Chapter 104: Kagemusha
"Can't you see it right in front of you? Since 1986, the one who created Pentagon Soft and silently supported it from behind is none other than Mr. Kang Junhyuk here."
"Yes...?"
Upon Mr. Hase's words, Mr. Kawaguchi looked at me with a surprised expression, as if he had been hit in the back of the head with a hammer.
"I didn't think I could fool you, but it seems that it's quite challenging to run a company while being a Mintendo employee."
"So... are you saying that Mr. Kang Junhyuk has been providing financial support to Pentagon Soft all this time? What about Mr. Kudo?"
"Mr. Kudo has already returned to Japan. Back in '86, Triangle Soft was already on the brink of bankruptcy. I acquired the company from Mr. Kudo under the condition that I would pay off all the debt."
"My goodness..."
"Don't stand there, please take a seat over here."
I pulled out a chair next to me and gestured for Mr. Kawaguchi to sit.
"It feels like I've been possessed by a goblin. But I now understand why Junhyuk has shown so much interest in our Pentagon Soft. It's also clear why he pushed forward with the Korean localization of Final Frontier."
"Actually, I didn't do much. I just provided financial support to Pentagon employees so they could develop games without any worries."
"Now that you've told me that, what should I do from here on?"
In response to Mr. Kawaguchi's question, I smiled and replied.
"Please become the CEO of Pentagon Soft."
"Me? Are you sure?"
"Why not? Do you not want to?"
"No, but didn't Junhyuk quit Mintendo just last week? Can't he run Pentagon Soft himself?"
"No. In fact, Kamauichi won't sit still if that happens. Think about it. If someone who used to be his subordinate leaves the company and immediately becomes the CEO of a major corporation, won't that raise suspicions?"
Furthermore, it was impossible for me to be tied down as the CEO of Pentagon Soft at this point. Currently, Japan held the leading position in the gaming industry, but beyond the mid-'90s, both Korea and the United States were poised to become powerful players in the online gaming market, with the potential for substantial profits.
I thought it would be much more advantageous to reveal Mr. Kawaguchi's true identity here and have him take the CEO position.
"Considering that, it's better for Mr. Kawaguchi to take on the role of CEO and keep it under wraps for now."
"After hearing your explanation, I see your point. So, what should I do now?"
"Leave the position of Head of Development Team 2 at Pentagon Soft vacant for now."
"Are you suggesting that we should recruit employees from our company?"
"Not immediately. I'll return with a significant gift shortly."
"A significant gift?"
"For now, just keep that in mind."
And a few days later...
According to the gaming industry news, Mr. Kawaguchi was inaugurated as the CEO of Pentagon Soft. As Mr. Kawaguchi had effectively led the company all along, there were no complaints within the company about his appointment.
At Mr. Kawaguchi's inauguration ceremony, I attended as a guest and applauded.
I handed a congratulatory bouquet to Mr. Kawaguchi, and he responded with a slight smile.
"Please take good care of us from now on."
Mr. Kawaguchi nodded in understanding.
&
"Ah, it finally feels like a real home."
After many tasks, I had just finished unpacking all my belongings today.
Having lived in the cramped Mintendo lodging for a while, I had felt suffocated, but now, with a spacious mansion and an open view, I felt refreshed.
"I wonder if the housing prices will skyrocket due to real estate speculation from now on?"
Spring 1990...
Japan's bubble economy had hit rock bottom. Enormous loans flowing out of banks were encouraging the common people to own their homes, and as a result, housing prices were expected to skyrocket in the near future.
Since companies were beginning to invest in stable real estate businesses, I purchased a high-rise apartment located in Roppongi, Tokyo, with cash.
After transferring the current market price, which was around 80 million yen, in one go and signing the contract, the real estate agent looked at me with a satisfied expression.
It took less than ten minutes to buy a house. It must have felt like money raining down from the sky.
Ding-dong!
As I opened the front door after hearing the cheerful doorbell, Yuki stood in front of me.
"You're here?"
"It's nice to be close. No need to go all the way to Kyoto."
"Come in. I just finished organizing everything."
"Excuse me."
Yuki entered with something in her hands as a housewarming gift.
"What's this?"
"It's food. I thought you might not eat properly if you're alone."
"I could just go out to eat..."
"Right, I thought you might say that."
As soon as she arrived at my place, Yuki began meticulously arranging the food on the dining table and then placing it in the refrigerator.
"The dishes that are good for storing are on top. You should eat these quickly."
"Thanks."
After finishing, I asked her:
"Did you make this?"
"This is all my mom's work. She thought you'd like it since you're Korean and gave me various things."
"Then you didn't cook...?"
"I added a lot of love and care..."
"A lot of love and care?"
"I transferred it to a nice plate."
"Aha, nicely."
Yuki playfully stuck out her tongue and gave me a sly smile.
A little while later, the previously empty refrigerator was filled with dishes made by Yuki's mom, and we sat in the living room, sipping coffee together.
"But the rooms are too empty. Is it because there's no furniture yet...?"
"I only brought the stuff from the lodging. I need to start bringing in various things now."
"Then, Junhyuk, want to go shopping with me? To buy furniture for your place."
"Now?"
"Yes, we're already here, and I bet you'd be bored if you're all alone."
... Gee, she's relentless.
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