After the Renkonan family and Ayumi arrived in the United States on Saturday night, they quickly checked into a hotel in Los Angeles. Everyone was exhausted from the long flight and settled in for a night of much-needed rest. The next morning, Sunday, they woke early to explore. The sun cast golden light over palm-lined streets, and a cool breeze swept in from the Pacific.
Sanika and Ayumi enjoyed the trip imnsely. Sanika marveled at the towering buildings and yellow taxis, while Ayumi admired the architecture and eagerly bought snacks from street vendors and convenience stores. They visited an Arican arcade, walked along a bustling boardwalk, and even stopped for hot dogs at a roadside cart. They spent a lot of ti together, laughing and taking in the sights. Later in the day, the Renkonan family split up for the evening, giving Zaboru and Ayumi so alone ti.
That night, Zaboru and Ayumi found themselves in a quiet park away from the city's noise. The sun had just set, painting the sky in streaks of orange and pink. Ayumi sipped from a bottle of soda, her legs curled beneath her on a bench while Zaboru leaned back, watching the stars begin to erge.
"Hehehe, I can't believe we finally get to go on a date in the USA," Ayumi said, beaming. "I always wanted to tag along on one of your business trips, but I didn't want to get in the way."
Zaboru smirked. "Don't worry about it. There's nothing to get in the way of. It's still Sunday. Tomorrow, though, I've got a eting with Sonaya reps and the folks from Erald Wings about ga ratings in the U.S. Hopefully, it won't take all day. Think you can keep Mom and Sanika company while I'm gone?"
Ayumi nodded and rested her head on Zaboru's shoulder. "Mhm. I'll be fine. Sani-chan, Keiko-san, and I are already planning a girls' talk."
Zaboru chuckled. "Girls' talk, huh? What are you all going to talk about?"
Ayumi giggled. "Secret~"
After a brief pause, Ayumi asked casually, "Hey, Zabo. What do you think about guys having multiple girlfriends?"
Zaboru blinked. "Huh? Where did that co from?"
She shrugged. "Just wondering. I an, you're handso, smart, crazy talented, and you've got that mysterious cool vibe and insane charm. Total chick magnet."
Zaboru laughed and shook his head. "Ayumi, you know exactly who I am. Rember back then, before we were dating? You were the one always flirting with first, dropping hints left and right. But did I act on it? No. Did I notice? Obviously. I just didn't act on it because I wasn't interested at the ti. Not until you actually told how you felt. That's when it mattered. You're the only one I want—and that's already more than enough for ."
Ayumi giggled. "Hehe, yeah, that's what makes you so attractive. You're not the kind of guy who takes advantage. You're a rare one, Zabo."
She looked at him with a mischievous glint and leaned in, kissing him passionately.
Monday, 1 December 1992
The next morning, Zaboru dressed sharply in a dark blazer, slacks, and a crisp white shirt. He and his father, Zanichi, made their way to the hotel's top floor—a space Erald Wings had privately booked for a formal eting. Ryan Miller and Jas Yoel, co-founders of Erald Wings, were already waiting when the Renkonans arrived.
"Ryan, Jas, good morning," Zaboru greeted. "This is my father and ZAGE's CTO, Zanichi Renkonan."
Zanichi extended his hand. Ryan and Jas rose to shake it firmly.
"It's an honor, Mr. Renkonan," Jas said. "We've heard a lot about you."
"Likewise," Zanichi replied.
Ryan motioned toward the conference table. "Please, sit. We've got so updates you'll want to hear."
As they settled in, Ryan opened a folder and began. "There's good news. We've officially established a working group for the ga rating system here in the U.S., under the Erald Wings banner. We're calling it the ESRB—Entertainnt Software Rating Board—just like you suggested."
Zaboru nodded. "Already? That's quick. I only brought up the idea a few months ago."
"We moved fast," Ryan said. "With Sonaya's cooperation, we're building a frawork that will make the ESRB a self-regulating body. By early or mid-next year, it could beco a nationwide standard."
Jas added, "It'll help us avoid governnt involvent. We'll take responsibility and make it easier for developers to understand the expectations."
"This could change the landscape for developers," Zaboru said, clearly pleased. "Good work."
"It's nothing compared to what ZAGE has done for us," Ryan replied with a chuckle. "We owe a lot to your gas."
Zanichi gave a quiet nod. "It's smart to set up self-regulation now. Once the market expands, outside pressure will only grow."
Just then, the eting room door opened. A tall, sharply dressed man in his early fifties entered with confident steps. It was Hikaru Kurata, CEO of Sonaya, and one of the most influential figures in global electronics and entertainnt.
"Gentlen," Hikaru said with a polite bow before taking his seat at the head of the table.
"Thank you for coming, Kurata-san," Ryan said.
"I won't stay long," Hikaru replied. "You've already reviewed the ESRB proposal with Jas and Ryan. Sonaya agrees to participate as a parent company alongside ZAGE and Erald Wings."
Zaboru nodded. "We appreciate your support, Kurata-san."
Then Hikaru turned toward Zanichi with a faint smirk. "Long ti no see, Zanichi Renkonan. I see you've beco your son's subordinate."
Hikaru Kurata definitely knew Zanichi Renkonan well—the forr head of Sonaya's gaming departnt and the mastermind behind the developnt of the Sonaya console MGB (Mugen Ga Box), seeing it through from planning to release.
Zaboru narrowed his eyes slightly, but before he could speak, Zanichi chuckled.
"Maybe. But my son's company might soon outgrow Sonaya, Kurata-san."
Hikaru's smirk faded. "Is that so? Don't forget, Sonaya is more than just gas. We dominate in hardware, music, and broadcasting. Don't assu one strong season will shake that."
Ryan and Jas exchanged uneasy glances.
"Please, let's stay focused," Jas interjected.
"Agreed," Hikaru replied, the tension between him and Zanichi montarily cooling.
The rest of the eting moved forward smoothly. Fraworks were reviewed, potential rating categories discussed, and organizational roles outlined. By the end, the three companies had signed an informal agreent to cooperate. ESRB would begin developnt as a joint initiative, with pilot testing to begin in early 1993.
As the eting concluded, Hikaru stood and adjusted his suit. "I'll leave the rest to you. I have a flight back to Tokyo tomorrow morning."
"Safe travels," Zanichi said.
After he left, the atmosphere in the room noticeably relaxed. Ryan turned to Zaboru. "By the way, once the ESRB rollout starts, we definitely need to talk about a potential ZAGE event in the U.S."
"Sounds good," Zaboru replied.
The group then headed to the Erald Wings headquarters nearby to discuss logistics, localization strategies, and ZAGE's next wave of international releases.
The day was just getting started.
To be continued.
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