Monday, September 22, 1992
It had only been three days since the release of the ZAGE Game Boy, affectionately dubbed the "ZGB," but already, Japan was in the throes of a gaming revolution. The handheld console had ignited a phenomenon that spread like wildfire through schoolyards, train stations, offices, and television screens. What began as an exciting new release had become a cultural moment.
Everywhere you turned, there was someone clutching a ZGB. Kids played Pokemon during lunch breaks; office workers discreetly pulled out their ZGBs while riding the subway; even elderly commuters watched in curiosity as blocky Tetris shapes fell to rhythmic blips. The ZGB wasn't just a gaming device—it was quickly becoming a daily companion.
In one Tokyo middle school, a lively debate was underway during recess.
"Obviously, Charmander is the best starter Pokemon," one boy declared, holding up his red ZGB proudly.
Another scoffed. "In your dreams! Bulbasaur is way more versatile. He takes care of the first two gyms!"
"Yeah, but Squirtle's Water Gun wrecks Rock-types," chimed in a third student.
They also argue which pokemon is the best or even the strongest , but they have not yet beat the game yet so they think they still can meet other stronger and cooler pokemons!.
Their argument devolved into laughter and playful teasing, echoing across the playground. Pokemon had not just entered their lives; it had become the centerpiece of their social interactions.
Elsewhere, in subways and train stations, a more subdued but equally passionate display took shape. Commuters lined benches and leaned against station walls, eyes glued to their ZGB screens. Most were locked into intense Tetris matches, hypnotized by falling tetrominoes, while others navigated the mysterious island of Stranded Kids or bounced through stages in Super Mario Deluxe.
Curious bystanders often approached these players.
"What is that?"
"Oh, this? It's called a handheld gaming device. ZAGE just released it. It's amazing."
It became a common scene: one player introducing three more to the ZGB. Word-of-mouth was lightning fast, and the streets buzzed with the latest tips, tricks, and Pokemon locations.
Media couldn't ignore the ZGB craze. Kagayaku TV ran a special segment. On screen, a young female anchor stood on a busy Tokyo street, microphone in hand.
"Excuse me, sir," she said, flagging down a man who was deeply immersed in his ZGB.
He paused his game and smiled. "Sure, what's up?"
"We're doing a piece on the new ZGB. Can you share your thoughts on it?"
"Oh man, this is probably the best thing that's happened to me this year," he laughed. "I love gaming, but I barely have time at home. Now I can play anywhere—on the train, during lunch, even waiting in line. And it's affordable! For something so advanced, it feels like a steal."
Other stations echoed the sentiment. Footage of packed stores, excited kids, and glowing screens looped on news programs. In homes, families now sat together discussing Pokemon evolutions or Tetris scores. It had become more than a trend. It was a movement.
Naturally, this widespread popularity sparked immense curiosity about the man behind it all.
Zaboru Renkonan.
Already known in gaming circles as the enigmatic founder of ZAGE, Zaboru had long been a mystery to the general public. Despite his growing fame, he was almost never seen without his trademark Z helmet—a sleek, stylish piece that became iconic. When asked during past interviews why he wore it, his response was always the same:
"Because it's cool." The player even said he is Zabo-man in this world!.
But now, people want more. Who was he, really? TV stations scrambled to secure interviews, hoping to catch him helmetless for the first time. None succeeded. Because Zaboru didn`t really care about Fame , all he wants is to create a persona that is really cool for him and it really works very well.
At ZAGE HQ, the buzz wasn't just external.
Zaboru was hard at work finalizing the upcoming ZEPS games for September. His energy hadn't wavered since ZGB's launch. However, his assistant, Yumi, entered the room with a slightly amused expression.
"Boss, TV Tokyo is requesting a special interview. They want you without your helmet. And... They want to film a documentary."
Zaboru leaned back, sighing. He had a soft spot for TV Tokyo. They had supported ZAGE since the beginning, giving airtime to early ZAGE game trailers and they always give nice support to ZAGE with their news..
"I see... fine, Yumi-san. Set up a meeting with their higher-ups. Let's see what they propose," he replied. He wasn't ready to take off the helmet on camera just yet, but he respected their initiative.
As Yumi nodded and left the office, Zaboru turned toward his private desk. He chuckled to himself.
"They really want to strike while the iron's hot. Not a bad business instinct."
But even as the world focused on the ZGB craze, Zaboru felt something deeper happening inside him. He had gained another power.
Zaboru sat back in his chair, deep in thought, trying to unravel the source of his newest ability. "Hmm let's think about how I got my power ever since I came to this world" Zaboru inhaled his breath then thought "So... I got Deep Memory Dive when I first reincarnated here," he whispered. "Then Enlightenment came when I resolved to become a better and strict leader for ZAGE because Sonaya wanted to snatch my employee . And now, after launching the ZGB, I've gained this... Aura of Influence?" He furrowed his brows, tapping the table. "Is it tied to the impact ZGB had on society? Or maybe it's the joy it brought to others? I'm really curious how these powers are triggered." Zaboru chuckled and leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful glint in his eye. "Well, if this Aura of Influence truly strengthens how my employees perceive and follow me... it'll make running the company a lot smoother," he said with a grin. "I guess being a game developer-slash-leader-slash-mystery helmet guy is finally paying off in more ways than one."
To be continued...
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