Days after his dinner with Director Takahashi and Yu Suzuki, Takuya appeared at the office building of Bandai.
His stated purpose for this trip was to inspect the development progress of the game project co-developed by Sega and Bandai.
The project meeting was, as always, long and tedious, with technical personnel from both sides repeatedly haggling over a few insignificant details. Takuya simply sat smiling in the main seat, not offering too many opinions.
When the meeting concluded, everyone dispersed.
Takuya called out Koji Yokoi, the Bandai executive in charge of the project.
"Yokoi-san, thank you for your hard work."
"Not at all, Executive Director Nakayama, you are the one who has worked hard."
Koji Yokoi's attitude was respectful; this young man's achievements were no longer a secret in the industry.
The two walked side by side towards the elevator, and Takuya casually started a conversation as if by chance.
"Speaking of which, I've always been a loyal fan of Sunrise Animation, especially Director Tomino's works."
"From the very first 'Mobile Suit Gundam' to the recent 'Char's Counterattack,' I haven't missed a single one."
His tone carried a pure enthusiasm, without any hint of commercial intent.
Koji Yokoi was a bit surprised but still smiled and agreed, "Is that so? Director Tomino's works truly are a man's romance."
"So," Takuya's eyes revealed a perfectly timed longing, "I've always hoped to have the opportunity to visit Sunrise Animation's company, a 'pilgrimage' as a fan, you could say."
"I wonder, Yokoi-san, if you could introduce me and convey this small wish of mine to President Ito Masanori of Sunrise?"
Koji Yokoi was highly efficient; in just two days, a positive reply came from Sunrise.
President Ito Masanori warmly welcomed Takuya's visit.
A few days later, Takuya arrived as scheduled at the headquarters of Sunrise Animation in Suginami Ward.
President Ito Masanori personally led several high-ranking officials to greet him at the entrance, a truly high-level reception.
"President Ito, I'm truly imposing on you too much."
Takuya quickly stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Not at all, it is our honor at Sunrise that Executive Director Nakayama could come."
Ito Masanori smiled warmly, carefully observing the rising young man before him.
Both parties took their seats in the conference room. Takuya did not rush to the main topic but instead adopted a humble posture first.
"To be frank, my primary purpose in coming here today is as an ordinary fan, to make a 'pilgrimage' to a sacred place in my heart."
"Secondly, it is as a game developer, hoping to have the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from the esteemed teachers at Sunrise."
This humble yet enthusiastic opening instantly relaxed the somewhat formal business atmosphere in the conference room.
Ito Masanori's smile became a few shades more genuine, and the expressions of the other Sunrise executives also softened.
This young man was not like the suit-clad elites from other companies who started talking business the moment they opened their mouths.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, President Ito personally led Takuya to tour the company's production department.
The walls of the corridor were covered with posters of classic works, from "Invincible Superman Zambot 3" to "Mashin Hero Wataru," each exuding the rich flavor of time.
At the entrance of a slightly cluttered office, President Ito stopped.
"Director Tomino happens to be here; his 'Char's Counterattack' movie just achieved great success, so he's a bit more relaxed recently."
Through the glass window on the door, one could see a middle-aged man with sunglasses and thinning hair, engrossed in a pile of drawings and scripts.
It was none other than "Baldy" Yoshiyuki Tomino, though of course, he wasn't bald yet.
Seeing the President bringing a guest, Director Tomino put down his work and stood up to greet them.
President Ito introduced the two parties.
"Director Tomino, I have long admired your reputation." Takuya's tone carried genuine respect. "Executive Director Nakayama, you are young and promising." Director Tomino's reply was somewhat formal and polite.
At President Ito's suggestion, Director Tomino took over and continued to show Takuya around the production site.
As they walked through the cubicles where animators were engrossed in their work, listening to the rustling sound of pencils on paper, Takuya seemed to casually bring up a question that only a fan would care about.
"Director Tomino, I've always had a question."
"In 'Char's Counterattack,' why wasn't Amuro's final girlfriend Beto Chika, whom everyone was familiar with from Z Gundam, but instead a new character, Quess?"
Upon hearing this, Director Tomino's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
He paused, his gaze drifting into the distance, seemingly lost in some unpleasant memory.
"It's a long story."
Finally, he only vaguely uttered these four words, clearly implying many unstated compromises and constraints beyond creative considerations.
Takuya immediately caught the subtle change in his mood and displayed extremely high emotional intelligence.
He did not press further, but instead immediately smiled and changed the topic, pointing to a design draft of "Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket" nearby.
"I heard this new OVA isn't being personally directed by you, which is a bit of a shame. But looking at this design, the encounter between Bernie and Chris seems like it will be a very sad yet very cruel story."
Director Tomino's expression softened slightly, and he looked at this young man with newfound respect for his insight.
During the tour, Takuya spoke as if inspired, his voice neither too loud nor too soft, but clear enough for Director Tomino beside him to hear.
Director Tomino also occasionally replied, ensuring the atmosphere did not become awkward.
"Speaking of which, interference from management in creative work is truly a headache."
He chuckled self-deprecatingly.
"Just like the pokémon electronic pet I spearheaded the development of earlier, some designs I considered core to the fun were almost cut because some high-level executives in the company didn't understand them."
"Fortunately, I had a 'deep background' and was able to argue for them and save them."
He turned his head and looked earnestly at Director Tomino.
"I believe the ideal collaboration model between management and creators is for everyone to jointly determine the general direction of creation and the profit framework before the project begins."
"Then, creators should be fully trusted and given free rein to perform."
"Jumping in halfway through a project to dictate terms not only risks ruining a good work, but if the project fails, the blame will most likely still be thrown at the creative department."
"This is simply too unfair to creators."
These words, like heavy hammers, struck directly at the softest and most painful parts of Director Tomino's heart.
His gaze towards Takuya completely changed.
It was no longer the look given to a suit-clad representative of capital, but rather one of scrutiny and recognition towards a kindred spirit.
This young man understood the business, and even more, he understood the hearts of creators.
After the tour, Takuya returned to the President's office.
Ito Masanori personally poured him a cup of Gyokuro tea from Shizuoka.
Amidst the fragrant tea, President Ito no longer beat around the bush and took the initiative to inquire.
"Executive Director Nakayama, your visit today isn't just for a 'pilgrimage,' is it?"
Seeing that the time was ripe, Takuya also put down his teacup and leaned slightly forward.
"To be honest, President Ito, I am here today on behalf of Sega, hoping for the opportunity to symbolically acquire a portion of Sunrise Animation's shares."
He spoke directly, yet his tone was extremely sincere.
The air in the office seemed to freeze for a moment.
Ito Masanori's hand, holding the teacup, paused mid-air, and a hint of undisguised surprise flashed in his eyes.
Takuya ignored the pressure and continued.
"Of course, our intention is absolutely not to interfere with Sunrise's operational independence, nor will we interfere with the creative freedom of your esteemed teachers. Therefore, we do not require too many shares."
"It is simply to make future collaborations more direct and smoother."
He looked into Ito Masanori's eyes, explaining each word clearly.
"Sega is a large enterprise. If every future IP collaboration with your company requires going through Bandai as an intermediary for layers of approval and coordination, it would not only be inefficient but also show a lack of respect for Sunrise's standing in the industry, and it would also be too much for Sega to lower its own prestige."
He paused, then dropped a very significant statement.
"Once or twice might be acceptable, but if it continues long-term in the future, what kind of system would that be?"
These words were delivered with considerable skill, highlighting the current awkwardness while subtly elevating Sunrise's status, positioning Sega as an equal in dialogue with Sunrise, rather than a superior.
"Establishing a direct equity link between Sega and Sunrise will not only clear these obstacles but also provide a stronger, more diversified monetization channel for Sunrise's excellent IPs."
"Especially in the gaming field, Sega's development capabilities can maximize the gaming value of Sunrise's IPs. I believe, President, you understand this better than I do."
President Ito Masanori fell silent.
He picked up his teacup but did not drink, instead just rubbing the warm cup with his fingers, seriously processing the bold idea Takuya had proposed.
He fully agreed with the prospects of cooperation that Takuya had analyzed.
Sega's formidable strength in game development and global publishing was indeed something Bandai could not match.
After a long while, Ito Masanori finally put down his teacup and looked solemnly at Takuya.
"Executive Director Nakayama's proposal, I personally endorse it very much. However, changes in equity are a significant matter, and I need to discuss it with other shareholders. I cannot give you an answer on the spot."
"I understand."
Takuya smiled and nodded; the main purpose of his visit had already been achieved.
"Then I will await your good news."