Kazumasa Kozuki stood up and paced back and forth.
"We used to support the Mega Drive because Sega was dominating the North American market. But now, Nintendo has shown the world through their lawsuit that they still have deep roots in this industry. They're not only alive and well, but they're also sharp-tongued and tenacious. The Super Famicom's installed base in Europe and North America has also grown significantly. So—"
"I don't care how you do it, but our next flagship title *must* have a Super Famicom version! And," he emphasized, "it must be developed simultaneously with an English version! I don't want to see our games released in Japan six months before they finally trickle onto shelves in America and Europe!"
"Let Nintendo and Sony fight their legal battles, let them squabble over a name like dogs over a bone. What we need to do—" Kazumasa Kozuki paused, his gaze sweeping across the room as he spoke deliberately, "we need to invade the winner's territory and harvest the players' wallets!"
He turned to one of the managers and addressed him directly: "The proposal for the new *Castlevania* game—I've reviewed it, and it's excellent. Port it to the Super Famicom immediately! I want it to be the most visually stunning action game on the platform!"
The office fell into complete silence, broken only by heavy breathing.
Everyone was stunned by the president's decisive declaration.
Being a fence-sitter wasn't shameful; what was shameful was clinging to the old fence even after the wind had shifted.
Kazumasa Kozuki understood perfectly that Konami's success wasn't built on loyalty, but on adapting to the times.
By the third day of the CES Exhibition, the wind had completely changed.
If the first day belonged to Sega and the second to the Sony-Nintendo war, then the third day transformed the entire Chicago convention center into a victory parade for Nintendo.
Sony's booth had already removed all PlayStation-related materials, leaving only home appliances and Walkmans on display.
In stark contrast, Nintendo's exhibition area in the North Exhibition Hall had become more than just "popular"—it was practically a pilgrimage site.
The reporters who had been relentlessly hounding Minoru Arakawa the previous day now wore humble, ingratiating expressions, holding their microphones at arm's length as if afraid to block the light of this victor of the business war.
"Mr. Arakawa, when did Nintendo decide to partner with Philips? Was this all part of your plan?"
Minoru Arakawa stood beside a *Legend of Zelda* demo unit, watching Link wield the Master Sword on the screen. Without even turning his head, he said calmly, "Our plan has always been singular: to deliver the best possible gaming experience to players. Commercial partnerships are merely a means to achieve this goal. We simply chose the most suitable partner."
Another reporter pressed forward, his face full of admiration. "What are your thoughts on Sony's recent setbacks? Do you believe they still have a chance?"
Arakawa finally turned to face the reporter, glanced at him, and then pointed to the game screen.
"I'm more concerned about whether Ganon will be defeated. As for my former partners, that's a matter for our Legal Department." A perfectly measured smile played on his lips. "I suggest you try the game yourself. We completed full English localization by the end of last year and have already shipped it across the United States."
This was no longer an interview; it was a blatant victory lap.
Yet none of the reporters felt insulted. Instead, they eagerly recorded every word Arakawa uttered, their excitement growing with each sentence.
*The victor's words are always right, always golden.*
Howard Lincoln, Vice President of Nintendo of America, squeezed through the crowd and leaned in to whisper in Arakawa's ear, his voice barely containing his elation.
"Arakawa, the phones are ringing off the hook! Sears, Walmart, Toys "R" Us—all our retailers are placing additional orders!"
Minoru Arakawa raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"Since yesterday afternoon's press conference, sales of the SNES have already surpassed the total for the entire previous month!" Howard's voice was brimming with excitement. "They're saying people are rushing into stores, specifically asking for the SNES. Cartridges of *Super Mario World* and *The Legend of Zelda* are completely sold out!"
The smile on Arakawa's face finally broke free of its restraint, becoming genuine and radiant.
He glanced around at the players cheering wildly as they played the games, the reporters snapping photos frantically, and then at the Sony booth shrouded in black cloth in the distance.
"Howard, do you know how much Sony spent on that press conference yesterday morning?"
"I heard the stage setup and promotional resources alone cost over a million dollars."
"Exactly. They invited media from around the world, making sure everyone remembered one name." Arakawa patted a brand-new SNES box beside him, producing a crisp, satisfying sound.
"Now, that name belongs to us."
He turned to Howard, a glint of cunning in his eyes.
"They spent so much money to throw us the grandest GG launch event in history. Wouldn't it be rude of us not to seize this opportunity to sell as many consoles as possible?"
Howard paused, then burst into hearty laughter.
Just then, Minoru Arakawa's private phone rang.
He glanced at the caller ID—the area code for Kyoto.
His smile vanished instantly, replaced by an air of deference.
He moved to a quiet corner, answered the call, and spoke softly in Japanese: "Father."
On the other end, Yamauchi Hiroshi's voice was utterly devoid of emotion.
"I saw the newspapers."
Just that one sentence—no greeting, no preamble, as if it were the most routine internal report.
Arakawa straightened his posture, the surrounding clamor and frenzy seeming to fade away.
"Yes, Father. After the launch event, orders for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System surged dramatically. Howard's team estimates that current orders already exceed the total from the previous quarter."
He kept his voice steady, stating only the facts.
A two-second silence hung on the other end of the line.
"Those are distributor figures, not the money players are actually spending," Yamauchi Hiroshi's voice remained calm and steady. "Inventory sitting in warehouses is a world apart from units sold."
The cold water doused Arakawa Minoru perfectly, instantly extinguishing the heat of victory that had begun to rise in his heart.
"Yes, I understand. I'll keep a close eye on the final sales data."
"Hmm."
Yamauchi Hiroshi let out a faint grunt through his nose before shifting the topic.
"What's the expression on Sony's faces right now?"
This question finally brought a hint of warmth to Arakawa Minoru's voice, a trace of the pleasure that comes with victory.
"They've already removed all PlayStation-related materials from their booth."
"Hmph." Yamauchi Hiroshi let out a barely audible, cold laugh.
"Don't get too carried away," his voice turned stern again. "A temporary victory means nothing. Even a wounded lion remains a lion, and when cornered, it will bite to kill."
"Sony spent millions of dollars to have media outlets worldwide promote us. For now, we've seized control of the term 'PlayStation.'"
"Seize this momentum to flood North America and Europe with SNES units. You'll handle the legal matters in the West; headquarters will handle Japan."
"Understood," Arakawa Minoru replied gravely.
"That's all."
The call ended abruptly, leaving only the dial tone buzzing in the receiver.
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