The sun had barely risen when Zaboru approached his father, who was in the garden meticulously trimming his bonsai trees. "Dad, can I borrow the truck today? I need to pick up a load of materials to build four more ZAS machines," he said, his voice full of determination.
Zanichi looked up from his work, a mixture of amusement and pride on his face. "Four more already? You're really diving into this, huh?" He wiped his hands on a towel and handed Zaboru the keys. "Alright, but drive carefully. I don't want any scratches on my truck."
"Thanks, Dad!" Zaboru grinned, grabbing the keys and running to the vehicle, his excitement evident.
The drive to the electronics store was filled with thoughts of the task ahead. Zaboru knew this week would be grueling, but he thrived on challenges. Pulling into the store's parking lot, he quickly grabbed a cart and began his usual routine, navigating the aisles with the efficiency of someone who knew exactly what he needed. Read complete versıon only at 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡⁂𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⁂𝙣𝙚𝙩
As he piled components—circuit boards, wires, controllers, and wood panels—onto the counter, Hinoko, the cheerful cashier, raised an eyebrow. "Back again, Zaboru? You weren't kidding when you said you'd need more supplies! What's the big project this time?"
Zaboru offered a knowing smile. "You'll see soon, Hino-san. I'll bring you something to try out when it's ready."
Hinoko laughed. "I'll hold you to that!"
The total came to 152,000 yen, leaving Zaboru with just under 185,000 yen in his savings. After the store employees helped load the materials into the truck, he drove home, already planning how he would tackle the week ahead.
Back at the house, Zaboru unloaded the supplies into his garage, which had transformed into a chaotic but functional workshop. He stood amidst stacks of components and tools, taking a deep breath. "Alright, let's do this."
The first day was spent dismantling and testing the used TVs he'd previously purchased. Each screen needed to be modified to fit the ZAS machine frames. Hours passed as he carefully adjusted the casings, testing each screen to ensure no glitches. By the time he finished, the floor was littered with cables and plastic shards, but the screens were ready.
The second day brought the challenge of building the frames. Zaboru measured and cut wood panels with precision, using his father's DIY tools. The whirring of the circular saw filled the garage as he crafted sturdy, sleek structures. He then sanded and painted the frames in vibrant colors, adorning them with hand-drawn illustrations of iconic characters like Mario and Pac-Man. Each design was unique, a testament to Zaboru's artistic side.
On the third day, Zaboru tackled the most complex part: wiring and circuitry. With steady hands, he soldered connections, tested voltage, and ensured the systems were secure. Every wire had a purpose, and he double-checked each one before moving on. The repetitive but meticulous work left his eyes strained, but by the end of the day, the internal systems were functioning perfectly.
The fourth day focused on integrating the custom controllers and coin mechanisms. Zaboru tested different setups to find the perfect configuration. The controllers were responsive, designed to mimic console gaming while maintaining the arcade feel. Meanwhile, the coin systems were calibrated to accept 5-yen coins seamlessly, triggering the three-lives mechanic he'd implemented.
On the fifth day, he loaded his games into the machines. Using his custom coding system, Zaboru installed Donkey Kong, Mario Bros., Pac-Man, and Super Mario Bros. Each game was tested extensively to ensure smooth gameplay and captivating visuals. Adjusting difficulty levels and ironing out minor bugs consumed the entire day.
The final day was reserved for assembly and quality control. Zaboru secured the screens and controllers into the frames, meticulously aligning every component. When the last screw was tightened, he powered up each machine, holding his breath as they came to life. Testing each game one last time, he smiled in satisfaction as everything worked flawlessly.
By the end of the sixth day, Zaboru stood in his garage, surrounded by four gleaming ZAS machines. His hands were calloused, his back ached, but the pride he felt made it all worthwhile. "Done," he whispered to himself. "Now to deliver these and take the next step."
Picking up the phone, he called Toki, who answered after just two rings. "Hello?"
"Toki-san, it's Zaboru. The ZAS machines are ready."
Toki's voice was filled with surprise and excitement. "Already? Kid, you don't mess around, do you? Alright, I'll have the space cleared for them. Bring them over tomorrow!"
Zaboru grinned, gripping the phone tightly. "Thank you, Toki-san. I'll bring them first thing in the morning."
As he hung up, a wave of relief washed over him. The week had been exhausting, but this was just the beginning of his journey. Tomorrow, the world would get its first taste of the ZAS.