Monday 12 September 1996 ZAGE Tower Japan.
Ayumi was in Zaboru's private residence on the 52nd floor of ZAGE Tower, which served as both his home and lodging space. For now, Ayumi was temporarily staying there with him. She was sitting comfortably, playing and cuddling their son Zenshin, who giggled softly in her arms, while Zaboru was taking a short break from his workshop one floor below on the 51st floor.
Zaboru grinned and kissed Zenshin's forehead, then turned to Ayumi and said, "Ayumi, today Mom, Dad, and Sanika will be heading back to our house—it's finally done being renovated. It might be convenient living in ZAGE Tower like this, but honestly, staying here long-term isn't very healthy, right?"
Ayumi's eyes lit up with excitement. "Oh yeah? Nice! I've been wanting to go back to your house like before," she said with a playful giggle.
The newly renovated Renkonan house had gone through a major transformation. It had expanded significantly, now nearly twice the size it used to be. The renovation had added an extra floor, bringing it to a total of three levels. Originally, Zaboru had planned to convert the house into a full-scale mansion, something grand and extravagant. However, his mother Keiko firmly opposed that idea, insisting she didn't want to live in something that felt too luxurious or cold.
Instead, Zaboru opted for a tasteful, modern upgrade—spacious, functional, and full of warmth, while still feeling impressive. It was a compromise that made everyone happy. Despite the upgrade, the house remained within reach of ZAGE Tower, only about a 30–40 minute drive away, making it easy for Zaboru to commute while keeping the family close to his work.
The thought of returning to that space, now better than ever, made Ayumi's heart flutter with anticipation. She couldn't wait to see how the familiar home had been transformed—and what kind of new memories would be made there with Zenshin now part of their lives.
Now Zaboru was sitting quietly, contemplating the upcoming days. After a moment of hesitation, he turned to Ayumi and spoke, "Say, Ayumi… in the next couple of days, I have a series of important meetings in the USA. It's a short business trip, but I wanted to ask—are you okay with that?"
Ayumi looked up from where she was gently rocking Zenshin, her expression calm and reassuring. She gave a soft smile and nodded. "It's fine, Zabo. You're doing what you need to do. Besides, your mom and Sanika are here with me, so I won't be alone. But promise me you'll call every day, okay?"
Zaboru's expression softened. He leaned in, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand, and smiled. "I will, my love. No matter how busy it gets, I'll always make time for you and Zenshin."
They exchanged a long, warm look, both comforted by the understanding between them. Even though Zaboru had to leave, they both knew their bond—and their little family—was strong enough to handle anything.
Then after some time, Ayumi left ZAGE Tower with Zaboru to visit the newly renovated Renkonan house. It was their first time returning since the renovation was completed, and anticipation filled the car ride. When they arrived at the gate, they were greeted by the sight of the beautifully finished home, and all of them were visibly surprised by how different—and better—it looked.
Sanika was the first to react, shouting, "Whoa! So cool! Is this really our house now!?" She grinned widely, practically skipping toward the front steps, unable to contain her excitement.
Standing beside her, Keiko's eyes lit up as she scanned the details. "Whoa, such a nice renovation. It feels great—stylish and fresh, but not too big." Her voice carried a mix of surprise and pride.
Zanichi nodded in agreement. "Clearly impressive," he added with a satisfied look.
The family stepped through the front door together, taking in the new space. Inside, the house was already fully furnished. Some of the older furniture pieces—those with sentimental value or family history—had been carefully restored and placed thoughtfully throughout the rooms. But the majority of the furniture was brand new, giving the interior a fresh, polished appearance.
The walls were lined with family photos, capturing years of memories. Among them was a brand-new frame holding a photo of baby Zenshin, already placed in the center of the hallway wall. It brought a warm smile to everyone's face.
As they continued walking through the house, the kitchen drew immediate attention. Spacious and clean, it was equipped with modern appliances, large countertops, and custom shelving—all precisely what Keiko had asked for. She beelined straight for the kitchen, opening drawers, inspecting shelves, and running her hand across the granite surface. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she began mentally planning meals and imagining the time she'd spend cooking there.
"What a nice and clean kitchen! Ayumi, we'll cook all kinds of good food here!" Keiko said enthusiastically, clapping her hands together with joy.
Ayumi smiled and nodded, taking a deep breath. She really loved the overall vibe of the house. It felt like home, but newer, brighter, and full of energy. Everything smelled fresh—polished wood, soft fabric, the faint scent of fresh paint—and each detail carried care and attention.
The main bedrooms were all located on the first floor for easy access. Zanichi and Keiko had their own spacious room, next to a slightly larger one that Zaboru, Ayumi, and baby Zenshin would share. Sanika had her own colorful room just across the hallway, decorated with posters and a bookshelf she had already started filling.
The second floor was something else entirely—it was designed as a full entertainment zone. There was a sleek music studio where Zaboru could work on audio for future projects, a soundproof karaoke room with LED lights, a fully loaded video game room with multiple consoles and beanbags, and a home theater with reclining seats and a massive screen. There was even a gym with modern equipment tucked in the corner.
Keiko's eyes widened as they toured the floor. "Whoa… is this too excessive?" she asked, half amazed and half concerned.
Zaboru chuckled and waved his hand. "Not at all, Mom. It's fine—this is a place for all of us to enjoy."
And then there was the third floor, reserved mainly for guests. But it wasn't just bedrooms—there was also a stylish lounge area with a pool table, a table tennis setup, and a mini bar for casual gatherings. It felt more like a private resort than a regular home, and the whole family couldn't help but feel lucky to call it theirs.
Outside their home, the backyard stretched wide and neatly kept. The trimmed grass gave it a soft, welcoming look, and in one corner stood a small but well-maintained basketball court. A few flower beds lined the fence, and there was even a shaded bench under a tree, perfect for relaxing in the afternoons. The overall look was peaceful and elegant—ideal for both gatherings and quiet family time.
Keiko smiled as she stepped onto the patio, gazing out at the yard. "This is a great house," she said with a small laugh, "but it's going to be a hassle to clean all of this."
Sanika grinned, leaning against the porch railing. "Don't worry, Mom! I'll help you out! Hehehe," she said cheerfully, clearly enjoying the idea of being useful.
Zaboru joined them with a reassuring voice. "If you'd rather not worry about it, we can always hire nannies and a maid to take care of the cleaning. You don't have to tire yourself out, Mom."
Keiko nodded thoughtfully. "Well, let's see how it goes later. Maybe for the heavy stuff," she said, still admiring the garden.
Later that day, the entire family enjoyed their time in the newly renovated house. The mood was warm and joyful. Keiko wasted no time heading into her brand-new kitchen, and in minutes, the scent of fresh ingredients filled the air. She looked absolutely delighted, chopping vegetables with practiced hands, humming to herself as Ayumi stood beside her, helping prepare the meal.
Zenshin was sound asleep in a baby basket near the living room, just beside Sanika, who sat cross-legged on the floor watching TV. Every now and then, she would glance over at her tiny nephew, smiling at his peaceful sleeping face and gently adjusting the blanket if it slipped. The home, filled with quiet laughter and the aroma of cooking, felt alive again—full of love, full of family.
Zaboru was outside in the backyard of the house, enjoying the early evening air with his father, Zanichi. The sky was painted in soft orange hues as the sun began to set, and the two of them stood quietly for a moment, watching the light reflect off the garden's trimmed hedges and the basketball court.
"So," Zanichi said, breaking the silence as he folded his arms, "you want to head to the USA tonight, son?"
Zaboru nodded. "Yeah, Dad. There's something I really want to acquire. It could be a big step forward for our next game. I've been working on a concept, and this deal might bring it to life."
Zanichi raised an eyebrow, then gave a slow, approving nod. "I see. In that case, just go ahead as usual. Don't worry about anything here—leave the office matters of ZAGE Japan to me. I'll keep things steady until you're back."
Zaboru felt a wave of appreciation. He turned to face his father more fully and bowed his head slightly. "I will, Dad. And… Thank you. Really."
Zanichi gave a small smile. "Just make sure you come back with good news—and maybe a little something for your mother too."
Zaboru chuckled. "Of course. I'll bring souvenirs. And hopefully, a bright future for our next release."
To be continue