The buzz around the ZGB's release in Japan had not only dominated headlines dostically but had also started to ripple across the Pacific. In the United States, Arican gars eagerly awaited news of a North Arican release date. Many of them had already seen leaked footage,images, and reviews from Japanese players or from Arican players that went to Japan. Newspapers and Gaming communities were filled with speculation, excitent, and fan theories about the ZGB and, especially, its flagship title, Pokemon.
While the Arican public waited patiently, a storm was quietly brewing in one of the most powerful entertainnt companies in the world: Universal Studios.
In a sleek, glass-walled boardroom at Universal Studios headquarters in Los Angeles, Kurt Sumrs, the CEO of Universal, sat reviewing a thick stack of legal docunts. Across from him sat several legal advisors and executives from the licensing departnt. They were reviewing claims that ZAGE had unlawfully used intellectual property that, they argued, belonged to Universal Studios.
The issue? Donkey Kong.
"They're using a giant ape nad Kong," one of the legal advisors said, tapping a highlighted clause in the report. "We own the rights to that na and character archetype. It's infringing on our property."
Kurt Sumrs narrowed his eyes. "We can't let this slide. If we don't enforce our rights now, other companies will think they can just take our properties without consequence. File the lawsuit. Imdiately."
Outwardly, he projected an image of righteous corporate defense. But deep down, Kurt was driven by sothing else—opportunism. With ZAGE and their ZEPS platform dominating the current entertainnt headlines and causing a massive cultural stir, Kurt saw a lawsuit as more than legal action; it was a grab for relevance. If Universal could win, or even stir enough controversy, it would put their na front and center in the booming video ga conversation. For Kurt, this was as much about publicity as it was about intellectual property.
And with that, Universal Studios initiated legal proceedings against ZAGE and their U.S. distribution partner, Erald Wings.
The next day, in the bustling offices of Erald Wings, Ryan Miller The CEO while the second-in-command Jas Yoel was still overseas in Japan received a shocking call from his secretary.
"Ryan, you need to see this. Universal Studios just filed a lawsuit against us and ZAGE. It's all over the papers."
Ryan's face paled as he grabbed the morning newspaper off his assistant's desk. The headline scread: Universal Studios Sues ZAGE and Erald Wings Over Copyright Infringent!
The article detailed how Universal was accusing ZAGE of using the likeness of their "King Kong" character in the form of ZAGE's popular Donkey Kong. The article claid ZAGE had copied the character without securing the proper licensing and now faced a full-blown legal battle.
"This is ridiculous!" Ryan shouted, slamming the paper on his desk. "It's just a reference! Donkey Kong isn't even that similar to King Kong. This is about clout! They just want to leech off ZAGE's montum."
But the damage was already done. A formal letter from the Arican court system followed soon after, stating that both ZAGE and Erald Wings were required to attend the first hearing of the case on September 25th.
Without hesitation, Ryan picked up the phone and called Zaboru directly in Japan.
"Zaboru, we have a situation. Universal Studios just sued us over Donkey Kong. The court wants us here on the 25th. We need to prepare—fast."
Back in Tokyo, Zaboru sat calmly in his office at ZAGE HQ. When Ryan delivered the news, Zaboru listened in silence. Then, surprisingly, he chuckled.
"Well, well... so even this happens in this world too," he murmured to himself.
He rembered the exact sa situation unfolding in his previous life. The irony wasn't lost on him. In that world, Nintendo had been the one targeted by Universal for the sa reason—and the company had won, thanks in large part to a brilliant lawyer nad John Kirby. Would history repeat itself?
Zaboru replied to Ryan, "Tell the court I'll be there. I'll fly out imdiately. Jas and I will coordinate this."
That evening, Jas Yoel t Zaboru in his Tokyo office.
"Damn those guys! They're just trying to ride the ZAGE and ZGB wave! They've seen the hype, and now they want a piece of it," Jas fud.
But Zaboru remained composed. "Relax, Jas. We're not in the wrong. This isn't a copy. It's homage, and it predates even them. I won't let this derail us. I've already instructed my legal team in Japan to stay focused on our core work because my legal team is really busy at this mont and they cant be disturbed. We'll hire a strong Arican lawyer for this case."
"You sure that's a good idea?" Jas asked. "This could turn into a disaster."
Zaboru grinned. "Then we'll make it into a victory."
The next morning, Zaboru inford his father and CTO, Zanichi, about his departure. He also took a mont to tell Ayumi, who imdiately offered words of support. "Don't let those suits push you around," she said, hugging him before he left.
By that afternoon, Zaboru and Jas were en route to the United States, stepping into what would beco one of ZAGE's biggest legal battles since its founding.
But Zaboru had a plan. And if history followed any rhythm in this world, he wasn't just going to defend ZAGE—he was going to make a statent.
If he happened to cross paths with a legal mind like John Kirby, then great. If not, it didn't matter. One thing was certain: Universal Studios had the nerve to challenge ZAGE now because ZAGE hadn't yet established an official U.S. office. All their U.S. products were still funneled through Erald Wings, and ZAGE was still seen as the 'newcor.'
That perception was about to change. Win or lose, Zaboru was determined to leave an impression. By the end of this legal battle, Arica wouldn't just know ZAGE—they would rember it.
He also didn't mind not wearing his helt during the trial proceedings. Unlike television appearances, he viewed the courtroom as a formal and serious venue—worthy of presenting himself fully. This ant that, if the trial were to be televised, it could mark the very first ti the public would see Zaboru Renkonan's real face.
To be continued...
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