At 22:00, Zaboru had just returned home from his office. He had spent the evening playing the newest Sonaya games, and while they were solid, he was convinced that they wouldn't be enough to override ZAGE's dominance in the video game industry. As he rode his bike home The Silver Wrecker through the quiet streets, his mind replayed the mechanics and design choices Sonaya had made, comparing them with his own company's approach. He parked his bike, stretched his arms, and entered the house.
"I'm home," Zaboru called out.
Keiko, his mother, sighed with relief. "Welcome home, honey. Your father is waiting for you in your bedroom. It seems he has something important to discuss."
Zaboru raised an eyebrow. His father rarely initiated personal discussions, let alone waited for him in his room. "Alright, Mom, I got it."
He climbed the stairs and pushed open the door to his bedroom. There, sitting comfortably in a chair, was his father, Zanichi, wearing a rare, relaxed smile. The sight was unusual—Zanichi was a man of discipline and professionalism.
"Hello, CEO," Zanichi greeted playfully. "Sorry for intruding."
Zaboru smirked and sat on the bed. "It's alright, Dad. What's up? It's unusual for you to come looking for me."
Zanichi nodded, his fingers tapping idly against the chair's armrest. "Well, did you play Sonaya's games?"
Zaboru leaned back and folded his arms. "Yeah. They're good, but not as good as ours. Still, I was surprised. I didn't expect you to be able to make that kind of video game, Dad. You're really talented."
Zanichi chuckled, his expression unreadable. "Well, I learned from the best, didn't I?" He paused for a moment, then spoke again, this time with a more serious tone. "That aside, son, I wanted to tell you—I've quit Sonaya."
Zaboru's eyes widened in shock. "Huh? You're serious? Why, Dad?"
Zanichi exhaled deeply, his gaze drifting toward the window. "I actually i`ve realize that i enjoyed making games, but the more I worked, the more I realized something—I don't want to see you as my enemy. Every time I put effort into creating a new game, I kept thinking about how you were on the other side, strategizing ways to beat me. It left a bad taste in my mouth."
Zaboru was taken aback. He hadn't expected his father to think this way. They had always been competitive in their own ways, and their professional rivalry had been an unspoken reality for years. But now, hearing it so directly, he felt a strange mix of emotions—relief, respect, and even a hint of guilt.
"So... after MGB and those four games are out, you're leaving?"
Zanichi nodded. "Yes. I made my decision, and I already submitted my resignation. My last month will be spent making sure the launch goes smoothly."
Zaboru studied his father's face carefully. He wasn't just saying this for show—Zanichi was serious. There was warmth in his eyes, a sincerity that Zaboru hadn't seen in years. He felt touched that his father valued their relationship over his career.
"But Hikaru Kurata just let you go like that?" Zaboru asked skeptically.
Zanichi chuckled. "Hikaru Kurata might be aggressive in business, but he's professional. He respects his employees' decisions. He tried to talk me out of it, but in the end, he let me go."
Zaboru leaned forward, thinking for a moment. "So... do you want to work under ZAGE, Dad?"
Zanichi raised an eyebrow, a teasing grin on his face. "You want your own father as your underling?"
Zaboru laughed. "Not an underling—more like a partner. I know how capable you are, Dad. To be honest, I'd love to have you as my CTO."
Zanichi's teasing smile softened into something more genuine. "You flatter me, son. But there's a small problem—I have a non-compete clause in my contract with Sonaya. I can't legally join ZAGE right away."
Zaboru frowned, but Zanichi smirked. "But... the clause only lasts for two months."
Zaboru's frown turned into a grin. "Oh. So if you stay jobless for a month, then join ZAGE, they can't sue you?"
"Exactly," Zanichi confirmed, chuckling. "I can take a nice, long vacation before officially stepping in."
Zaboru extended his hand. "Well then... welcome aboard, Dad. Your expertise will be a great asset to us."
Zanichi shook his son's hand firmly, his grip strong but filled with warmth. "I'm proud of you, Zaboru. I promise I'll help you and ZAGE until the very end."
At that moment, the sound of quiet sobbing reached them. Both turned toward the doorway and saw Keiko standing there, wiping tears from her eyes. "Finally, my two boys are partners, not enemies!" She rushed forward and pulled both of them into a tight embrace.
Zaboru and Zanichi exchanged a look before chuckling. "Mom, I know it's late, but I'm starving," Zaboru admitted.
Zanichi laughed. "Yeah, me too."
Keiko sniffled and smiled. "Wait here. I'll cook something quick!"
With that, the Renkonan family, except for Sanika, who was already asleep, gathered for a late-night meal, marking the beginning of a new Chapter in their lives.
To be continued... Read complete versıon only at 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭⚫𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦⚫𝘯𝘦𝘵
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