After the laughter subsided, Professor Mizawa gestured for him to sit. He pulled out his own chair and settled behind the desk, studying this student who had changed so completely since graduation. His eyes held both curiosity and pride.
"Go on," he said. "You wouldn't come all the way here for no reason. You're not just visiting an old man, are you?"
"Nothing can escape your eyes, sir."
Nakayama Takuya straightened his posture, his expression turning serious.
"In fact, I came today because I've encountered a difficult problem and want your advice."
"Oh?" Professor Mizawa leaned forward with interest.
"You know that Sega's business in the United States is expanding rapidly. But at present, communication between the Tokyo and U.S. headquarters still relies on telephone and fax. With the Pacific between us and the time difference of more than ten hours, sending a single document back and forth can take an entire day—not to mention requiring someone to monitor it. The efficiency is far too low."
Professor Mizawa nodded. This was a common issue faced by multinational companies.
Takuya continued, "I heard that universities and research institutions in the U.S. are using something called the Internet to transmit files instantly and share information. I wanted to ask… does our university also have access to it?"
"Internet?"
Professor Mizawa and Yamashita exchanged a look of mutual understanding.
"You mean the academic network," the professor clarified. "Yes, our university has a connection. It's primarily used for exchanging research data and papers with foreign institutions. But it's still strictly non-commercial. Almost all resources are controlled by universities and research bodies."
"That's exactly the issue."
Takuya leaned forward. "Sega wants to use this network to link Tokyo and our American headquarters directly. But from what I've heard, it isn't open to private companies yet. So I wanted to ask if you knew which organization oversees it in Japan… and whether the university might help make an introduction."
The office fell silent.
Professor Mizawa didn't answer immediately. He folded his hands on the desk and regarded his student with steady eyes.
This student of his… already possessed the instincts of someone who could sense the winds of change before they arrived.
To bring a network reserved for scholarly use into the commercial world—
It was bold.
After a long moment, the professor exhaled slowly.
"This network is currently overseen by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry."
He reached for the black telephone on his desk, glancing at Takuya with an expression that held an approving glint.
"You've got quite the eye, I'll give you that."
"Wait a moment. I'll make a call."
He opened a drawer and took out an old black leather address book. Its corners were worn smooth with age. Putting on his reading glasses, he slowly flipped through the pages. The only sound in the room was the soft rustling of paper.
That address book contained a web of personal connections woven from the upper echelons of Japan's academic and industrial worlds.
Takuya straightened, understanding clearly that his teacher was using his personal reputation to help him.
"Ah, here it is."
The professor stopped, picked up the phone, and dialed the number with deliberate slowness.
Click… whirr… click.
The call connected.
"Moshi moshi, this is Mizawa from Tokyo Institute of Technology."
The voice on the other end paused, then responded with respectful warmth.
After a brief exchange of greetings, the professor got straight to the point.
"I'm calling regarding a personal matter. I have a former student—now working at Sega—who has run into a technical obstacle and wishes to consult MITI."
He paused, casting a sideways glance at the attentive Takuya.
"It concerns the academic network. Their American operations are growing quickly, and they wish to connect their U.S. and Tokyo headquarters using the system to improve communication efficiency. As you know, the network isn't open to private companies. So we were wondering if there is any possible workaround."
On the other end, the official began explaining restrictions and policy limitations. Professor Mizawa simply listened quietly, not interrupting.
The entire office felt as if the air had solidified.
Yamashita's forehead was already beaded with sweat. He was more nervous for Takuya than Takuya was himself.
Just when the younger man thought they were about to be rejected, Professor Mizawa's tone suddenly shifted—sounding almost casual.
"By the way, the young man pushing this initiative—his name is Nakayama Takuya. His father is Nakayama Hayao, Sega's company president. I believe you know him, Chief Eikura?"
The words drifted out calmly.
The impact was anything but calm.
Takuya clearly saw the professor's lips twitch in amusement, the gleam in his eyes that of an experienced old fox revealing his fangs.
There was a five-second silence on the other end of the line.
Then the professor subtly pulled the receiver away from his ear, apparently startled by the sudden rise in the volume coming from the phone.
"Oh? No no, nothing so grand. Just the thoughts of a young man."
"Yes, quite forward-thinking."
"Is that so? Excellent. I'll have him visit your office directly."
"Very well. Thank you for your assistance, Chief Eikura."
When he finally set down the receiver, the office became quiet once more.
The professor removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose before giving them both a look—a mix of calm pride and understated amusement.
"It's done."
He slid a small memo across the desk toward Takuya. A name and number were written on it.
"Chief Eikura from the Information Systems Promotion Division of MITI. He said Sega, as a leading company in Japan's electronics industry, should not be restricted—it should be supported for seeking technological innovation. Bring your proposal and visit him tomorrow."
Yamashita's mouth hung open. He couldn't close it.
A moment ago the man on the phone sounded full of difficulties and bureaucratic excuses. But once he heard "son of the Sega president," he instantly shifted to "full support"?
So this is what the adult world looks like…
Takuya picked up the thin slip of paper. It felt unbelievably heavy.
He stood and bowed deeply again.
"Professor, truly… thank you."
The professor waved him off with a mix of annoyance and fondness.
"Enough. Don't try that tone with me."
"So long as you manage to get commercial internet up and running, you won't embarrass me."
After giving him advice on how to deal with Chief Eikura, Professor Mizawa leaned back, eyeing his former student with an expression that was equal parts pride, exasperation, and helpless amusement—like someone looking at a stubborn stone that somehow began to shine on its own.
Please Support me by becoming my patreon member and get 30+ chapters.
[email protected]/Ajal69
change @ with a
Thank You to Those who joined my Patreon