Takuya paused, his gaze sharp as he dissected the situation.
"More importantly, Pokémon is still just a concept. The anime and digital pet haven't launched, so the IP's true value isn't yet clear."
"We lack the leverage to demand overly strict terms, like using only Sega's branding."
Suzuki drew a deep breath, Takuya's words snapping him out of his excitement, grounding him in the challenge's reality.
Seeing Suzuki's serious expression, Takuya continued. "Our baseline is securing a co-branded partnership."
"Getting plush toys with a 'Pokémon x San-X' logo into their sales channels is the priority. Landing our Sega logo alone would be a huge win, but it's tough—don't force it. Focus on sealing the deal."
Suzuki mentally noted the core goal.
Then, Takuya shifted gears, unveiling a surprising backup plan.
"And San-X isn't our only option."
"We have other cards to play."
His eyes glinted with cunning as he looked at Suzuki.
"Investigate Mattel's situation."
"Barbie remains strong, but it's been losing ground to Disney's Princess line. Their market share is eroding."
"They're as eager as anyone for a powerful, high-potential new IP to bolster their position and counter Disney."
"Understand their needs and intentions—it could be a key bargaining chip with San-X."
"Worst case, Mattel's a fallback."
Suzuki's eyes lit up, his perspective widened.
He hadn't expected Takuya to not only anticipate negotiation hurdles but also prepare alternatives and competitive leverage.
Reading his thoughts, Takuya added, "Not just Mattel."
"Other strong toy manufacturers, like Bandai, should be considered too. More intel means more control. These are my suggestions, but if you have ideas, refine them based on what I've outlined. You're the negotiation expert—I just throw money around," he said with a self-deprecating chuckle.
Hearing Takuya entrust him with such responsibility, backed by clear strategies, layered backups, and competitive analysis, Suzuki felt a surge of warmth.
The pressure transformed into motivation and near-worshipful admiration for his young boss.
This wasn't just negotiation guidance—it was a masterclass in strategy.
"Understood, Nakayama-san!" Suzuki straightened, eyes resolute. "I'll go all out, contact all parties, dig deep, and secure the best terms for Pokémon!"
Takuya nodded approvingly, patting his shoulder, his tone lighter. "Relax, Suzuki-san, just do your best."
"Remember, we're building something great. Enjoying the process is part of the fun, right?"
Suzuki nodded firmly, his eyes blazing with determination.
This wasn't just a negotiation task.
It was Takuya's test of his trust and ability—a potential leap forward.
He couldn't let him down.
Returning to Sega's headquarters, night had fully cloaked the city.
The office floors glowed, reflecting the urban night's hustle.
Parting with Takuya in the lit lobby, Suzuki didn't pause.
His steps quickened with urgent purpose.
Back at his desk, he tossed his suit jacket over the chair, unlocked the marketing department's file cabinet, and dove in.
San-X, Mattel, Bandai—these industry giants spun in his mind like a carousel.
He took a deep breath, scouring the internal database for their profiles.
Market share reports, three-year financials, product line analyses, executive backgrounds, recent strategic moves…
Information flooded in as he scribbled key points.
San-X's channel strength was tempting, but their tough stance was notorious.
Mattel's Barbie showed subtle fatigue, a potential opening for a new growth point.
Bandai, strong in models and tokusatsu, dabbled in plush toys and other peripherals, not to be ignored.
His desk was soon buried in printouts and drafts.
Who to contact first? How to phrase it? Where to start negotiations?
Questions swarmed, dizzying but exhilarating.
Rubbing his throbbing temples, he brewed a bitter coffee in the break room.
The steaming drink fueled his engine.
Back at his desk, he focused on Takuya's baseline: "Pokémon x San-X."
Securing that was priority one.
Steeling himself, he reviewed his notes, drafting initial contact plans and negotiation scripts, choosing each word carefully.
Meanwhile, Takuya shifted focus to the Pokémon digital pet project.
The hardware wouldn't tax the hardware team long—Takuya had seen their finalized design during approvals. Once samples passed testing, it would be locked in.
Software progress needed his oversight. The UI design was nearly done, core nurturing logic was in bug-fixing, and only communication features, battery life, and save-on-battery-swap tests remained before system integration.