Hearing that Nakayama Takuya had returned to Tokyo, Bandai's Mitsui Chuta once again ca to visit.
This ti, the eting was no longer held in that elegant, secluded Michelin-level ryōtei from before.
It took place at Sega headquarters—inside Takuya's executive office.
The balance of power had quietly, unmistakably shifted.
Gone was the calm confidence Mitsui displayed during their previous eting.
What replaced it was exhaustion, anxiety, and the heavy burden he carried into the room—both figuratively and literally.
"Mr. Nakayama, forgive for intruding."
Mitsui bowed low, much deeper than at the fad Kitcho restaurant last ti.
"Please, have a seat, Mitsui-san."
Takuya personally poured him a cup of steaming tea, smiling warmly yet with proper distance.
"My trip to Arica was a rush. Then I was tied up with engagent matters… and afterwards, more business in the States. I haven't had ti to visit you—I hope you won't take it to heart."
He spoke politely, but with a subtle reminder:
When he said he was busy, he hadn't been making excuses.
Mitsui forced a dry laugh, took a sip of tea, though even the heat couldn't warm the chill in his palms.
He didn't bother with polite preambles.
In front of this young man, anything extra only made him look more desperate.
"Mr. Nakayama… what you told last ti was truly enlightening. Both President Yamauchi and I benefited greatly."
He set the teacup down, voice firm despite the tension.
"Bandai… is indeed facing difficulties."
He drew a deep breath, as though gathering courage.
"With the economy declining, the traditional mass-market toy segnt is shrinking rapidly. The board has decided to cut this entire business to lighten the load. But… the financial pressure is imnse."
His posture sagged even further.
"So I've co today on behalf of Bandai's board—with our utmost sincerity—to seek deeper cooperation with Sega."
Takuya listened quietly, fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk, each soft tok landing squarely on Mitsui's nerves.
"We hope Sega will consider a mutual equity exchange," Mitsui continued with effort.
"And… Bandai is willing to sell an additional portion of shares to Sega, in exchange for financial support to help us weather this crisis."
He swallowed hard, then added:
"And we hope Sega and Sunrise might grant more animation and ga character licenses to Bandai."
Having laid out all of Bandai's cards, Mitsui seed to deflate.
A sheen of sweat gathered at his temples as he waited for Takuya's response.
The office fell silent, save for the faint hum of the air conditioner.
Takuya's smile didn't change. He lifted his teacup, blew gently on the surface, as if pondering a trivial matter. After a mont, he finally spoke.
"Mitsui-san, the fact that you're here on behalf of Bandai speaks to your company's resolve."
He acknowledged Mitsui's bravery—then shifted the tone ever so slightly:
"But cutting an entire traditional business… that's a clean amputation. I've heard the internal resistance in Bandai is quite substantial, isn't it?"
Mitsui's spine stiffened instantly.
He hadn't expected Takuya to know Bandai's internal struggles so clearly.
"Just… ordinary strategic disagreents," he forced out.
Takuya chuckled softly, not pressing further.
His calm, all-knowing deanor only made Mitsui's anxiety intensify.
"As for equity exchange and share acquisition—this isn't sothing I can decide alone," Takuya said, leaning forward slightly.
"But personally, I'm optimistic about this cooperation. I'll bring it to the board and push for it. Given our relationship with Bandai, I believe the likelihood of approval is high."
Mitsui finally exhaled in relief.
He stood and bowed deeply.
"Then… I leave this in your hands, Mr. Nakayama!"
---
Early July, Sega Headquarters
The top-floor conference room was solemn.
Directors sat in two long rows, with Nakayama Hayao presiding at the head.
All eyes were fixed on the young executive standing at the report podium.
"That concludes the proposal put forth by Bandai director Mitsui Chuta," Takuya said as he closed the folder.
"In summary:
First, they hope to conduct a mutual equity exchange.
Second, they wish to sell us additional shares in exchange for capital support."
The room erupted in barely contained excitent.
"This is excellent news! Bandai can't hold on—they're handing us the chance on a silver platter!"
"Strike while the iron is hot! This is our chance to absorb Bandai once and for all!"
Several aggressive directors were already flushed with enthusiasm.
To them, this felt like a rival presenting a surrender docunt.
Nakayama Hayao said nothing, simply sipping his tea while watching his son carefully.
Takuya raised a hand.
The room fell silent imdiately.
"I understand everyone's excitent," he said slowly. "But I personally believe—this is not the ideal ti to swallow Bandai whole."
"Oh?"
A director frowned. "Why is that, Executive Nakayama? We may never get another chance like this."
Takuya smiled faintly, sweeping his gaze across the room.
"Bandai is like a leaking ship. If we board now, we must help patch the holes, steady the vessel, and deal with a restless crew ready to mutiny."
Murmurs scattered around the table.
"Internal resistance to abandoning traditional toys is massive," Takuya continued.
"Their ga division is notoriously inconsistent—success depends entirely on upper managent whims. The company is full of internal contradictions. If we intervene too strongly now, we beco the ones carrying their entire burden—while igniting their collective resentnt."
A few directors who were heated monts ago imdiately cooled.
"So what do you propose?" Nakayama Hayao finally asked.
"I propose we cast a long line to catch a bigger fish."
Takuya's eyes sharpened.
"Bandai's issues are rooted in their decision-making culture. A single recession won't change that. Even if we save them now, their leadership will make the sa mistakes again within a few years."
"That will be the mont we reel them in completely."
"As for now—"
He raised two fingers.
"Sega's cash flow is strong. Our money should go toward real priorities. New arcade developnt. Strengthening our North Arican foothold. Not filling Bandai's holes."
"So my recomndation:
A limited equity exchange and small-scale capital injection. Let them taste our goodwill. Help them through the crisis, earn their gratitude, lower their guard, and quietly cultivate factions aligned with Sega."
The room sank into thoughtful murmurs.
Nakayama Hayao's eyes glead with a subtle approval.
"Ahem."
He cleared his throat when the voices softened.
"You've all heard Takuya's analysis. Any objections?"
The directors exchanged looks—and shook their heads.
"I agree with Executive Nakayama. Steady steps win the long war."
"Indeed. Moving too aggressively will backfire."
"Then it's decided," Nakayama Hayao declared, his voice firm.
He turned to a director on his left. "Yoshikawa. You will handle this negotiation."
Director Yoshikawa—head of legal and investnt—stood and bowed.
"Yes, President."
With the success of the Sunrise acquisition behind him, he carried full confidence.
He turned to Takuya with a half-joking grin.
"But Executive Nakayama has already set the perfect tone. Now the pressure is on ."
Takuya smiled.
"We're counting on your good news, Director Yoshikawa."
Laughter filled the room.
The heavy atmosphere lted instantly.
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