Friday, September 29, 1992
Just a day before Zaboru returned from Arica, peace returned to the Renkonan household—well, as much peace as one could expect with a hyperactive sixth grader like Sanika bouncing around the house. Ever since she got her hands on the ZGB, Sanika had beco completely obsessed with it, especially with one particular ga: Super Mario Bros. Deluxe.
Unlike most girls in her class, who still spent their recess talking about idols or snacks, Sanika was bragging about how she beat World 3-4 without using any power-ups. She wasn't just good; she was shockingly good. Ayumi, who had once thought she was unbeatable at Mario, had watched in awe as Sanika effortlessly made pixel-perfect jumps and speedran levels like a pro.
In truth, Zaboru had gifted her the ZGB the mont it released as he promised. She'd been dying to play it ever since seeing the ads and hearing the kids at school gush about Pokemon and Tetris. But Sanika didn't imdiately jump on the Pokemon train like the others. Instead, she dove headfirst into Mario. There was sothing srizing about the tight platforming, the rhythmic jumps, and the precise timing. It reignited a mory from when her brother just making ZEPS Prototype a more than year ago, playing the true original Super Mario Bros. on her brother's old console—back before the ZEPS even existed. Back then, it was just her, the D-pad, and the thrill of reaching the flagpole before the ti ran out.
At school, she quickly beca a mini-celebrity. On Friday morning, Sanika waltzed into her horoom with her ZGB case proudly hanging off her backpack. Her classmates rushed over.
"You got one too!?" exclaid Yui, her desk neighbor. "What version of Pokemon did you get?"
Sanika smirked. "I have both, but I'm playing Super Mario Deluxe first. Pokemon can wait."
The boys nearby, who were deep in discussion over their Bulbasaurs and Charmanders, looked up.
"Wait... you're not even playing Pokemon yet?" one of them asked, eyebrows raised.
"Nope. I beat World 2-3 last night while brushing my teeth," Sanika replied nonchalantly. "Without getting hit."
Gasps followed.
By lunchti, a small group had gathered around her to watch her play. Sanika loaded up her save file and, with confidence, navigated through the treacherous World 4-2 underground level. She even showed them a shortcut warp pipe.
"She's insane," one of the kids whispered.
Another muttered, "Isn't she Zaboru's sister?"
Sanika paused the ga and smiled. "Yup. Zaboru Renkonan is my big brother."
Silence.
Then chaos.
"No way!" "You're lying!" "Prove it!"
Sanika shrugged and pulled out her student ID, which had her full na: Sanika Renkonan. That was enough for her classmates to lose it. The boys nearly dropped their consoles. The girls asked if she'd t Sonic and Mario in real life. One even asked if she had a secret level code, while another begged her to get Zaboru's autograph. A particularly bold classmate even asked if she could be introduced to Zaboru in person, claiming she wanted to beco her sister in law! and which Sanike definitely refused! because her brother Girlfriend Ayumi is really nice.
Sanika basked in it. Finally, her mont to shine.
Now on Saturday Zaboru just back at Arica Back at ho, Zaboru was reviewing project reports when Sanika burst into his office.
"Nii-chan! Welco Back! Everyone at school knows I'm your sister now! They all watched beat Mario like a champ!"
Zaboru blinked, then smiled. "Sounds like you're becoming more famous than . Should I start hiring you as our official ZGB ambassador?"
Sanika puffed up with pride. "Maybe! If you pay for more gas."
"Deal," he laughed.
Later in that day as Zaboru was still resting on his house, as the warm glow of the living room lamp lit up their quiet ho, Sanika sat beside Zaboru on the couch, her ZGB still clutched in one hand while she peppered her brother with questions.
"Nii-chan, what was Arica like? Did you eat burgers everyday? Did you bring sothing back? Oh! Did you see any real cowboys?" she asked in rapid fire.
Zaboru chuckled and ruffled her hair. "Yes to the burgers, no to cowboys, and yes, I did bring you sothing. Check the paper bag on the table."
Sanika bolted across the room and opened the bag with a gasp. Inside was a plush Charmander doll with a stitched fla tail, crafted with remarkable detail. It was a custom piece Zaboru had specially ordered from a boutique doll shop in Arica, choosing every fabric and detail to make it as lifelike as possible. The orange felt shimred slightly under the light, and the little fla at the tip of the tail had a soft red and yellow gradient. This wasn't just a toy—it was history in the making. Technically, it was the first-ever official Pokemon plush in existence, made with love and foresight. Sanika hugged it tightly, her eyes wide with wonder.
"SO CUTE! Thank you, thank you!" she bead, hugging it tightly.
Then, in a sudden change of topic, she turned and said, "Also, so of my friends said they love you! Like, actually love love. They're asking if you have a girlfriend and if you're single. It was so annoying!"
Zaboru froze, nearly dropping the report in his hands. "Wait... what?" he muttered, eyes wide. "Please tell these are just sixth graders being silly." He leaned back, exhaling sharply. "I swear, if this starts turning into a school fan club, Ayumi's going to tease for months."
Sanika nodded, puffing her cheeks. "Yep. I told them you already have Ayumi-nee and that she's aweso, so back off. But they won't stop talking about you after they know your face!"
Zaboru sighs and only can give a helpless smile, also he can hear the police knocking from far away!.
To be continued...
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