This project was truly exceptional. At least, Shirakawa had never encountered a game that pushed the boundaries of narrative storytelling to such an extent. The brilliant character designs, the intricate plot, the profoundly moving grand finale, and the enduring theme of tragic romance between humans and yokai—even in the realm of anime, such a masterpiece would be a rare sight.
Shirakawa even had a premonition that if this game were to be realized, it would have an extremely high chance of being adapted into an anime. Such a success could rewrite the history of gaming and establish a new genre as the global standard.
He had to admit, the concept truly shook him to his core, igniting in Atsushi Shirakawa an overwhelming urge to sing its praises.
Now he finally understood why Aoki Haruhi had been so confident, insisting he stay to read the proposal.
Shirakawa was utterly captivated by the project. It resonated with his soul so deeply, as if it were the very truth he had been searching for all these years. Yet—
He wasn't sure if he was capable of handling such a profound and delicate subject matter.
Atsushi Shirakawa turned around, hesitated for a long moment, and then, as if steeling himself, finally spoke:
"I'm sorry, President. I've already accepted another offer. I'm truly grateful for your high regard for me, but I won't be able to accept your company's invitation. I'm so sorry."
Huh?
The light in Aoki Haruhi's eyes extinguished.
The nerve of this guy! To act so entranced earlier, giving me such false hope, only to reject me now?
Damn it!
Though Atsushi Shirakawa hadn't explicitly stated it, Aoki Haruhi had a good idea of which company he was going to—
Falcom.
It was the same as in his past life, and he'd even glimpsed the contract cover on the desk earlier.
The Chinese call this company "Pharaoh Kong," he thought.
What's so great about Pharaoh Kong? Aoki Haruhi thought bitterly. They've only made Ys and Legend of Heroes. Nothing else worth bragging about.
But still...
Compared to them, Pokeni was utterly insignificant. Not only did they lack the same fame, but they also had no truly outstanding works.
At least, not yet.
If he were in Atsushi Shirakawa's shoes, he'd probably make the same choice.
All I can blame is my own weakness!
"Since Shirakawa-san has made up his mind, we can't say anything more."
Aoki Haruhi pulled Ayase Akane to her feet and they took their leave.
"But if Shirakawa-san ever changes his mind in the future, Pokeni's doors will always be open to you."
As they left Shirakawa's apartment, Ayase Akane looked at Aoki Haruhi with a troubled expression.
"President, I don't quite understand."
"Hmm?"
Ayase Akane stepped closer, looking up into Aoki Haruhi's eyes with a hint of anger. "Why are you so invested in a newcomer who has never composed game music before?"
She was genuinely upset.
This Shirakawa was a complete rookie, yet he acted so arrogant. Pokeni might be a small company, but the president had personally come to visit—what more could he want?
And the president was being too soft.
If this were the bubble era, it might have made sense—back then, everyone was scrambling to join companies. But after the bubble burst, countless people were desperate for any position.
Talent had become worthless.
Someone like Shirakawa, a blank slate, wouldn't even be considered by others. Wouldn't it be better to hire someone experienced from the outside?
"Sigh..." Aoki Haruhi sighed with a troubled expression. "You don't understand."
Some people's value is proven by history, while others' is also proven by history.
"Forget it, let's not dwell on this. I'll just choose one of the samples when we get back," Aoki Haruhi said, compromising.
Since he couldn't get the best, settling for second best wasn't unacceptable.
Though Aoki Haruhi had a stubborn and perfectionist streak, he wasn't the type to bang his head against a wall. After all, the company had to operate, and Pokeni needed to make money.
The two walked to the traffic light.
"Ayase-san, want to grab a drink?" Aoki Haruhi loosened his tie.
He needed a drink to ease the knot in his chest.
Besides, drinking at night was perfectly normal in Japan.
"Huh?" Ayase Akane hesitated.
She cautiously took half a step back, her eyes scanning Aoki Haruhi from head to toe in a second.
"Don't worry, you're not my type." Aoki Haruhi glanced at her chest.
Not that she didn't have one, but it was as flat as a pancake.
"Ah! President!" Ayase Akane quickly covered herself, her cheeks puffing out in anger.
Is it my fault for being so flat?!
You idiot!
"Actually... President, you're quite good-looking. If you'd asked properly, I might have said yes," Ayase Akane whispered.
Just then, the traffic light turned green.
Pedestrians surged past them, the surroundings filling with noise.
"What did you say?" Aoki Haruhi turned back to ask.
"N-nothing," Ayase Akane replied, her face flushing red.
"Cheers!"
"President, I heard the girls in our new game have... large chests." Ayase Akane said, her face flushed.
"That's not true," Aoki Haruhi waved his hand dismissively. "They're just normal. Both Yuuki Rei and Kurai Tsuki have average figures, and the third female lead, Kazekage Luo, is even a bit... flat."
Kazekage Luo was based on Anu from the Chinese Paladin series, but in the Pokeni game, her age had been changed to 18, and she was designed with a more loli-like appearance.
Hearing the word "flat," Ayase Akane glanced down at her chest with a hint of self-consciousness.
Around 11 PM, Aoki Haruhi paid the bill and, hoisting the tipsy Ayase Akane onto his shoulder, they left the izakaya and stepped out into the night air.
How did this happen? Aoki Haruhi thought. The female employees at our company have such low alcohol tolerance. She was out after just a few drinks.
"Akane, where do you live?"
Ayase Akane slowly looked up, her eyes unfocused. She was breathing heavily, her whole body radiating the scent of alcohol.
After a long pause, she responded vaguely, "Huh?"
"I asked where you live."
"I... I live in Hokkaido."
Good grief, this is Tokyo!
"Where do you live now?" Aoki Haruhi asked, his voice strained with discomfort.
Ayase Akane seemed to pay no attention to his question and stumbled forward a few steps.
Fearing she might fall, Aoki Haruhi quickly stepped forward to steady her.
"President!" Ayase Akane suddenly shoved him away, narrowing her eyes.
"Huh?"
"Do you look down on me?!"
"When did I ever look down on you?"
"Then why did you say I'm not your type?"
"I'm not the kind of president who hits on his employees," Aoki Haruhi explained.
"No!" Ayase Akane jabbed her finger at him, her feet circling on the ground while her finger remained centered on Aoki Haruhi's handsome face. "You just look down on me!"
"You look down on girls with small chests!"
"..."
Aoki Haruhi felt utterly exasperated. Why are all the female employees like this?
If I ever drink with a female employee again, I'll be a damn dog!
"So you like big girls like Ishino, huh?" Ayase Akane shouted loudly.
People around them turned to stare, making Aoki Haruhi blush with embarrassment.
He closed his eyes, his anger twisting into a bitter laugh.
"Ayase-san, if you keep this up, I'll just leave you here."