Sunday, 2 November 1993
Zaboru sat in his office, his eyes fixed on his computer screen, while Ayumi sat nearby, playing on her ZGB handheld console. She was fully immersed in Powerpuff Girls, one of ZAGE's newest titles. After a few minutes of silent gameplay, Ayumi sighed.
"Zabo, I can't believe this," she said, shaking her head with a playful pout. "You just got back from the U.S. this Friday. We haven't seen each other for almost two weeks, and now you ask me out on a date… in your office?"
Zaboru paused his work and scratched his head sheepishly. "But you said it was fine."
Ayumi laughed, setting her console aside. "Hahaha, it is fine, Zabo. But come on, it's absurd if you think about it. Any other woman would probably be furious."
Zaboru chuckled. "But not you, Ayumi. You always understand me better than anyone."
She smiled warmly and walked over to him, gently massaging his shoulders. "A little rest now and then wouldn't kill you."
Zaboru nodded with a soft smile. "True. Just… not today."
Ayumi sighed and continued to massage him, content to be close even if he was busy. The two had spent the entire morning together in his office, waiting for the much-anticipated commercial from Sonaya, scheduled to air at 11:00 a.m.
As the clock struck 11:00, Zaboru switched the television to Fuji TV. The screen flickered, and the commercial began.
The Sonaya logo appeared boldly, followed by dramatic music and a voiceover:
"Have you ever wondered if you could play arcade-quality games from the comfort of your home?"
The scene shifted to kids crowded around noisy arcade machines.
"But at home, you're stuck with clunky graphics and laggy gameplay… Until now."
Hikaru Kurata appeared on screen, dressed sharply and standing confidently. "We at Sonaya are changing that. Introducing our newest console that rivals the arcade experience—Titan Drive!"
The screen flashed with shots of the Titan Drive: sleek, black with scarlet trim, modern yet robust in design. Hikaru continued, "The Titan Drive is a revolutionary 16-bit console. It delivers true arcade-level performance and graphics—right in your living room."
Gameplay footage followed. Ultimate Brawler dazzled with fluid animations, followed by the vibrant world of Sun Knight 3.
Hikaru smirked at the camera. "Why go to the arcade, when the arcade can come to you?"
The ad continued, showing gameplay from the other launch titles and highlighting the console's speed, visuals, and sound capabilities. Finally, Hikaru concluded: "Titan Drive is now in charge."
A screen appeared showing the price: 24,000 Yen for the console, 8,000 Yen per game, and a full bundle with all four launch titles for 32,000 Yen. The launch date was set—Saturday, 8 November.
Back in the office, silence fell. Zaboru smirked while Ayumi looked visibly annoyed.
"What!? A 16-bit console? And the graphics—they're actually amazing! Ugh, it really pisses me off. That Hikaru guy seriously thinks he owns the entire industry now!" Ayumi huffed.
Zaboru chuckled calmly. "It might be a problem if ZAGE doesn't respond fast. But don't worry, I've got things under control."
Ayumi crossed her arms. "Sigh… I mean, you say it's under control, and I'm not doubting you, Zabo. But still… I kind of want to try it. That's fine, right, Zabo?"
"Hehehe, why are you asking me? Ayumi, of course it's fine! Honestly, I really want to try it too," Zaboru replied with a grin.
Ayumi narrowed her eyes and pinched his cheek. "You're the head of ZAGE. Maybe try acting like it once in a while? You should be mad—furious, even—about this ad! That's probably the whole point. I bet that Hikaru guy is doing all this just to get under your skin!"
Zaboru laughed. "What? I'm a gamer first—I can't help being excited. Besides, like I said, I've got everything under control, Ayumi."
They both laughed, continuing their playful back-and-forth, still buzzing from the Titan Drive reveal.
Meanwhile, the gaming community was ablaze. Most players are full of chatter. For once, it wasn't ZAGE at the center—it was Sonaya. Hardcore ZAGE fans were conflicted. They had always stood by Zaboru's side, but a new 16-bit console with arcade-level visuals? The temptation was strong.
One of the players thought "Should I buy it...? I mean, Sonaya does produce great games occasionally. It's not that bad, right? But... would that be betraying ZAGE?"
His friend snorted. "Betray? What betrayal! You don't owe anything to ZAGE. It's fair competition. Sonaya is leading right now with 16-bit consoles, and if ZAGE doesn't react, they'll be left behind. Me? I'm buying it for sure! Though yeah, the price is kind of steep."
Similar conversations echoed across Japan.
Sakaki, a loyal ZAGE employee, stared at a Titan Drive flyer in disbelief.
"Damn. It's the newest console. Should I… buy it? No way. What if Zaboru finds out and fires me?" He gulped. "Let's wait. Maybe tomorrow he'll make a move. He is my boss, after all."
With that, Titan Drive had officially shaken the gaming world. Its launch was no longer just a marketing event—it was a challenge.
Meanwhile, Hikaru Kurata sat comfortably in his home, sipping wine as the Titan Drive ad played on his television. He grinned with satisfaction. "Heh, just like I said, Zaboru—Sonaya is in charge now. Let's see how you respond."
Despite his confidence, Hikaru didn't underestimate Zaboru. The Zaboru he knew would never sit still after a bold move like this. He was certain Zaboru was already planning his next steps. But regardless of what came next, Hikaru was prepared for anything. What mattered most to him was that Sonaya gave it their all—and right now, that was enough.
To be continued
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