Bokutachi no Remake Ver. β V2 Chapter 1 By: thai130898

Monday morning, the start of my work in a new department.

I was on standby in front of my home PC three hours before that.

"Sorry to bother you when you're busy, thanks for making time."

"Don't worry about it. This is for your future, Hashiba. I'll do what I can."

Hayakawa, a college classmate who works at an advertising agency. Even after we started working, he continued to be a valuable source of information for me.

He's a capable guy, which makes it quite difficult to secure his time. Even for today's talk, the initial plan was for Sunday night, but it kept getting pushed back until it ended up being early the next morning.

But still, it was well worth talking to him. The information Hayakawa had was reliable and, most importantly, up-to-date.

What I wanted to talk to him about was, of course, the company──specifically, about that Managing Director. Come to think of it, he, like Kawasegawa, had been sounding the alarm about him from early on.

Hayakawa began to speak, holding the report he had compiled for me.

"Matsuhira Kou hasn't been in the office much lately. That's for sure, right?"

"Yeah, besides important meetings, he's almost never in his office, it seems."

He was a hateful enemy, but Matsuhira Kou's work ethic was overwhelming.

He was energetic from the morning, dedicated to developing new business, and it was unthinkable that he would just sit comfortably at his desk like other directors.

If you want to catch the Managing Director, go where the latest thing is. That was the common understanding within the company.

"I see, so that matches the information we've heard."

Hayakawa nodded and said,

"Hey Hashiba, the Managing Director might... abandon games altogether, and soon."

"What did you say?"

Suddenly, he said something shocking.

"You mean Succeed Soft is going to pull out of the development business?"

"Yeah. And not just development. There's a chance they won't even remain as a publisher."

Hayakawa sent over a new document.

"This is a company Succeed is planning to work with."

I looked, and among the names of the Ministry of Education and major publishers, there was Succeed Soft.

"There's a big project in the tablet-based education sector. A major publisher has wanted to do this for a while, and Succeed raised its hand to handle the development."

"Well, isn't that fine? They probably want revenue streams other than games."

I'm aware that game development is a volatile business. So, it's standard practice for major companies to also run businesses that provide stable income.

"Right. But the balance is off here."

"Balance?"

When I asked, Hayakawa told me to look at the details of the overview.

"It's the part that shows the scale of development, and it's clearly too big for a single company to handle. No matter how big Succeed is, this is just too much."

Looking at it, it was indeed at an abnormal level. From the development of the core software to the software the students would actually use, the amount clearly exceeded their capacity.

"Maybe on the premise of using outsourcing..."

"I thought of that too. But this next part is off the record. Apparently, the Managing Director unofficially stated that he intends to handle this entire project in-house."

"All of it in-house, you say?"

I asked again without thinking.

"Yeah. In other words, what this means is..."

Hayakawa sent another document. It showed the business contents of all of Succeed Soft's development departments, from the 1st to the 13th.

And on it, the expected completion dates for all ongoing projects were recorded in great detail.

"I figured the premise was that as soon as the current in-house game development projects are finished, everything will be switched over to education-related business."

"No way..."

"It's an extreme move, isn't it? But as a matter of fact, the possibility that he's trying to eliminate game production from the company is extremely high."

It was a shocking theory, but thinking about it calmly, signs of it could be seen everywhere.

Until now, the Managing Director had clashed with the old guard, the side that approved of past game production methods, and had promoted the creation of social games.

Even with those social games, rather than emphasizing their quality as games, he focused on cost-cutting and profitability, and never did anything that valued creativity. He completely concealed the creators' names and even forbade the creation of staff credits.

And yet, as long as he continued to make "games," I could just barely see him as a comrade from the same company.

But if Hayakawa's theory now is correct, then my whole way of thinking about him has to change.

Bringing a new game production plan to someone who is trying to eliminate games would only end in being turned away at the door. In other words, what we did was a terrible move.

"What kind of person was I trying to win over... Isn't this a complete failure?"

Words of regret escaped my lips without thinking.

"It can't be helped. At the time, the information wasn't that solid yet. Besides, if there was any way to break through, that was the only hand to play."

Hayakawa said that to console me, but my mood remained gloomy. If I had known he despised games this much, perhaps I would have acted a little differently.

"I don't know what he was thinking to arrive at this mindset. Whether it's simply about profitability or something personal. But I don't think trying to find out the reason now is a good idea."

Hayakawa calmly continued his words. This was likely due to his extensive experience grappling with troublesome clients as an ad man.

"So, first, let's investigate the situation within the company. As you know, there are many people, both inside and outside the company, who are dissatisfied with the Managing Director's methods. If you can successfully team up with them, won't your project be closer to realization, Hashiba?"

While nodding at his words, I let out a deep sigh.

"If it weren't for that board meeting... that might have been an option."

"Why? ...Oh, I see..."

It seemed Hayakawa had realized it too.

At that board meeting, we in Department 13 clearly became 'enemies' with the old guard. Their words and actions were obviously detrimental to our project, so it couldn't be helped, but looking at the situation now, I feel we may have gone a bit too far.

"That really gave them a bad impression of us."

After being publicly berated by the Managing Director and talked down to by a burdensome, lower-ranked department, they wouldn't be easily convinced even if we now said, "We're on your side, so let's work together."

Hayakawa sighed and said,

"It might be a tough fight, but 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' has been a consistent truth from ancient times to now. Besides, you can find allies outside the company too."

"It would be nice if such a convenient partner existed."

"Then, think about the other party's merits. If it's to get the project approved, you could even let your partner take all the credit."

The expression on Sakurai-san's face when she cried out during the meeting came back to me.

That was the result of trying to do something about a situation that had been hopeless until now. Handing over the project she had painstakingly devised to someone else, even to get it approved, was something I wanted to avoid.

Does nothing change unless we go this far?

"Hayakawa, big companies are a pain... really."

Hayakawa laughed at my words.

"It's not just companies. Whenever a lot of people gather, it's a mass of trouble. A country is the prime example of that."

"You're absolutely right."

We both laughed, but it was a dry laugh, different from usual.

"Anyway, let's gather information for now. I'll also try to dig around from the outside."

Hayakawa said so, indicating he would make connections with companies that were competitors or hostile to Succeed Soft. Thinking it might be a plus, I also gave him Kojima-san's contact information.

The call with Hayakawa ended, and silence fell with a strangely flat electronic tone.

Morning light was leaking through the curtains from outside the window. I needed to get ready and leave soon, or I'd be late for my first day at the company.

But I couldn't bring myself to stand up right away.

"Is a company really like that?"

Everyone must have started with ideals, but does it inevitably rot when it gets bigger?

Does everything really head in a strange direction just because of the intentions of the upper management?

I kept thinking about such things until my smartphone alarm blared.

◇

I took a quick shower, got ready, and went outside, where the piercing sunlight shone down on my sleepy face.

"So hot... The weather is great."

It's perfect weather for going out to play, but unfortunately, today is a workday. Moreover, it's my first day in a new department, so it's almost certain that I'll be completely exhausted.

I'm going to the same company, but from today my department is different and my position is different. My mindset naturally changes, and of course, the degree of nervousness should be different too.

"Alright...!"

I slapped both my cheeks to fire myself up and vigorously opened the front door.

"Ah, Hashiba-san, good morning~"

Suddenly greeted by a calm voice, as if someone were sunbathing, I almost tripped.

"Ichikawa-san, good morning... You're early today too."

It was the manager, Ichikawa-san, who was just sweeping.

"You're early today too, Hashiba-san~. Is something up?"

Ichikawa-san stopped sweeping with her broom and smiled brightly.

The air she carries is just as calm as her voice.

"Ah, yes. Today is my first day of work since my department changed..."

"I see, what a good attitude~. Kids like you get promoted~"

"Kid" you say... We're almost the same age....

The manager here was originally an old man who was hired, but he quit due to family reasons, and Ichikawa-san took over last month. She's a woman of my generation and often talks to me in a friendly manner.

Normally, when you think of an apartment manager, the standard is an old man or an old woman; I thought a young manager like this only existed in manga, but...

(She actually exists...)

I was a little bewildered at first, but I helped her out as she was still new to management duties, and we somehow became friendly.

"Thank you for your hard work with the cleaning today. Thank you."

"It's my daily routine, so it's totally fine~. If you'd like, shall I clean your room too, Hashiba-san?"

"Sorry, but I'm fine, thank you."

"I see~. Well, let me know if you need it~"

It's nice that we've gotten friendly, but her oddly close sense of distance bothers me.

Apparently, Ichikawa-san's parents originally ran the apartment building, and because of that, she became the successor manager. So, in effect, she's the manager and the landlord.

She seems to work at a company herself, but her shift starts in the afternoon. So, it looks like she spends her free time in the morning cleaning the apartment like this.

(A night job... No, that can't be it.)

Ichikawa-san was a very cute person and looked much younger than her age, but that didn't mean she looked like she was in that kind of hospitality business.

She can seem strangely forward, but I feel like she's just naturally friendly.

"Hey, so, Kyouya-sa..."

I stopped Ichikawa-san, who was about to speak, by shaking my head vigorously.

"Um, Ichikawa-san, please, just call me by my last name like a normal person."

"Ehh, why? We finally have someone who's almost the same age."

"But we have a manager-resident relationship. Isn't it normal to use last names?"

"Hashiba-san, you're too hung up on labels and relationships~. Can't I call you in a friendly way?"

"Well, I don't have a very strong reason why not, but..."

"Then, I'll call you that sometimes!"

Ichikawa-san jumped for joy. I'd probably get killed if I said she was acting childish for her age, but these little gestures are cute.

This person tries to call me by my first name as soon as I let my guard down. That might be her way of communicating, but I've never heard of a manager and resident being on a first-name basis. Even in manga with a beautiful manager and a student studying for exams, they properly used last names.

By the way, Ichikawa-san's first name is apparently 'Mika'. She said I could call her that in exchange for her calling me by my first name, but I have no intention of doing so for the time being. I'm not a student anymore....

"So, what was it? You had something to ask me?"

"Ah, right~. The fluorescent light in the common area over there is about to burn out, so I was hoping you could replace it when you have time."

If it's just that, it's no problem.

"Sure, I'll contact you when I get home early then."

"Okay, okay, then drop me a RINE message~"

I had exchanged RINE addresses with Ichikawa-san because of this relationship of helping with light tasks. Of course, there's nothing more to it than that. In my perception.

"Ah, well, I'm leaving now. The train is coming."

I thought I shouldn't talk for too long, so I gave a nod and was about to leave, when...

"Okay, take care and have a good day~"

She waved her hand flutteringly to see me off.

She's a person with a strange sense of distance, but being seen off like this makes me a little happy.

"I'm off."

I answered and hurried on my way to the station.

Around the same time I was transferred, I moved. The apartment in Komae was being demolished for reconstruction. The apartment I was introduced to was in Yurigaoka, and the continuous ups and downs were very taxing on my body when I was tired from work.

The local train mainly stops at the nearest station, so I take that to Shinjuku. I can transfer to an express train on the way, but that's only possible outside of the commuter rush. It's too crowded to even think about transferring.

Perhaps because I walked too slowly, I barely made the train I was supposed to take. I hurried aboard and leaned against the closed doors.

"Phew..."

I took a breath and gazed at the scenery from the window.

For a while, mountains and residential areas continue, but by the time we cross the Tama River, the atmosphere of the city completely changes. This view, shifting from Kanagawa to Setagaya Ward, and then to Shinagawa Ward, has now become a familiar sight.

(I really don't know what's going to happen.)

Just a little over a year ago, I was living a life with no dreams or hope. I was even thinking about such fanciful things as whether I could somehow restart my life.

Then, a chance event completely changed my life, and I've come to a point where I'm just one step away from the job I dreamed of back then.

A miracle──you could call it that.

(But, this is reality.)

Even if the chance encounter with Kawasegawa in Shinjuku that day was a miracle, what followed couldn't be explained by luck alone. As if drawn by something powerful, I was in the midst of a great swell.

And now, I am at the center of that swell, in a position to move it myself.

"That's right, I've come this far."

The surroundings had completely changed into a city of buildings. In a little while, I would arrive in Shinjuku, and after transferring and a few more stops, I would arrive in Gotanda, where Succeed Soft is located.

I am creating reality. That's why I absolutely do not want things to go as that Managing Director, who tries to twist things with great power, wishes.

So I'll gain power. To win, no matter what.

"Even in this new place, I'll work hard on the front lines."

I clenched my fist. A new battle begins today.

◇

When I entered the Succeed Soft company building, instead of taking the usual stairs to the basement, I headed to General Affairs. Kawasegawa had told me to do so.

"Um, I'm Hashiba from Development Department 2."

When I stated my name, an employee in a nearby seat exclaimed "Ah," and said,

"Yes, I've heard from Kawasegawa-san. Here you are."

She handed me a new employee ID card.

"This is..."

There, without a doubt, was my name along with my new title.

Development Department 2, Hashiba Kyouya.

It was certainly written there, along with a new photo taken just the other day.

(Is this... me?)

Having my name written under the Succeed Soft logo felt like a dream, and seeing "Development Department" written there also felt like a dream.

Moreover, the job title section clearly stated 'Deputy Manager'.

All of it was not a joke or anything else, but reality.

(I'm starting to feel a little good about this.)

Thinking about everyone in Department 13, of course I couldn't be purely happy, but still, this title and department name held enough power to shake my convictions.

Looking at it from the opposite perspective, it meant that the Managing Director possessed the power to change a person's position this drastically. Even though our ages aren't that different, the fact that there was such a power gap filled me with fear.

And yet, from now on, I have to fight the person who holds that power.

"Hashiba-san?"

My name was called, and I snapped back to reality, turning towards the voice. The receptionist was looking at me quizzically.

"Ah, no, sorry. It's nothing."

I gave a nod, headed straight for the elevator hall, and got into an elevator that had just arrived.

It's the complete opposite of how I used to head to Department 13 in the basement, trying to avoid being seen. Just the feeling of ascending to the upper floors makes me feel as if I've become someone special.

I watch as the floor number display silently increases without a sound.

(Well, this is it.)

Development Department 2 was on the 15th floor. When the elevator doors opened, there was a large door adjacent to the hall. I held my brand-new employee ID card over the electronic key reader, and it silently slid open to the sides.

"So this is... the 2nd Development Department."

The floor was partitioned for each staff member and designed to be used spaciously. It seemed that bringing in a certain amount of personal belongings was allowed, as there were figures and stuffed animals on desks and shelves, creating a somewhat free atmosphere within the company.

It seemed several people were already working. They noticed me entering the room and glanced my way. But they immediately returned to their work.

There was no greeting, no one saying hello, nothing of the sort.

(Ugh, this seems difficult.)

I'm sure part of it is that they don't know how to react, but when they so obviously treat me like an outsider, it makes me uncomfortable too.

However, I can't just let it be. If I don't take some action myself, I'll have to spend my time in this awkward atmosphere forever.

(Alright...)

Steeling my resolve, I spoke to the staff member closest to the entrance.

"Um, excuse me."

I spoke from behind to a man who was working with headphones on.

"...Yes?"

The man took off his headphones and turned to face me.

"My name is Hashiba, and I'll be working here starting today. It's a pleasure to meet you."

When I bowed, the man, while looking clearly suspicious, said,

"Ah, yes... I'm Kurano. Nice to meet you."

He said only that, put his headphones back on, and returned to his work.

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

I remained frozen in that position.

(I-It really is difficult...!!)

Sure, being suddenly greeted by a boss who just came from nowhere might make one act suspiciously, but I still think it would be nice to talk a little.

As I stood there, shivering for a while at the strong-style greeting that eliminated all pleasantries,

"Hashiba."

Someone called me from behind, and I turned around.

"Ah, Kawasega... Manager."

I almost called her by her last name without a title, but caught myself just in time and used her position.

"It's fine to just use my name. We don't do titles within the department."

The usual Kawasegawa stood there, sighing.

"Can you come to the conference room? I'll explain about the work and things there."

"Ah, yeah, but greetings and that..."

"I'll explain that too. Hurry up."

After saying her piece, she went straight into a glass-walled room at the back of the floor.

"Hey, wait a minute."

I hurriedly chased after her towards the room.

◇

"Excuse me..."

As I entered the conference room, my name was immediately called in a familiar voice.

"Hashiba-san!"

"Ah... Sakurai-san, good morning."

When I called out to her, she ran up to me with her usual small-animal-like movements and said,

"Hey, listen to this, Hashiba-san! I came in first thing this morning and went around greeting everyone, but everyone's reactions were so dull, and I got stuck wondering what I should do!"

"...So it was the same for you too."

It seemed she had also thoroughly experienced the same sense of alienation as I had.

"So that means you were ignored too, Hashiba-san! Hey, is this what I think it is? Like, we're being ostracized because we're outsiders or something?"

"I don't know, but from this vibe, you can't help but feel that we're at least not welcome."

"I know, right~!"

As we nodded, sharing that indescribable feeling,

"Both of you, just sit down for now. I can't explain anything."

The 2nd Development Department manager muttered with a sigh,

"Ah, s-sorry!"

We hurriedly sat down in our seats together.

In front of the two of us, who felt sorry for making a commotion so soon after arriving at work, Manager Kawasegawa made eye contact with each of us and said,

"First of all, I'm sorry. I'll apologize in advance."

She suddenly bowed her head.

"W-What's wrong all of a sudden, Manager?"

Sakurai-san was flustered and confused.

That makes sense. If anything, we were the ones who were supposed to feel indebted, so being apologized to by the other party would leave one at a loss.

"Well, this started off on a rather unsettling note..."

I also hadn't expected it to start with an apology, and I sighed at the seemingly complicated situation.

Kawasegawa raised her head and said,

"I'm sure you understand, but your transfer to Development Department 2 this time was the result of a strong push from certain upper management and special consideration by HR."

It's a roundabout way of putting it, but in short, it means the Managing Director forced it through.

"So that means the department wasn't particularly looking for new personnel, but suddenly gained two new members... is that right?"

When I said that, Kawasegawa nodded.

"Yes. That's right."

"So we really were transferred solely for the purpose of harassment. I was hoping there might have been some evaluation of our work involved..."

Sakurai-san sighed with a sad look on her face.

That's understandable. It's one thing to be transferred to the Development Department 2 because the strength of your project was recognized. But when it's done due to obvious political motives, you can't be genuinely happy even if it seems like a clear promotion.

(What a troublesome situation, really.)

It seems foolish that I was so happy about my brand-new employee ID just a moment ago.

That's right, this isn't a promotion or anything of the sort; it's nothing more than being made an example of.

"So, first, I apologize. I wanted to unify the department's will before you arrived, but I couldn't manage that. It's my lack of ability."

No, no matter how talented Kawasegawa is, it would be nearly impossible to perfectly manage this situation. Rather, I'm just grateful she tried to do something.

"But, believe this at least. I won't treat you two like you're delicate problems, and now that you're here, I fully intend to have you work as part of our fighting force. I've heard from Kojima-san and Miyamoto-san about how you operated in Department 13."

So she was properly in contact with those two.

At least Kawasegawa is on our side. I'm sure it must be tough for her, being caught in the middle....

"Understood. Both Sakurai-san and I will do our best for you and Development Department 2, Kawasegawa."

"Yes! We will work hard, so please look after us!"

When we bowed our heads in unison, Kawasegawa also smiled lightly, as if relieved.

"However, I'm sorry about one thing... this probably concerns you, Hashiba."

"Me?"

Kawasegawa nodded and said,

"There's a bit of a troublesome matter. I think you'll understand soon, but that unresolved will I mentioned earlier... it might cause you some trouble."

What on earth could she be talking about?

◇

The meeting with Kawasegawa was over, and we returned to our desks.

Having just been assigned, the space had nothing but a PC and some documents, giving it a real "just getting started" feel.

(Guess I'll start with what I can...)

I started up the PC and checked the time-tracking tool. I must have been given the latest model, as it ran surprisingly smoothly.

"Whoa, this is amazing."

It was a world apart from the hand-me-down PC from some other department that I was assigned in Department 13.

As I checked the tools, I saw that the work hours themselves were flexible. I felt like it was being flaunted in my face just how different a proper development job is.

(This is probably normal, but it's amazing.)

Looking at this from another perspective, it just shows how much of a dead-end job Department 13 was treated as.

In any case, we've basically been reincarnated into another world, so we have to get used to this place as quickly as possible. I started checking my tasks for the day, looking at my to-do list and scheduler.

"Hm...?"

I felt a presence behind me and turned around.

"You're Hashiba Kyouya, right?"

A tall, lanky man with strangely sharp eyes was standing right behind my seat.

"Yes, I am. Can I help you?"

When I answered, the man nodded and said,

"Kuroda Takayoshi. I'm the chief of Development Department 2. Nice to meet you."

It's rude to say, but he gave a surprisingly polite greeting. From his sharp eyes, I thought for sure he was about to pick a fight.

"Ah, yes. Thank you for your politeness, likewise it's a plea..."

I also stood up to bow and return the greeting.

It was in the next moment.

"──Showing up out of nowhere as a Deputy Manager. This company still pulls the most incomprehensible crap."

Suddenly, his tone became rough, and he started rattling off confrontational words.

"Huh?"

"I mean, it's true, isn't it? You probably don't know, but in Succeed's development departments, there's no such position as Deputy Manager. The Chief position, which I hold, is supposed to assist the Manager, and that's the custom everywhere."

Now that he mentioned it, it was true. Even in Department 13, under the Manager there was only Miyamoto-san as the Chief; there was no Deputy Manager position.

I had thought that was because Department 13 was a small department with few people. However, from what he was saying, that didn't seem to be the case.

In other words, I had apparently become a very troublesome presence, sliding in from the side to take the position he was in, and what's more, becoming his superior by title.

(They've really done it now.)

Inwardly, I heaved a great sigh.

Of all things, they didn't have to give me such a conflict-prone position. This was probably also part of the harassment.

"And then to have this personnel change suddenly forced on us, I honestly don't get it. Are you one of those? Like the president's secret love child or something?"

That was one heck of an accusation to be hit with.

But, considering this incomprehensible personnel change, I thought it was no wonder he would think so. This situation was probably that level of abnormal.

Looking around again, I saw that most of the development department staff had stood up and were watching us with great interest. And in the back, though seated, was Kawasegawa, staring intently at us.

(So this is what it's about.)

With her eyes, she seemed to be explaining it to me.

(I see.)

The "troublesome matter" she mentioned earlier must have been about this chief.

"Are you serious with that question?"

"Of course, I'm dead serious. If you're some rich kid, I've got to stick a 'Handle with Care' sign on your seat."

He was completely confrontational.

If I faced this head-on, there would be bloodshed on the first day.

I took a deep breath and, in a tone I consciously made as calm as possible, said,

"I'm not like that. I have no family connections, nor am I blackmailing anyone."

I told him only what was necessary.

The man, Kuroda or whatever his name was, stared at my face as if glaring, but then he let out a short breath and said,

"...I see. So if that's not it, then it's either upper management's whim or harassment. In that case, we're both victims. My apologies."

Surprisingly, he accepted it quite readily.

I wonder if the interference from upper management, including the Managing Director, is usually that bad. From his attitude and tone, I got a sense more of resignation than consideration.

"No, not at all, I'm sorry too. If a sudden personnel change like this happened, normally..."

Kuroda cut off the words I was about to say.

"Well then, I'd like to ask you again... Do you like games?"

"Huh?"

He suddenly asked a question that was completely different in nature.

"It's a straightforward question. The only people who come to Succeed's development, especially a star department, are either born gamers or people who were deeply into something. I heard you didn't come here from an art university, arts college, or technical school, so I figured you must be a gamer... Am I wrong?"

For a moment, I didn't understand what he was talking about.

"Well, I do like them... but what about it?"

When I stated the fact honestly, he gave a light nod and said,

"Come with me for a second."

He said, motioning for me to stand up.

"What?"

"You'll see when you get there. It's not like I'm planning to have a fistfight."

With that, Kuroda walked towards the break area. He probably meant for me to follow.

He went out of his way to say it, so he probably wasn't going to resort to violence, but the atmosphere coming from him didn't seem very peaceful.

I followed Kuroda to the break space, and there...

(Game consoles...?)

There were several monitors and multiple game consoles, both new and old.

As expected of a game company, it seemed they played games even during breaks. There were command lists for famous fighting games, tournament brackets, and a whiteboard that seemed to indicate a waiting list. However, it was currently working hours, so no one was there.

Among them, Kuroda led me to a relatively older game console. I thought he was going to make me play a fighting game match, but...

"Could you try playing this?"

Kuroda said, inserting a game he seemed to own into the hardware and turning it on.

With a "Vwoom" startup sound, a CG movie appeared on the screen. It depicted somewhat old-fashioned looking characters fighting in robots.

The title screen hadn't appeared yet, but I knew this game.

"Fighting Parade..."

"Hmph, so you at least know the title."

Kuroda picked up a controller and faced me.

"Here you go."

He urged me to take it.

"Got it."

I took it as told and sat down in front of the monitor.

And I thought.

This guy, Kuroda, his language is rough and his eyes are sharp, but he doesn't seem like just a violent man. I feel like he acts after thinking things through much more than his appearance suggests.

In that case, I can't believe he suggested a game just to communicate. There must have been some intention behind setting this up.

(What's his aim?)

Kuroda's first question, the controller handed to me. A game that wasn't a major title.

(This is a test.)

This flow, starting from the question, "Do you like games?" I don't know if I'm right, but I felt like I could give my own answer.

"Okay, I'm starting."

I held the controller and pressed the start button.

The movie was skipped, and the title screen appeared. I pressed start again, and the load screen appeared.

"Hey, this save data is-"

I was about to say "here" but stopped myself.

Of the three save data slots, only the top one was already fully cleared, with a mark indicating so displayed at the edge of the window.

After confirming that, I pressed the reset button without a word.

"...Hm?"

I could see Kuroda's face twitch slightly.

The opening movie started again. This time, I let it play without skipping. When it reached the title screen, I pushed in the right analog stick and pressed the reset button again. Then, I heard one of the watching department members let out a small "Ah."

I let the opening movie play to the end once more, and when the title screen appeared, I picked up the 2P controller and handed it to Kuroda.

"...What is it?"

"On the count of three, can you press R2 and Up at the same time?"

Kuroda nodded silently. I called out "Ready, set," and pressed R1 and Start at the same time. Then,

"Hm?"

Kuroda reacted slightly.

A different title screen from before was displayed on the screen. The logo that read "Fighting Parade" had turned pink, and "Ver.β (Beta)" shone at the right edge of the logo.

Kuroda stared intently at the scene, then

"You did that well without looking at anything."

he said, in a tone that was hard to tell if it was amazement or admiration.

"Fighting Parade wasn't that well-known of a game originally, but it became a huge hit just through word of mouth. Among its features, the so-called 'Beta Mode,' which spread through the internet, was an 'if' world for the main story planted by the developers, and it spurred the game's popularity... I think that's how it went."

I was remembering that time.

Fighting Parade was a work whose popularity exploded not only due to the fun of the game itself, but also the intriguing worldview, game system, and the mysteries hidden in the characters, which users worked together to solve.

Therefore, it was known to be particularly liked by core game fans, which is why I thought Kuroda had shown me this particular work.

"Yeah. Anyone who was crazy about this game would have definitely known about this mode. I thought even if you made a few mistakes, as long as you tried the command... but I never expected you to replicate it perfectly without looking."

"I'm confident in the fact that I love games."

It was a little embarrassing, but I laughed as I said it. Kuroda also had a look on his face that seemed to be a mix of nostalgia and happiness.

"If you can talk about this stuff, then you must know about things like the 'Let's Play Games' project series, right?"

"Of course! I read all of it, like the one where you roll dice and jump up, and the developer diaries."

"That was awesome, wasn't it! If you read that, then that other project..."

From that point on, it became a conversation completely between two gamers, or rather, between two game lovers including those in the industry. Kuroda eagerly latched onto the more obscure topics I didn't usually talk about with people, and I was so happy about it that I kept bringing up one topic after another.

And then,

"...Sorry to interrupt while you're having a lively conversation, but could you get back to work soon?"

I snapped my head up at the quiet voice to find Manager Kawasegawa standing there with a look of exasperation.

It seems I was so engrossed in conversation that I didn't even notice she had arrived.

"Sorry, Manager, excuse us!"

When Kuroda gave a deliberately theatrical salute, we followed suit in the same spirit.

Kawasegawa returned to her seat with a look of utter exasperation, yet also one of some relief.

A subtle atmosphere flowed in silence.

"Yeah... well, that's how it is."

Kuroda scratched his head and then walked off towards his own desk.

"Hey, is our talk... over?"

When I spoke to his back, Kuroda paused his steps for a moment and said,

"You get it, from what just happened. Looking forward to working with you, Hashiba."

Being called by my name, shyly but familiarly, I finally understood that I had passed the test.

◇

"Honestly, starting something like that out of the blue."

Without hiding her sullen face, Kawasegawa was munching away on a meatball.

"Don't be so mad. We were anxious about what kind of person was coming, too."

The person placating her with a wry smile was none other than Kuroda from earlier.

A lunch for the four of us, including me and Sakurai-san. As if the tense air from before was a lie, it was now filled with a peaceful atmosphere.

"What's all this about a secret child? I explained it to you, didn't I? That he was assigned here after being properly recognized for his hard work in Department 13."

"No, I just thought it was strange. The story was too perfect, and I thought maybe you were being forced to handle another troublesome matter and this was some kind of consideration for that."

"Even when things like that happened, I always told you honestly, Kuroda!"

"Did you?"

"I did!"

And then there were Sakurai-san and I, staring blankly at their banter.

"You two... are quite close, aren't you?"

To Sakurai-san's murmured words,

"We are not."

"Not at all."

The two of them denied it in an instant. They seemed to get along really well.

Kuroda Takayoshi. I heard that he and Kawasegawa knew each other from college, and having been coincidentally assigned to the same department a few years ago, they trust each other as work colleagues.

"Although, whenever something comes up, Kuroda tends to snap at his superiors, so I get called in to smooth things over each time."

"Hey, I'm grateful for that, at least a little."

The tension from when we first met was gone from Kuroda's chuckling face. However, if I had to say, that earlier face was probably his true self.

"Kuroda, were you always only into games from the start?"

He shook his head at my question.

"No, I liked them, but it wasn't the only thing. If anything, I was more into movies until about my second year of college."

"This guy, he was really amazing back in college."

Kawasegawa gave a wry smile.

"What are you talking about, you were pretty crazy yourself, weren't you, Kawasegawa? Calling everyone else in the first-year team incompetent."

"I-I didn't go that far! Well, I did get mad because they had no motivation, though."

...So she did something close to it.

Anyway, it seems Kuroda was studying to become a movie producer until his second year and had even gathered some people with that intention.

"But I quit. I decided I was done with movies."

"And... why is that?"

"Hmm, I wonder why. Well, maybe it was because I realized there was no point in me being the only one trying hard. A one-man show? There was no one else who was putting in the effort."

From what I hear, Kuroda seemed to be a solitary genius. Looking at him now, he probably didn't have a "get along with everyone" vibe, so he must have gradually become isolated from those around him.

Since it was like that in the film industry, I came here thinking there might be amazing people in the game industry. Kuroda said, sounding lonely.

If there had been more people he could compete with at a close level, things might have been different.

"But, Manager... wasn't Kawasegawa someone like that for you?"

When I asked, the two of them looked at each other and smiled in a strange way.

"Kawasegawa was different, I guess. Our genres were slightly off."

"It's the opposite now, but back then, I was aiming for direction and Kuroda for production. Even when we met and talked occasionally, our positions were different, so the conversation would just end with 'I get that'."

"Yeah. If we could have clashed more intensely, maybe things would have been different."

I'm sure if they had been clashing intensely, it would have been a terrifying sight. Enough to make everyone around them back away quickly.

"And I guess the fact that they were there was part of it. After all, their talent was exceptional."

Kawasegawa also nods at Kuroda's words.

"That's true. Because those kids were there, I didn't really feel like competing with my peers."

"You don't mean..."

Although I had a feeling,

"Yeah, the Platinum Generation, was that what they're called? It's them."

...So it is them, after all.

Somehow, even though I can now talk normally with Kawasegawa and the others like this, there are still times I feel a high wall between us. That's when we talk about the creators of the Platinum Generation.

No matter what, it was only after joining this company that I seriously faced creativity. Of course, I was desperate at my previous company too, but the level was incomparably lower.

However, they have spent their time since their student days honing their skills with those top creators. The difference is obvious, and it probably will never be closed.

(It's frustrating. But there's nothing I can do about this.)

I clench my fist on my lap. I'm made to realize that time passed is truly something that cannot be taken back.

"By the way, has the work for you guys been decided, Hashiba?"

Kuroda asked Kawasegawa, as if he just remembered.

"It's not finalized yet, but we've decided what they'll be doing for the time being."

Seeing her answer without hesitation, it seemed to be as planned.

"For the time being means they'll get involved with that thing afterwards, huh."

"That's right. I think they'd be confused by a lot of things if we threw them in right away."

(That thing... I wonder what it is.)

What on earth are they planning to make us do? Or rather, I was more curious about that thing.

"But well, from here on out, it depends on your abilities."

Kuroda's eyes shone.

"I get that you like games and are passionate about them, but whether you can do the job is a different story. Especially in our department, we have a bunch of people who look at that sort of thing closely. Whether or not you'll meet their standards──we won't know until you try."

I see, so that earlier was Kuroda's test, but from here on out, I'll really be tested on my actual work.

Well, I knew from the start that this wasn't a place for people who can't do their jobs, so it's not something to get scared about now.

"That's right, I'll do it properly. I have no intention of compromising either."

So, when I clearly conveyed that,

"You talk big. Well, you can't work in Development Department 2 unless you've got that much grit, though."

In response, Kuroda grinned.

◇

"...So, this is what you wanted me to do?"

"Probably. Oh, Sakurai-san, check this too."

"Ah, yes, sorry!"

Sakurai-san hurriedly marked the checkbox on the screen in front of her.

We were assigned the management of debugging tasks.

A past title whose development was already finished and was being ported to other platforms. We were using part-timers for the debugging, and our job was to check their progress, sort the reports that came in, and pass them on to the appropriate person.

Although the sorting task requires some judgment, it's the type of job that doesn't really require much brainpower.

Considering how fired up I was this morning to work on the front lines, I think it's fair to say the content of the work was a bit of a letdown.

"Listening to what you said earlier, I thought..."

Sakurai-san sighed as she handed me the checklist.

"You're amazing after all, Hashiba-san. You were so composed even when Kuroda-san provoked you, and you talked to him normally afterwards. I was just sitting there like a decoration, even though I was present."

"I had to do that to move forward. I was scared too."

I answer with a wry smile.

At first, when I entered this floor, I was honestly worried if I could make it in this department. The staff's reactions were faint even when I talked to them, and there was a somewhat distant atmosphere. No matter how much Kawasegawa tried to be considerate, my head ached thinking this would be a tough job.

That's why I was so grateful that Kuroda made contact in such an easy-to-understand way. If he initiated contact, then the rest was up to my resolve.

(Thinking back on it now, maybe that was his own way of being considerate.)

It was a bit, or rather, a very exaggerated 'gameplay' session.

But well, I was able to really break the ice with Kuroda through that, so it must have been worth the trouble.

"So that's that. Now, let's just focus on doing our work here properly."

I checked the sheet passed from Sakurai-san and put it in the box for the person in charge.

"But this job is pretty plain, isn't it?"

Sakurai-san muttered, sounding a little dissatisfied. Well, it's true that at this stage, it's not that different from what we used to do in Department 13.

(Well, they're not going to entrust me with the core of development right off the bat.)

Perhaps it's a way of saying, "Start with the things you don't have to think about until you gradually get used to it."

However, I did think it was quite a challenge to be suddenly given work similar to my previous job in a new assignment.

"Is he a sadist... though looking at his work style, he seems like a masochist too."

"Huh, what are you talking about?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Anyway, for today, let's just quietly get on with our work."

I started opening the accumulated bug reports from one end.

I happened to look around and noticed I was enveloped in a silence as if no one was there. Development is a special kind of workplace, so chatting among staff was allowed, and in fact, it was encouraged as a way to spark ideas.

But Development Department 2 I'm in now wasn't like that. Everyone quietly did their assigned part of the work, and when they were finished, they quietly went home. It was supposed to be a team of about 20 people in total, but it felt like less than half that number.

(I was imagining something a bit more lively.)

The difference between imagination and reality exists everywhere, not just here. I thought that what I was feeling might be just one of those things.

After that, as a result of endlessly repeating reporting and classifying, we ended up spending the entire day debugging. There was no welcome party or meeting in particular, and we were dismissed as usual that day, so both Sakurai-san and I left the office normally.

"That was kind of a letdown, wasn't it?"

Sakurai-san, who had thought for sure something would happen, was also tilting her head in confusion as we left the building.

"Usually in situations like this, there's a drinking party, but there was nothing. And I had the impression that the manager doesn't dislike that sort of thing."

It's true, Kawasegawa drinks normally and wasn't the type to avoid drinking parties.

"We were swamped with work, too. Maybe they'll plan something for another day."

The matter mentioned in the conference room bothered me a little, but breaking the ice with Kuroda resolved it, and I'm sure I'll be able to communicate normally with the other department members once I get used to it.

"Well then, see you tomorrow."

"Yes, you take care too, Hashiba-san!"

Waving her hand enthusiastically like a child, Sakurai-san got on the train on the opposite side.

Watching her go, I let out a deep sigh.

"In the end, I couldn't say anything about Grape."

Our goal is, after all, to get the budget for Department 13's project, 'Project Grape,' approved. But at this point today, it felt like we weren't even at the entrance of the path, let alone halfway down it. I guess that's just how it is when you're thrown into a department without any preamble, but the fact that I can't do any real development work is making me anxious.

"I wonder if there's enough time."

There's nothing I can do about it by asking myself, but I can't help but mutter it.

As I boarded the train for Shinjuku, I was overcome with an indescribable anxiety.

◇

"Okay, then please get the replacement fluorescent light."

"Got it~. Here you go, please."

With a "heave-ho," I reached out and took the new fluorescent light from Ichikawa-san to replace the one I had removed.

And then, this time, I reached up and installed the new one.

"Thank you so much~, I'm so clumsy I can't take it off or put it on properly, and if I called my dad he'd just be exasperated, so I couldn't do that either~"

From below, I can hear Ichikawa-san's fluffy voice.

"Well, if it's just this much, I can help you anytime..."

On my way home, I received a RINE message from Ichikawa-san. It was a request to help her change a fluorescent light in the apartment using a stepladder.

Ichikawa-san isn't short, in fact she's on the taller side, but her motor skills and sense of balance are not what you'd call good, and apparently she had almost fallen off a stepladder before.

I contacted her saying, "Understood, let's meet outside the apartment," and so here we are now.

"Since you've gone to the trouble, I'd like to give you something as a thank you. What would you like?"

Ichikawa-san said, turning her sparkling eyes towards me.

"It's fine, really. I haven't done anything that special."

"No! That would be too much of an imposition... I know!"

She clapped her hands together and said,

"Could you come to my house? There's something I'd like to give you there!"

"Uh, okay."

Amidst her gentleness, I felt an atmosphere that left no room for refusal, and so I ended up going to Ichikawa-san's house with her.

Ichikawa-san lived a few minutes' walk from the apartment building. I thought she might be living with her parents who run the business, but apparently she lives alone.

"My parents are the type to say 'stay at home forever,' but I felt like I'd become lazy if I did that~. So, I'm living here."

A two-story, four-unit, 2LDK apartment. For someone who was the owner's daughter and also had a side job, she seemed to be living a very ordinary life.

(Somehow, it was different from my image of her.)

I had an impression of her as a rich girl somewhere, so this commoner-like feeling was unexpected.

But when I was shown into her room, my impression was, in a sense, further reversed.

"Excuse me... whoa, what is this?"

The room was such a strange sight that I couldn't help but say it out loud.

"I'm sorry, I'm in the middle of studying right now~. If I don't do this, I can't remember."

Ichikawa-san gave a wry smile.

The room was covered with an immense number of sticky notes. And on each of them, a word and its meaning were written.

"Is this... German?"

"Yes~. Are you familiar with it, Hashiba-san?"

I shook my head. Unfortunately, the only words I know are "Kugelschreiber" and "Katze."

"I need it for work, so I'm rushing to study it, but it's really tough~"

"Wow..."

I'd heard it was completely different from English, and now I see that's really true.

In college, a second foreign language was mandatory, and German was actually one of the candidates. But a senior who was taking it gave me the appropriate advice, "You'll die because you can't memorize the words, so don't do it," and I remember choosing Chinese in the end.

In college, you could get by with that, but when you actually have to learn it for work, there's no escape, so it's very difficult. The thought of being in that situation myself makes me shudder with fear.

"This must be tough to study... If it were me, I wouldn't know where to start."

When I said that, Ichikawa-san laughed and said,

"It was the same for me~. At first, it was all about where to start."

"Right..."

When I agreed, Ichikawa-san said in a strangely firm tone,

"But there are no shortcuts, so you just have to do it. That much is already decided~"

"...It's decided?"

When she nodded with a "kokun,"

"Yes. No matter what, the people who are moving forward, even little by little, are the strong ones."

It was a tone that felt as if she had made up her mind, or had a strong will.

"Just kidding, that's not something a person who falls off a stepladder should say~"

"No, um, I think that's very admirable."

Ichikawa-san smiled softly and said,

"Hehe, thank you~ Kyouya-san."

"It's Hashiba."

"You won't let that slide, will you~"

Pouting with dissatisfaction, she said, "Here you go!" and handed me a bag filled with vegetables.

The vegetables, which she said her parents grow at their family home, were things like cabbage and tomatoes, far exceeding the amount one would receive in return for simply changing a fluorescent light.

"I'll have to give you something else in return for this... it's not a fair trade."

As I walked home, dangling the bag, I remembered what Ichikawa-san had said earlier.

The person who moves forward, even little by little, is strong. From that theory, she may have come to the conclusion that if she has time to hesitate, she's better off memorizing even one word. And from my perspective, that seems correct.

"It's not easy to do, is it?"

No matter what you do, there's always hesitation at the moment you first start. Where is the shortest path to begin? What's the most effective way? But while you're hesitating like that, there are many cases where the person who started building up little by little from the beginning has long since gone ahead.

I don't know what kind of career Ichikawa-san has built up. But perhaps there was someone in the past who overtook her in that way. A frustrating experience is something that gets etched into your body.

I stared intently at my palm. The victory that seemed almost within my grasp had now fled far away. I no longer know where to go to obtain it.

"But there is a way to get closer."

I clenched my fist and let out a deep breath.

That's right. I was supposed to have started from nothing, but maybe I had become a little too clever, a little too arrogant.

"I need to start putting up sticky notes too."

With the vegetables I received and her grateful words in my heart, I hurried home a little.

◇

Two weeks later.

I gathered Kawasegawa, Kuroda, and the staff involved in debugging from Development Department 2 in the conference room.

"Thank you for taking the time."

When I bowed, Kuroda was the first to speak.

"What are you doing gathering everyone so suddenly? The whole department is busy, and we don't have much time to stop working."

"I understand from my work over the past few days that time is precious to Development Department 2."

"Oh, so you're saying this on top of that understanding?"

I nodded and distributed the documents I had on hand to everyone.

"I'll be blunt. The debugging we're doing now is wasting a lot of time."

A murmur arose from among the gathered staff.

"What do you mean, 'waste'? You of all people should know how incredibly important debugging is in the game development process."

"Of course. It's precisely because it's important that I don't want to spend time on it."

"What?"

In response to Kuroda's question, I began my explanation, flipping through the documents.

"The current debugging method has too many instances where work stops mid-process."

Although there are minimal checkboxes, the current report sheet has too large a free-writing section, and the difference in information transmission depending on the reporter's ability was too great.

With this, even if we call in a large number of debuggers, there will be inconsistencies in accuracy.

"Instead of blindly test-playing, we will divide the teams based on their progress and the acquisition of items and flags, and change the reporting method for each."

The improvement plan that Sakurai-san and I proposed is this.

First, we'll divide the game's progress into several parts from the perspective of flag management. Since the game we're currently playing is a so-called linear-route RPG, we divided it into three teams for the first half, middle, and second half, and within those, we further divided the teams by items, sub-events, and level.

On top of that, we also subdivided the report sheets. We identified the important checkboxes for each of the three teams and restructured the sheets so that those could be reported on with priority.

Furthermore, even in the free-writing remarks section, we made it so that they have to check several items first before writing, so the classification speed should increase dramatically.

Sakurai-san explained, holding the documents, and concluded with this.

"If we subdivide it this much, it will be harder for differences to arise between each debugger, and the conditions for bugs and points for improvement will also become clearer. Since we can organize the information, I believe it will be possible to make more solid adjustments... What do you think?"

The conference room fell silent. Everyone was intently reading the documents in their hands and nodding. There were almost no people with a negative view.

In the midst of that, Kuroda quietly raised his hand.

"So the goal is to properly manage the test players' reports from upstream to make them flow smoothly."

"That's right. By doing so, our main objective in this proposal is to save time and use it for other tasks."

Several voices of agreement rose from the staff. I gave Sakurai-san a look and sent a signal saying, "It went well."

(With this, I think I've managed to at least put up the sticky notes.)

I've done all I can, now it's up to fate.

◆

In Development Department 2, only the manager's desk is slightly separated from the other staff. It's partitioned, so it's possible to have a one-on-one conversation in a low voice.

"Kawasegawa, are you there?"

Kuroda appeared there. He came next to my desk and got straight to the point.

"I understand your aim well now."

Looking out at the floor where the other staff were,

"The development guys are all gossiping about Hashiba and Sakurai. They're saying things like, 'Where did we poach them from? It can't be true that they're from Department 13.'"

I was relieved to hear that.

As Kuroda said before, the only way to convince our highly capable creative staff is to show them through the content of the work.

That's why I entrusted them with the improvement of the debugging team, which no one wanted to touch because it was too much trouble, and watched to see what would happen.

The results are in. With this, the talk of the Managing Director's forced personnel change will likely disappear.

"For now, it seems we've succeeded in getting them to acknowledge it. So, what's your evaluation, Kuroda?"

When I asked, he gave a wry smile and said, "You know, that kind of thing."

"No wonder you wanted him, Kawasegawa. He can carefully unravel and organize complicated matters, and he's articulate. As a production manager, he's truly excellent."

I nod honestly.

"──So, what's the plan? Are you going to involve him too?"

"That's the plan. I think he'll understand. Are you... against it?"

"No, he's perfectly fine in terms of ability and personality. It's just, getting him involved in such a troublesome matter... I don't know if that's the right thing to do."

I thought so too. It pains me to get him involved in something so troublesome. But if I were asked if there was any other way to improve the situation, I would have to say no.

◆

Just as we had aimed, the debugging process improved dramatically. The programming team thanked us, and most importantly, the reception from the part-timers who were actually doing the test plays was also good.

And as Sakurai-san and I were celebrating that achievement, suddenly, I was called outside by Kawasegawa. The reason, she said, she would tell me later.

Wondering what it could be about, I left the building and walked towards the station.

The shop Kawasegawa designated was a small cafe a few minutes' walk from the company. It wasn't a quaint place, just an old shop, not very stylish, and with few customers.

(She must be concerned about being seen.)

If it were just a normal business communication, we could have done it in the conference room. The fact that she called me out specifically must mean there's something to it, I thought.

"I'm sorry for calling you out so suddenly."

At the seat I was shown to, Kawasegawa apologized first.

"It's fine. The topic is... about work?"

"Yes. And it's something a little difficult to talk about openly."

After ordering two hot coffees and the waitress had gone to the back, Kawasegawa lowered her voice even further and began to speak.

"Hashiba, I'm going to tell you now what I wanted to ask of you."

──It was unbelievable.

To be told something so important at this timing.

"It's what you've been saying all along, right?"

Kawasegawa nodded silently.

The conversation I had with her in front of the room on the day I talked with the Managing Director. The thing she wanted me to do, which came up even then.

What on earth could it be about?

"You know about the project we've been working on for a long time, right?"

"Of course, I know."

The super-large-scale project using the Platinum Generation, 'Mystic Clockwork,' also known as Misukuro. It became a hot topic in the entire industry from its initial announcement, a terrifying project that is always at the center of attention even though not much new information is released. And it was also a project that had been so messed with from above that it had even made Kawasegawa say she wanted to finish it quickly.

"I want you to help with Misukuro."

It was a straightforward request.

"When I heard you were coming to Dept 2, I thought, 'I'm so sorry, I've gotten you involved.' But at the same time, I thought that someone with that kind of passion might be able to properly handle a title like Misukuro."

Kawasegawa's tone was, as always, calm. That's why her words reached me clearly, and I was convinced she was being serious with me.

"Me... Misukuro?"

I couldn't help but shudder. That Misukuro, which I had thought was somewhere far away, or rather, should have been far away, was now right in front of my eyes.

Of course, my goal is still to realize Grape. I won't forget that for a single moment. But the reality that something I admired was so close to me renewed my fighting spirit.

(If it weren't for this situation, I probably would have been happier.)

The reason it came to me. It's because that Managing Director messed with this project. If it weren't for the internal strife, it should have been a title that was made more properly.

The fact that the story is being thrown at me, a new employee whose background is still unclear, must mean the situation is quite critical.

"As I said before, that project has been meddled with from all over and is about to lose its original form. I was also thinking of just finishing it quickly to get some peace."

It's no wonder.

I can understand how one would gradually come to hate a title they were so passionate about creating with their classmates, only to have it used and messed with for upper management's politics. If I were in Kawasegawa's position, I'm sure I wouldn't have been able to stand it.

"A long time ago, when this project was just starting, this department was full of life. Everyone was excited to make something good."

A deep sigh.

"But now, there's no trace of that left. Everyone is only thinking about finishing their own part of the work. Even with you two here, motivation doesn't rise. There's just an air of resignation, that the project itself won't change no matter what."

The atmosphere I felt when I joined this department. So it wasn't something seasonal, but something created by this current situation.

"It sounds cool to say 'I did my best,' but in the end, I just wasn't powerful enough."

A look of sadness drifted across Kawasegawa's face.

"Kuroda was very cooperative and even stood up to the higher-ups. But he's despairing that his power isn't enough, and he's even thinking of quitting the company."

"He's... that far gone?"

Even a person who spoke with such passion about games and content has had their motivation stripped away.

It's a story that really makes you think about the meaning of a company.

"I've caused you nothing but trouble. That's why I even said you should just quit. But."

Kawasegawa looked straight at me.

Her dignified expression wouldn't allow me to run away.

"Lend us your strength for our project. I want you to help us create a lively workplace with everyone again and help us make this work."

"Understood. I'll be happy to cooperate."

My employment was originally made possible by her kindness, so I had always wanted to repay that debt someday. Besides, after being told her feelings with such intensity, there was no way I could refuse.

"──Thank you. Having you say that gives me strength."

There's only one thing that worries me, but that is,

"And of course, the realization of Project Grape is part of the deal. I'm sure that's very important to you."

Just as I hesitated for a moment, wondering if I should say it, she said it first.

"You saw right through me. As expected."

"It's a good project. I'd like to see it realized too."

Securing her cooperation is a big deal. I probably wouldn't have been opposed from the start, but having her state it clearly like this makes it easier to move.

"On top of that, I'd like to talk about what we're going to do from now on..."

I listened intently to what Kawasegawa had to say. With careful hands, she flipped through the documents and quietly continued to talk about what she wanted me to do.

And by the time I finished listening, I felt a little like crying inside.

No, in terms of content, there's nothing more honorable, but in terms of the height of the hurdle, it was a job of a difficulty level incomparable to any I've had before.

(Kawasegawa... she's quite a demon.)

While thinking about the accidents that could happen from now on, I quietly sighed so she wouldn't notice.