Zaboru arrived early at the YaDo Studio, walking past the soundproofed walls and production rooms that would soon be ho to one of his most unpredictable creative projects: the ani adaptation of SpongeBob SquarePants. Today was the voice actor audition day. Inside the studio, dozens of hopeful rookie VAs had gathered, each one aiming to land a spot in what was shaping up to be a surprisingly high-profile project.
Zaboru sat quietly in the back of the sound booth, headphones on, clipboard ready. He wasn't just looking for technical delivery—he was hunting for soul. The SpongeBob he rembered had energy, charm, and a chaotic innocence that was tricky to replicate. His supporting cast needed just as much personality.
After hours of screening, feedback, and callbacks, Zaboru finally locked down the core cast. They weren't well-known, but their voices felt right. SpongeBob, Patrick, Squidward, and Sandy—all of them now had life. They understood the rhythm and madness of Bikini Bottom.
With the casting finalized, Zaboru made his way into a smaller eting room where Yasu Domachi, head of YaDo Studio, was waiting with two cups of hot tea.
"So, Yasu-san," Zaboru said, stretching his arms, "it looks like SpongeBob's coming together nicely. The VA cast is set. Do you think we should consider moving the premiere forward maybe even before August?"
Yasu nearly choked on his tea. "Zaboru-san, please—don't scare like that. August is already cutting it close. We need every week to polish the animation and sound. No earlier releases!"
Zaboru laughed. "I figured you'd say that. Just testing your nerves."
Yasu wiped his brow and relaxed. "Well, we passed the test, but only barely."
"Once the first 20 episodes are ready, even if they're not aired yet, I'll have a new project for you. You rember what we talked about, right? October starts, the latest."
Yasu nodded seriously. "We'll be ready. Just promise the next one is proper Ani Zaboru-san"
Zaboru smirked and Said "Don`t worry about that Yasu-san" while thinking to himself 'Sailor Moon can never go wrong'.
With the eting wrapped, Zaboru returned to ZAGE HQ, his mind already shifting gears. He had sothing important to share with the leadership team. Sothing big that marked a turning point in ZAGE's internal structure.
As he returned to his office, he instructed his secretary Yumi to gather the departnt heads. They all assembled in the main eting room within the hour:
Yuna – Head of Ga DevelopntYugo – Head of Quality Control, and Yuna's twin brotherShinsuke Yamaguchi – Head of MarketingSayuri Yamaguchi – Head of FinanceKudou – Head of the Legal TeamIchidai Kenzaki – Head of HRRika Kishimori – Head of Administration
When everyone had settled, Zaboru stepped to the front of the room.
"Good afternoon, everyone. Sorry for the short notice—but this is important. Today, ZAGE officially gained its first CTO."
The door opened. A man in a sharp suit with sleek hair, a neatly trimd mustache, and glasses stepped into the room.
"Please welco—Zanichi Renkonan. My father. And now, ZAGE's new Chief Technology Officer."
The room froze.
Shinsuke and Sayuri's jaws dropped.
"No way!" Shinsuke exclaid. "Senpai!? You're here?! This is insane!"
Sayuri nodded, stunned. "You taught us everything back at Sonaya. ZAGE just beca ten tis stronger."
For those unfamiliar with Zanichi, the enthusiasm of ZAGE's top marketing and finance leads spoke volus. It quickly put everyone at ease.
Zanichi smiled and bowed. "Shin. Sayu. It's been a while. And to the rest of you—nice to et you. I'm Zanichi Renkonan. Yes, I'm Zaboru's father, but I'm here as a professional. My recent role was leading the Sonaya PC departnt. Later, I helped deliver the MGB console and its initial four-ga lineup. Now, I hope I can contribute to ZAGE's next evolution."
Murmurs of awe rippled around the room. Heads nodded in silent approval.
Shinsuke clapped his hands together. "Everyone, don't underestimate Zanichi-senpai. He's a machine. He reads business trends like a psychic and can guide tech teams like no one else."
Zanichi chuckled. "You flatter , Shin."
Zaboru added with a grin, "Just to be clear—yes, he's my father. But here, he's another ZAGE employee like anyone else."
Zanichi gave a mock salute. "Understood, boss."
With the mood now light and energized, the announcent rolled into celebration. That afternoon, ZAGE threw an impromptu welco party in the company lounge. Employees from every departnt gathered to et the new CTO, enjoy catered food, and share drinks.
It wasn't just about welcoming Zanichi—it was about marking the next step in ZAGE's growth.
And Zaboru? He was already thinking about what ca next.
Zaboru leaned against the wall, sipping a soda, quietly observing his team—his family enjoying the mont.
'Father's abilities are no joke, really. I can assure you—even though he didn't have cheats like mine, he was still able to pull off sothing incredible, like creating those four gas. His insight will definitely be more valuable. As for his position, I might even appoint him as the head of ZAGE's other branch in the future.'. There might be a ti that ZAGE needs to open a branch in Japan , so when that happens Zaboru wants his father or his most trusted aide to lead it.
The party continued after that. After office hours Both Zanichi and Zaboru returned ho, which is Rare for Zaboru to co back early, and Zaboru's mother and Zanichi wife Kyoko Renkonan were already waiting for them.
They sat down on the couch, and Zanichi smirked. "So, you're my boss now? CEO?"
Zaboru grinned. "Apparently so, CTO."
They both laughed, and KyokoZaboru's mom joined in, smiling warmly bringing snacks to the table. Sanika, Zaboru's little sister, joined the conversation excitedly.
"Woah! So Dad's working at Nii-san's office now!? That's so cool! Sani wants to work there too in the future!"
Zaboru chuckled and gently ruffled her hair. "Well then, Sani will have to work hard so I'll accept you as one of my employees!"
Sanika nodded eagerly. "Unn! Sani will study hard!"
Kyoko caressed her daughter's hair with a smile. "Fight on, Sanika!"
Zanichi also smiled. And just like that, the Renkonan family spent a joyful night together.
To be continued
Please give your power stone and if you want to support and get minimum 10 advance Chapter for 3 bucks considering subscribe to my patreon patreon/Zaborn_1997
Also Join my discord if you want sdiscord.gg/jB8x6TUByc
User Comments
0 comments from readers