In Japan, funeral customs—like in China—have a long-standing history. Even in modern tis, these traditions have been preserved.
After a loved one passes away, their direct relatives have many responsibilities. It's not sothing that can be handled just with money—it requires personal involvent.
During this ti, Ueto Hayakawa was busy from morning to night.
Just as his company had completed a major internal reshuffling and he was preparing to fully exert his leadership, this unexpected event occurred.
Though he had ntally prepared for his father's passing, when it really happened, he still felt caught off guard.
So, he temporarily put aside all company matters. It would delay things, but honoring the deceased ca first.
Even the shareholders and executives who were eager to stir things up remained quiet during this ti, showing respect for the late president.
During the mourning period, many people ca to pay their respects—governnt officials, company executives, and old friends of his father.
Among all these visitors, the one who surprised Ueto most was Takayuki.
When his assistant told him Takayuki wished to attend the morial, he was montarily stunned—but quickly agreed.
Regardless of their past relationship, as long as soone ca to pay respects, Ueto had no reason to refuse.
It also reminded him of sothing his father once said about Takayuki:
"A man with extraordinary vision in his field, soone who truly loves what he does. Unless sothing unexpected happens, he's bound to beco a king in the gaming industry."
Back then, Ueto had felt a bit of jealousy.
But the longer he competed with Takayuki, the more he ca to respect him.
He really was an extraordinary person—especially when it ca to foresight. His long-term vision was unmatched.
And in Ueto's entire life, only two people had that kind of vision: his father, and Takayuki.
His father had built Surrey Electronics from the ground up into a global electronics powerhouse—sothing not easily explained in a few words. Much of that ca from his uncanny ability to see trends before others.
At tis, Ueto even wondered if his father had so kind of prophetic power.
As for Takayuki, Ueto was actually relieved that he remained focused on the gaming industry. Even when he dabbled in other sectors, it was only to support his gas financially.
If Takayuki had ever decided to fully expand into multiple fields, Gastar Entertainnt might have beco another tech giant.
So why had Takayuki co to mourn his father?
They barely had any personal connection. But Ueto had a hunch—maybe there was a silent mutual respect between Takayuki and his father.
On the day of the morial, Takayuki and his wife Aya Tsukino visited the Hayakawa family ho.
It was Takayuki's first ti visiting.
By now, many people had co and gone. Due to Ueto's broad network and reputation, most guests offered brief condolences and left. Only a few stayed longer.
Takayuki, dressed in a black suit, walked beside Aya—also in black—through the hall and stood in front of Kentarō Hayakawa's morial.
He looked at the elder's photo and offered a quiet farewell, then nodded slightly at Ueto, who was standing nearby.
Seeing Takayuki arrive, Ueto politely excused himself from the others and walked over.
"Mr. Takayuki, it's been a long ti."
"Yes," Takayuki nodded. "I think the last ti we t was when the Unreal Engine was just released, right? Ti really flies."
"Indeed it does."
"My condolences," Takayuki said. "I believe your father passed away peacefully and without regrets. With you leading the company he worked so hard to build, I'm sure he rests easy."
Ueto responded calmly, "It's sothing I've co to accept. And actually, my father admired you greatly. There was a ti I even felt a bit jealous of you."
"Jealous?"
"Yes. My father truly respected you. He once said he'd love to et and chat with you soday... unfortunately, that never happened."
Takayuki was slightly stunned.
Kentarō Hayakawa had wanted to talk with him?
He hadn't expected such a connection.
"Still," Ueto said with a small smile, "if he knew you ca today, he'd be very pleased."
"It's an honor," Takayuki replied sincerely.
"By the way, I assu you're still competing with McFo?" Ueto asked. "Anything you can share? Maybe we can work together."
"Nothing special," Takayuki smiled. "Everything I do is out in the open—partnering with Facebook to bring more high-quality gas to smartphones, maintaining our player base, and converting more core players through our console titles."
"Have you ever thought about expanding into other fields?"
"Not really. I've said it before—at heart, I'm a gar. That'll never change."
"That kind of dedication to a single pursuit is admirable," Ueto remarked.
Takayuki grinned, "Did that make you feel a little relieved? Knowing I'm only focused on gaming might make feel less threatening."
Ueto chuckled, "Haha, yes... a little."
Even though it was a funeral, the atmosphere wasn't as heavy anymore.
Strangely enough, despite being rivals, talking with Takayuki felt easy—like chatting with an old friend.
Anyone unaware of their history would never guess they were once competitors.
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