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Chapter 552: Zaboru Insanely Popular in the USA
🕑 Added 2025-08-01 02:16:42 +0000 UTCTuesday, 25 December 1994
After the release of Super Metroid, which went really well and sold very, very well, Metroid remained one of ZAGE’s most popular franchises.
Now, Zaboru had just arrived in America for the upcoming ZAGE GOTY event on December 28, and he had a mountain of things to prepare before the big day. The excitement in the air was palpable, but so was the pressure to ensure everything went off without a hitch. Most of the ZAGE USA employees were already on holiday — Zaboru had generously granted everyone vacation until Monday, January 5 — and he extended the same end-of-year break to both Japanese and American staff. His gesture of goodwill and appreciation made employees across both branches extremely happy and further solidified their loyalty and admiration for their boss. Working at ZAGE felt like heaven to many of them.
Zaboru liked it that way. He wasn’t interested in being stingy. In his previous life, he had endured the hardships of a salaryman barely getting by, struggling to cover even the basics. That experience shaped him — he wanted to give back. To him, the well-being of his employees was everything. A healthy, happy team was the foundation of a strong ZAGE.
Now in America with his family and girlfriend, Zaboru felt a deep sense of peace and satisfaction. The whirlwind of accomplishments and travels had brought him to this moment of quiet joy. His little sister Sanika was absolutely delighted to be in the U.S. — she had always dreamed of exploring the world, and now that dream was finally coming true. She was especially thrilled about visiting American malls, eating local snacks, and comparing arcades between Japan and the U.S., her curiosity shining with every new experience.
With a clear sense of purpose, Zaboru made his way over to the ZAGE USA office in the morning, bringing along his father, Zanichi, who had decided to accompany him because he wanted to see ZAGE USA offices.
Zanichi sighed, "Son, why are we going to the office on a holiday?"
Zaboru chuckled, "Can’t help it, Dad. It's always like this, isn’t it?"
As they stepped inside, Zaboru noticed someone already in the office. It was none other than John Carmack and John Romero, who were playing Diablo together. Zaboru blinked, surprised. “Huh? You two aren’t on holiday?”
Carmack grinned. “We are, boss. I just stopped by the office to play some games. That’s fine, right?” Romero nodded. “Yeah, we’re not working or anything.” Zaboru sighed and grinned. “It’s fine. Just don’t leave a mess, okay?.”
Zaboru then looked at their Diablo character. "Ooh, on Nightmare difficulty already?" he asked.
John Carmack grinned. "Yeah! We're halfway through, boss! We'll beat Nightmare difficulty soon!"
John Romero nodded in agreement, a focused glint in his eyes.
Zaboru smiled, then turned to his father. “Oh hey, let me introduce you. This is my father, Zanichi Renkonan, CTO of ZAGE Japan. And Dad, these are John Carmack and John Romero, senior developers here at ZAGE USA.”
Both Johns came over to shake hands with Zanichi, who nodded in approval, his expression unreadable but respectful. Carmack gave a firm, enthusiastic grip, clearly excited to meet the Zaboru father while also CTO of ZAGE Japan. Romero, always a little more relaxed, offered a warm, two-handed handshake and said, "It’s an honor, sir." Zanichi responded with a slight smile and a deep smile. "Mr. Romero , Mr Carmack" Zanichi said with good English.
After that, Zaboru went to his personal workshop in the ZAGE USA office. Moments later, Zanichi departed to return to their house in the U.S., where his wife and daughter were lounging and enjoying the peaceful American afternoon. They had pleaded with Zaboru earlier to come out sightseeing with them — to explore the city, visit tourist attractions, and maybe even try some American desserts — but he had gently declined. The ZAGE GOTY event was looming, and he had a thousand details to manage. He couldn’t afford to be distracted now,
Later that afternoon, feeling a bit hungry and in need of a mental break, Zaboru stepped outside to grab something to eat. The crisp winter air was refreshing as he made his way down a quiet nearby street, his eyes scanning for a bakery or convenience store. He was dressed casually, wearing only a hat for cover, opting to forgo his usual mask since he thought it would be a quick, uneventful outing. But just as he reached a small corner shop and was about to step inside to buy some bread, a sudden gust of wind swept through the street and blew his hat clean off his head, sending it tumbling down the sidewalk.
As he picked it up, someone gasped.
“Oh my God! Is that Zaboru Renkonan!?”
Zaboru froze.
More people began rushing toward him. "Oh my God, it’s really him!" someone cried out in disbelief. Within seconds, a small crowd had formed, buzzing with excitement.
"Zaboru!" shouted a beautiful girl, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I’m your biggest fan! Do you want my number? I’m free tonight!"
Another fan, holding up a ZGB Handheld, pushed forward. "Please, sign this! I love ZAGE games very much!!"
Yet another held up his Guitar Hero album. "Zaboru! This track is my personal favorite!. Can you autograph it?"
The crowd grew rapidly, filled with people of all ages — teens, adults, even a couple of older fans waving enthusiastically. Many trying to get a closer look, calling out everything from praise for his music to admiration for his game design.
Zaboru, stunned, glanced around at the sea of faces He had become a magnet of attention, completely unprepared for the spontaneous fame storm that had descended on him in an otherwise quiet American neighborhood.
Zaboru thought, “Oh shit, why is this happening? Usually, no one recognizes me this fast…”
What he didn’t realize was that his popularity in the U.S. had exploded to astronomical levels. His Guitar Hero album tracks weren’t just doing well — they had shot up the charts, ranking among the top songs in the country and dominating radio play. Music stores featured his records in the front window, and late-night hosts mentioned him in their monologues. He many people also aware that he is the youngest billionaire owner of ZAGE a title that fascinated both fans and journalists alike and his charming young face also make ladies fans went crazy or maybe they just want his money? who knows.
As he stood there, people of all backgrounds crowded around, clamoring for autographs. Some thrust copies of his Guitar Hero album toward him, others brought their cherished ZGB handheld consoles, waving them eagerly in the air. Even a couple of kids held out paper scraps and napkins, desperate for his signature. Zaboru, overwhelmed but determined to oblige, signed them all with a strained but courteous smile, his hand moving quickly as more and more fans poured in from the surrounding streets.
Then, suddenly, he bowed his head and sprinted away. He ran with astonishing speed, weaving expertly through the crowd as if he'd trained for this moment his whole life. Fans lunged toward him, some shouting his name, others holding out merch in a frenzy — but none could match his pace. It was as if the wind itself carried him forward.
After several blocks of relentless running, Zaboru finally found a quiet alley tucked between two small shops. Breathing hard, heart pounding, he leaned against the wall and took a moment to compose himself. The sounds of the crowd faded behind him.
He reached into his coat pocket, pulled out sunglasses, a mask, and put his hat back on — disguising himself once again. He peeked out to make sure the coast was clear and then slipped down a different street, taking the long way back to ZAGE USA headquarters.
Inside, he sighed deeply, rubbing his temples.
"I didn’t expect I’d become this popular… I only released those songs for Guitar Hero Arcade, just as a fun side project," he muttered, rubbing his temples. "But it seems everyone loves them" He sighed, a mix of disbelief and fatigue. Still, the idea of riding the wave of fame through concerts, appearances, or celebrity interviews didn’t sit right with him. That path felt hollow, distracting. He simply didn’t have the time — games were his priority. Crafting worlds, refining mechanics, and pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling — that was where his true passion lay.
"Damn, I'm still hungry..." Zaboru muttered to himself, clutching his stomach. He don't have time to bought a bread!. Just then, a familiar car pulled up beside him — it was none other than his family. His mother stepped out, holding a large lunchbox, her warm smile instantly lifting his spirits.
"Zaboru! I brought you some food," she said, approaching with a gentle glow of love and care.
Zaboru was so overwhelmed he nearly teared up. "Mom... you're my angel," he whispered, voice thick with gratitude Sanika laugh seeing his brother almost cry when her mom bring food.
She handed him the meal — crispy fried chicken, perfectly steamed rice, and a warm bowl of miso soup, all lovingly prepared. Zaboru sat down on a nearby bench, his heart swelling with emotion as he devoured every bite. Each mouthful was pure heaven. "Mom's food is the best!" he shouted with unrestrained joy. Keiko giggled sweetly, while Zanichi let out a soft sigh and Sanika burst into cheerful laughter.
To be continued
