Saturday, November 23, 1991
Yoko, Ushino, and Genta stood in front of Nobuo's house, eager to hang out together and prove that Yoko wasn't lying about having met every Zabo-man in all the available ZEPS games. As they knocked on the door, Nobuo greeted them with enthusiasm.
"Hey folks, come in, come in!" he said excitedly. His mother smiled warmly at his friends and handed out snacks before leaving them space to play in the living room. Nobuo's father wasn't home, having to work overtime, which meant they had the house to themselves.
As soon as they settled down, Genta brought up an exciting topic. "Did you guys hear? ZEPS just released three new games today!"
Nobuo and Ushino's eyes widened in shock. "What!? Really!?" Nobuo exclaimed.
Yoko grinned smugly. "It's true. I even sent my butler to stand in line for me."
The three boys looked at her, clearly jealous. Ushino sighed. "Sigh, you really are an ojou-sama. So lucky..."
Yoko huffed. "What do you know? Anyway, let's play some games! I'll show you that my skills are the real deal."
Nobuo nodded. "Fine then. Oh, by the way, I actually found a hidden stage in Punch-Out!, but I'm really struggling against PACQ-man!"
Ushino nodded in understanding, and Genta added, "I've beaten PACQ-man, but I just can't get past DK Mayweather. He's way too strong!"
Yoko smirked. "Let's play those first, then. I'll show you how to beat them easily."
Nobuo eagerly started up Punch-Out!, and Yoko quickly took control of Zabo-man. With precise movements, she easily defeated PACQ-man, her reflexes flawless. The three boys watched in shock, their jaws practically hitting the floor.
"What the hell..." Nobuo muttered in disbelief.
Without missing a beat, Yoko continued, now facing DK Mayweather. Just like before, she read his moves perfectly and dismantled him with ease.
Genta practically shouted in frustration. "What!? Why!? How are you so good!?"
The three boys were now burning with curiosity about what lay beyond this stage. Their anticipation was met with laughter when the final boss appeared on the screen—Gigachad Mario.
Everyone burst into laughter—except Yoko. She remained serious, knowing that this boss was no joke.
Gigachad Mario unleashed a flurry of punches while shouting, "Ora-ora-ora!" Yoko's eyes stayed sharp as she predicted and dodged every single attack with expert precision.
The three boys could hardly believe their eyes. "I... I don't believe it. I could never beat that..." Nobuo admitted, completely in awe. Ushino and Genta nodded in agreement, thoroughly impressed.
Finally, Yoko finished the game. Zabo-man appeared on-screen, raising his fist in victory with the message: "I knew you could do it! You are cool!"
Yoko turned to them, arms crossed. "Well? Do you believe me now?"
The three boys exchanged looks before Ushino finally spoke up. "I'm sorry for underestimating you... just because you're a girl."
Genta's face turned red. "M-Me too... I think you're cool."
Nobuo nodded eagerly. "Yeah! You're cool, just like Zabo-man! Please teach us some tips and tricks to get better, Yoko-san!"
Yoko smiled triumphantly, knowing she had earned their respect. With that, they continued playing games together, and Yoko solidified her title as a true gamer girl with extraordinary skills. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵⚑𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮⚑𝓷𝓮𝓽