ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡•𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⚫𝙣𝙚𝙩
Saturday, March 15, 1992, Zaboru continued working through the weekend as usual. With the March release approaching and the global launch of ZEPS on the horizon, his schedule was busier than ever. He dedicated nearly all his time to work, often returning home as late as 11 or even midnight. His mother constantly worried about him, but he reassured her that he was just catching up on rest at the office. Of course, that wasn't entirely true—his body's enhanced stamina from his Enlightenment abilities, a perk as reincarnator allowed him to function with minimal sleep. But that was something he couldn't exactly explain to her.
As he was buried in his tasks, his office phone rang. He picked it up with his usual greeting. "Hello, Zaboru Renkonan speaking."
A familiar voice came from the other end. "Zaboru, this is Toki. I have confirmation from my brother at Hakushensha. He's interested in meeting you at his office. Can you do it now? I'll pick you up in my car."
Zaboru considered it for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Toki-san. I'll wait at my office."
"Great, I'll be there soon."
Hanging up, Zaboru quickly organized his desk, tidying up the scattered papers. Not long after, Toki arrived in his car. As soon as he pulled up, he gestured for Zaboru to hop in. "Let's go."
On the way to Hakushensha, Zaboru turned to Toki. "So, does your brother plan on giving ZAGE the green light to publish our own magazine?"
Toki smirked. "Well, he's definitely interested, but he wants to hear what ZAGE expects from Hakushensha first. Then, he'll give his decision."
"Fair enough." Zaboru grin.
Not long after, they arrived at Hakushensha's office. A man was sitting outside the entrance, waiting for them. Toki parked the car and stepped out, giving a casual wave. "Yo, bro. Here's the ZAGE boss, Zaboru Renkonan."
Zaboru smiled and extended his hand. "Zaboru Renkonan, pleased to meet you, Mr...?"
The man shook his hand firmly. "Tomizawa Bakurou. Just call me Tomi, Ren-san."
Zaboru nodded. "Alright, Tomi-san. Shall we get to business?"
Tomizawa gestured toward the building. "Let's go inside."
Inside the office, they made their way to the meeting room. As soon as they were seated, Tomizawa wasted no time. "Let's cut to the chase, Ren-san. What exactly do you want from Hakushensha? Do you plan to buy us out and discard my employees?"
Zaboru raised an eyebrow. Just as Toki had mentioned, his brother deeply cared about his employees. That wasn't a bad thing—it meant he valued loyalty.
"Not at all, Tomi-san. I have no intention of restructuring Hakushensha or laying off employees. What I want is for Hakushensha to become ZAGE's official magazine and book-related publishing company. ZAGE will provide content and materials for a monthly magazine, highlighting major news and updates in the gaming world. Additionally, there's a high chance that ZAGE will start producing its own manga in the future. If that happens, I want Hakushensha to be our official publisher. Once we finalize the deal, ZAGE will inject capital into Hakushensha, but we won't interfere with its internal structure."
Tomizawa leaned back in his chair, processing the proposal. He drummed his fingers against the table, deep in thought. Then, without hesitation, he nodded. "Deal."
Both Zaboru and Toki were taken aback. "Just like that, Tomi-san?"
Tomizawa grinned. "Yeah. We've been struggling lately, and I can't let my employees end up jobless. Most of them aren't young anymore, but I can vouch for their skill and dedication. If you're offering financial stability while keeping my team intact, I don't see a reason to refuse."
Zaboru smiled. "That was fast. You really do care about your employees, huh? I respect that. If they're as loyal to you as you are to them, I think Hakushensha will be a strong partner for ZAGE."
He leaned forward. "I'll inform my legal team, and we'll have a contract ready by Friday next week. How does that sound?"
Tomizawa nodded. "That works for me."
Then, with a grin, he stood up. "Enough business talk. Let's go grab some food. My treat. But don't expect anything fancy—it's just a cheap yakiniku place."
Zaboru chuckled. "I don't mind at all. Cheap yakiniku often has the best flavor."
Toki crossed his arms. "Hey, what about me? You're not going to invite your own brother?"
Tomizawa snorted. "Like hell you'd say no to free food."
Laughter filled the room as the three made their way to the restaurant, sealing the start of their partnership over a table full of grilled meat.
Over plates of sizzling beef and cold beer, the conversation turned more casual. Tomizawa, now visibly more relaxed, leaned back in his chair. "You know, Ren-san, I was actually worried at first. I thought you might be some corporate hotshot and arrogant Young-Master looking to turn Hakushensha into just another cog in a machine."
Zaboru smirked. "I get that a lot. But to me, games and entertainment are more than just business. They're an experience, something that should be created with passion. That's why I want Hakushensha as a partner, not just another acquisition."
Tomizawa studied him for a moment before grinning. "Heh, I like that. You remind me of an old-school manga editor—someone who actually cares about the work, not just the numbers."
Toki, chewing on a piece of grilled meat, rolled his eyes. "Don't flatter him too much, bro, or he'll start thinking he's some kind of hero."
Zaboru laughed. "Nah, I'm just a guy who likes making things people enjoy."
Tomi laughed as he glanced at Zaboru's glass of orange juice. "You don't drink alcohol, Ren-san?"
Zaboru shook his head. "Not really. I don't like the taste, and I'd rather keep my mind clear."
Tomizawa raised an eyebrow before shrugging. "Fair enough. Everyone has their own preferences."
Tomizawa lifted his glass. "Well then, here's to a successful partnership."
They clinked their drinks together, the mood light and hopeful. The deal was done, but it was only the beginning of what could be a game-changing alliance for both ZAGE and Hakushensha. The future of gaming and manga was about to take an exciting new turn.
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