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Chapter 540: Z&Z Preparation for Guitar Hero
🕑 Added 2025-07-26 02:52:55 +0000 UTCFriday, 3 November 1993, Night
Zaboru and the Zankoku Band are right now in the Zankoku Band studio, and the band members have just finished training for today. All the personnel are tired.
The drummer, Kingo Hashi, is covered in sweat. “Huh! This is tiring but insane at the same time! Though I don’t understand shit about English songs!” He wipes his forehead, a grin spreading across his face despite his exhaustion, feeling the rush of the intense practice. Jun Hasegawa chuckles; he’s playing bass, fingers still lightly plucking the strings, and can speak English, also serving as backup vocalist. “To be honest, the songs are insane, boss.” His voice carries a note of admiration, clearly impressed by the energy and complexity of the setlist.
Masashi Nishikiyama, who plays the keyboard piano, sighs. “Yeah, it’s really insane.”
Miki, the female lead vocalist, says, “Honestly, Boss Zaboru, these songs — I think all of them are very different. How did you even manage that, creating all this? I mean, it’s like every song has its own soul.” Her voice carries a mix of wonder and admiration, her eyes shining with genuine curiosity.
Zaboru, who is still not tired at all, chuckles softly. He can’t tell them that these aren’t his original creations — instead, he’s simply recreating songs from artists in his previous life. Because of this, he doesn’t want to brag or take credit, so he just flashes a playful grin and says the iconic words from a famous game developer named Todd: “Well, it just works.” Then he laughs, the sound light and effortless, making the whole band smile at his modest charm.
The whole team laughs with him. The Zankoku Band is well aware that their abilities have been improving remarkably under Zaboru’s guidance, and they genuinely see him as an exceptional teacher — which is no exaggeration. Thanks to the unique Aura of Influence that surrounds Zaboru, their learning speed and the depth of their improvement have been soaring, similar to what’s happening with the ZAGE game developers. Beyond just technique, the band feels their confidence and creativity expanding, unlocking new levels of performance they hadn’t thought possible before. Every rehearsal feels not just like practice, but like a breakthrough moment, leaving them eager for what’s next.
Zaboru then changes the topic. “Anyway, are you all ready to record the video clips for each of the songs here in our Guitar Hero album?”
Miki’s eyes widened. “All of them?”
Zaboru nods. “Well, it’s just us playing the songs, but the detailed clips will be slightly edited…”
Jun Hasegawa smiles. “I thought you didn’t want to record any video clips of your songs, boss?”
Zaboru smiles. “Well, this album is different, hehe.” Zaboru wants these songs to become famous so the Guitar Hero arcade game can increase in popularity.
Zaboru then says with a confident grin, “Well, we’ll start recording the video clips this Sunday, okay? Tomorrow, we’ll do a live performance at ZEB for ZAGE employees and your friends too.” His voice carries an infectious energy, making the whole room buzz with anticipation.
Zaboru chuckles. He had planned all of this carefully, preparing not just the setlist but also a visual template of the songs to share. ZAGE employees are free to attend, and word has spread, creating a buzz of anticipation inside the company. Zaboru has also invited Akechi and several other top video game developers from across Japan, knowing their presence would add to the excitement. He’s even reached out to Ryan Miller, Risa Miller, and James Yoel, personally inviting them with a warm message. Moreover, the team from ZAGE USA — his employees overseas — were thrilled when Zaboru offered to cover their travel expenses. The gesture made them feel valued and part of something special. As a result, ZAGE USA officially paused work starting Friday, giving the team a two-day trip to attend the concert. Many of them are brimming with excitement, seeing this not just as a company event, but as a once-in-a-lifetime experience they couldn’t wait to witness.
Zaboru also said these are songs of rock and metal, so those who love the genre are clearly excited to come. He’s even invited Hikaru Kurata and Junpei Hoshida too — they will come out of curiosity, and besides, Kurata has long been a devoted fan of metal and rock-and-roll. The thought of seeing Zaboru perform live sparked a rare excitement and resentment in Kurata, who even dusted off an old leather jacket from his youth. Junpei, on the other hand, felt both intrigued and slightly intimidated, wondering what kind of show awaited them and eager to experience something beyond the usual game development world and Junpei has always been Zaboru fan.
Saturday 4 November 1993 Evening.
The ZEB is already filled with people, and there are also many gamers outside who are curious about it. “What is it? Is ZAGE throwing a new event?” many of them wonder aloud, exchanging excited whispers. Though they can’t go inside because this event is reserved strictly for ZAGE employees and invited guests, the air outside is electric with anticipation. Groups gather near the entrance, some trying to catch glimpses through the windows, others simply waiting to hear the music spill into the streets. Despite not having tickets, many people stay, eager to be part of the atmosphere and see what this secretive, buzzworthy event is all about.
Meanwhile, inside the ZEB — the ZAGE Event Building in Japan — the atmosphere is electric. Many people are excited, especially those who love rock and metal, because Zaboru said he would be singing the entire new Z&Z album. Even Sanika is excited — she actually doesn’t dislike metal music and finds herself caught up in the buzz. Ryan grinned, adjusting his studded wristbands. “Can’t believe the boss has a concert!” he said, wearing a full metal outfit that made him look like he belonged on stage himself. James chuckled, his leather jacket gleaming under the lights. “Hell yeah!” he cheered, also decked out in rock-and-roll gear, his excitement barely contained. Risa Miller, curious and smiling, tilted her head. “I wonder if he’s good…” she murmured, eyes glinting with anticipation.
Ryan smiled. “You have no idea!” He actually glimpses what Zaboru is capable off while playing guitar and Zaboru is really good!.
Zaboru and the Zankoku Band then came onto the stage, and the ZAGE employees and invited guests erupted into cheers and screams. Zaboru was wearing fitted jeans and a sleeveless black leather jacket with subtle silver studs that glinted under the stage lights, exuding effortless rockstar charisma. The rest of Z&Z were also dressed in edgy rock outfits, each carrying their own style but blending perfectly as a band. Ayumi almost passed out seeing Zaboru on stage; his tousled hair, confident smile, and commanding presence made him look so dreamy, her heart pounding with excitement.
Zaboru grinned and said to the audience, “Everyone! Thank you for coming. Right now, we — Z&Z — will show you our newest album called Guitar Hero!” His voice boomed with infectious excitement, his grin wide as the crowd roared in response. Instantly, the ZAGE team from America perked up — they were familiar with the name because they were currently developing the arcade game project of the same name, and now, seeing it tied to this electrifying live event, their anticipation shot through the roof soon they will know what will songs that included on guitar hero arcade game!.
Zaboru grinned again and said, “Our first song! Let’s open with a blast — first song, Safari Song!”
Then, Zaboru quickly played the guitar riff and started screaming, “AHHHHHHHHH YEAHHH!” Then he began to sing:
Oh lady when ya come on down
Won't ya come on down
I said to my town
Oh mama when ya come on down
Won't ya come on down
I said to my home
Oo lady won't you move my way
Can't ya move my way
I'm getting hazy
Oh mama when you give your lovin'
When you give your love
You drive me crazy
Ah mama what you gonna do
With all that love in your heart
Ah mama what you gonna say
About that love in your heart
Oh mama when you walk this way
Why don't you give some lovin'
Oo mama what you gonna do
With all that lovin' in your heart
The song continued! Zaboru winked at Ayumi, and Ayumi’s face turned bright red — her heart pounded so hard she thought she might faint from excitement, realizing the lyrics were meant for her. Meanwhile, Ryan and James were headbanging with wild enthusiasm. “This is like a Led Zeppelin song!” Ryan shouted over the music, his face lit up with pure joy. James nodded eagerly, grinning from ear to ear. “Such insanity!” he yelled, his hands mimicking an invisible guitar as they both lost themselves in the moment.
Meanwhile, Zaboru’s secretary, Yumi Ichijo, was banging her head too — she truly loved the songs, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Yumi had always been a die-hard fan of Western rock and metal, and tonight she felt completely in her element, swept away by the music and the energy of the crowd.
After Z&Z finished the first song, the concert continued with another eight songs from the Guitar Hero album — Hysteria, Bodies, Animal I Have Become, Seven Nation Army, Emerald Sword, Cowboy From Hell, Black Parade, and Enter Sandman. Each track brought the crowd to life in new ways, with waves of singing, headbanging, and cheers echoing through the venue. The band members pushed themselves with every note, feeding off the audience’s energy, while Zaboru masterfully led the charge, his charisma and stage presence keeping everyone captivated.
Then Zaboru said with a wide grin, “This is the 10th song — one before the last!” He launched into a blistering, jaw-dropping intro — it was none other than Through the Fire and Flames! The audience went absolutely mad, screaming and throwing their hands in the air — the guitar riffs were ferocious, fast, and utterly electrifying, sending a shockwave of excitement through the entire venue.
Then Zaboru began to Sing.
On a cold winter morning, in the time before the light
In flames of death's eternal reign, we ride towards the fight
When the darkness has fallen down, and the times are tough all right
The sound of evil laughter falls around the world tonight
Fighting hard, fighting on for the steel, through the wastelands evermore
The scattered souls will feel the hell, bodies wasted on the shores
On the blackest plains in hell's domain, we watch them as they go
In fire and pain, now once again, we know
So now we fly ever free
We're free before the thunderstorm
On towards the wilderness, our quest carries on
Far beyond the sundown, far beyond the moonlight
Deep inside our hearts and all our souls
So far away, we wait for the day
For the lives all so wasted and gone
We feel the pain of a lifetime lost in a thousand days
Through the fire and the flames, we carry on
The guitar was insane, and Zaboru and Z&Z — even though they were tired — kept giving a flawless, high-energy performance. The audience roared with excitement, their cheers echoing off the walls, hands raised in the air, some even singing along with wild abandon. Even the people outside were roaring with excitement — they could hear the music bleeding through the doors, and it was unmistakably Zaboru’s voice, raw and electrifying, sending chills through anyone within earshot.
After the long song "Through the Fire and Flames, Zaboru let the Zankoku Band rest a bit and shouted to the audience with a wide grin, “One last song, everyone!” The audience roared even louder, stomping and clapping in wild anticipation. After resting for two minutes, the last song began, the mood shifting to something slower and more heartfelt. Zaboru took the mic with a softer voice and said, “This time, this is a song for my girlfriend and my family, who I often leave behind for overseas work — this is all for you. Dear God.” His voice carried a warmth and sincerity that hushed the crowd for a heartbeat before he began to sing:
A lonely road, crossed another cold state line
Miles away from those I love, purpose undefined
While I recall all the words you spoke to me
Can't help but wish that I was there
And where I'd love to be, oh yeah
Dear God, the only thing I ask of you is
To hold her when I'm not around
When I'm much too far away
We all need that person who can be true to you
But I left her when I found her
And now I wish I'd stayed
'Cause I'm lonely and I'm tired
I'm missing you again, oh no
Once again
Zanichi chuckled, Sanika grinned with excitement, and Keiko smiled softly, holding back tears. Meanwhile, Ayumi couldn’t contain herself any longer; her emotions spilled over. To her, Zaboru was everything — so cool, so kind, and it was unmistakable how deeply he cared for her. "I love you, Zabo," she murmured under her breath.
As the song neared its end, it closed with a flawless solo by Zaboru himself. Afterward, Z&Z bowed their heads and left the stage, while the audience erupted in cheers and applause. Even though the majority of the Japanese ZAGE employees couldn’t understand the English lyrics, they were fully swept up in the atmosphere and the sheer power of the music. They had expected Zaboru’s concert to be good — but not this good!
Risa Miller beamed, “Such insanity! Every song was incredible!” Ryan laughed, “This is officially my favorite album now!” Meanwhile, James was off to the side, rocking an air guitar to "Through the Fire and Flames," completely lost in the moment. The excitement was contagious. Even Hikaru Kurata, stepping out of the booth, turned to Junpei — who was visibly awed— and said, “This is unbelievable… did Zaboru really create all those songs himself?” Junpei grinned wide, “Maybe, boss! But either way, they nailed it live!”
Sanika then left the ZEB and exclaimed to her father and mother, “Dad! Mom! Nii-san is so awesome!” Keiko smiled warmly, “Yeah, he’s so cool. I wonder when he became this good at music?” Zanichi chuckled and said, “Well, he’s always loved singing since he was little. And in recent years, I’ve often seen him practicing with instruments, honey.” Keiko laughed softly, “Clearly, my son is talented and hardworking — just like my daughter.” She pulled Sanika into a hug, making her giggle with delight.
But in the corner of the room, a small camera was hidden from the crowd. A discreet cameraman crew stood ready. Zaboru was fully aware of it — it was his idea. The footage would later be presented as a “secret recording,” and he intended to leak it to the media in the USA and Japan, all as part of his plan to generate even more hype for Guitar Hero.
To be continue
