Wednesday, October 23 – Morning
After the official premiere of ZEPS, sales surged dramatically. Shinsuke, now busier than ever, was negotiating to acquire a struggling distribution company and turn it into ZAGE's official distributor. This move would ensure that ZEPS and its cartridges could reach every corner of Japan. Fortunately, Saiko Machine's exclusive focus on ZAGE orders had boosted production severalfold, ensuring a steady supply.
anwhile, Zaboru had an important appointnt with TOEI, the intellectual property holder of Kan Rider, Ultraman, and Super Sentai. His goal was to negotiate the rights to use the Super Sentai format so that ZAGE could create its own Sentai franchise. More than anything, Zaboru was determined to make a Choujin Sentai Jetman ga—his dream project. Although it wasn't the first ga he had ever played, it held a special place in his heart. In his previous life, it was the first ga he had ever bought with his own money after working part-ti just to afford it. He had loved the Jetman TV series and spent countless hours playing the ga. Now, he had a chance not only to recreate it but to improve upon it.
With that in mind, Zaboru made his way to TOEI's office to et with their representative.
eting with TOEI's Representative
Zaboru entered the eting room, where a middle-aged man was already seated across from him.
"Please, have a seat," the man gestured.
Zaboru took his seat, and the man extended his hand. "My na is Kubosawa Onigai. I'm TOEI's intellectual property lawyer."
Zaboru shook his hand with a polite smile. "Hello, Onigai-san. I'm Zaboru Renkonan, owner of ZAGE Video Ga Company."
Kubosawa smirked slightly, a hint of condescension in his expression. He clearly didn't take Zaboru seriously—perhaps unaware of ZAGE's rapid success or dismissive of the video ga industry. But Zaboru was used to such skepticism. He had learned negotiation tactics from both Shinsuke and his father, so he remained composed.
Kubosawa leaned back in his chair. "So, Renkonan-san, I understand you want to use our Super Sentai rights to develop a video ga?"
Zaboru nodded. "Yes. However, to clarify, I don't want to use existing Sentai teams. I want the rights to use Super Sentai trademarks—the transformation sequences, the colorful team format, teamwork-based combat, and the use of giant robots—but I want to create my own original Sentai franchise under ZAGE's na."
Kubosawa raised an eyebrow. "Why create your own Sentai? Are our existing Sentai teams not appealing to you? Our current series, Sun Vulcan, is performing well in TV ratings. Wouldn't it be more profitable to use a well-established brand? And why are you only interested in Super Sentai? Why not Ultraman or Kan Rider as well?"
Zaboru smiled. "TOEI's Sentai series are amazing, but I have my own creative vision for how a Sentai ga should be. It's not that I think TOEI's franchises are lacking—far from it—it's simply a matter of artistic direction. As for Ultraman and Kan Rider, I love them too, but I don't have any imdiate plans to develop gas for those franchises. At least, not yet."
Kubosawa leaned back, considering his words. "So, you only want the right to create your own Sentai ga while incorporating Super Sentai trademarks? Is this strictly for video gas, or do you plan to expand it into a TV series as well?"
"For now, I'm only interested in making video gas and possibly so short animations for promotional purposes," Zaboru explained. "If I ever decide to produce a full TV series, I will approach TOEI for collaboration."
Kubosawa nodded before stating TOEI's terms. "Very well. In exchange for licensing these elents, TOEI will take a 10% royalty from every sale of your Sentai ga. Additionally, all promotional material must clearly state that ZAGE is working in partnership with TOEI."
Zaboru recognized the value of the second condition—being officially affiliated with TOEI would boost credibility and improve sales. However, the 10% royalty was excessive.
"10% is too steep, Onigai-san," Zaboru countered. "I propose 4% instead."
Kubosawa smirked. "4%? That's practically nothing. Do you truly believe your ga will be worth so little?"
Zaboru frowned slightly but remained composed. "On the contrary, Onigai-san, 4% of my ga's sales will be a significant amount. You should be aware of how well my gas are performing."
Kubosawa chuckled. "Confident, aren't you? Fine. Let's settle this—6% with an additional clause. If your ga fails to sell 200,000 copies in a year, the rate will increase to 15%."
Zaboru smiled. "5%, and we have a deal."
Kubosawa sighed. "Fine. But if you fail, the rate increases to 20%."
Zaboru grinned. "Deal."
Kubosawa was taken aback by Zaboru's confidence. How could a re video ga sell 200,000 copies in a year? Most gas he know barely reached half that amount.
After that, Kubosawa left the room to draft the official contract. While waiting, Zaboru used TOEI's phone to call Kudou, ZAGE's official lawyer, and asked him to co to the office.
Once Kudou arrived, the finalized contract was presented. Kudou carefully reviewed it and explained the details to Zaboru. After one minor revision, Kudou gave his approval. With that, Zaboru signed the contract and shook hands with Kubosawa.
"Thank you, Onigai-san," Zaboru said.
"You too, Renkonan-san," Kubosawa replied.
As Zaboru and Kudou left the TOEI headquarters, Zaboru couldn't hide his grin. He had finally secured the rights to create the Sentai ga he had always dread of.
On the way back, Kudou glanced at him. "Boss, was all this hassle really necessary? You could have just made a Sentai-like ga with so tweaks and avoided the legal trouble."
Zaboru chuckled. "There's no need to cut corners. If we did that, we'd be making an enemy of TOEI, and that's not a fight we want in the future. It's better to establish good relationships with other companies—it increases our credibility and opens up more opportunities."
Kudou smiled. "Fair enough."
With that, their car drove toward the ZAGE office, carrying Zaboru's dreams one step closer to reality.
To be continued...
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