Thursday, 13 November 1992
After the meeting with Bill Gates that afternoon, Zaboru returned to His workshop at ZAGE and continued working late into the evening. He was reviewing ad drafts for the new arcade cabinets, preparing for the full rollout in Bakudan and Dream Catcher arcades and prep for Warcarft and November release. Despite the day's events, his focus remained razor-sharp—until a knock came at his office door.
It was Ayumi.
She looked unsettled, hesitant. Her brows furrowed as she stepped into the room.
"Zabo..."
Zaboru immediately sensed something was wrong. He set aside his work. "What is it, Ayumi? Is something bothering you?"
Ayumi nodded, sitting across from him. "It's my father Zabo. He changed. He apologized to me, Zaboru. He cried and knelt in front of me. I think he genuinely deserves a second chance. And now... he wants to apologize to you too. In front of the entire Hamazou clan."
Zaboru raised an eyebrow, surprised. Then a small smile tugged at his lips.
"That's a good thing, Ayumi. I'm glad you forgave him. No matter what he did, he's still your father. And of course, I forgive him too. So... I guess that means I don't need to go to the Hamazou HQ, right?"
Ayumi quickly reached out, taking his hand. Her eyes pleaded with him.
"No! Please... I need you to come. It means a lot to him. And to me."
Zaboru sighed, shaking his head with a smile. "Alright, alright. Let's go."
Ayumi's car arrived shortly after, driven by her loyal butler, Junjou. The ride was quiet, reflective. As they approached the towering Hamazou estate, Zaboru could feel the shift in atmosphere. The headquarters had always carried the weight of legacy and tension, but tonight... something felt different.
They were escorted to the main hall. Already gathered were the key members of the Hamazou family:
When Zaboru and Ayumi arrive there are already a bunch of Hamazou family sitting around. Azai Hamazou, the clan patriarch. His wife, Minami. Abarai Hamazou the tactician and Akira elder brother. Kyoko, Ayumi's mother. Akechi, her quiet , stoic , scary and imposing brother. And Asumi, the playful and mischievous older sister.
Akira stood in the center of the room, facing the family with rare solemnity.
Azai, sitting at the head, looked at his son. "So, Akira. I understand you asked for this meeting to make things right with young Zaboru. Let's hear it."
Abarai and Akechi exchanged glances but remained tense, their eyes locked on Akira with silent wariness. They knew firsthand how unpredictable and ferocious their brother could be. The thought lingered that he might take this moment to lash out, to reject reconciliation and strike Zaboru instead. Ayumi stood slightly behind Zaboru, watching her father intently, her hands clenched. Around them, a quiet crowd of Hamazou affiliates held their breath, sensing the weight of what was to come.
Zaboru stepped forward, locking eyes with Akira.
"Zaboru..." Akira began, his voice tight. He clenched his fists and made to kneel.
But before his knee touched the ground, Zaboru reached out and stopped him.
"Don't," Zaboru said. "That's not my style. If you want to apologize, say it like a man. Standing."
Akira blinked, caught off-guard. But then, with a deep breath, he nodded.
The entire Hamazou family was stunned. To see Akira—the fierce, prideful Ashura of the clan—attempt to kneel and humble himself in front of Zaboru was unthinkable. It wasn't just a gesture; it was proof that Akira had truly changed.
"Zaboru, I'm sorry for what I did. For attacking you, want to kill you , for judging you. I let my temper and pride blind me. But no more. I want to change. I want to become a father that Ayumi can be proud of. Before it's too late."
The room was silent.
Then, Zaboru smiled. "Apology accepted, Akira-san. And don't worry about the past. I never hated you. I'm just glad you're choosing a different path now. Everyone deserves a second chance."
Ayumi wiped a tear from her eye. Akechi smiled faintly.
Akira stared at Zaboru in disbelief. He had braced himself for rejection or a cold rebuke. But instead...
He smirked and extended his hand. "You've got guts, Zaboru. And with this, you have my blessing to date Ayumi. There's no one better for her. I'm proud of you. Call me Akira or Father if you want i allowed it."
Zaboru took his hand firmly. "Maybe not just yet, Akira-san. But thank you. And hey, maybe you can share your training regime sometime. I could use a few tips. Your punch really something else."
Akira laughed. "Deal, Zabo."
As the tension in the room dissolved into smiles and relief, Asumi wasted no time jumping in. "Yuhu! Happy ending!" she squealed, bounding over and wrapping her arms around Zaboru in a celebratory hug. "Now it's party time! And Zaboru, you're drinking with us tonight no excuses!"
Ayumi immediately pulled her off. "Back off, Asumi-nee. He's mine."
Asumi pouted. "Eh? But isn't two better than one? Right, Zaboru?" Asumi wink to Zaboru
Zaboru chuckled. "Not in this case. One is perfect. And as for drinking, I prefer to keep my mind sharp. I don't enjoy the feeling of being clouded."
Ayumi hugged him proudly, while Akira smirked at the scene.
Azai finally stood. "Alright! Let's celebrate this properly. But Zaboru's not drinking alcohol. And you, Akira, keep your glass dry tonight too."
Akira groaned. "Oh come on, Father. Just a few sips won't hurt. Besides, you're the one who's supposed to avoid alcohol, not me."
Azai laughed heartily. "How can we not drink on a night like this!? Bring the liquor! Let's make this celebration one to remember!"
The clan burst into laughter. Even the usually silent Akechi let out a small chuckle.
As the night carried on, the Hamazou estate was filled with music, food, and a warmth that had long been absent. For the first time in years, there was no lingering threat, no tension of politics or blood feuds. Just family.
And at the heart of it was Zaboru Renkonan—a teenager who, without realizing it, had helped heal one of Japan's most dangerous and fractured families.
The Ashura of Hamazou had laid down his fists.
And a new chapter for him began to become a better person for his daughter.
To be continued…
AN : I hope you dont hate this chapter hahaha. I just love when evil characters have character development in story.
Please give me your power stone and if you want to support me and get 11 advance chapter for 3 bucks considering subscribe to my patreon patreon.com/Zaborn_1997
Also Join my discord if you want https://discord.gg/jB8x6TUByc