Saturday, 3 May 1994 – Japan
After the eting with Masami Kurumada yesterday, Zaboru wasted no ti and jumped straight back into work. Today, his full attention is on planning one of the most ambitious international expansions ZAGE has ever attempted—bringing the energy and excitent of Japanese arcade tournant culture to Arican shores. The clock is ticking, because the first-ever official ZAGE event in the United States is coming up fast, slated for mid-June. The main event? A thrilling Mortal Kombat arcade tournant.
In the U.S., Mortal Kombat isn’t just popular—it’s a cultural phenonon. It has exploded across Arican arcades, outshining even legends like Street Fighter or the hit crossover Marvel vs. ZAGE. In fact, the only arcade machine with more pull is OutRun, the imrsive sit-down racing ga that many Aricans describe as "Sci-Fi tech."
In fact, arcade gas in Arica are imnsely popular right now—similar to Japan. And just like in Japan, Arican audiences know that anything related to ZAGE ans business and is almost never disappointing. However, the taste between the two regions differs quite a bit. For example, in Japan, Captain Commando is more popular than Streets of Rage, while in Arica, it’s the opposite—even though both are ZAGE arcade titles. Another major difference is with the arcade ga 1942. In Arica, it’s extrely popular—third only to OutRun and Mortal Kombat—whereas in Japan, although it had decent sales, it never reached the sa level of hype. The gap is huge.
For 2 years, Arican ZAGE fans have watched from afar from the TV, enviously admiring the exclusive tournants and rchandise events held in Japan. They’ve written letters, and begged for the sa imrsive experience. Now, Zaboru is finally answering that call. He has officially acquired a multipurpose venue in Los Angeles, which is undergoing a full transformation into the second ZEB (ZAGE Events Building)—the first of its kind outside Japan. This new Arican ZEB will serve as a hub for tournants, fan gatherings, and new product showcases.
To make this vision a reality, Zaboru has entrusted Jas from Erald Wings, a ZAGE USA supervisor, to lead the renovation and setup process. anwhile, ZAGE USA is already laying the groundwork by organizing elimination matches. Their teams are hitting local arcades across several states, using the sa successful format ZAGE employed in Japan with Street Fighter Tournant—except this ti, The ga is Mortal Kombat.
"Hehehe... This will be a huge success, I bet—and it’ll make Arican fans happy too," Zaboru said, grinning with confidence.
Just as he was going over so final details, Zaboru was surprised by a visit from his family—his cheerful mother Keiko, his curious younger sister Sanika, and his ever-serious father Zanichi.
Zanichi shook his head with a sigh. "Boss, I know you’re a workaholic... but do you know why people love weekends? Because they’re supposed to be free from work."
Keiko chuckled and held up a tray. "Hahaha, Zaboru—don’t overdo it, okay? I brought you your favorite food."
She set the tray on his desk, and the savory aroma hit him imdiately.
"Ohh, thanks, Mom! You’re the best." He smiled brightly. There was nothing in the world that beat his mother’s ho-cooked als—not even a Michelin-star steakhouse in New York.
As Zaboru began digging in, Sanika leaned over and spotted a folder marked "USA Tournant."
"Nii-san! You’re going to the U.S. again...?"
Keiko’s smile dimd just a little. She always tried to be supportive, but every ti her son flew overseas, she couldn’t help but worry.
Zaboru noticed the shift in her expression. He gently took her hands.
"Yes, Mom, I’ll be heading there again soon. But I promise, I’ll be careful. Right, Dad?"
Zanichi nodded and wrapped an arm around Keiko. "It’s alright, love. Our son knows what he’s doing. And while he’s away, I’ll take care of everything here with ZAGE Japan."
Keiko nodded with a soft chuckle. "Just... Don’t forget to take care of yourself, Zaboru."
"I won’t," he replied.
Sanika, anwhile, scrunched her nose. "But Nii-sama, why Mortal Kombat? I don’t like that ga—it’s way too bloody!"
She had tried playing it once at a local arcade and was imdiately turned off. She was much more into Street Fighter and the colorful chaos of Marvel vs. ZAGE.
Zaboru smiled. "That’s because in the U.S., Mortal Kombat’s the top choice. It’s got a different vibe—more gritty, more violent. It just clicks with fans over there."
Zanichi nodded in agreent. "Different strokes for different folks, huh?"
"Exactly," Zaboru said.
Then, as if rembering sothing urgent, Sanika gasped. "Oh yeah! Nii-sama! You forgot to bring a souvenir last ti you went to the U.S.!"
Zaboru laughed. "Oops! My bad, hahaha."
(Of course, he didn’t forget. With his Deep Dive ability, he never forgets anything.)
Sanika pouted, folding her arms. "Hmmp!... I was really excited, you know."
Zaboru smirked. "Well, allow to make it up to you."
He reached into a drawer and pulled out a frad Yu-Gi-Oh card—a rare Dark Magician Girl, complete with a personalized engraving.
Sanika’s eyes sparkled. "What?! Dark Magician Girl?! She’s my favorite!"
She hugged the fra tightly. "Thank you, Nii-san! You’re the best!"
Zaboru nodded, feeling a warm sense of satisfaction. As his sister admired the card, his mind drifted again—to the next steps for ZAGE’s gas.
I need to start planning a Yu-Gi-Oh upgrade soon... The Yu-Gi-Oh Ani are really necessary might be the next Gundam Or Pokemon ani. The ZGB ga is already up to Malik, but the stories barely exist because of hardware limitations. So many important cards aren’t even released yet. We don’t need to rush into GX—we’ve still got ti to give Yami Yugi the spotlight he deserves.
Without the Yu-Gi-Oh! ani fans in this world will never know the true effect of "Pot of Greed," or witness the Giga Chad Joey Wheeler—Jonouchi—who nearly defeated Malik. To Zaboru, the original Yu-Gi-Oh! was peak ani, and recreating it in this world is a must.
Zaboru rembered it vividly from his previous life: playing Yu-Gi-Oh! with his friend, and Zaboru’s friend is on the verge of losing. In a dramatic flourish, his friend blasted the the "Passionate Duelist", stood up, and shouted with full power, "ORE NO TAN DORO!!" Mimicking the Yami Yugi Style—only to draw Polyrization, which is useless because he can’t fusion shit because his fusion materials were already destroyed. Zaboru laughed so hard. Good tis.
And now, he wants to bring that sa energy, that chaotic and passionate spirit, into this world.
With a deep breath, Zaboru decided to focus on spending ti with his family and then Zaboru finally relaxed and began to devour the delicious al his mother had lovingly prepared. Keiko knew him better than anyone—she had made an enormous spread, complete with all his favorite dishes, from crispy tonkatsu to miso soup and freshly stead rice. The slls alone felt like a warm embrace. Every bite brought a wave of comfort and nostalgia, and he couldn’t help but smile between mouthfuls. As he looked around the room, his heart felt full. Here he was, surrounded by his ever-supportive family—his kind mother, sharp-witted sister, and steadfast father. In that mont, with laughter echoing in the background and the clink of chopsticks filling the air, Zaboru felt truly at peace, grounded by the presence of the people who mattered most.
To be continued
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