194 capcom.

Suo Nagamoto, a programmer at Capcom, has had ups and downs in the past four years. But now, at the request of Takashi Nishiyama himself, he has been tasked to negotiate a sequel for the game Street Fighter. Ironically, this is something he hesitates to do. The waters seem murky as Lux Comics, the company, only sent a letter asking for the game's profits. Now, as a major video game production house, ID Software, Suo is skeptical about the negotiation, a sentiment contradicted by Takashi, who understands the capitalist nature of the company, always investing in various industries.

Takashi, a Japanese man who migrated to America for work, a highly educated individual, as reflected in his words and calm demeanor, and with skills that don't need to be flaunted, entrusted Suo with this task.

-All negotiations are already completed. I spoke personally with the CEO, and she will receive us next week. - said Takashi calmly, pausing his words. - Bring Seth Killian to be part of the meeting; he needs to gain confidence and experience in these business matters. - said the head of the creative department a few days ago.

Here were Suo Nagatomo, Seth Killian, and Joey Crismon, the company's lawyer, a small group of novices unfamiliar with negotiations.

It was so surprising that they arrived unprepared before the company's teddy bear, Raimon Green. He could only be considered the next great game creator for the company. He had spent a week chatting on the phone with all his friends about a possible sequel to Samurai Jack. Billy's phone rang so many times that he answered it and chatted for a while despite his insistence.

Once again, Raimon with a tie had disappeared. He was wearing a Lion King t-shirt, Lion King shorts, and explorer-style boots, giving him an explorer-like appearance. His beardless posture caused Rachel to hit her forehead at how ridiculous he looked. She noted in her agenda her plan to propose a dress code at the company, highlighting neon yellow, shorts, and short pants, with a prohibited symbol.

-The Capcom folks have arrived. - said Dave from the door.

-Sure, give me a second. - said Raimon, checking Billy's stocks on the table along with other folders, numerous RPG platforms, the video game franchise, and Luxtoons, the new TV channel.

-Go now. You'll check that later. - said, Rachel.

Raimon turned his chair and made a foolish face, which he only did for Rachel, attempting to imitate his brother. -You're an idiot. - said Raimon, just as his brother used to say, only to receive a flying tape that hit him in the neck.

-Watch your mouth; I can tolerate your ridiculous pants, but no one calls me stupid. - said, Rachel.

Words that fell on deaf ears as she had already left the room. With the fear of another retaliation from Rachel, who had risen, breathing heavily, her neat hair was now disheveled.

All of this was observed by Felicity Thompson, who was rarely found in the office. -You two have a lot of built-up sexual tension. - said Felicity, sarcastically.

-Sorry! - said Rachel, softly, totally embarrassed, her colorful state now due to Felicity's words.

-You know how to hit where it hurts. - said Felicity.

Rachel's heart sank to the floor, sitting down robotically, causing some happiness in Felicity.

Raimon ran quickly around the corner, almost crashing into Mr. Cloud, who was holding some files. -This is not elementary school, Raimon, you don't have to run. - said Mr. Cloud, following his path.

-Everyone is crazy today. - whispered Raimon, walking to the glass office, despite the numerous scoldings he had received. Although he had only brought the outfit to annoy Rachel, he felt that luck had not been on his side. Perhaps next time, a hoodie would be a better choice.

As Dave mentioned, Raimon could see at the other end, three men in suits waiting. This brought him joy; people always went crazy when they saw his way of entering. As long as the other party needed them, he could dress however he wanted. Passing the long corridor, he entered the glass room, the room par excellence for important meetings. He pulled the curtains on one side, cutting off the view of the workers, and shook hands firmly with the people.

-It's a pleasure to meet you; I'm Raimon Green, the company's Director of Operations and in charge of the video game sector. - said Raimon.

For Seth Killian and Suo Nagatomo, it was exasperating to see this man confidently in such attire. But for Joey, it was an insult. As a traditional lawyer, he wanted to escape the moment he saw the other party enter.

Seth Killian, much more detail-oriented, noticed that it was the company's new movie, The Lion King, but those outfits he hadn't seen on the market.

-Pleasure to meet you, Raimon. I'm Suo Nagatomo, in charge of the previous Samurai Jack project. -

-What a pleasure and what a great job! - said Raimon, shaking his hand again.

Joey's throat clearing woke everyone from their reverie. He wanted to leave as soon as possible.

-Of course, let's start with the negotiation. First and foremost, I want to say on behalf of Lux Comics that we regret having neglected the relationship. But the boss has been very busy; companies have been created, projects executed, and of course, it's no secret that we're launching a television channel. Even from the meeting's scheduling, I thought about a second game. I did a field study on all the advantages and disadvantages of the previous game, Samurai Jack. - said Raimon, handing out a folder, one for each party.

-Does that mean you're willing to continue contracting with Capcom? - said Suo, seeing the willingness of the parties.

-Of course, as long as we handle similar terms to the previous contracts. - said Raimon.

-Meaning 25% of profits, an investment of two million dollars, and assistance in advertising. - said Suo.

-Correct, correct. Furthermore, we hope you can improve the 2D graphics, so the investment of four million is at your disposal. Of course, as long as you take into account the details in the folder I just handed you regarding the gameplay of the game. - said Raimon.

Suo nodded, reading, or trying to read, what was a series of reviews, graphics, newspaper articles, and finally, a summary. - This is interesting, but it's very scattered information. If we focus on so many things, the game may lose the satisfaction of the first one. - said Suo.

-I understand; they are just suggestions. But now that you mention it, it boils down to three important points. The game must follow the same open-world format, secondly, the 2D dungeon gameplay must remain the same, similar to the Megaman franchise. And thirdly, I would like to implement Street Fighter-style fights against bosses at the end of levels. This last one was requested by Billy himself. - said Raimon.

-That sounds more logical; I'll take note of the points you just mentioned. With the investment provided by you, I think we can reach an agreement. - said Suo.

-Yep, by the way. - nodded Raimon, remembering. - You can create another game; we're talking about Toy Story and Hercules, company movies. We hope you can open up to basic formats. - said Raimon.

-Ohhhh. - said Suo.

******************************

Thomas breathed calmly from his chair, the evident dark circles in his eyes showed clear signs of lack of sleep. But he swallowed it all and focused on his work and his home. He found no opportunity to calm his melancholy other than with sips of love, in the nights or afternoons of reflection in his armchair, with a beer in hand.

-Sir, your wife is in the living room. - said Yamile, the assistant, for quite some time now.

-Bring her in. - said Thomas, somewhat tired of the Branovich women's drama.

There was Ivanovna Branovich, with her chubby belly, looking unkempt, and discomfort evident in her walk. Even before she murmured something, Thomas closed her off with his hand, and the woman stopped everything she had in her heart.

Thomas finished organizing his papers for another thirty minutes, while Ivanovna rested in her seat. For the last four months, she had only dreamed of trying a cigarette, something that diminished now when the cigarette smoke made her vomit breakfast, lunch, and dinner in one go. But there was still that feeling of reproach in her heart, of smoking a cigarette, like a memory that soothed her anxiety from a young age.

-You did what I asked. - said Thomas, as mandatory as ever.

-Yes, I found some nice houses, but they are of a high price. There's a somewhat distant suburb, but it meets all the requirements, a citadel of houses, security, and five bedrooms. - said Ivanova.

Currently, the Carsons live in Willow Glen.

-Money is not a problem; the house is not for me, it's for Billy. We'll settle in Willow Glen, as we always have. I'm not leaving this house, Livy; it's for my son. - said Thomas.

-Why do you want such a big house? - asked Ivanova.

-It's security, Livy, the most important thing is security. - said Thomas.

-Calm down. - said Livy.

-I didn't find anything remarkable, but there's a building in Satana Row. - joked Livy.

It wouldn't be a bad idea. - said Thomas.

-Why would you want a building, Carson? Wake up. - Livy told him, from her seat.

-Well, it's not all for Billy. We bought the building on credit; there's a store on the ground floor for rent. We can make a penthouse; the lower floors can be luxury apartments. The area has started to gain some exclusivity; let's make the area even more exclusive. - said Thomas.

Livy loved seeing that decision, the decision to take charge.

-It's not rushed. - said Livy.

-There's nothing rushed. Call the real estate agent; I want the building by tomorrow. - said Thomas.

The order awakened primal instincts in Livy. Could it be the hormones?

-My love, I'm pregnant. - said Livy, moving her hips towards Thomas' table, eager to start the libertinage that had them both trapped.

...