Apple, it didn't guarantee exclusive access to their video games. Additionally, the user base of Microsoft OS exceeded that of Apple computers with the Apple operating system.

This dilemma left Will Gates at a crossroads, and he ultimately decided that initiating contact with KiShin for negotiations was the best course of action, especially with Shinro Suzuki, the founder and CEO who held true control over KiShin.

Some businesspeople harbor doubts about whether a young man named Shinro Suzuki truly holds control over the business or if he is merely being manipulated by someone else.

The skepticism arises from reports indicating that Shinro Suzuki is the son of the current chairman of the Suzuki Group, Shiro Suzuki. The news that the Suzuki Group oversees the affairs of companies led by Shinro Suzuki has become a topic of discussion in the business world. Despite these individuals typically focusing on financial matters and strategies to grow their wealth, the intriguing question of whether Shinro Suzuki is a puppet of the Suzuki Group captures their attention. This speculation adds an interesting dimension, highlighting that even among savvy and astute businesspeople, there remains gossip and curiosity regarding the true power dynamics within KiShin – whether it is truly under Shinro Suzuki's control or under the influence of the Suzuki Group.

The outstanding profitability of Shinro Suzuki's KiShin companies has drawn significant attention within the business world.

Despite numerous critics opposing KiShin, its remarkable success has left many in the business community envious. Perhaps it is precisely this success that has fueled the opposition. In essence, if the Suzuki Group truly controls KiShin, businesspeople can only lament the fact that such a highly profitable enterprise is under the influence of the Suzuki Group.

While many in the business world considered the idea of the Suzuki Group controlling KiShin highly unlikely, given Suzuki Group's decline in the video games sector and its partnership with Tora, some harbored suspicions about KiShin. The skepticism arose from the anomaly that, despite KiShin's continuous growth, it remained a private company rather than going public.

The contrast of a private company challenging a global-scale public company intrigued those in the business community.

In Tokyo, Japan, when the video game Doom became available around September, numerous computer enthusiasts were eager and excited to experience the game.

Various media outlets in Japan covered the gradual rise in popularity of the video game Doom, originally from the USA.

Aware of Doom, Tora and Suzuki took a more serious tone. Before Doom's release, they were working on video games with limited 3D but still in the realm of 2D. However, they didn't anticipate KiShin surpassing them by developing and releasing Doom, a superior video game to what they were currently working on.

Simultaneously, Tora and Suzuki attempted to infiltrate KiShin's company to gain insights into KiShin's future developments in video games, seeking to stay informed.

While the video game Doom has been making waves in the computer industry, in Toshima Ward, Tokyo, Japan, Shin convened a meeting at KiShin Headquarters. As the executives gathered, he announced, "Starting today, I've decided to place KiShin Electronics under the umbrella of my newly created company, KiShin Rules. I will serve as its Chairman, and I'll appoint a CEO for KiShin Rules. Additionally, the new CEO for KiShin Electronics will be determined through a vote among you."

This revelation startled the executives; the young CEO had established a new company that would now be the primary entity for all things KiShin.

Observing the executives' surprised expressions, Shin smiled and shared, "To be honest, I've been planning this for a while. I've already acquired a building in the prosperous city of Minato, Tokyo, for the headquarters of our main company, KiShin Rules."

Upon hearing this, one executive couldn't help but say, "Isn't acquiring a building in the Minato ward quite expensive? Is it truly cost-effective to have a building situated there?"

Similar concerns echoed among the other executives.

Shin smiled and replied, "It was before the recession." Pausing to gauge their surprised expressions, he continued, "Some of you seem to forget that post-recession, land prices in Minato significantly dropped. Seizing the opportunity, I consistently purchased land and a building in Minato."

The executives were left speechless after hearing Shin's words. Indeed, it was foreseeable that if Japan's economy recovered, the price of land in Minato would significantly increase.

This trend was mirrored in other cities where land prices had plummeted, prompting Shin to acquire land in several prosperous areas of Tokyo. Particularly in the Akihabara District, Shin secured a significant portion of the future Electric Town. He strategically deployed negotiators to deal with property owners in the area, leveraging the fact that Akihabara wasn't as renowned compared to Shin's previous life. Consequently, most property owners agreed to the terms.

To fund these ventures, Shin obtained a loan of approximately 210 billion yen, equivalent to about 1.4 billion dollars, from various Japanese banks offering low-interest rates. This substantial sum was utilized to purchase a considerable amount of land in Akihabara, precisely 148 thousand sqm, a feat accomplished within a year since the onset of the economic recession in Japan in 1992.

With that, Shin still has approximately 374 million dollars remaining from the loans secured from various banks in Japan. However, this remaining capital is earmarked for acquiring additional land in Akihabara.

Simultaneously, KiShin's acquisition of land in various cities, particularly the substantial land holdings in Akihabara, drew widespread attention. It even piqued the interest of the Japanese Government.

The Ministry of Finance found itself perplexed about KiShin's determined efforts to acquire land in Akihabara. High-ranking officials discussed among themselves, "Does KiShin have specific plans for Akihabara?" Nevertheless, they acknowledged KiShin's keen foresight and recognized the potential of Akihabara, strategically located in the heart of Tokyo.

In light of this, the Japanese government recognized the potential of Akihabara. The government sector engaged in discussions about the district's future, concurrently addressing KiShin's extensive land acquisition in Akihabara and its potential impact on the local community and surrounding businesses.

However, amidst these discussions, some officials deemed Shinro Suzuki as eccentric for investing in Akihabara, a venture they perceived as lacking guaranteed profits. They expressed concerns that it might be a waste of money, yet, at the same time, couldn't help but lament the mindset of the wealthy.

The thoughts and extravagant ideas of the wealthy were aspects that ordinary officials like them found challenging to grasp.

Following KiShin's high-profile land acquisition in Akihabara, some high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Finance reached out to Shinro Suzuki. However, Shin responded in a manner that left the officials unable to comprehend his plan for the land. Despite the confusion, the officials were relieved to learn that Shin had no intentions of causing disruption to the local community and surrounding businesses, as long as they aligned with KiShin's accord.

Meanwhile, in the Sazama Mansion, news of KiShin's high-profile land acquisitions in various Tokyo cities, and particularly the substantial spending on Akihabara land, reached the ears of Sazama and Kumiko.

Sazama, engrossed in playing KiShin's new video game, Final Fantasy IV, was interrupted by a man in a sleek black suit who brought him up to speed on KiShin's recent maneuvers.

"What!? KiShin acquired thousands of square meters in the Akihabara district!?" Sazama nearly choked on his tea as he exclaimed.

Kumiko hurriedly patted Sazama's back as they both turned their attention to the formally dressed man with sleek hair, who slightly bowed while conveying, "Yes, this is the information my team and I recently obtained." The man paused, observing the dilated eyes and shocked expressions of Sazama and Kumiko, then continued, "From what I've gathered, KiShin has been steadily acquiring land in Akihabara for a few months before it culminated in the recent acquisition of thousands of square meters. The exact amount wasn't disclosed, but according to our intel, KiShin has acquired even more, possibly reaching up to 50 thousand square meters or beyond."

Upon hearing this, Sazama and Kumiko were visibly stunned.

Upon learning about their youngest grandson's businesses and companies, Sazama and Kumiko decided to stay informed about anything related to KiShin, allowing them to monitor their youngest grandson's ventures. While they couldn't influence his business decisions, they could at least keep track of his progress.

However, they found themselves periodically bewildered and shocked by KiShin's, or rather, their youngest grandson's, strategic moves.

This youngest grandson of theirs proved to be more ambitious than they had ever been. Who in their right mind would acquire tens of thousands of square meters in a single district?

Yet, Akihabara District, being in the heart of Tokyo, held tremendous potential, making the acquisition of such vast land a promising move for future investments.

However, the challenge lay in the cost of developing the land. While Sazama and Kumiko were uncertain about their youngest grandson's exact plans, they suspected KiShin intended to construct a planned building there for various reasons. The looming concern was the financial burden associated with construction.

If their youngest grandson aimed to venture into the apartment business, the risk was evident. Although the land prices had significantly decreased during the recession, Tokyo's real estate market was gradually rebounding, making the piece of land in Akihabara relatively expensive. Over time, as the cost of living in such a prime location increased, it remained uncertain whether KiShin could effectively attract tenants.

What they weren't aware of, however, was Shin's intention to acquire the entire future Electric Town in Akihabara, totaling 300 thousand sqm of land. Shin planned to transform it into a commercial hub, making the area popular. By having other companies rent space or advertise in the Electric Town Akihabara District once it attracted tourists and visitors, Shin aimed to generate income for sustained success.