"Miss Shimomura, you must have noticed this trait of Pokeni, haven't you?"
Seeing that the other party didn't speak, yet hadn't hung up the phone either, Aoyama Haruhito felt confident.
This proved that he had indeed struck a chord with her.
"What?"
Yoko Shimomura waited for him to continue.
"Our games have very strong storytelling and dramatic tension. Whether it's the character design or the overall story structure, they are one-of-a-kind in this world," Aoyama said. "Given time, we can create truly outstanding games.
And not just role-playing games."
Thump, thump.
Yoko Shimomura's heart skipped a beat.
Yes, she had noticed Pokeni a long time ago and believed it had extraordinary potential, the key to which was its storytelling.
With an excellent scriptwriter and the ability to create visuals that surpassed the standards of the era, Pokeni possessed a powerful force—a force that was about to take flight.
That was what Yoko Shimomura had thought initially as well.
It was just that in Aoyama Haruhito's plan, Shimomura hadn't seemed to see what she wanted to see.
Or rather, at the time, Aoyama wanted too much and wanted to do everything, which actually made him seem less reliable to Shimomura.
In his previous life, Aoki Haruhi didn't have a deep impression of Yoko Shimomura, but he later figured out the reason she left Capcom:
Capcom was good in every respect, but as things stood, Kenzo Tsujimoto, who was immersed in fighting games, had no intention of expanding further into the RPG field.
Actually, that wasn't entirely true; looking at the trajectory of Capcom's development in his previous life, games like "Resident Evil," "Devil May Cry," and "Onimusha" would appear in the future...
It's just that they all came after Yoko Shimomura left.
Furthermore, Shinji Mikami, the one who could truly lead the creation of "Resident Evil" and "Devil May Cry," was already at Pokeni.
Thinking about it this way, Aoki Haruhi even felt a little worried for Capcom.
"Yes," Aoki Haruhi said earnestly, "Pokeni possesses extraordinary creativity, with superb scriptwriters and illustrators. You could say that right now, other than music, we have almost no weaknesses."
"Even in terms of music, Atsushi Shirakawa has already done quite well."
"The reason we are seeking other composers is simply to enrich our music department. After all, Shirakawa has his own strengths, and also areas where he is less proficient."
If Pokeni wants to create a broader range of content, then we need talent in corresponding fields.
What is suitable is what we want.
"Miss Shimomura, you might have thought that what I said at the time was too impractical and not very reliable.
But what I want to say is that it is precisely because we have ambition and dreams that we need composers with different styles."
Eh?
Yoko Shimomura was stunned for a moment.
This logic sounded a bit strange at first, but when you think about it carefully, it really makes sense.
If Aogi Haruhi weren't an ambitious person who seemed impractical and wanted everything, he probably wouldn't have needed her in the first place.
"Miss Shimomura, please seriously consider this point. It's not just that Pokeni needs you, it's also that you need Pokeni. You need a stage like this, a place where you can shine."
Aogi Haruhi had checked her resume again and discovered that Shimomura, as a composer, had always had very strong ideas of her own.
According to her parents' plans, Shimomura Yoko, having studied piano for many years, should have been teaching music in Osaka and working as a piano teacher. However, she completely ignored her family's objections and submitted her resume and work to Capcom in Osaka.
Due to her outstanding musical talent, she was quickly scouted by Capcom and appointed as the lead music producer for several of their games.
However, when RPGs became the mainstream, and Capcom was slow to keep up, Yoko Shimomura quickly chose to jump ship and move to Square.
Following that, at Square, she composed extraordinary music for "Parasite Eve," the "Mana" series, and "Kingdom Hearts."
In Japan, with its "family company culture" and corporate atmosphere that values loyalty, making the decision to jump ship requires immense courage.
Therefore, this woman's goals have always been incredibly clear.
Shimomura is definitely an ambitious woman.
Of course, she also has enough talent to match that ambition.
Aoki Haruhi felt that this was even better, because Pokeni would need such ambitious people on its path forward.
If used well, Shimomura would become a powerful asset to the game.
Of course, if Pokeni were to ever go downhill, Aoki Haruhi did not doubt for a second that Shimomura would immediately abandon them to seek out her next target company.
Shimomura could be called a litmus test; as long as she has no intention of jumping ship, it means the company is stable.
Aoki Haruhi had said everything that needed to be said, so he stopped speaking and waited quietly.
There was only the sound of breathing on the other end.
Seeming to confirm that Aoki Haruhi really had nothing more to say, Yoko Shimomura finally spoke slowly.
"I see. I understand now."
A sigh-like laugh came from Yoko Shimomura on the other end of the line.
She held the receiver, bowed slightly, and said, "I'm sorry, I misunderstood you, President Qing. In the end, it was because I didn't know enough, and I made an irrational judgment based on a single conversation.
This is my mistake.
I am very, very sorry."
Hearing this, Aoki Haruhi finally let out a sigh of relief.
Damn it, poaching talent is just like dating, Aoki Haruhi learned another lesson—
If you are in an unequal position in a "romantic relationship" and become a simp, then you've already lost.
Simps can't get love, and they can't get a career either.
Aoki Haruhi adjusted his mindset and said with a smile, "Miss Shimomura, then please take some time to come to Tokyo to get to know us, to understand what kind of company Pokeni really is."
"Yes. Understood, President," Yoko Shimomura said with a happy laugh.
Three days later, Yoko Shimomura arrived at Pokeni right on time.
She had already discussed the general salary package with Ayase Akane over the phone, and Shimomura had indicated that it was acceptable.
Once the preliminary contract was signed, the onboarding process could be completed smoothly.
Shimomura, carrying a suitcase, decided to simply finish the entire process at the company and find a place to stay nearby at the same time.
"Alright, Miss Shimomura, we'll look forward to you reporting to the company on the date specified in the contract," Aoki Haruhi said with a smile, waving goodbye. "I'm very much looking forward to having you join Pokeni, and also to the wonderful music you'll create in the future."
"Thank you. I will do my best." Shimomura nodded with a smile, said goodbye to the two of them, and left.
After signing the contract and seeing Shimomura out, Ayase Akane couldn't suppress the excitement and astonishment in her heart. The corners of her mouth stretched outward, forming a strange grin.
"President!"
"What?" Aoki Haruhi stepped back. "Are you going to play the Joker? You're smiling so creepily."
"President! How did you do it?"
Ayase Akane's mind was filled only with extreme shock and admiration; she had no spare capacity to think about the "terrifying smile" incident.
"You're just too amazing, aren't you? I originally thought Miss Shimomura would definitely go to Square. I never imagined you'd actually be able to persuade her."
Does the President know some kind of bewitching spell?
How terrifying.
"Logically speaking, Miss Shimomura had absolutely no reason to choose us. Pokeni isn't as famous as Square, and we've offended Nintendo. Even though you're handsome, your temper is terrible, and yet she was still willing to choose us...
President, did you use a honey trap? Ow~"
Aoki Haruhi gave her a heavy tap on the head.
"Thanks for the compliment about me being handsome," Aoki Haruhi said, annoyed.
"Hehehe." The little HR was completely immersed in the joy of having "defeated" Square and successfully recruiting a musical genius like Yoko Shimomura; she didn't care at all about being tapped by Aoki Haruhi.
"Sometimes, it becomes clear once you think from the other person's perspective," Aoki Haruhi concluded.
"Ah~ I see." Ayase Akane hurriedly took notes.
Putting herself in others' shoes was something she, as an HR, definitely had to learn, but sometimes she just couldn't quite get the hang of it.
"You're still the one who's better at it, President, you make it look so easy."
The little HR made a dramatic gesture, grabbing at the air as if she were snatching success.
Aoki Haruhi rolled his eyes in annoyance, walked back to his office chair, and sat down, slowly sipping his coffee.
"Well, of course. Why else would I be the president?"
"Mm-hmm, the President is so cool."
She didn't usually think much of the president, but when he was working on business, he had a special kind of charm.
After a couple of seconds, the little HR, having finished her notes, looked up.
"Hey, President, do you think you could poach Hironobu Sakaguchi from Square?"
Pfft...
Aoki Haruhi spat out his coffee.
A week later, Yoko Shimomura reported to Pokeni right on time.
With that, Aoki Haruhi's heart finally settled.
"Welcome to Pokeni," Aoki Haruhi said with a smile, taking a card from behind his back and handing it to Yoko Shimomura.
"Thank you, President."
Yoko Shimomura nodded politely.
After the personnel arrangements were made and she had collected her stationery, Shimomura was led by Aoki Haruhi on a tour of the music department.
In reality, there were only three people there.
One was Shirakawa Atsushi, who had been in charge of the soundtrack for "Your Name," and the other two were there to handle odd jobs, create sound effects, or assist Shirakawa with arranging and recording.
Now, with Yoko Shimomura joining them, Shirakawa immediately felt the pressure on his shoulders lighten considerably.
After the introductions, Aoki left the department after giving a few brief instructions.
Shimomura placed her things on her desk and sat down at her workstation.
She took a short breath.
Suddenly remembering something, she opened the greeting card President Aoki had given her earlier.
It read:
[Keep starlight in your heart to light your path, dream of flowers blooming upon your return.]
[Welcome back.]
Shimomura's nose tingled, and she hurriedly covered her mouth, fighting back tears.
Tears welled up in her eyes, but they were tears of happiness.
Opposite her, Shirakawa looked on, completely bewildered.
Pokeni's game development progress currently seems a bit slow. The Witcher, originally scheduled for release in May, is expected to be delayed by two months due to script changes.
Other games are proceeding as planned; whether it's Pokémon Gold and Silver or Diablo II, there is still a long way to go before development is finished.
It would be excellent if they could be released by the end of this year.
However, Aoki Haruhi isn't worried at all.
Because for him, he has already gained two very important talents so far this year.
One is Yoko Shimomura, whom he poached from Capcom—or, to be precise, snatched from Square.
As long as she is here, the music for many future games is guaranteed. Aoki is now preparing to hand over the composing for Diablo II and The Witcher to Shimomura, freeing up Shirakawa to focus on the healing and traditional-style music he excels at.
The other one is Jun Maeda, who is about to report to the company.
The Tear-Jerking Demon Lord.
In March, Jun Maeda arrived at Pokeni.
"President! I'm here!"
Jun Maeda looked unusually excited. After all, this was the job he had set his heart on. You have to understand that he had given up his dream of getting into the University of Tokyo just to come here.
In a sense, Jun Maeda was a truly brilliant guy, gifted and multi-talented. It's truly terrifying that such a monster could be born into this world.
"Alright, glad you're here."
Aoki Haruhi patted him on the shoulder.
Although he understood his excitement, he couldn't help but feel the guy was a bit too excited.
After a brief chat, Aoki had Mikami Shinji take him away. There weren't any assignments for Maeda yet, so he'd have him help out with The Witcher for now to get familiar with the environment and the work.
Mikami took Jun Maeda over and glanced at him, finding him a bit amusing.
Aren't his bangs a little too long?
They were almost poking into his eyes.
Doesn't this guy find it uncomfortable at all?
Mikami raised an eyebrow and blew upwards, "Don't you find your hair poking your eyes?"
"Hmm?"
Jun Maeda blinked, then shook his hair, "This is what's trendy right now."
The "shamate" (non-mainstream) style had started in Japan.
Gyaru and guys with spiky hair were just around the corner, and Jun Maeda could be considered at the forefront of the trend.
"Hmm? Are long hairstyles not allowed at the company?" Jun Maeda asked.
Mikami smiled and patted him on the shoulder, indicating it didn't matter.
"Pokeni doesn't have any mandatory requirements for individuals. As long as you feel comfortable, that's fine."
After a round of introductions, Jun Maeda had met most of the people Mikami had introduced him to.
He had to admit, this guy had an amazing memory; he remembered everyone after just being introduced once.
The others didn't have that kind of talent.
After getting settled, Jun Maeda sighed while tidying up his workspace:
"Ah, what a pity.
I originally thought I could come to Pokeni and focus on learning from Master Kohara Tsubaki.
But who would have known that in just over two years, Master Kohara Tsubaki would already be gone.
I'm so unlucky that I couldn't even meet him once."
The others paused for a moment, looking at the boy with bangs stuck in his eyes as if he were a silly child.
What did he mean, Kohara Tsubaki was gone?
He was clearly still alive and well.
Ishino Mika was about to tell him the truth, but was pulled back by Akanishi Ken beside her.
"Yeah, it really is a shame," Akanishi Ken said. "Kohara Tsubaki was the backbone of our company. Now that our pillar is gone, who knows who will carry the torch."
"It's okay, I will work hard for Master Kohara's share as well."
Jun Maeda clenched his fists, looking full of energy.
Gen Urobuchi, sitting next to him, looked up, staring with his small eyes.
Are you stupid?
Isn't it obvious that I'm Kohara Tsubaki's successor?
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