Bokutachi no Remake Ver. β V1 Chapter 4 By: thai130898

Morning. Normally, I would be rushing around getting ready, but on this day, I was preparing with plenty of time to spare.

I took a slow shower, shaved, and properly groomed myself. If this were a company where we wore suits, I surely would have put on a new dress shirt.

"It's finally... time."

I slapped both my cheeks to fire myself up.

The TV I had randomly switched on informed me that today's horoscope was "bad luck." Well, maybe that's just right.

"There's no 'excellent luck' when you're fighting a monster."

I wonder what kind of opponent will appear.

Holding both anxiety and expectation, I turned off the TV and opened the door to my house.

"So bright...!"

The summer sun was shining brightly. Around me, there was a wave of people heading to work in the city center, just like me.

I also mixed in with them and headed towards the station.

Most of them were in suits, but their appearances varied. There were people constantly apologizing for something on their smartphones, and people who muttered as they read documents in their hands, occasionally glaring into space.

(I wonder what kind of enemies they're all going to fight now.)

Hopefully, they will all be able to achieve a certain degree of success.

While secretly wishing for it, I boarded the local train bound for Shinjuku.

In the completely familiar train window, the skyscrapers of the subcenter that changed everything that day floated in the distance. In the heat haze born from the warmth, everything began to look like an illusion.

(This is... reality, isn't it?)

I was forcibly pulled back to reality from a dream-like time, and now I am trying to return it to a dream once more.

Fate is not something prepared by someone else that you receive like a lottery ticket.

I've come to realize that it's something you seize for yourself.

The Odakyu train stops at Shinjuku, and I transfer to the Yamanote Line. From a train that wasn't so crowded, to one of the most packed lines, squeezed in like sushi.

This usually unpleasant crowding seemed to be functioning perfectly today as an essence to fire me up.

The train arrived at Gotanda Station, and people poured out like an avalanche.

I mixed in with them and headed for the high-rise district from the west exit.

I enter the Succeed Soft building and go down to the basement via a different route from the others. I had always hated this route. I thought it was a symbol of the clear gap that had been made, of being unable to do anything.

But now, I am proud to take this path. Because my comrades who fight alongside me also pass through here.

When I opened the door marked Development Department 13, I expected to find the usual dusty smell and a wide, empty room...

"Huh...?"

But, this day was different.

In this room, where I should have been the first to arrive as usual, employees other than myself had already come to work.

"...You're early."

At the words that slipped out of my mouth, they all grinned back at me in unison.

But unfortunately, Miyamoto-san was not there.

Since then, he had retreated into his shell much more than before. He only exchanged the bare minimum of words and left the office promptly after work.

I wanted to talk to him, somehow. I wanted him to understand at least that I had my own preparations, my own strategy.

And, if possible... I wanted to face this day together.

(No, let's stop thinking about that now.)

On the day of the presentation, it's better to avoid things that would dampen one's spirits.

Because if I don't concentrate on how to present, I'll probably be beaten at my own game.

"Good morning...!"

To fire myself up, I greeted them in a loud voice.

Finally, the battle begins.

◇

The 22nd floor of the Succeed Soft head office building was suddenly filled with tension.

"Do we have enough tea?"

"It's fine. Also, check the documents again."

People from the sales department, who had been hastily called upon, were making preparations before the meeting.

A heavy, solid conference table, and a luxurious carpet clearly different from those on other floors. The spacious room was filled with elements of elegance and status beyond just functionality.

"Ah, ahahaha... am I really... g-giving a presentation in a place like this...?"

Sakurai-san was exuding a tension that went far beyond mere nervousness.

"Well, if you're in Department 13, you'd never come to a place like this."

The Queen, as usual, showed no signs of being perturbed even in this situation.

"E-everyone, d-d-do your best not to be nervous, I'll be cheering for you!"

In a tone second only to Sakurai-san's in nervousness, the manager offered words of encouragement.

"Sakurai-san."

"Y-yes!"

I gently place my hand on the documents she's holding with a trembling hand.

"It's okay, it's a plan we all made together properly. Be confident, okay?"

She looked at the thick document again.

And with determined eyes,

"Yes...!"

the moment she answered, the trembling in her hands had stopped.

"Well, it's about time."

Just as the Queen looked at her watch and spoke, everyone stood up together.

At the same time as the 1 PM chime rang, the door to the conference room quietly opened, and the executives entered one after another.

"Eh, what's today again?"

"The Managing Director was supposed to have called us, something about a proposal from Department 13."

"Department 13? He called us for a proposal from such a remote place?"

"Well, you know, it's the Managing Director..."

"Well, if the content is boring, then we'll have something to use as well."

A total of six executives, from regular directors in charge of development, HR, sales, and corporate planning, to those with managing director status and their aides, took their seats at the table.

All of them were a lineup of what looked like a bunch of tough characters.

Their ages seemed to range from the late 40s to the 50s. Compared to other companies, it should have been a relatively young composition, but

(Well, it's not like they seem... particularly understanding.)

all of them are looking this way with stern, skeptical expressions.

"U-um, thank you very much for your time today..."

Just as the manager was about to give his greeting,

"That's enough of that, keep it brief. We've got a tight schedule."

"We only came because the Managing Director told us to. Normally, we wouldn't spare any time for Department 13, so keep that in mind."

"Y-yes..."

The poor manager wilted and fell silent.

I had heard from Kawasegawa beforehand that none of the current directors were on the Managing Director's side. She told me to be prepared for a presentation from a clearly disadvantageous position.

(I wonder what's going to happen...)

I have only heard a little about the Managing Director's personality.

In a situation where we already have no allies, the thought of someone even more difficult than this lineup appearing is tiring in itself.

(I have to support Sakurai-san well...)

Just as I steeled my resolve and clenched my fist,

"Sorry to keep you waiting, whew, the previous meeting ran long. My apologies, my apologies."

A young man with a strangely light demeanor entered the conference room, accompanied by Kawasegawa.

With a nonchalant air, he walked quickly to his seat. His stride was steady and fluid, and from his straight back, an air of confidence could be seen.

The executives all stood up in unison and bowed to the man.

We hurriedly followed suit.

"Ah, it's fine, it's fine. More importantly, shall we just get started?"

The man waved them away with a hand gesture and sat down, facing us directly.

(So this is... Managing Director Matsuhira, huh.)

I had heard he was 28, the same age as me and Kawasegawa, but he had an atmosphere that made him look much younger.

However, within his smiling expression, a sharp gaze could occasionally be glimpsed. I wonder if he subjugates his opponents by mixing this hard and soft approach.

(In any case, I need to be careful.)

According to Kawasegawa, he should be an ally position-wise, but she had warned me to be careful as he could easily turn into an enemy depending on the situation. He was probably trying to determine whether we were usable with this presentation.

I decided to just watch the Managing Director's every move.

"Well then, we will now begin the presentation of the new proposal by Development Department 13."

Kawasegawa, the facilitator, announced this in a quiet tone with a microphone in hand.

Amidst various speculations and tension.

The extremely important presentation that would decide our future began.

The blinds on the conference room windows closed automatically, and the panel behind us lit up.

The screen displayed the same document that had been distributed to everyone.

"To overturn the preconceived notions of past RPGs and deliver a fresh experience to the user that betrays their expectations in a good way. That is the objective of this work."

First, Sakurai-san carefully explained the project overview of this work.

The title, which had been temporary for a long time, seemed to have been decided as "OVER WORLD." It was quite interesting, with multiple meanings such as overturning the worldview and surpassing the world.

Compared to what she initially proposed, she was now able to talk about clever ways to get around the drawbacks in terms of graphics and the niche appeal resulting from using system-level gimmicks.

(Sakurai-san, you're doing great...)

It can undoubtedly be called her growth.

(But, it starts now.)

After her explanation is over, that's when it all starts. This is, so to speak, a prologue.

The directors, with an air of being battle-hardened veterans, are staring intently at Sakurai-san's presentation.

How to fight them. On that point, we had a certain strategy.

◆

One week ago, just after we had all come together in unity.

"...And so, we will be conducting a presentation of the proposal in a gathering of the executives."

When I announced that in front of everyone in the department, voices of surprise rose from everyone.

"How did you manage to get such an appointment! The executives are all so slow to move, so just being able to gather them is amazing~!"

Takoyaki-san seemed to be steaming from his head with excitement.

It must have been that difficult internally within the company.

"If it's approved here, it means the project has gotten the GO sign, right?"

I nodded at the Queen's words.

"Therefore, by creating a perfect plan here, I want to make it so the executives have absolutely no complaints."

As everyone nodded in agreement,

"...However."

I paused for a moment, then began to flip through the proposal again.

"I certainly think this proposal is well put together. The monetization is solid, and the concerns have been resolved."

"Is... something wrong with it?"

Not understanding what I was worried about, Sakurai-san asked purely.

"That's precisely why I want to make an even stronger impression. That this has been perfectly thought out."

Saying that, I began to draw lines on the proposal.

"This proposal has several checkpoints."

I marked about three places on the revised proposal I had made.

"I'm thinking of deliberately stopping the presentation at this point and letting the executives jump in."

"Ehh, but then, won't they object...?"

"Before that happens, we just have to explain it properly. If we can answer like, 'I was expecting you to bring that up,' we can appeal that we've properly thought about how to handle it, and it will make a strong impression, right?"

A chorus of "Ooh~" went up.

Just tracing over what's written can sometimes end with a lackluster impression.

In that case, by deliberately making them "care" about the content, having them participate in the presentation would likely yield a stronger effect. That was the strategy I had formulated.

"...That's good, let's definitely do it!"

When Sakurai-san said that, Kojima-san also said happily,

"Fufu, it feels like I'm working for the first time in years."

she said, carefully writing in the designations with a marker.

"Alright, then shall we dig a pitfall? A huge one that the executives are likely to fall into."

◆

"...That concludes the overview of the proposal. Are there any questions at this point?"

Quickly, a hand went up from the executive in charge of sales.

"The proposal, as a thing, might be good, but it's plain."

"Do you think so?"

"Yeah, it would be difficult to sell this as a standalone product. The part in the document earlier about expecting it to go viral on social media... that's just wishful thinking."

"Besides, releasing such a small-scale title using our name would lower the status of our brand, wouldn't it?"

"Exactly! Aren't you ashamed?"

Perhaps happy to have found something to criticize, the executives all started rattling off at once.

I couldn't help but look at everyone and smile.

(See, just as I said, right?)

And then turning back to them,

"...Well then, taking those concerns into account, please look at the next panel."

Looking completely prepared from the start, I continued the presentation.

"This work is indeed a plain title. However, we are of course aware that we cannot compete with that alone."

On the panel displayed on the screen, the temporary logo of the aforementioned RPG title is shown small.

"...Therefore, we have decided to move forward with ten development titles simultaneously."

Surrounding the logo, logos for nine more works were displayed.

A cry of surprise, "Ooh," rises from the group.

"...I see."

Even the Managing Director seemed to let out a smirk.

"This collection of works is truly diverse. For men, for women, by age group and by genre, they are small in scale but have become a variety of works. Moreover, each is a work by a creator with an established reputation from past works, so a certain level of purchases can be expected."

Quantified information about the support base and its scale for each genre was displayed.

"And about the other point of concern, the brand name..."

The panel lit up again.

The Succeed Soft logo is displayed large.

"Our company, as you all have said, is a brand with a long history that has developed mainly large-scale titles. If we were to release a series of small-scale titles, it would certainly cause confusion, and our brand power could decline."

He speaks smoothly, as if to say he is well aware of that.

"Therefore, this time we have decided to completely remove the Succeed brand name."

The Succeed Soft logo disappeared, and in its place, the project name logo and several software house and brand logos were displayed.

"Titled 'Success Produce.' Our company will strictly supervise, and for the actual development, we will invite small software houses and doujin game circles to carry it out."

A voice saying "Hoh..." could be heard from among the executives.

As I watched this, I thought,

(The "shoot a lot and one will hit" strategy, a success for now...)

Before, that time when I was working late.

From a single casual word from the manager, this whole development had come to be.

I want to keep Sakurai-san's title. But as it is, it will be branded as unsellable.

Without touching the content, could we not expand the sales zone with other elements?

It was the brute-force method of "releasing a lot in parallel" that made such an unreasonable setup possible.

"For these works, we plan to have influential figures from various fields, such as illustrators and planners, participate."

Regarding the selection of creators for this area, I was somehow able to solidify it with the connections I had. I really wanted to borrow Miyamoto-san's help here, but it was lucky that I was just barely able to cross the line to be included in the proposal.

"...As such, we are proceeding with development with thorough preparation."

I was able to show the best solution in a counter-attacking manner.

(Alright, two points... secured.)

There were three points of concern I had prepared in advance. Two of them developed as expected.

One remains. If this doesn't come from the other side, that's the end of it.

If it does come up--it will be another battle.

After a short pause, a hand was quietly raised.

"Go ahead."

When I called on him, the executive, who had been silent until then, slowly opened his mouth. He was a man with a reputation for being sharp, who had been promoted from sales to the head of the corporate strategy office.

"Although I am in a position to consider corporate strategy, I observed a somewhat optimistic view of the market, so I would like to ask a question."

It was an unprecedentedly polite tone. Because it wasn't a statement made in the heat of the moment, I waited for the next words with tension.

"With the Japanese market being so cold, even with downloads, where do you see the prospect of sales?"

I thought, so it's come to that after all.

"Even on major download sites, DL works such as doujin are in a situation where tens of thousands of copies are a mega-hit. Moreover, most of those titles are ones that sell due to risqué sexual depictions. In that context, I would like you to explain the basis for your belief that the aforementioned title will be strongly supported in the market."

Among the row of executives, a look of "gotcha" could be seen.

Having had various points taken from them by a young punk, they seemed to be frustrated, and seeing us silenced by a blow from their comrade, they were probably inwardly pleased.

(This isn't supposed to be that kind of place in the first place.)

Well, this isn't the time to question the right or wrong of it, so I quietly took the microphone.

And then, I stated it flatly.

"That's right, I think... it won't sell in Japan."

At my words, everyone present was momentarily stunned.

And the next moment, the room suddenly erupted in an uproar.

"Then, where in the world do you intend to sell it?"

The executive from before's eyes lit up again. Voices of dissatisfaction and confusion began to rise from the others all at once.

"W-what should we do, Hashiba-san...?"

Sakurai-san was overwhelmed by the threatening attitude of the executives and was flustered.

"It's fine, just watch."

With a calm expression, I looked at the Managing Director directly in front of me.

He had been smirking the whole time. And just like that, he quickly raised his hand.

"May I say one thing?"

"Yes, go ahead."

The Managing Director, without changing his expression, said,

"You seem to have quite a nasty personality."

"I do apologize."

"It's fine. My personality isn't great either."

......I couldn't bring myself to say, "So you're aware of it."

"So, for you to deliberately say it that way, means,"

the Managing Director spun the pen he was holding and stopped it, pointing it at me.

"Basically, you're trying to say that you have no intention of selling it in Japan, right?"

The room erupted in an uproar again.

In the midst of that, I nodded firmly.

"That's right. We will be selling these works--overseas."

I displayed the next panel I had prepared.

"Storm, a download service with 100 million users worldwide. We are considering selling mainly there."

This was the key to this proposal.

I had gotten information during my previous job that Japanese novel games were starting to sell in the North American market. Just as I was thinking of expanding with a translation, the company went bankrupt, but I had kept it, thinking it might be useful for something.

I was really glad I had made a habit of stocking up on things.

"I see, I understand that there is potential in a new market."

It was the executive from before.

"However, if you are going to sell overseas, a translation will naturally be necessary. What are your plans for the various expenses and securing personnel for that?"

I nodded and said,

"Regarding the translation of the software, we are prepared to support five languages from the beginning. This is Kojima, who has already finished listing up the translators."

Amidst the surprised faces of the executives, Kojima-san stood up and quietly bowed her head.

She had a look full of confidence.

◆

Actually, regarding the release of this translated version, I hadn't planned to state it this definitively at first.

"This story about the overseas version, I think it will definitely be criticized for the translation, but as expected, we don't have a lead on that right now..."

"Really... what should we do?"

Sakurai-san and I hold our heads in our hands.

"Can't we ask that kind of company?"

"If it's a localization company, our company has dealings with some."

I shake my head at Sakurai-san's and the manager's suggestion.

"That would cost too much. Besides, indie novel games have strong textual quirks, and a normal translation wouldn't convey the tone."

In fact, there have even been titles that failed their overseas translation and were hit with a barrage of low ratings.

"I see, it's difficult..."

"What should we do?"

As we all crossed our arms,

"Um, you know."

a hand popped up.

"Kojima-san, what is it?"

"I have connections. For translation."

Everyone stood up from their seats with a clatter.

"Ehh!?"

"How did that come about?"

"Don't tell me the punchline is that you're actually a returnee or something..."

To the flustered group, the Queen, with a prim expression, said,

"You see, I got bored with work and was traveling abroad for a long time."

Upon asking, it seemed she traveled all over the place with cheap tickets every time she had a day off.

"And, I'd meet up with the people I met there again in Japan. They're all otaku, so we get along well, and it's a relief that they understand even if I say things like 'Leaf,' 'Key,' or 'Type-Moon'."

I immediately had her send a question to a group chat on LINE, and

"...I got a reply almost instantly saying it's interesting."

"They're all otaku, so apparently when the translation of a work by an author they like is crap, it makes them want to kill someone."

And the conversation proceeded smoothly.

We were able to find translators who fit the tone of the work at a much lower cost than going to a regular localization company.

◆

Lastly, I introduced model cases and so on that are actually being sold on Storm.

"The market will probably fill up quickly from now on. By then, I believe that if our company establishes a solid presence, it will have a positive impact on other development titles as well."

The executives, knowing that it was also related to them, suddenly started to stir.

"This Storm or Steam thing, is it really on a global scale?"

"Yes, we have detailed numbers, so I will show you those as well."

When I projected the document onto the panel and explained, the executive from before also seemed convinced.

"Indeed, if we are including this market in the discussion, then the content is worth considering."

"I'm glad you understand."

The Managing Director also nodded with a satisfied look, and said,

"In the future, there will probably be more consumer games that support Storm. As a stepping stone for that, launching smaller titles will be useful as research."

"Yes, that is correct."

Lastly, being able to press this point was a big plus.

With this, we were able to firmly address the three points of concern.

(I managed to get ahead of them, and things went according to plan.)

Now, if I can just settle things peacefully, it looks like the proposal will pass as is.

"With this, I believe there are no more points of concern, but what do you think?"

Looking around at everyone, the executives all seemed to be convinced.

"Well, for something that came out of that Department 13, the content was pretty good, wasn't it?"

"There are some concerns, but it doesn't affect us, so, well..."

The way they said it bothered me a little, but I decided not to worry about it.

Because right now, what matters is how to take that first step.

The executives also seemed to have nothing more to say.

"Well then, with this, the decision for the proposal's approval is..."

Kawasegawa's sharp voice echoed through the room.

Ah, with this, my efforts have somehow been rewarded.

I felt relieved and let my guard down a little.

The tension had been continuous, and I was quite tired.

Just as I thought it would end like this, following the flow,

"Nice, that was truly interesting!"

suddenly, the Managing Director raised his voice.

"U-um... Managing Director?"

Kawasegawa looked at him puzzled, but without paying any mind to it, he said,

"Wow, I never imagined a story like this would come out of Department 13! Isn't it truly wonderful, hey?"

He had suddenly started praising our proposal.

(Eh, w-what is this...?)

Not understanding his intention, I fixed my gaze on the Managing Director again.

"Yes, that's right... for them, it was quite a good idea, wasn't it..."

As if to follow up, one of the executives interjected,

"For them? What are you saying? It's an innovative idea that considers the future, profitability, and is something we've never had before!"

"Eh...?"

The executive who had interjected was lost for words at the Managing Director's forcefulness.

"Don't you understand? This is what I'm saying. Why didn't this innovative idea come from you, who are supposed to be working in the mainstream! It's utterly pathetic, really!"

(Wh-what is this person saying...!)

It was a sudden, challenging statement.

And a very harsh, strong one at that.

"Managing Director, aren't your words a little too much!"

"That's right! Unlike Department 13, we have our regular duties as well. To be blamed for not coming up with a proposal on top of that is unacceptable!"

At the Managing Director's words, which were close to verbal abuse, the executives also turned pale and argued back.

"No, no, they were doing their work properly too. What's more, they even came up with improvement measures and thought of this plan in their spare time, isn't that splendid? It's good enough to be featured on one of those economics shows!"

He continued to compare us with them, trying to disparage them.

Naturally, the way the executives looked at us gradually returned to being harsh.

(W-wait a minute, why is he adding fuel to the fire here!)

I didn't understand at all.

If he wanted to praise us, he could just do that, so why say something that would stir up the room and anger them like this?

Before I could even wonder, they,

"This is unacceptable!"

finally began to explode with anger directed at us.

"What is this, summoning us for a 'planning meeting' so high-and-mighty in the first place!"

"You may not know it, but Department 13 is slated for downsizing. No matter how good a proposal those guys bring, it's meaningless!"

It was a ridiculous accusation.

Moreover, it had been mixed up with what was discussed before this meeting was even held.

"This proposal, we can't let Department 13 handle it as is."

"That's true, it would be best for our Department 6 to take this over and develop it there."

That's ridiculous!

At their completely unreasonable words, I raised my voice.

"W-wait a minute, are you planning to steal the proposal we came up with!?"

"Don't say such offensive things! You probably don't have any decent developers anyway!"

"We're the ones who will have to take the fall if we let a bunch of indies do it and they fail!"

It had already completely departed from the realm of exchanging opinions.

The executives, who were finding fault with everything based on their emotions, and us, who were talking back, not wanting to lose.

In the midst of that, I was constantly thinking if there was something effective I could say.

(No, if I let my anger out, we'll just go around in circles.)

Even when getting angry, one must do so in an orderly manner.

However.

What was the culprit who caused this in the first place thinking?

With angry eyes, I looked at the Managing Director.

He was silent, with a hellish smile on his face.

(He's smiling...?)

It wasn't a slip of the tongue, but he said it, predicting this would happen?

While feeling anger at his actions which had come to disrupt the meeting, I thought about the reason for it.

(...No way.)

Is this a scene to test our resolve?

Is it not a passive consent, but a demand to be subdued?

I looked around again.

The executives are all brandishing their own egos, and they are not happy about us being "active" at all.

If we back down here, it's all over.

But if you show the will to fight, I'll properly support you.

...To me, that's how the Managing Director's stance looked.

(Honestly, it's scary. But... I have to say it.)

I look to the side. Everyone is looking at them with frustrated expressions.

That settled my resolve.

I grit my teeth.

I look forward.

And, the moment I was about to open my mouth,

"Then, nothing will change, right?"

It wasn't me.

Surprised, I look right next to me, and there.

"...Then, nothing at all..."

was the figure of Sakurai Ritsuko, her hands clenched tightly, her lips trembling.

It was a cry from her heart.

Picture

The conference room fell silent in an instant. The eyes of everyone there were turned towards her.

At the past misfortune, the hardships. And at the unreasonable obstruction to the answer she had derived. She felt a tremendous anger.

That came out in the form of words.

But she didn't have any more words beyond that. She probably had a mountain of things she wanted to say, but she couldn't put them together.

That's why she shouted. To break the air. To remake this place.

While accepting that feeling and resolve, I quietly raised my hand.

"...May I?"

I cleared my throat once.

There's no turning back now.

(I'll say it all. What I've been holding onto, and everyone's feelings.)

How did this plan come about in the first place?

The reason, which could be called the hidden intention of the plan.

"Sakurai, who drafted this proposal, has had her proposals continuously rejected for days on end."

I remember that mountain of rejected proposals.

It all started from there.

"It is true that when you look at her proposals, there were many that were difficult to commercialize and whose intentions were hard to see. However..."

I remembered the time I was first shown the mountain of proposal documents.

There were many that couldn't be used, but there was definitely passion, and...

"If you examine it carefully, there was definitely a raw gemstone there. What we have presented to you all today is something that has been carefully polished and meticulously arranged."

Yes, it was there.

This raw gemstone was in a place that the people who had previously been involved with her had overlooked.

"This is not a miracle. If the meetings had maintained their proper form and been properly checked, this would have taken shape much earlier. Normally, a superior should have found that bud, but their negligence is the result of this."

Perhaps feeling awkward, everyone's eyes averted from me.

"To always hold a planning meeting during the meeting. I think that is a wonderful spirit of the founder and president. However, it can be said that it has become completely a mere formality."

Once, I had longed for it.

To be a staff member at a game company.

"What is being done here is all too far from the ideal. There has been nothing but snatching of credit and justification for denial, with almost no constructive talk. Originally, young and immature ideas should have been supplemented by everyone's experience and wisdom, but it is nothing short of regrettable that it ended with just finding fault."

I wanted to make things I loved.

Even after actually joining, that didn't change.

That's why... I took action.

"I'll say it again. If our company stays as it is, nothing will change. It can be called a great loss. In order to change that from the ground up, please accept something new. If you don't... you're just waiting for death."

A moment of silence fell.

But it was only for a moment.

"Listening silently, what insolence... It seems Horii-kun's education has been very thorough."

"That's right, these numerous rude remarks, why don't you, as his department head, caution him!"

The executives, in unison, began to direct their attacks at Manager Horii.

They probably thought this one was easier to deal with.

"How cowardly, if you have something to say, say it to me..."

I said it without thinking.

"No, well... even if you say that..."

The manager was still smiling as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

But, suddenly that expression,

"Even if you say that... everything he says is correct, so it would be strange to caution him."

changed completely.

"Rather, isn't it... your own responses that need caution?"

It was a cold, scornful look at the executives.

"Manager...!"

On the other hand, our eyes suddenly shone.

"No, you see, a manager, at times like these..."

He casually wiped his forehead again and said,

"has no work to do, you know."

With a chuckle, his smile returned.

"Wh-!"

"Y-you...!"

Naturally, the executives erupted in a fiery rage.

"Managing Director! Kawasegawa-kun! Let's throw these rude people out!"

"That's right! You people who don't even know how to speak properly!"

The Managing Director waited slowly for them to finish speaking, and then,

"Is that all you wanted to say?"

he said coldly.

"M-Managing Director, do you intend to overlook this! This rude, outrageous remark from a mere employee!"

"That mere employee has perfectly pointed out the problems our company faces. And with actual examples, no less."

The executives stared, their mouths agape.

"Rather, shouldn't you all just shut your mouths and reflect on this sorry state of affairs?"

"Ah............"

"Ugh............"

The executives closed their mouths one after another and slumped into their chairs.

No longer was there a single person left who intended to resist.

The Managing Director, after looking at all their faces with amusement, turned his gaze to me.

"Now then, Hashiba-kun."

"Yes."

"It was a good presentation, but regarding a point I have a question about... may I?"

"What is it?"

Without thinking, my hands tensed up.

He was the one who had complicated a matter that was once about to be settled. He would surely present a question that was not easy to answer.

(Honestly, if he pokes at that... it'll be tough.)

For this proposal, I had come with an almost perfect lineup, including the strategy of deliberately letting them criticize and the trump card of overseas expansion.

But there was one part that I just couldn't cover.

To me, who was watching with a tense expression, he said in the same tone as before,

"About that Storm story from earlier, I thought it was an interesting idea."

"Thank you."

"But... that's all it is."

"...Yes?"

The Managing Director pointed the pen he held in his hand towards me.

"Dedicating new development resources to an unknown section is very risky. That's why I want to see clear numbers there."

The metal fitting at the tip of the pen glittered, reflecting the sunlight.

"If the purpose is research, then there's no need to prepare a new title; just releasing existing titles would be sufficient. Fortunately, our company has titles that have already been translated and are being sold as packages."

"That is..."

I thought, he got me.

Yes, on Storm, various companies' past titles were being sold as archives, and moreover, they were receiving high praise.

If the purpose was research, it made sense to first release past titles rather than risky new ones, and then move on to new ones.

"No, research is just a byproduct; here, we will develop new titles for the market and challenge..."

"That's weak! Every department is short on money right now. If you don't weave in some elements with a proven track record here, it lacks persuasiveness."

"Ugh...!"

The Managing Director is still smirking.

There was no way we had a past track record.

To demand that we base our claims on data from past sales in a market we are about to pioneer is completely unreasonable.

"Hashiba-san... are you okay?"

Cornered at the very end, Sakurai-san also looks like this is the end of the line.

Even for me, I never thought I'd be cornered like this at this point.

"We're in trouble... there's no way to predict a certain level of revenue."

Kojima-san is also grimacing.

"W-what should we do..."

The manager, who was so reliable a moment ago, has suddenly lost his nerve.

The Managing Director probably isn't looking for detailed numbers.

This is a game. He surely challenged us to this battle knowing that our hand was exhausted.

So, something, just one thing is fine. If we can present an element with a past track record.

(We should be able to win... this battle.)

I was turning things over in my head.

There must be something, something still. An element that we couldn't prepare, that would allow us to say with certainty that we can recoup the budget here--.

And then suddenly,

"Please wait!"

a loud voice echoed.

Everyone present turned to look at the entrance of the conference room, where the voice had come from.

There,

"I do apologize! I am late for the meeting! I will participate from now!"

was the figure of Charaji... Section Chief Miyamoto, bowing his head deeply.

"S-Section Chief...!"

Miyamoto-san, amidst everyone's surprise, strode coolly into the room and joined us.

And then, without making eye contact with anyone,

"You want a proper numerical backing with a past track record... you said so earlier, did you not?"

he questioned the Managing Director.

"Yes, I did say that."

The Managing Director answers with a smile, without showing any sign of being flustered.

But the Section Chief, without flinching in the slightest,

"I thought you would say that, so I came prepared... Sakurai."

"Y-yes!"

The Section Chief handed her a single SD card.

"This, open it and display it on the panel."

As she was told, Sakurai-san inserted the SD card into the laptop and displayed the image contained within on the panel.

"Eh, this is...!"

At the same time, our voices rose.

"Have you seen it?"

The Section Chief pointed at the panel with a grin.

"--This is the evidence based on past performance."

There, the names of manga artists and light novel authors with major hit series, who are currently active in the publishing department, were written.

And surrounding it, circled by a large red ring, were the words "Comic adaptation also possible simultaneously!" written in large letters.

"With the cooperation of all the creators here... we plan to carry out the media expansion of the proposed works all at once."

The panel was replaced with the next one.

Information such as the total sales numbers of the works the creators had handled so far, and that their next works were highly anticipated, was displayed.

"As you can see, their new works are strongly desired by readers. And most importantly, the fact that the comic adaptations they handle have a good reputation--I believe this is also a major point in future media development."

From his confident demeanor, it seemed he was overflowing with the confidence of "I'm the one who built that foundation."

"Judging from this sales forecast, we can cover the budget even if we only achieve half of it, and considering the long-term outlook including e-books, I believe the concerns are extremely small, but what do you think?"

The Section Chief said, looking towards the Managing Director.

"--No, there are none. I believe that is sufficient as evidence."

He said, nodding slowly.

"Thank you."

The Section Chief gave a beautiful bow that didn't match his appearance, and then quietly sat down.

"S-Section Chief... thank you so much for helping us."

Sakurai-san, with tears in her eyes, thanked the Section Chief.

"Hey, Sakurai."

"Y-yes..."

"It's a really good plan."

"Eh...?"

"That's why I absolutely wanted it to succeed. That's all."

Sakurai-san's eyes widened, and she gave a deep bow. Perhaps she thought she would cry if she spoke.

It was a little late, but it became a good evaluation for her hard work.

And then the Section Chief looked at me and said,

"...Sorry, I'm really late."

"No, thank you... If you hadn't been here, Chief, I don't know what would have happened."

When I said that, he gave a wry smile and said,

"You should be grateful for how well-liked I am."

He patted my back.

"...You're right."

I'm sure he was working completely separately from us, running around to persuade the creators. And he must have been planning to pull this out as his trump card when we were finally in a pinch.

(He's really not honest with himself.)

In any case, with this, all the preparations were truly complete.

(Now, it's just a matter of how the final boss will judge it...)

Our eyes all turned to him at once.

He--the Managing Director--who had been quietly surveying the room, unclasped his hands and,

"You've done well."

nodding with satisfaction, stood up.

"It was a wonderful presentation. I will take charge of this matter."

And in a calm voice, he stated it firmly.

For a moment, no one could quite comprehend what had happened, but

"Which means..."

eventually, each of them understood the meaning of his words, and

"We..."

"The presentation was a success!!"

We, boiling with joy, formed a circle on the spot and celebrated together.

"Sakurai-san, we did it! Your proposal was approved!"

"Y-yes, thank you so much...!"

"That's great, that's really great, Sakurai!"

The Managing Director applauded with a smile and then quietly left the conference room.

Us, still celebrating, and the executives, slumping in their seats with grim faces.

(Did we... somehow make it?)

For me, more than joy, the feeling of relief was greater.

Or rather, an unbelievable stage was prepared for us at the very end.

I had intended to settle things peacefully, but to have it turn out like that....

"That's right, Kawasegawa..."

I have to thank the person who created this opportunity.

When I followed her with my eyes, Kawasegawa was just about to leave the room.

"Kawasegawa, thank y..."

She glanced at me for a moment as I was about to speak.

"............"

It wasn't an expression of joy.

She looked somewhat sad, or rather, melancholic.

And then, without changing her expression, she left the room in silence.

"Kawasegawa...?"

But I had no idea what that meant at the time.

And so, although a mystery remained, the planning meeting that had caused a commotion and put the survival of Development Department 13 on the line was over. However, I was already beginning to feel a premonition that it wouldn't end with just this.