Sunday, October 27, 1991 – Afternoon
Although it was the weekend, Zaboru still went to his office. He continued developing his gas—Ninja Gaiden, Gun-Nac, and troid—not because he had to, but because he loved it. No one forced him to work; it was simply his passion.
As he was deep in developnt, the office bell rang.
"Hmm? Who would co here on a Sunday? Is it Mom?" Zaboru muttered.
He checked the door, only to find Ayumi Hamazou, the Yakuza princess, standing there with a small bag in her hand.
"Oh, Ayumi? What are you doing here?" he asked, slightly surprised.
Ayumi smiled. "I went to your house, but your mom said you were at the office, so I ca here instead."
Zaboru raised an eyebrow. "Alright then, co in."
She stepped inside while Zaboru casually continued working on his ga. Curious, Ayumi leaned over.
"What ga are you making this ti, Zaboru?"
Zaboru grinned. "Company secret. Hahaha."
Ayumi sighed, slightly annoyed but still smiling. Then, she got to the point.
"Actually, Zaboru, I'm here to discuss the official release of my ga, Karate Bunny, on ZEPS. When can it be done?"
Zaboru thought for a mont. "Are you in a rush?"
Ayumi shook her head. "Not really, but I just can't wait for my ga to be released!"
Zaboru nodded. "You made this ga yourself, right?"
"Yeah, with your help," Ayumi confird.
"First, you need a cover for the box art—sothing eye-catching that will attract attention. Have you made one?"
Ayumi nodded enthusiastically. "Yep, I already made one! I took inspiration from your official ga covers."
She handed him the artwork. It depicted a bunny with a comically nacing expression, wearing a white karate gi, performing a flying kick that shattered a wooden dummy.
Zaboru smiled. "Not bad, really. Also, you need to add a developer moniker. Are you using your real na?"
Ayumi shook her head. "I've already decided on a na—U-Bunny!"
Zaboru raised an eyebrow. "U-Bunny? What's the 'U' stand for?"
Ayumi grinned. "Ultimate!"
Zaboru chuckled. "You really love bunnies, don't you? Anyway, that's your choice. How about we release your ga in January? I already have three gas scheduled for December."
Ayumi nodded. "I don't mind. I'm not in a rush."
"Alright, then. ZAGE will distribute your ga, and here's my proposal: we take 40% of the sales revenue, but we'll cover production and distribution costs. How does that sound?"
Ayumi considered it. "So all I have to do is bring my ga to you, and you sell it? I get 60%?"
Zaboru nodded. "Yeah, this is actually a special deal for you as a third-party developer choosing ZAGE as your publisher."
Ayumi smiled. "That sounds great. I accept!"
Zaboru nodded. "Alright, co again next week. We're not in a rush, so we'll finalize the contract then. I'll have my official lawyer present."
Ayumi agreed and then started asking Zaboru various questions about ga developnt. He answered casually, enjoying the conversation. After a while, Ayumi suggested, "Zaboru, why don't you co with for lunch?"
Zaboru shook his head. "Go ahead, Ayumi. I plan to eat my mom's food after this."
Ayumi sighed. Is he really not interested in ? She smiled nonetheless. "Alright, then. I'm leaving now. Thanks, Zaboru."
Still focused on his work, Zaboru simply nodded. "Yeah, see you next week."
Later, Zaboru arrived ho and found that his family had already finished lunch. He sat down to eat alone when his mother, Keiko, joined him.
"So, my son, how's everything with you and Ayumi? Don't tell you're neglecting her because you're too busy working?" Keiko asked.
Zaboru sighed. "Mom, like I said, I'm not dating her. Honestly, I'm too occupied to think about romance right now. I want to focus on my dream first."
Keiko sighed. "You know, you can do both, my son."
Zaboru shrugged. "That's true, but I don't want to. At least, not for now."
Keiko frowned. "Ayumi is a good girl, you know?"
Zaboru sighed again. His mother had no idea that Ayumi was a Yakuza princess. His father knew, though.
"She might be, or she might not be, Mom. But that's not my concern right now."
Keiko sighed again, then smiled. "Fine, then. But please take care of yourself, okay? Don't work too much. You even go to the office on weekends."
Zaboru smiled. "I'll try, Mom. But honestly, if I eat your food every day, I think I'll have 30 tis more energy than usual."
Keiko giggled and kissed his cheek. "Rember, no matter how big, rich, or successful you beco, you will always be my son first, okay? I'm very proud of you, no matter what happens."
Zaboru's heart ward. He hugged his mother tightly. "I know, Mom. I know. I love you. That's why you need to stay healthy, okay? You need to live until I'm old—you need to see your grandchildren grow up!"
Keiko was surprised but smiled warmly. "I'm trying my best, son. But unexpected things may happen. Just rember, I'll always be proud of you."
Zaboru's eyes teared up. He rembered how devastated he had been when his mother died in his previous life. Even after his own death, he had never fully recovered from that pain. But now, she was still alive!
Zaboru silently made a promise to himself: I will make her happy.
To be continued...
*-POWER STONE-
Author note : Just an additional Chapter—I want to emphasize that Zaboru really loves his mom, though he also respects his dad. Well, to be honest, that's just a reflection of in real life. I really miss my mom—she's the best mom I could've asked for. So for those of you who still have your mom, cherish your ti with her! You never know how much ti you have left together.*
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