As the sun began to set over Tokyo, painting the sky with shades of orange, Arthur, Emiko, and Takashi walked through the streets on their way home. Passing by a small newspaper stand, a headline caught Arthur's attention. He stopped and pointed it out:
"Japan and Mexico Sign Historic Economic Agreement."
The subtitle explained:
"Japan will grant a loan of more than 100 million dollars to Mexico to finance a steel project, while Mexico will increase its oil exports to the Asian country by between 200,000 and 300,000 barrels per day."
Intrigued by the news, Arthur approached the newspaper vendor. The price was ¥100 (one hundred yen), money Arthur had saved for small expenses. Smiling, he handed the coins to the vendor, who thanked him with a polite bow.
Arthur returned to Emiko and Takashi, who were waiting curiously. He opened the paper and read the headline and subtitle out loud.
Emiko, adjusting her backpack, commented thoughtfully:
"It's impressive how agreements like this can influence the economy of both countries."
Takashi, with a reflective expression, added:
"Yes, and it's strange how we sometimes don't even notice the important events happening in the world."
Arthur smiled and slipped the newspaper into his backpack.
"That's true. Sometimes it's good to stop and look at what's happening around us."
The three continued their walk, talking about the news and how small events can have huge repercussions in the world.
Arthur said goodbye to Takashi and Emiko and took the street leading to his home. Before arriving, he saw a white cat basking in the sun. Arthur quietly approached and admired the cat for a moment before continuing. The cat noticed him, but only glanced briefly and kept sunbathing.
When Arthur reached his house, he noticed his uncle's car parked outside. He thought his uncle must have come to share how things had gone with the idea of the Tetris video game. Before going in, he saw his uncle and his mother talking. Arthur changed his shoes and headed toward the dining room. Before he could step closer, he overheard his uncle's words:
"You can't imagine it, sister. Your son's idea is the most fascinating thing. We're already creating arcade machines for Tetris. The company ATOM will be a total success."
Masato noticed Arthur entering the room and stood up.
"Arthur, you're finally here. I wanted to tell you the good news—the Yakuza, the Sumiyoshi-kai clan, approved making arcade machines for Tetris to generate profits. They'll be available very soon. They also asked about the creator of Tetris. I told them you work at Capcom and that your alias is AOI. That way, they won't bother you for now. I think they'll investigate everything, so it's best if you just give me the ideas, and I'll give you the dividends. After all, Capcom is also in the United States—apparently your father founded the company. Your mother will tell you everything. I just wanted to share the news quickly."
Arthur watched as his uncle left hurriedly. Yumi looked at her son.
"So much has happened today, don't you think?"
Arthur stared at her in confusion.
"When did my father learn about all this?"
Yumi looked at him tenderly.
"I told him when you gave me the phone. I don't want the Yakuza tying you down like they do with others. Maybe one day they'll ask for your help, but I don't want it to be from subordinate to leader, rather from leader to leader."
Arthur looked at her in astonishment.
"Don't look at me like that. Your father told me everything. The company is under his name, and in Japan Capcom is a subsidiary. Soon he'll help you establish more subsidiaries across the continents."
Arthur grew worried.
"But won't it be dangerous? If the Yakuza know I'm the one giving all these ideas, they'll want to trap me."
Yumi smiled slyly.
"Do you think your father hasn't dealt with the Yakuza before? Why do you think he helped my brother? Or why do you think the clan that attacked my father vanished? It was all thanks to your father. He would never put you in danger."
Arthur was moved.
"So this is what it feels like to be part of a family," he murmured.
His mother heard him but only smiled warmly.
"You're not alone, my son. Your grandfather, my brother, your father, me—we'll all do the impossible to help you, and we won't let anyone destroy your dreams."
Arthur nodded.
"In any case, Mom, I want to know if you know someone who can make a costume and some kind of theater dressing room. I want to disguise myself as someone else to be more careful. Maybe dress like a forty-year-old man. I'd need a mask, too."
Yumi burst out laughing.
"Do you also want something to change your voice, Arthur?"
Arthur nodded seriously.
"Yes, that too. Like I said, Mom—entertainment can be overwhelming, especially if I become famous. I just want to be the one who gives the ideas, maybe even become a film director someday."
Yumi laughed loudly, until she saw Arthur hand her a notebook.
"These are my ideas, Mom. If you think they're good, I promise there will be people wanting to know who the author is."
Yumi fell silent, staring at the notebook filled with scribbles and many English words. It read "Movies."
1. Tampopo
"Imagine a woman who just wants to make the perfect ramen soup. Everything revolves around food, the people who help her, and the fun moments. No monsters, no explosions—just real people and ramen."
2. The Taxing Woman
"An inspector chases down tax evaders. Sounds boring, but it's funny and shows how people try to cheat the system. Easy to film—just actors and offices."
3. Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
"A strong drama in a prisoner-of-war camp. It's all about the characters' feelings—fear, hate, friendship. Just soldiers and a confined place—nothing more is needed."
4. Shall We Dance?
"An ordinary man, bored with his life, secretly takes dance lessons. He feels alive again. It's a story anyone can relate to, and all you need is a dance studio and good actors."
5. The Family Game
"A Japanese family hires a tutor for their son, but the man is extremely odd. Instead of improving things, he makes them worse. It's like peeking into a normal family—just exaggerated."
6. The Adventures of Milo and Otis
"A cat and a dog go on many adventures together. Just animals, a camera, and patience. A movie for the whole family."
7. A Scene at the Sea
"A deaf boy discovers surfing and doesn't give up, even if he can't hear the sea. Silent, sad, but beautiful. It only needs a beach and surfboards."
8. The Twilight Samurai
"A poor samurai doesn't want wars or battles, only to care for his daughters. It can be filmed without big fight scenes, focusing more on the man than the warrior."
Low-budget films:
School in the Crosshairs
Youth drama with a supernatural touch.
"A normal girl discovers she has powers at school, but it's more about how she feels different than about fighting."
Sailor Suit and Machine Gun
Comedy-action.
"A high school girl inherits control of a small gang and has to learn to lead—but with humor."
Battle Royale
Youth dystopia.
"A group of students forced to survive on an island until only one remains."
Carrie
Psychological horror.
"A shy girl with telekinetic powers explodes at her graduation after years of bullying. Everyone finds out what she was hiding."
Yumi looked shocked.
"And how do you know these will be good movies?"
Arthur simply looked at her.
"Because your son wrote them."
Yumi stayed quiet for a moment.
"I'll give this to your father and your uncle."
Arthur nodded.
"The Yakuza will keep an eye on me. That's why I need the disguise I asked for."
Yumi agreed.
"I know someone from an old theater who can get us everything you need. Well, AOI, I hope you'll be good at directing."
Arthur smiled.
"I'll take some classes, Mom. Don't worry."
Those words satisfied Yumi.
"Well then, keep writing in your room. I'll bring you dinner later."
"Don't overwork yourself, son."
"Don't worry, Mom."
Arthur went to his room, looking for paper to write some songs.
"If I'm going to be a renowned author, I should have songs under my name too."
He spent the whole night writing until his mother brought dinner.
"Son, you look terrible."
"I'm fine, Mom."
Arthur realized the more he remembered, the weaker he felt. This worried him—if his body wasn't healthy, he wouldn't be able to recall much. Yumi left, asking him not to stay up too late.