Another world Game Developers in Japan`s 1991

Sunday, 24 August 1994.

Now it's already the second day of ZEPS 2. The Eight game has just been released, and players everywhere are busy diving into the new titles they just got their hands on. Meanwhile, at the Renkonan home, Zaboru is enjoying some rare downtime with his family.

Ayumi has come over to visit and is now in the kitchen with Keiko, learning family recipes and laughing softly as they stir a big pot together. In the living room, Zaboru is sitting cross-legged on the floor, locked in a Yu-Gi-Oh battle with his sister Sanika. She grins mischievously, clutching her Dark Magician Girl card. "Dark Magician Girl, attack!" she declares with excitement. Zaboru, calm and confident, reveals his only card in attack position: Little Wing Guard. He smirks. "Trap Card activate! Mirror Force!" Sanika gasps, "What! Nii-san, you're so cruel!" Zaboru chuckles as her attack backfires. Sanika huffs and ends her turn, only for Zaboru to launch his counterattack, winning yet again. "Ugh! Why is your luck so good, Nii-san?" she pouts. Zaboru laughs, "Hehehe, better luck next time. Hey, are you ready to play Uno with me? Want to join too, Dad?" Sanika's eyes light up, "Yeah, yeah! I want to! Dad, Mom, Ayumi-nee! Let's play Uno with Nii-san!" Keiko, overhearing from the kitchen, chuckles warmly. "Okay, wait a bit," she calls out, stepping in with Ayumi and carrying a big plate of fried chicken to the table.

Zaboru's eyes light up, and he immediately grabs a piece, knowing his mom had made plenty just for him. The room is filled with laughter, the smell of food, and the warm chatter of family coming together.

Zaboru chuckles, "Let's go play Uno." The family gathers around the table, shuffling cards and teasing each other with playful grins. In this world, Zaboru is actually the creator of Uno, and the game has become incredibly popular, making it even more fun for the family to play. The room is filled with laughter as they joke, snack, and play round after round. Sanika, with a mischievous smile, is down to one card but forgets to say Uno. Zaboru leans forward, eyes sparkling, and grins, "Heh, you didn't say the word, Sani-chan." Sanika's eyes widen in horror. "Oh! I forgot! No..!" she wails dramatically, throwing her hands in the air. Everyone bursts out laughing as she sighs and reluctantly draws a card. The game of Uno continues, the room echoing with playful banter, giggles, and the warm joy of family time together.

After having fun for a while with his family, Zaboru and his family are sitting in the yard under the soft glow of the evening sky while Sanika and Ayumi playing together. His mom and dad sit nearby, sipping tea. Keiko glanced over, a touch of worry in her voice as she asked, "So... you're going to America again, Zaboru?" Zaboru nodded, "Yeah, Mom, and it's like last time, probably will be two weeks..." Zanichi chuckled, leaning back, "Don't you consider buying a private jet already...?" Keiko's eyes widened in shock, "Pr... private jet!? Isn't that really expensive!?" Zanichi gave a relaxed laugh, "Well, it's not really expensive for our son and my boss." Zaboru gave a dry laugh, shaking his head, "It's expensive, Dad, come on..." Keiko was surprised. She knew Zaboru was really successful, but she didn't realize he was that wealthy! But Keiko smiled softly, her eyes gentle. She didn't really care how much money her son had; as long as he was healthy and happy, she was grateful.

Zaboru, meanwhile, genuinely considered renting a plane because he didn't have the time or patience to handle the logistics and upkeep of owning one. For him, convenience mattered more right now. He ran a hand through his hair, thoughtful. "Hmm, Dad, do you know where I can rent one...?" he asked, half-smiling. Zanichi chuckled warmly, "Well, let me be the one who looks for it, son." Zaboru nodded with a small laugh, "Alright, I'll leave it to you. So, I'll plan to leave tomorrow night, after I assign the tasks for September. It shouldn't be too overwhelming." Zanichi gave a reassuring nod, "Don't worry about the development side. Once you give us the detailed plan and documents, I can manage things here. And Shigeru over at the Osaka branch will help handle the rest."

 Zaboru then called Ayumi to talk alone with her. "So, Ayumi, you will not follow me this time to America, right?" Ayumi nodded, "Yeah, Zabo, don't worry, because right now I'm still really developing my own game." Zaboru chuckled, "I'm really curious about that project of yours. Really, you won't let me know?" Ayumi giggled, "No chance, hehehe. This could be my magnum opus, hehehehehe." Zaboru let out a soft laugh, his eyes fond. Then he asked more gently, "We've both come a long way, haven't we, Ayumi? Right now, you've already become such a good developer..." Ayumi smiled warmly and leaned her head on his shoulder. "Not as good as you, though. Well, I doubt there will be anyone as good as you at developing games, Zabo."

Zaboru then said, "Wanna join ZAGE now?" He flashed a playful grin. Ayumi said "Could you even talk like that to my brother?" Ayumi chuckled, shaking her head, and Zaboru gave a dry laugh, "Well, that would be scary, hahaha." Zaboru knew that Akaishidan, Akechi's video game company, deeply treasured Ayumi — not just because she was Akechi's sister, but because she was an exceptional developer in her own right. Whenever Ayumi was at the Akaishidan offices, the whole development floor seemed to lift; the energy, the creativity, even the teamwork sharpened. It was no wonder so many men admired Ayumi, yet when they learned she was dating Zaboru, they always backed off with a nervous smile. As for Ayumi's abilities, she was truly an exceptional video game developer. Thanks to Zaboru's mentorship and her own natural talent as a quick learner, she had grown impressively over the years. Zaboru was also a fast and patient teacher, helping her hone her skills, and now, with tons of experience under her belt, Ayumi had become a truly valuable asset—someone any company, including ZAGE, would be lucky to have if she ever decided to join.

Zaboru then continued, "But still, if someday you want to join ZAGE, I'm always open, Ayumi." Ayumi nodded softly, "Okay, Zabo..." Zaboru hesitated, then quietly asked, "Say, Ayumi... are you upset or angry with me because I'm always busy and often leave you to go outside the country like now...?" Ayumi let out a gentle sigh, then smiled warmly, "At first, I really was, but now I've come to accept it. I think that's part of what makes you so attractive to me, Zabo. You're so passionate about what you do. Even when you're successful, you stay humble. You're just... you. And I've grown to love and accept that."

Zaboru was touched, falling silent for a moment before leaning in to kiss her forehead. "That's why I love you so much, Ayumi. You know, when we first got together, I thought having you as a girlfriend would help keep away unnecessary fans... but now, after everything, I realize I can't imagine life without you." He held her hand tightly, his voice soft but full of feeling. Ayumi blushed, eyes shimmering with happiness. "Me too, Zabo... I can't imagine life without you either..." They sat together quietly, savoring the moment, before joining Zaboru's family again for the evening, knowing tomorrow night he would leave for America.

To be continued.

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