Another world Game Developers in Japan`s 1991

Tuesday, December 17, 1991

Two weeks had passed since Zaboru hired Yumi Ichijou as his secretary, and she had adjusted well to her new role. She respected the boundaries he had set, particularly his rule that she wasn't allowed inside his personal workspace. Zaboru found her efficiency commendable. Meanwhile, he continued preparations for the next two major ZAGE releases, SpongeBob and Z-Man, slated for January.

During these two weeks, Ayumi had visited him twice—once each week. Despite Zaboru's busy schedule, she didn't mind spending their time together at the ZAGE offices. She found it fascinating to watch him at work and took every opportunity to learn from him. Their relationship was progressing smoothly, even if their dates often consisted of game development discussions.

That morning, Zaboru sat at his desk, casually sketching some game concept art while awaiting an expected guest. Hikaru Kurata, the CEO and major shareholder of Sonaya, had scheduled a visit. The news of Kurata's impending visit had reached him earlier in the week, and now he was curious about the motives of the man behind what would soon be ZAGE's greatest rival.

When the time arrived, Zaboru left his office and walked toward the reception area to personally greet him. Hikaru Kurata, an imposing figure in the business world, had arrived alone, leaving his driver waiting outside.

Zaboru extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Kurata-san. I'm Zaboru Renkonan, the owner of ZAGE."

Kurata smiled as he shook Zaboru's hand. "Likewise, Zaboru Renkonan. Can I just call you Zaboru? I know your father, after all."

Zaboru smirked. "That's fine, Kurata-san. Anyway, would you like to head straight to my office, or are you interested in a brief tour?"

Kurata's lips curled into a subtle smile. "A tour? That sounds interesting. Let's go."

With that, Zaboru led him through ZAGE's two-floor office. While not as large or extravagant as Sonaya's headquarters, it was well-organized and efficient. As they moved from department to department, Zaboru explained each team's function and the company's workflow. Kurata, however, remained mostly quiet, occasionally nodding as he analyzed the workspace. Internally, he wasn't particularly impressed.

'Not too remarkable. I had my expectations set too high,' Kurata thought to himself.

Once the tour concluded, the two entered Zaboru's office and took their seats. Without hesitation, Zaboru got straight to the point. "Kurata-san, I have to ask—what is your real reason for visiting my company?"

Kurata grinned. "Oh, nothing much. Just curiosity about the young entrepreneur who refuses to take investments from major investors. Is it ego or confidence?"

Zaboru raised an eyebrow. "How do you know about that?"

Kurata chuckled. "I know everything, Zaboru."

That much was true. Zaboru had rejected numerous investors to maintain full control of ZAGE, refusing to let it become a public company. It was a decision most business leaders would never make, and Kurata was clearly intrigued.

Kurata leaned back in his chair. "To be honest, I find this office… too lax."

Zaboru frowned slightly. "Lax or not, that's not really your concern, Kurata-san. My employees complete their work efficiently while also having the freedom to rest when needed. As long as they get their jobs done, the details of how they do it aren't important."

Kurata's expression darkened slightly. As an advocate of Japan's rigid work culture, he despised people like Zaboru—those who disregarded traditional corporate structures.

"Let me give you some advice, Zaboru," Kurata said firmly. "This kind of system will collapse under its own weight."

Zaboru smirked, his confidence unwavering. Kurata had never been an employee in his life—he had inherited his company, while Zaboru had built his from scratch. In his previous life, Zaboru had experienced every side of corporate life, from the struggles of an overworked employee to the realities of bad office culture. That was precisely why he had designed ZAGE's flexible yet disciplined work environment.

"That might be true, or it might not be," Zaboru replied coolly. "Either way, I don't think it's your concern."

Kurata narrowed his eyes. "You know, I started as an entrepreneur at your age too. I was 16 when I took over Sonaya as its CEO. I understand your mindset—you think you're a visionary, trying to change the system. But let me tell you, that's not how it works. Sometimes, existing systems remain because they work."

Zaboru let out a short laugh. "Maybe some of them do. But you and I are nothing alike, Kurata-san. You inherited your company. I built mine from scratch. We are not the same."

Kurata's forehead twitched slightly, but he remained composed. "Fine then, Zaboru. Enjoy your time at the top of the gaming industry. Because once Sonaya fully enters the market, ZEPS will be nothing but a relic of the past. And ironically, it'll be your father who destroys it."

Zaboru met his gaze with a calm smile. "I look forward to an exciting rivalry, Kurata-san. That is, if Sonaya can even hold onto its gaming division after losing to ZAGE every time."

Kurata was momentarily stunned before he let out a deep chuckle. Zaboru was bold, annoyingly so—but Kurata respected that. It was rare to meet someone who didn't cower in the presence of a major industry figure like himself.

Standing up, Kurata extended his hand. "Heh. You've got guts, Zaboru. I like that. Anyway, thanks for the talk, but I must be on my way."

Zaboru shook his hand. "The pleasure was mine, Kurata-san."

With that, Zaboru escorted him to the entrance, where Kurata stepped into his car and departed.

As the car drove through the streets of Tokyo, Kurata leaned back in his seat, deep in thought.

Hikaru Kurata has a special intuition. He often knows the specs of people he talks to or walks near just by being close to them. When he gets near and interacts with Zaboru, Zaboru shows an unbelievable aura around him.

'Zaboru, huh? He's good. Unbelievably good. I can't believe he's only 17—it's unreal. Sonaya will need to step up its game before this kid unleashes his true potential.'

With that, he turned his gaze out the window as he headed back to his office.

To be continued…

*Author note : The game section will back later!, i`ve just want to introduce ZAGE rival properly , and how they will interact in future. Anyway Power stones! , i don`t think my novel will ever reach top of the rank on webnovel LoL! , most of top ranker , have hot female as cover or harem in it , while my fics doesn't have those, anyway i don`t care that much to be honest , and i actually want to change my mind about this novel patreon in future , anyway enjoy the chapter!*

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