After the Renkonan family and Ayumi arrived in the United States on Saturday night, they quickly checked into a hotel in Los Angeles. Everyone was exhausted from the long flight and settled in for a night of much-needed rest. The next morning, Sunday, they woke early to explore. The sun cast golden light over palm-lined streets, and a cool breeze swept in from the Pacific.
Sanika and Ayumi enjoyed the trip immensely. Sanika marveled at the towering buildings and yellow taxis, while Ayumi admired the architecture and eagerly bought snacks from street vendors and convenience stores. They visited an American arcade, walked along a bustling boardwalk, and even stopped for hot dogs at a roadside cart. They spent a lot of time together, laughing and taking in the sights. Later in the day, the Renkonan family split up for the evening, giving Zaboru and Ayumi some alone time.
That night, Zaboru and Ayumi found themselves in a quiet park away from the city's noise. The sun had just set, painting the sky in streaks of orange and pink. Ayumi sipped from a bottle of soda, her legs curled beneath her on a bench while Zaboru leaned back, watching the stars begin to emerge.
"Hehehe, I can't believe we finally get to go on a date in the USA," Ayumi said, beaming. "I always wanted to tag along on one of your business trips, but I didn't want to get in the way."
Zaboru smirked. "Don't worry about it. There's nothing to get in the way of. It's still Sunday. Tomorrow, though, I've got a meeting with Sonaya reps and the folks from Emerald Wings about game ratings in the U.S. Hopefully, it won't take all day. Think you can keep Mom and Sanika company while I'm gone?"
Ayumi nodded and rested her head on Zaboru's shoulder. "Mhm. I'll be fine. Sani-chan, Keiko-san, and I are already planning a girls' talk."
Zaboru chuckled. "Girls' talk, huh? What are you all going to talk about?"
Ayumi giggled. "Secret~"
After a brief pause, Ayumi asked casually, "Hey, Zabo. What do you think about guys having multiple girlfriends?"
Zaboru blinked. "Huh? Where did that come from?"
She shrugged. "Just wondering. I mean, you're handsome, smart, crazy talented, and you've got that mysterious cool vibe and insane charm. Total chick magnet."
Zaboru laughed and shook his head. "Ayumi, you know exactly who I am. Remember back then, before we were dating? You were the one always flirting with me first, dropping hints left and right. But did I act on it? No. Did I notice? Obviously. I just didn't act on it because I wasn't interested at the time. Not until you actually told me how you felt. That's when it mattered. You're the only one I want—and that's already more than enough for me."
Ayumi giggled. "Hehe, yeah, that's what makes you so attractive. You're not the kind of guy who takes advantage. You're a rare one, Zabo."
She looked at him with a mischievous glint and leaned in, kissing him passionately.
Monday, 1 December 1992
The next morning, Zaboru dressed sharply in a dark blazer, slacks, and a crisp white shirt. He and his father, Zanichi, made their way to the hotel's top floor—a space Emerald Wings had privately booked for a formal meeting. Ryan Miller and James Yoel, co-founders of Emerald Wings, were already waiting when the Renkonans arrived.
"Ryan, James, good morning," Zaboru greeted. "This is my father and ZAGE's CTO, Zanichi Renkonan."
Zanichi extended his hand. Ryan and James rose to shake it firmly.
"It's an honor, Mr. Renkonan," James said. "We've heard a lot about you."
"Likewise," Zanichi replied.
Ryan motioned toward the conference table. "Please, sit. We've got some updates you'll want to hear."
As they settled in, Ryan opened a folder and began. "There's good news. We've officially established a working group for the game rating system here in the U.S., under the Emerald Wings banner. We're calling it the ESRB—Entertainment Software Rating Board—just like you suggested."
Zaboru nodded. "Already? That's quick. I only brought up the idea a few months ago."
"We moved fast," Ryan said. "With Sonaya's cooperation, we're building a framework that will make the ESRB a self-regulating body. By early or mid-next year, it could become a nationwide standard."
James added, "It'll help us avoid government involvement. We'll take responsibility and make it easier for developers to understand the expectations."
"This could change the landscape for developers," Zaboru said, clearly pleased. "Good work."
"It's nothing compared to what ZAGE has done for us," Ryan replied with a chuckle. "We owe a lot to your games."
Zanichi gave a quiet nod. "It's smart to set up self-regulation now. Once the market expands, outside pressure will only grow."
Just then, the meeting room door opened. A tall, sharply dressed man in his early fifties entered with confident steps. It was Hikaru Kurata, CEO of Sonaya, and one of the most influential figures in global electronics and entertainment.
"Gentlemen," Hikaru said with a polite bow before taking his seat at the head of the table.
"Thank you for coming, Kurata-san," Ryan said.
"I won't stay long," Hikaru replied. "You've already reviewed the ESRB proposal with James and Ryan. Sonaya agrees to participate as a parent company alongside ZAGE and Emerald Wings."
Zaboru nodded. "We appreciate your support, Kurata-san."
Then Hikaru turned toward Zanichi with a faint smirk. "Long time no see, Zanichi Renkonan. I see you've become your son's subordinate."
Hikaru Kurata definitely knew Zanichi Renkonan well—the former head of Sonaya's gaming department and the mastermind behind the development of the Sonaya console MGB (Mugen Game Box), seeing it through from planning to release.
Zaboru narrowed his eyes slightly, but before he could speak, Zanichi chuckled.
"Maybe. But my son's company might soon outgrow Sonaya, Kurata-san."
Hikaru's smirk faded. "Is that so? Don't forget, Sonaya is more than just games. We dominate in hardware, music, and broadcasting. Don't assume one strong season will shake that."
Ryan and James exchanged uneasy glances.
"Please, let's stay focused," James interjected.
"Agreed," Hikaru replied, the tension between him and Zanichi momentarily cooling.
The rest of the meeting moved forward smoothly. Frameworks were reviewed, potential rating categories discussed, and organizational roles outlined. By the end, the three companies had signed an informal agreement to cooperate. ESRB would begin development as a joint initiative, with pilot testing to begin in early 1993.
As the meeting concluded, Hikaru stood and adjusted his suit. "I'll leave the rest to you. I have a flight back to Tokyo tomorrow morning."
"Safe travels," Zanichi said.
After he left, the atmosphere in the room noticeably relaxed. Ryan turned to Zaboru. "By the way, once the ESRB rollout starts, we definitely need to talk about a potential ZAGE event in the U.S."
"Sounds good," Zaboru replied.
The group then headed to the Emerald Wings headquarters nearby to discuss logistics, localization strategies, and ZAGE's next wave of international releases.
The day was just getting started.
To be continued.
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