Chapter 3 | But Still We Are | Remake our Life!
Part 1
On the first Monday of the week, all the members of the 13th Development Department have gathered at a coffee shop a short distance from the office. Because there was something I really wanted to tell them, I gave up my lunch break and deliberately chose a place where employees from other departments would not be likely to come.
"... Why did you call me here?"
Even Charaji, who is usually joking around, looked more serious than ever in the heavy atmosphere of me and Sakurai-san.
"It doesn't seem like a good thing. And that's pretty much it."
The queen stands there with a blank expression on her face. The way she neatly drops the ashes of her cigarette into an ashtray gives the impression that she is used to being in a chaotic situation.
"I-Is there something troublesome going on? Hey, hey?"
As for Takoyaki-san, he has been wiping his sweat with a handkerchief since a while ago. He was so afraid of trouble that he thought trouble = death.
(I wonder what would happen to the head department if he knew what might be happening now)
He's so anxious that it's worrisome.
"I am sorry to ask you to gather here at your busy time. I actually just happened to hear something about this department that concerns its continued existence..."
When I opened the conversation, Charaji and Takoyaki-san responded by leaning forward.
"What's that ... That's some serious stuff!"
"T-T-T-The survival of the department, Hashiba-kun, Hashiba-kun, that means the survival of the department, doesn't it?"
They both had a furious look on their face. Well, it can't be helped...
"Fuhn, that sounds bad."
The queen reacted, but did not seem to be shocked in any other way.
"C-Calm down, I'll tell you everything in order."
Together with Sakurai-san, who sat next to me, we talked about Friday.
The reorganization of the Development Department is about to take place, and we, the 13th Development Department, are the first to be mentioned as a target.
I also decided to tell them, without concealment, that one of the reasons for this may have been the business improvements I had initiated.
It was only at the level of hearsay, and I could have kept quiet, but I decided that it would be less damaging to say it now than to hear it later from someone else's mouth.
But, as I expected, Charaji poked his head in there.
"Keh, you've done unnecessary things. Hashiba, wouldn't all this have happened if you hadn't tried to play it cool and improve operations?"
"... Maybe so."
In fact, since the department was supposed to be a burden department, I don't think the results would have been any different if the work had not been improved.
However, I had no objection to the opportunity to do so.
"Is that what's... being rumored..."
Takoyaki-san spoke in a serious tone and then fell silent.
It was the worst situation.
... But we have prepared ourselves to be able to compete when this happens.
"But we still have a chance."
I said in a firm tone of voice in front of them.
"That project that we are working on now, if we can put this together in a solid and realistic way and propose it to upper management, we can do it as a department, and if we do that..."
When I was about to continue, saying that it would also determine the continuation of the department,
"I'm done"
Charaji took control with his hand.
"What do you mean, ‘I'm done’?"
Looking fed up, Charaji scratched his head,
"I'm going to change jobs"
"Eh..."
"I'm changing jobs. It's obvious. Wouldn't you rather get a new job and get out of there quickly than be reassigned to a room where you'll be kicked out?"
At these words, the queen next to him nodded.
"I'd be fine if I could do some miscellaneous work for some development department. Fortunately, I have some skills, so I'm sure someone will step up to the plate."
This one also did not seem interested in proceeding with the project.
"It hasn't been decided yet, it's just that there are rumors going around, and they're trying to get us a sense of crisis..."
On top of that, I was trying to get them to come to the planning meeting. This is a completely opposite effect or rather... their spirits go away.
"U-Um ... I am also very anxious, but if you all quit now, it would be just what the company wants..."
With an anxious look on her face, Sakurai-san also appeals to them.
"That's right, do nothing and simply give up, and getting nothing in return...!"
"... Is it right to appeal to someone who has no expectations of you? No place, no chance, no nothing?"
In a low, hoarse voice, Charaji said.
If we are talking about right or wrong, it is true that what we are doing now is not good enough.
The heavy air covered the area even more. While no one could utter a word,
"... Then I'm going home."
Charaji stood up,
"I'd rather go home and browse job sites than waste my time on something that's not worth it."
Then he tapped Sakurai-san on the head,
"Well, I guess that's the end of that playing childish project."
Sakurai-san's shoulders jolted and quivered.
To her who tried her best to connect with her possibilities, it was so disrespectful, and you are not qualified to say such a thing?
I was indeed angry with Charaji, who was a master at saying what he wanted to say.
"Wait a minute"
I get up from my seat and stand in front of Charaji.
"... We're done here, right?"
"We're not done. I won't tolerate that kind of rhetoric about playing childish project."
"It's never going to take shape anyway. If that's not playing around, what is it?"
"We're going to have a lot of meetings from now on to make this a real thing! And yet, you don't even try to stick with it at all, you said ‘Do it, quit, change jobs’, why are you so unserious!"
Charaji looked displeased, clicked his tongue, and looked away.
The words flooded out of my mouth from anger at the sheer throwaway attitude.
"Have you ever seriously... worked on your job!"
Instantly, Charaji's eyes went sharp all at once.
"Shut up! You even don't know anything, so shut up!"
It was so loud that for a moment there was a dead silence in the restaurant.
Charaji looked surprised at the volume of his own voice, then shook his head and sighed heavily.
"... Seriousness can be overturned in an instant, in the world..."
He said it as if to throw up and left the store.
Again, a heavy silence fell over everyone.
"Well, I'll excuse myself, too. Sorry I can't help you."
The Queen also took her seat as she continued.
"No matter how good you think it is, it's very difficult to turn a picture into a reality. If you have that kind of effort, you might as well spend it on yourself."
She shoved out the cigarette she was smoking and quietly walked out of the store as well.
All three of the remaining people are silent.
"... I'm sorry, Sakurai-san"
"That sort of... If I had a better plan, this would."
Sakurai said so and dropped her shoulders.
I was wondering if I should have said this information now. However, for me, I wanted everyone to be more serious and to actively participate in the project.
Although it was a negative topic, I thought it would inspire people to get excited there. But the result was to lead everyone away.
(This is the end ... I guess)
Through a miraculous encounter, I was able to enter the game industry, which I had longed for, and a prestigious company.
But there, I was put in a department that did not actually make games, and the place was rotten.
So I moved. I expected that things would improve a little and that we could move on.
But once again, things took a sharp turn and steered in an unwanted direction.
The story is coming to an end in the preliminary stage of making things.
"U-Um ~, both of you ..."
Sakurai-san and I both turn toward the voice.
Takoyaki-san looked at us with concern.
"Department head... I'm sorry, since the talk is over, you can go back..."
I thought he might have hard leaving, and when I talked to him about it,
"No, I just thought we should talk about what we're going to do properly."
"Eh...?"
"Look, I'm the department head, so I have to think about the department."
Unexpected, I thought.
I was a little surprised to hear a comment from the head of the department that sounded like he was in charge of the department... but I thought it was going to be a matter-of-fact comment as before.
I thought that talking to the members of the department had only brought some disadvantages, but for the first time, I was glad that I did. I even thought that maybe my eyes had been clouded.
"S-So ... Do you have any bright ideas?"
When I asked him in anticipation, he smiled and said,
"Of course not! So we've got to figure this out together."
Maybe my eyes were not clouded after all.
Together with Sakurai-san, we nodded our heads in disappointment.
"... I guess I expected too much."
"... Well, I'm glad that it made you motivated even a little."
Frankly, I felt more than a little energized.
I took out my smartphone and checked my schedule.
"Let's do our best to have at least a glimmer of hope before this weekend's planning meeting."
"But how ...?"
"I think even those two would change their opinions a little if we had a concrete plan."
Indeed, all we talked about was the plan, but nothing was said about how it would be realized.
To put it the other way around, if the story can be made concrete, it creates possibilities.
"I'll give it a shot."
I opened RINE and sent a message to a friend to make an appointment.
"We can't give up on this... yet"
Part 2
Outside the window, I hear a train passing by.
It was a bargain property close to the station, but this noise was the only thing that was a bit annoying.
"Sorry, there might be a little train noise here, can you hear me?"
I asked,
"Don't worry, I can hear you loud and clear."
Hayakawa replied teasingly.
"Then when you are no longer working, you might want to do some streaming."
"That's great, you can work with us when your channel subscriber count goes over 100,000."
I'm totally joking, but well, even if I lost my job, I don't think I would be a streamer.
When I was at my last job, I had talked with a certain YouTuber as part of a sales promotion, and all I could think of was that the job was the opposite of carefree, with filming and editing, and regular uploading and posting on social networking sites.
There is no such thing as an easy job in this world. Everyone has their own advantages and disadvantages and lives with a balance between them.
"Sorry, I wish I could have taken you out for dinner."
"No, I knew you were busy."
"So what are you going to do? Should you give up now and come to our company?"
I had also informed Hayakawa about the accident via message earlier.
His decision was that I should quit immediately and change jobs. Indeed, most people would say that if you explained that situation to them.
"Well, to be honest, I've thought about that, but ... I'm still going to struggle a little more."
But I didn't choose that option.
"Why? For that cute boss or junior of the department?"
"There is that principle too, but I guess it's more of my own stubbornness."
On the surface, it was probably for Sakurai-san's sake, but more than that, I had a burning desire to do something about the situation. Perhaps the true meaning is a desire for production, or perhaps it is a desire not to betray my former self.
Anyway, the thing was certainly not for one or two reasons.
"So, I thought Hayakawa, who has been through a lot of hardships, might be able to come up with something, so I decided to consult to you."
"I don't know if you'll be satisfied, but ... I'll take care of it."
In a strangely formal way, I asked him for advice.
"I suppose some research would have to be done first."
"About what?"
"I mean, is this a company-wide plan to consolidate departments, or is it just one force talking up a plan?"
Here is how Hayakawa sees it.
Companies fall into two categories: either they are completely one-man operations or they are organized by several factions.
Succeedsoft is a publicly traded company, and although it has been passed down from its founder to the next generation, it seems to be struggling a bit in terms of generational change, and that perhaps there is a chance to win there.
"There are two major factions over there right now... I'll give you a little documentation."
Hayakawa sent me something like a research report.
"I had a research company come in to help me develop the ad before. I've sent you that report and you are responsible for erasing it after you read it."
"...Got it"
Open the file and look through it from page 1.
Succeedsoft was founded in 1980 based on a mail-order computer software business established by the company's founding president, Matsuhira Shigeru.
At the time, PC software was in a bubble period and software was selling like hotcakes, but Matsuhira was thinking about the future and decided to start developing his own software as well. At first, the company developed historical simulations, but it was not far behind the biggest players in the industry, and in the target year, it moved into adult software. Initially, the company was regarded poorly in the industry, but its beautiful graphics, robust system, and successful collaboration with a talented scenario writer quickly made it a hit maker.
In the 2000s, they entered the consumer industry fully prepared. After that, the company was one of the first to recognize the potential of social games and continued to generate high profits, becoming one of the leading blue-chip companies in the game industry.
"And, well, if you just look at the stories that are out there, there are no real problems."
"Right. The transition appears to be smooth and successful because they don't stick to one type of business."
In both bishojo games and consumer games, former hit makers have disappeared one after another. The reason for this is usually due to the fact that they "knew too much about the good times."
"Yes, the transition went well... That's why they're struggling over there right now."
"Why?"
Hayakawa cited the appropriate page and said to look there.
I turned it over as I was told, and there was a profile of one person on it.
"Matsuhira Kou ―― the president's only son, huh?"
After graduating from college, he joined Succeedsoft as a new graduate and currently holds the position of Executive Director.
(Executive Director... I see, that's who he was)
It reminded me of someone I passed in an elevator hall the other day.
"That's amazing. He's the same age as us and he's the Executive Director of a publicly traded company. That's not possible unless you're a founding member of a venture company that just hit it big."
Yes, it is true. But he is someone who joined the company after it had grown.
The heir apparent's connections are strong, but if it is so blatantly obvious, it will naturally draw some animosity.
"The point is that I am at odds with the executive who is opposed to that inheritance?"
"As expected of Hashiba, you are quick to understand. But that's not all."
"What do you mean ...?"
Hayakawa sent another document.
It was an article in an economic magazine. The article featured a large photo of Matsuhira Kou as the key person behind Succeedsoft's entry into social games.
(No doubt, it's that guy)
Despite my inward understanding, Hayakawa continued his story.
"He created a social games department against the opposition of the entire company as soon as he joined us. Naturally, old employees rebelled, and an atmosphere filled the company that would not cooperate with him."
"... But as it turns out, he was right."
"Right. The social business, which started out as only a second development department with one manager and two subordinates, now accounts for half of Succeedsoft's development department."
When they made fun of the unknown business proposed by the young heir, before they knew it, they had fallen far behind in revenue, and were even in danger of being taken over.
That would be infinitely less interesting for the conservatives.
"So, here's the thing. If this executive director were to say that the department was going to be consolidated, you wouldn't stand a chance, frankly."
"I bet, because the momentum would be different."
"But if it were the other way around... you'd know, right?"
Hayakawa's voice sounded happy.
"If I can get to the executive director, I can turn the tables, is that what you mean."
"That's right. So let's do that research first."
For more detailed information on the inside, let's ask Kawasegawa, who is probably more knowledgeable. I can ask the people in the department ... well, just for reference.
"So, Hashiba, what you're thinking of right now... do you have a chance of winning?"
"Yeah, I may not be able to win big, but I don't think I'll lose big."
The most ideal business is to make a small investment and get a large payback. But such a convenient story does not happen easily.
If that is the case, you should think about making a small profit first. Then, gradually increase the number of quotas, and the next thing you know, you've become big.
"Okay, then, make sure you have a solid plan. Make sure it is low-risk and potentially highly profitable, and don't leave any room for the other party to take advantage of you."
Hayakawa's points were accurate, as one would expect from an advertisement industry where all kinds of evil spirits of rivers and mountains abound.
"Thank you, you've been a big help."
"I was helped a lot when I was in college. I hope I can repay the favor."
This reminded me of how Hayakawa used to ask me for things when I was a student.
As the saying goes, if he thought he was repaying me for that, how very righteous of him.
"It was fun, back then"
"Yeah, I could do a lot of things I can't do now."
Hayakawa cut off a few words there,
"I was just thinking about this the other day."
As if remembering, he swung to another topic.
"I told you I played baseball all through high school, didn't I?"
"Oh, I remember. You got a scholarship, I think."
Hayakawa was a baseball player in elementary, middle, and high school, and was also a well-known player there.
He must have been very impressive, because he was mentioned, albeit in a small way, as a player to watch in the draft by a specialty magazine.
"Actually, I was accepted by the W University selection."
"Eh, it's insanely amazing ..."
The University of W is one of the most prestigious universities in the world of college baseball, and has produced many players who have gone on to play professional baseball. Even if the player did not go to the pros, there were rumors that it would be advantageous for him to get a job if he was a member of the baseball team there.
"But well, I didn't go there in the end."
He didn't have that much confidence, but he also thought that the pressure of playing baseball all the time would be unduly stressful, even if it would give him an advantage in his future life.
"Well, as a result, I was able to meet Hashiba and get a job like this, and I have no regrets ..."
Fufu, I heard a little chuckle.
"If I chose that path ... I wonder what happened. Sometimes I think about it."
He laughed at himself, but I couldn't laugh.
After hanging up, I thought about what we had just talked about for a while.
Hayakawa had potential. If he had gone on to a career in baseball, perhaps he could have even become a professional. Perhaps that is where his delusion of "if" lies.
I also think about applying it to myself. If I had chosen to go to an art college at that time. Of course, I would not have met Hayakawa, and we would have had a completely different friendship.
Perhaps even become friends with members of the Platinum Generation and work together to create something together.
"Haha, maybe I'm being a little delusional..."
But you never know where life will take you. The "no way" that we think of here could turn out to be the reality of the world.
Working in friendly competition with Kawagoe Kyoichi, we created scenarios and,
Collaborate with N@NA to write songs,
And Akishima Shino was commissioned to create the illustrations.
Such a future, perhaps, was possible.
"... Well, I guess that's enough of my fantasies."
Now, in reality, I need to figure out what I am going to do with my place in the world. Let's make sure to create a ground where I can properly tread so that I can enjoy my fantasies.
First, I'll meet tomorrow with someone who will be key to making a concrete proposal.
I opened RINE again and confirmed that person's schedule.
"From here ... I will rebuild the route at all costs."
To remake a development that seems to be on a bad line into a happy ending.
Part 3
A river named Meguro River runs near the head office building. There are rows of cherry blossom trees along the river, and every spring the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, delighting people.
As we walked together along the road leading from the side of the company, I asked Kawasegawa about it,
"Cherry blossoms? I guess they were in bloom when someone told me."
Unfortunately, she didn't seem to be interested in cherry blossoms in the first place.
I guess she realized how disappointed I was.
"My bad, I didn't sound like a girl."
"No, I didn't say that at all."
"That's what your eyes and your pause were saying. That I am not cute."
With staring eyes and pursed lips, she mumbled in dissatisfaction.
It had been a while since Kawasegawa and I had talked alone, but I had a feeling that she had become more troublesome than the last time we had talked.
However, it seems to me that the distance between us has been subtly shortened, so maybe she is the kind of girl who responds that way when we get to know each other better.
(Or rather, that outfit...)
I glance at her.
Worn over the blouse was a light pink cardigan, just the right shade of cherry blossom.
If I am not mistaken, it must have been the one I picked up when we went shopping together the other day.
(I got the feeling she didn't like it...)
I don't know if it was her consideration or not, but it made me strangely happy.
But I'm sure that if I told her about it, she would make up some excuse. I wanted to ask her about that, too, but I had more important things to do today.
"... So? You didn't bring me here to talk about cherry blossoms, did you?"
"Yeah. I was hoping to just end with the talk about the cherry blossoms, though."
I told her a little bit about the elimination and consolidation of the department in question. I decided not to mention the factions within the company, since it is not a definite information.
When I finished speaking, Kawasegawa took a deep breath.
"... Yes, you already knew that much."
Kawasegawa herself seemed to understand all of this.
"I'm really sorry. When I asked you to join the company ... It was still before all that stuff came up."
There was talk of increasing the number of staff in the 2nd development department where she is, but it was not finalized at that time. So they decided to place me in the 13th department on a temporary basis in order to secure a talented person like me.
"But then they started talking about restructuring the department. I thought they were going to make cuts only in the unprofitable consumer development division, but they said they were talking about the entire department."
Somehow, I guessed the story.
If they look only at profits, it would be enough to reduce the number of consumer development employees, who are becoming a burden, but that would not make the conservative faction look good, and it would also cause internal divisions among the employees. So, they can't do that.
"So not only has the originally planned increase in the 2nd Development Dept. been postponed, but the 13th Dept. is being made the scapegoat for the reduction where it can be reduced first ..."
Kawasegawa nodded.
"The board of directors is in a bit of a tussle, in part because of this. There are two factions: the president's faction, which originally generated revenue from consumer games, and the social game faction, led by the executive director."
Surprisingly, the research materials Hayakawa showed me were quite accurate in capturing the information.
Kawasegawa continued the conversation and mentioned her current position.
"I'm in a very delicate position right now."
"Why? As a second department head, you're in a more stable position?"
She shook her head and,
"The 2nd Development Department is a mixed team that does both consumer and social media. So we are caught between the two, and it's very tough."
I see, that is indeed tough.
"Kawasegawa, do you have a preference for which side you want to be on?"
"... Honestly, don't like factions. I don't want to be on either side. But ..."
A calm gaze stares straight ahead.
"There's no future for the president's faction. The executive director ... I think that guy will win eventually, because he's the one who sees not only the social, but the next thing after that."
"So, he can be that definite."
"Yeah. He's a smart guy. He is scary, though――"
She said and Kawasegawa's body trembled faintly.
I don't know what kind of person he is, but he must be a very capable man.
"But I don't want to go under that person. I ... care about the product I'm working on now, and I want to focus on making it better."
Is it a collaboration work with the platinum generation?
"Why are you so attached to it? Just because you're the same age doesn't make it that much better, does it?"
In response to my question, Kawasegawa took a breath,
"I'm in college with them. Not only that. We are in the same department and have been creating things together for a long time."
"...Is that so"
That made sense. Oddly enough, it matched what I had fantasized about yesterday.
If it had been a desire of hers since she was a student, it had to be something special.
"Finally, we talked at the first meeting about how we could all work together to create new things. But from that point on, we were constantly sidetracked, and the project was changed many times. It was supposed to be a dream project, but now all I can think about is how to finish it. "
With a deep, deep sigh,
"I've had enough of being bothered by unnecessary politics..."
As if wringing it out, Kawasegawa said so.
I'm sure she has a lot of frustrations piling up inside her that she can't tell. I think it is probably the same reason she drank alcohol, even though she is not strong, until she was tipsy, and the fact that she is talking to me now about her internal situation is probably because she is approaching her limit.
"... I'm really sorry. So I think you should leave our company."
She said this to me with a downcast look on her face.
"I know it's rude of me even though I am the one who invites you ... but more than this"
I was thinking about various things.
As expected, the company was in the middle of a rough period. However, this kind of story can happen in any company, and it would be rare if it didn't.
It would be easy to quit here, but then the reforms that had begun to take hold, albeit for a short time, would go down the drain.
(Above all, after all the hard work Sakurai-san has put in...)
She has been losing all this time, and now she is finally going to get her hands on a project proposal.
It would be too much if it were trampled upon solely because of internal circumstances.
"Hey, Kawasegawa"
I stopped and turned to face her.
She also stops and looks at me.
"I have a favor to ask you"
"... What is it"
I tried to force a smile to reassure her a little.
But it might have looked more like a fearless smile, or a triumphant expression.
That's how barbaric or challenging what I'm about to tell her is... Well, because it was not well behaved, to be frank.
"Frankly, I'm asking you to do something troublesome. But this is something the company needs ... or so I believe."
"What do you want me... to do?"
Kawasegawa did not try to hide her uneasy expression.
I stood in front of her and began to talk about a plan.
A strong wind blew through the Meguro River. It seemed as if it foreshadowed the upheaval that was to come.
Part 4
After my talk with Kawasegawa, I returned to my office.
It was already well past the scheduled time, but I had things to do today.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
I walked into the basement workplace I'd become so accustomed to,
"Ah..."
Just as Charaji and the Queen were about to leave the room.
As expected, we both felt awkward and stood there in silence.
"Um, today..."
I guess he sensed my question, "Are you going home now?"
"Yes, I'm going home."
With a blunt retort, Charaji slid past me and pushed open the door.
"It's useless anyway, no matter what you do..."
In a small voice, I heard him say that when he left.
"Eh...?"
When I turned around to ask them again, they were no longer there.
"Hashiba-kun, welcome back ~"
"Thank you for your hard work. You must have talked for quite a long time..."
The two who were still there offered words of encouragement.
"I'm fine. More than that, those two ... left, didn't they."
I said, and Takoyaki-san nodded his head as usual,
"I know you're dissatisfied, but I want you to understand."
He gave me a slightly sad expression that he usually does not show.
"Is something happened...?"
"Yeah, well, a lot of things, you know"
I was curious about the reasons, but for now, I had something to take care of first.
Let's talk again after we are properly prepared.
"But still, are you okay with this? For you to keep us company."
I and Sakurai-san decided to stay, but I didn't intend to make Takoyaki-san stay with us as well. So when he took the initiative to tell me that he would stay, it was like seeing something unbelievable.
"Of course. If I don't help the department to survive, then what's the point of being a department head?"
"...Thank you"
Frankly, I didn't think the presence of Takoyaki-san would have given me any good ideas, but it was still reassuring to know that this kind of activity could take place where the leader of the department was present.
"Well, let's move."
We left our usual business desks and moved to a meeting space.
On the shelves at the back of the room, numerous game consoles and a large number of packages stored in cardboard boxes were piled up. It was deeply moving to think that all of them were the result of meetings and discussions like this.
"Then let's get started, a planning meeting for the sake of a planning meeting"
Part 5
"Hm ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ m"
With a pen between her ears and her arms folded, Sakurai-san was groaning.
The agenda was how to incorporate the monetization and production system implementation into the new game proposal she had recently put together.
However, it was difficult to come up with a plan to improve the situation. With no budget and no personnel, finding the best solution was difficult to begin with.
"As for the brand, would it be correct to say that we are creating a sub-brand?"
"Yes, and it wouldn't hurt the Succeed brand to do so."
Concern #1 seemed to be cleared somehow.
As for the composition of the staff, including programmers, it was still manageable to clear the assumption that it was only a sub-brand.
"Then the problem is here, right."
Pointing to the relevant section of the document,
"It's here..."
Sakurai-san also sighed heavily.
On it, it was written in large letters, "Profitability".
"It makes no sense to seek profitability from the outset, as this is a challenging project. However, in order to get a certain budget, it is necessary to get at least the minimum number of units."
"... But if I may say so myself, but this project is"
It has a strong meta element, doesn't take the royal road as an RPG, doesn't sell itself with graphics, and doesn't involve famous people.
"It looks like it won't sell, right?"
We said in unison and sighed.
Games that can be made on a small scale and expect to generate high profits are generally bishojo games with a high level of "practicality".
But we cannot ask that of the game we are making now. I have seen too many examples of chimera-like games that have added elements in this way, but in the end, have failed to win anywhere and have died.
"It's really difficult to make a game for a job, isn't it?"
Sakurai-san sighed and looked up at the gray ceiling.
"When I was in elementary and middle school, I never thought about this kind of thing."
"... Yeah, just find an interesting game, play it, and repeat."
"I was~. I especially loved RPGs, so I made up my own stories and created my own books, uploaded fan art on the Internet and got beaten up, and did whatever I wanted!"
She smiled fondly, and then,
"Of course, I understand now, as long as I do it for a job, I have at least to earn proper money. Making a product that looks like something that has sold well is a safe bet, or some such circumstance..."
The eyes, which had been looking at the ceiling, quickly drop down.
"... But I was a little concerned that I might gradually lose track of what I was doing."
I understood what she was saying very well.
I should have come to this world because I love it. I could say some cool things with my mouth only.
I admired her project and said we could fight with it, but we have not been able to do anything, not even to make horses to run on the battlefield or to make armaments.
Kawasegawa's feelings of helplessness. Even those who seemed to be working so brilliantly on the front lines were not always able to move as they wished. What can I, who can do nothing, accomplish by continuing to struggle in this way.
"... Let's think about it. It's all we have right now."
I said, as if to myself.
"If we are confident that something is good, let's use our wits to make it as good as possible. There might be something we haven't come up with yet."
Sakurai-san nodded in agreement with me.
"Yes, I'll do that. For me, it's the first time in my life that something so difficult and yet so interesting has happened to me."
"Well, then, we're definitely getting something out of it."
Nodded to each other. We still have energy left to fight.
Nevertheless, we will end up at the mercy of the situation.
Is there anything that could be done to break the ice without significantly changing what Sakurai-san had in mind?
"What does the head think... wait, what are you doing?"
When I looked, I saw that the department head had some kind of toy in his hand and was making a rattling noise.
"It's a model gun. I've always loved them."
You loved it, huh, not that.
"I don't know much about it, but when I made a game back in the day, this was my main weapon and I loved it. Do you know Hashiba-kun? Desert Eagle"
"Yeah"
I am not so familiar with firearms either, but I am familiar with the name. It's a gun that originated in Israel, I think?
"I used to shoot these in an empty office ~ just like this."
When he pulled the trigger, some BB bullets hit the wall and made a noise.
As expected, Sakurai-san seemed to have nothing but doubts about the department head's actions.
(Hashiba-san, what exactly is the director doing ...?)
(I have no idea what that is either)
I guess I didn't come up with much of an idea and had nothing to do... but it was too much of a mystery, though I guess that's what he did.
Takoyaki-san looked at the gun with a happy smile,
"Before you guys came here, we used to talk about games and guns together."
'Eh', I almost raised my voice.
If by "you guys" you mean me and Sakurai-san, that means...
"With the chief and her ...?"
"Yes, those two love games, too. It's nostalgic."
It was an unexpected story.
It may sound bad to say, but I had the impression that Charaji and the Queen had no feelings about the game, and just came to this company for some reason.
"You look surprised."
"Yes, I honestly thought so."
"I can see that. Because they never look like that now."
Fuuh, Takoyaki breathes a sigh.
"Hashiba-kun, I know you don't think well of them. But..."
The beaming expression on his face was gone, and sadness was floating on his face.
"I want you to understand that they had their reasons for being that way, too."
"...Is that so"
Takoyaki-san gave a small nod.
"They would never talk about it themselves, so maybe it's better if I tell you."
"It's going to be a little long, if you don't mind," Takoyaki-san said calmly.
When we nodded our heads, he began to speak slowly in the same gentle tone he always uses.
"You know we have a publishing department, right?"
Of course I know. It is a department that has an established reputation for comicalization of popular works and has been called a successful example of media mix because of the high quality of its work.
I have several comics myself, and I have felt the quality of the work firsthand.
When I told him this, he nodded heavily and,
"It was chief, who contributed greatly to the quality improvement."
"Eh ... was that so?"
Chief Charaji has moved to Succeedsoft's publishing department as an editor.
"He said that the manga based on our game was not interesting, so he joined them to reform it."
At that time, the company rebuilt the then poor-quality manga based on video games and began to produce many well-received works.
"He was soon promoted to the desk and began training new editors. The number of young people in the department who believed in the chief increased, and overall morale improved greatly."
There, he cut the conversation short with "But",
"Some people in the department started to find that irritating. The bosses who were there originally thought their positions were threatened, so they alienated him."
"... Such a thing"
He was removed from the major comic book publishing business and given responsibility for the original manga editorial department, leaving him in charge of new business.
"A department with no subordinates and a single editor-in-chief. It's obvious to everyone that he was removed."
Still, he went on to develop apps, explore new comics, and do other things that might lead to something new. However, those projects did not go through.
"I guess the assumption was that they were going to crush him, right from the start. So he was feeling demotivated and dizzy, and then I approached him."
Anyone would lose their motivation if they were subjected to such treatment. His constant, throwaway, give-up-on-everything response was thus created.
―― Miyamoto Kanji. Chief of Development Department 13. Behind his flirtatious, slack-jawed demeanor was a deep despair at having fought so hard and come away with nothing.
Then, Takoyaki-san went on to talk about the queen.
"The accounting system at the current headquarters was actually made by her."
Queen's original occupation was as a programmer. However, there were few situations where she could make use of her job skills, so she switched to accounting based on her bookkeeping qualifications.
"When she joined Succeed's accounting department, she immediately identified weaknesses in the system and put them in place to improve efficiency."
At the time, the software used by the accounting department was difficult to use and slow, and the accounting department manager became the bottleneck for all account settlements and processing, which led to demands for improvement at the company-wide level.
She was able to improve that in no time.
"Everyone in the department admired her, and despite the fact that they were always working overtime, they could now go home at scheduled times. However..."
There was actually a reason why the accounting department had a poor system.
"The general manager at the time was trying to make a backroom deal with an accounting software company to get something in return for installing the software in his company. That was ... thwarted by her success."
It was a good thing for him that the software would solve his problematic accounting system, and he would receive a rebate for his efforts.
"But of course the rebate didn't come in, and the accounting software company was very sarcastic, and the general manager lost his position. So he started treating her badly."
"No way, but ..."
"Of course, it's a meritorious achievement. So he didn't attack her directly, he just hung her out to dry without giving her any work to do."
It was an extremely insidious approach, but the effect was immediate.
It soon became known within the department that the manager did not think well of her, and the employees who had initially praised her began to distance themselves from her and ostracize her.
And she, too, became isolated. When she had lost her place, Takoyaki-san approached her and invited her to join the 13th department.
――It was an unreasonable past for the Queen, Mitsutomo Kojima.
"Companies are herd-driven creatures. If you being crowded out, you will be driven everywhere and lose your way. And that's no matter how talented you are."
Takoyaki spoke indifferently and continued, "That's why."
"The 13th Development Department was created as an escape for those who are tired of being in the same situation. Far away from unnecessary struggles, so that when the wounds heal, you can return to work."
Haa, I've seen that face again.
I now realize that the reason why this person is so calm and does not fight with anyone is because of his feelings for those who have suffered such wounds.
"Is that so..."
"Well, it was supposed to be that kind of place, but it's about to get crushed."
Smiling sadly in front of me, Takoyaki-san ―― No, before Horii Kazuhisa, the head of the 13th Development Department, I was choked up by the unreasonable events they have had to bear and the ironic reality of the situation.
The department, which was supposed to be prepared by the director as a run-in, has somehow come to be known as the disgraced execution room.
And that name is about to become a reality.
"Something like that ... ever happens?"
When the director's talk ended, I was speechless.
Because the story of those two was more serious and terrible than I expected.
"I had heard about it somehow, but I didn't know it went that far."
Sakurai-san nodded her head with a somber expression.
"A company comes in a lot of different things."
As always, the head of the department stroked his head.
"I guess I gave you some unnecessary information...?"
"No, if that's the case, I think I absolutely had to go through with this project."
In fact, I think I have heard good stories. However, that doesn't mean that the project itself is going forward. The head of the department was still fiddling with his gun after the talk was over.
"Originally, the Desert Eagle boasts high accuracy, but I'm a terrible shot, so I couldn't hit the target at all."
With that said, he fired some more rounds at the wall.
"... Actually, it doesn't hit."
The plastic container that I think he was aiming for was sitting there without a jolt.
"Right? So now I have to shoot by the numbers, right."
The director still holds his gun up against the wall.
We keep looking down at the materials at hand.
"Even if we think badly about it, we can't begin..."
The material I see with my eyes and the voice of the department head coming through my ears.
They blended together for a moment.
(Eh ... ah, wait a minute ...)
Maybe I made a big misunderstanding.
"Sakurai-san, the project ... There was a lot more, wasn't there?"
"Eh, yes ... what about it?"
I opened the file I had received from her again.
I flipped through it and closed it, this time using my smartphone to check the lineup of major download sites.
This time, I rush back to my seat where I have my PC and tap the keys to check this and that.
"That's right, that's what it meant..."
Step by step, I could feel the heat rising in my fingers.
"Um, Hashiba-san...?"
"Hashiba-kun, what's wrong, suddenly?"
Despite their voices, I got a clue there.
"Maybe ... We can go with this"
I couldn't help but clutch my smartphone and shout.
"Wah!"
"Hih!"
I suddenly shouted so loudly that the two of them tiptoed over on the spot.
"I did it, finally ... I got a clue."
My voice still trembled on the spot.
"Have you found a way... to make the project more profitable?"
I turned around.
"No, I haven't found that. But ... I cleared it."
Both of them looked at me with a big question marks on their faces.
"Because thinking too much, Hashiba-san, you..."
"Maybe you should take a break...?"
I assured them that their anxiety was about to be replaced by worry.
"Don't worry, I'm not crazy and I have the ability to think properly."
I took the department head's Desert Eagle and aimed it at the wall.
"All that's left is to shoot."
I pulled the trigger and several rounds were fired into the wall.
The bullet hit the container from earlier and rolled to the floor with a dry thud.
"As the department head says, if you shoot ... you'll hit."
Part 6
And Friday.
The members of the 13th Department had gathered for a regular planning meeting.
"Then we will begin the planning meeting."
I said up to that point and turned my head toward Charaji.
"Chief, the other day ... I am very sorry for being so rude. I am truly sorry."
I said and bowed deeply.
"...Hmph"
Charaji was hmphed in his chair, not changing his sulky appearance.
"Even if you apologize to me, it won't change my decision to change jobs."
"Yes. But ... Can you somehow listen to this project at least this time?"
"You're a hard-learned man, aren't you? I don't mind, but I'm not going to change my opinion about the project. No matter how you do it, I think it will be a futile struggle."
I nodded.
"Yes, I think it would have been difficult to get the final approval even if we had fixed the minor modifications as it was."
"You finally get it, then..."
"That's why"
I signaled Sakurai-san and the head of the department to illuminate the panel on the wall in front of us.
The 13th Development Department, the project "New Plan" was written on the cover.
"A new plan ...?"
I nodded heavily to the astonished Charaji.
"That's right. From the beginning ... We have revised our plan, including from that scale. So this is not a revised proposal from last time, but a completely new one."
If what you fix doesn't work, just think about it from the beginning.
I thought so and consulted with Sakurai-san, knowing that it would be quite difficult.
She overcame the difficult task and created the current proposal as a more refined project without compromising the original concept.
"... You've made it that far, huh?"
Charaji nodded and sat back in his chair.
I guess they are willing to listen for now.
"It sounds interesting. I'll listen to it too."
The queen nodded and looked at the panel.
"Well then, the presentation will begin. Sakurai-san."
"Yes"
As I said so, Sakurai-san stepped forward and began to explain the new project.
Part 7
"...That's all"
Sakurai-san's presentation was over.
Over time, her explanations became more and more imposing.
Now, if we could experience the phase of giving shape to the plan, she would be able to do it with even more dignity.
"How was it?"
Both of them were staring at the screen with serious faces.
It was so different from the last time I saw him with his head tilted. Clearly, he had a firm idea of what he was looking at.
Charaji took a breath and looked at the documents at hand.
"Did Sakurai put all this together?"
"Yes, of course I learned some things from Hashiba-san and the department head, but basically I put it all together myself."
I only helped her with the outer framework of how to produce and present the work, but she did all the work on the content of the project herself.
"I see"
Charaji looked a little far away,
"I've been in the same office with you for two years and I couldn't teach you a thing. And yet, in just three months or so ... you've changed."
"Well ... I can't do anything at all yet."
"You did it. That's what this proposal says, and more importantly, your presentation was magnificent."
He smiled wryly, then stood up.
"Sakurai and Hashiba. You guys ... it's amazing. I think it turned out to be a good project."
"Th ... Thank you!"
Sakurai-san's face lit up when she heard Charaji's words.
"But"
When he looked at us, Charaji's face looked very, very tired.
"I'm sure I can't do anything for you guys who have worked so hard. I will only be in the way as a superior in name only who talks big."
I looked away and had a bitter face.
"The truth is, I knew. When it came time to reform the department, I knew I was nothing more than a useless person. So I decided to just say something hateful and get the hell out of there. My desire to change jobs was all from the bottom of my heart. "
The queen nodded in response to Charaji's words.
"I agree. I think you've brilliantly addressed the concerns of the last one and made it even bigger and more promising as a project. But that's all you guys get credit for."
She, too, got up and tried to return to her seat.
"I can't find anything useful in this project either. I think I'd better say goodbye."
"That sort of..."
Sakurai-san looks at them, who are about to leave, and is at a loss.
If this continues, the two will certainly leave this place. There might be a judgment that 'That's good enough'. The decision to proceed only with friends who share the same beliefs, rather than forcing to persuade others.
"-Please wait"
However.
"That's running away, both of you."
I didn't choose that option. No, I couldn't choose.
"... I told you, I'm running away, right? I can't keep up with you, and most importantly, I can't be of any use to you, so I thought I would tell you that I'm going away."
"Yes, don't embarrass me any further."
I walked around to the two and stood in front of them.
"If you two were really ... nothing motivated and had no spirit, I might have left you alone. But."
Then I look at the department head.
"...Not now that we know what you have fought for and what you are now doing."
Charaji, and then the queen, showed obvious signs of agitation.
"Department head, did you tell them about that?"
"Don't tell anyone anymore..."
"I'm sorry, Hashiba-kun insisted on asking me, and I'm..."
The department head's serious eyes turned toward Charaji and the queen.
"I thought, 'Maybe it's time'."
"...That's so"
Charaji looked up to the ceiling as if remembering something, and then the queen breathed heavily, as if she had given up.
I told the two of them again what the department head had told me.
The story of how the two fought, how they were treated unreasonably despite their successes, and how they came to despair of everything.
"That's what I've heard."
Charaji ... No, Miyamoto-san and Kojima-san, after listening to my story quietly, all smiled bitterly.
"It's a stupid story, isn't it? There was a time when I thought that if I did my best, I would be rewarded, too."
This was the reason why she, in spite of her excellence, never got involved with others. What she did for the best of her intentions ended up strangling her.
"At first I was angry, but then I felt stupid. Here, as long as I do at least what I'm told, I get paid."
Kojima-san shrugged after saying so.
"Yeah. I guess it doesn't ... matter now."
Miyamoto-san, too, laughed dryly and sighed as well.
I wonder what a company is.
They ruin people who desperately wanted to do something well by tying them up in ties like this. There is no function to purify such dirt.
They are supposed to be trying to create a system and get a big job done, but what is going on there is a tremendous amount of foot dragging and constant hitting of the stakes.
The people who work in the field are not allowed to work to their fullest because of someone else's foolish pride or stubbornness, and they have no choice but to fight and endure, or give up in this way.
This shi*tty reality will rot if we don't change it somewhere.
So I said.
"Can you just stop it, please?"
Then I saw them both.
"I don't want to see any more people who have done their jobs well but have not received proper recognition for their accomplishments."
I glanced at Sakurai-san.
"If the two of you leave the company, I'm sure she will too. Are you still ... okay with that?"
Both of them fell silent at my words.
"That's not something we can do anything about."
"I will, at all costs"
"The company is a really troublesome place, isn't it? I don't think Hashiba-kun can handle it no matter how hard you try."
"I've been thinking hard about what to do about it, so!"
I bowed my head firmly from the waist, at such an angle that all I could see was the floor.
"Help us, please!"
Silence takes over the place.
Neither of them moved an inch.
I could not see what kind of expression they had on their faces. Because I kept my head down and kept looking at the floor.
"... My bad"
So I could only tell by the sound of his footsteps that he said one word and left, and,
"What do you want me to do? Will it be done on time?"
I couldn't catch Kojima-san's sighing words, let alone the expression on her face.
"Thank you very much!"
But finally, I knew that my words had been heard.
Unfortunately, it didn't go so far as to move Miyamoto-san's heart.
"Chief Miyamoto ... is he okay?"
Sakurai-san mumbled sadly.
"Now, I have no choice but to do what I can. Just the fact that we were able to talk ... is good."
He had been acting all sulky, but at least at the moment just now, he was showing his true colors.
Even if it's not working now, I didn't see it as a negative.
"Ah, guys, you know~. It's actually taken a little while."
When I looked at my watch at the sound of a department head's voice, I saw that working hours had long passed, and I was about to receive a reprimand from the security office.
"Then let's move to a coffee shop for the time being?"
At my suggestion, Kojima-san sighed,
"In exchange for overtime, I'll expect you to buy me a drink."
"Then let's go to a place that serves alcohol."
We could talk in the pub and I had no objection to that.
The project seems to be coming together somehow, and we have succeeded in adding one more "development department member" to the team. Now all that remains is to convince the Chief, and the shape will be firmly set.
(With this ... I think I've managed to get to the starting line)
We haven't resolved anything substantial yet, but I got the sense that we've taken a step forward.
Part 8
Same time, same building, 26th floor.
Inside a door with a plate reading "Executive Director", two voices echoed quietly.
"The convocation of the special meeting was completed successfully."
"Thank you, Executive Director. I apologize for the trouble I have caused you."
The woman said so and bowed deeply.
The man who was told, sat deep in the chair and laughed lightly.
"I don't mind. It's a request from the head of the 2nd Development Department. I can't not listen to it."
"... Thank you for your consideration."
Kawasegawa Eiko knew. That he was using this as an opportunity to further strengthen his faction's influence over the 2nd Development Department.
However, if he were to readily accept this will, the entire department would quickly become his puppet. He had that kind of charisma and overwhelming strength.
"By the way, Hashiba-kun ... right? You seem to have a high opinion of him."
Startled, her body trembled.
"If he's that good, I'll have a good talk with him sometime. It seems like he could be useful in a lot of ways."
"Um, executive director ... He has only been employed in the company for a short period of time so he is still in the process of learning the ropes..."
"I know that."
A cold-hearted echo ran through the room.
"So I just thought I should tell him first. Before he starts acting like someone, saying it's a dream, that he loves it."
"..."
For a moment, it seemed as if the area in front of my eyes lit up with a bright white light.
Is this what it means to be hit with words? The light flickered back and forth in her head, and I felt so dizzy that it was hard to stand.
"What's wrong? You don't look so good."
"No, there is ... nothing"
Hashiba ... Only that guy, I don't want him to change.
I am not as dyed in the dark as I once was.
"Executive Director, please be considerate ... at the meeting "
"Of course I will. I'll be fair in my judgment. By my own standards, though."
Struggling to keep from collapsing again, she nodded.
The executive director raised his right hand lightly.
It was a sign that this was the end. I bowed again and left the room.
The moment I closed the heavy door, I felt tired all over.
Unintentionally, I kneeled down and repeated the breath over and over again.
"... Hashiba, you"
As he wanted, I contacted the executive director and created an opportunity for "approval".
But that could also crush himself.
Huge organization, and the risk of being reduced to nothing all for the sake of ambition.
That is something that must be stopped at all costs.
"Please, be safe ..."
I muttered, as if praying.
2 Comments
thanks for translation
ReplyDeleteit might be late but on Part 2
from the context, seems like
distribution => streaming
distributor => streamer
since both used the same kanji 配信
Thanks for the correction
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