Chapter 549: Meeting with TOEI

Thursday, 6 December 1994

Following Tuesday's meeting and Yumi's swift coordination of a session with TOEI representatives to discuss the future of Super Sentai, the parties agreed to convene at one of Tokyo's most prestigious and discreet restaurants. The setting, chosen for both its privacy and sophistication, set the stage for what promised to be a pivotal negotiation in Japan's entertainment industry.

Now, Zaboru and Shigeru Okada were seated across from each other at the elegantly set table. Shigeru, a man in his early to mid-50s with a slightly overweight frame and neatly trimmed short hair, carried himself with a composed, almost unreadable demeanor. He offered a courteous nod and extended his hand. "Well, nice to meet you, Renkonan-san," he said, his tone calm and businesslike.

Zaboru nodded and shook his hand firmly. "Nice to meet you too, Okada-san. Feel free to call me Zaboru," he said with an easy smile, trying to set a friendly tone.

Shigeru chuckled, his eyes narrowing slightly. "No thanks. I prefer calling you Renkonan-san. We're not that close , don't you think?"

Zaboru frowned slightly and sighed inwardly. Charming as a cactus, this guy. He straightened his posture and spoke with calm precision. "Very well, Okada-san. Let's get straight to the point — I'd like to formally propose that ZAGE is prepared to purchase the rights to Super Sentai."

Okada grinned. "And what makes you think we at TOEI would be willing to sell one of our strongest franchises?"

Zaboru returned the grin, though his tone carried a sharper edge. "Because I'm done playing this. I initially offered a generous 10% of the revenue from my Z-Man next titles. But your Sentai division head, Onigai, countered with a demand for 50% — despite the fact that all TOEI is contributing is the intellectual property. Everything else — the concept, characters, gameplay — is mine."

Shigeru Okada smiled, leaning back slightly in his chair. "And? That's a perfectly reasonable move from our side. Your Z-Man game performed exceptionally well, didn't it? It is clearly a Sentai-inspired title. Yet, despite that, we only received 5% of the total revenue. You must admit, from TOEI's perspective, that's hardly fair, wouldn't you agree?"

Zaboru frowned, his voice steady but edged with frustration. "Yes, I'll admit it's a Sentai-style game. That much is clear. But let's be real here—every character, every storyline, every piece of gameplay design came from my own imagination and effort. All I used was the general concept that TOEI technically owns. That's it. ZAGE offering 5% of the revenue was already more than fair, if not overly generous."

Okada snorted, letting out a dry, dismissive laugh. "You really believe that? Hah. Anyway, tell me — just how much is ZAGE actually willing to pay for the Super Sentai rights?"

Internally, Okada thought, Sure, the show still brings in a bit of revenue, but nothing compared to the profits we're seeing from Metal Heroes these days. That series actually moves merchandise and pulls strong ratings. Super Sentai, on the other hand, has been on a steady decline—especially after that flashy anime from ZAGE hit the airwaves. That thing really ate into our viewership. Also TOEI Animations is really doing well right now but still, no need to let this guy in on that. If he puts 4 billion yen on the table, I'll gladly call it a day and hand over the rights. It's a win for me either way.

Zaboru leaned forward, resting his elbows lightly on the edge of the table. His gaze remained steady, his voice even but firm. "If you don't mind me asking, Okada-san, based on your current evaluations and the franchise's standing, how much do you estimate TOEI would be willing to sell the Super Sentai rights for?"

Okada then launched into an exaggerated explanation, his tone laced with theatrical flair. "It's one of our top-grossing shows — a cornerstone of our revenue stream," he claimed. "It also pulls in big numbers through merchandise sales, and let's not forget, it's incredibly popular with the kids and families." He grinned slyly, eyes glinting. "Let's say… 4 billion yen, and we'll have a deal."

In his mind, Okada was laughing silently, amused at his own theatrics. Even 4 billion yen would be an absolutely ludicrous price for just Super Sentai, he thought with an inward smirk. The franchise hasn't seen that kind of pure profit in nearly a decade. It's been coasting on legacy appeal and fading brand power. No way this guy's going to say yes—not unless he's completely lost touch with financial reality.

Zaboru smiled and said, "Deal."

Shigeru Okada's eyes shot open in disbelief, and he nearly choked on his drink. "W-what!? You agree!?" he sputtered, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

Zaboru nodded with a calm, deliberate certainty. "Yes, I agree. Let's finalize everything tomorrow. Bring the contract." He offered a small, confident smile. "Super Sentai's latest series, Bioman, just wrapped up, didn't it? That makes this the perfect moment."

Shigeru Okada grinned. Hehehe, jackpot. Looks like this guy has no idea how to properly value a franchise — what a pushover. "Sure thing. Tomorrow, I'll bring my lawyer. Don't worry — I'll come to your office to finalize the deal."

Zaboru nodded. "Certainly, Okada-san. We'll meet at my office — I'll ensure my lawyer is present as well. Until then, take care."

With a mutual nod of acknowledgment, both men rose from their seats, the quiet tension between them lingering in the air as they exited the restaurant.

Later that day, at Zaboru's office, he sighed. "He definitely thinks I'm a fool… but so be it. I'm just tired of negotiating with him. He is the one who doesn't understand the true value of Sentai."

It seems like Tokusatsu productions are approached quite differently here compared to how things were in my previous life… Still, 4 billion yen, huh? I was expecting something closer to 10 billion, so 4 billion feels like a bargain in hindsight. For now, it may seem overpriced — but in time, the world will understand its true worth.

He chuckled, "Besides, I could use this as a marketing trick." He imagined the headline with a grin: "ZAGE acquires Super Sentai — just to make Z-Man 2!" The very thought thrilled him, and he was already picturing the bold title splashed across the next issue of ZAGE POWER magazine.

To be continued

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