Sunday 12 April 2000.
Zaboru has just returned from the USA to Japan. Now he is preparing to celebrate the birthdays of his wife and daughter, both of which fall in April. At the same time, Zaboru has also been arranging the next assignment for Team IZAN, who have nearly finished developing their latest game, Gear Fight Dendoh. Although work at ZAGE never truly stops, Zaboru makes sure important family moments are never ignored.
Right now he is spending time with his family inside the Renkonan household. The atmosphere is calm and comfortable as they relax together. While sitting in the living room, Zaboru watches the news, which is currently discussing the recent television talk show featuring Lucian Miller and Alberto Rhodes. The segment focuses heavily on criticizing ZAGE and claiming that its violent video games are negatively influencing society.
Zaboru slowly sipped his hot chocolate and let out a long sigh. "They really are restless, aren't they? Every single time ZAGE releases a game with violence in it, they start making noise like this. And now it's even more obvious that they want a piece of ZAGE, don't they?"
Zanichi took another calm sip of his coffee before replying. "Well, that's true. But they're overlooking one very important thing." He nodded toward the television. "They're forgetting just how popular you are right now, Zaboru. Just look at the news."
Zaboru continues watching the news as the reporter says, "Fans are expressing strong backlash against the 'ZAGE Is a Menace' talk show segment. Many viewers believe that Lucian Miller's statements feel less like genuine criticism and more like a coordinated attack against the company."
The broadcast then shifts to an interview with the owner of a well‑known video game review company in the United States the COMPUTE X, none other than Cole Moreson. Cole leans toward the microphone and says, "This whole situation is pretty obvious if you actually watched the interview. That so‑called 'sociology expert' couldn't even say the names of the games correctly. And when he was corrected, what did he say? He said he didn't care. That means he hasn't even played the games he's criticizing. Can you believe that? Some guy who clearly knows nothing about video games is lecturing the public about their influence."
Cole continues with a dismissive laugh. "And then Lucian starts talking about how 'ZAGE needs to go public.' Come on. That's obviously something some wealthy investors told him to say. People like Lucian aren't pushing that idea because they care about society. They want access to ZAGE. They see how successful the company is, and now they want a slice of it. Let's be honest, someone like him probably couldn't even afford meaningful shares of ZAGE even if the company did go public. He's just repeating the talking points of people who actually want control over the company."
Cole grins slightly before adding another comment. "And I actually know Lucian personally. We went to the same high school. You know what he was known for back then? Bullying. Seriously, that was his reputation. He loved picking on weaker people and acting tough around others. If you ask around, you'll find plenty of people who remember it clearly. A lot of his old classmates still talk about it. Honestly, high school was probably the peak of his life, and now he's trying to reinvent himself as some kind of moral authority on television."
Zaboru looks surprised. "Damn… Cole is really saying all of that on live television. Will he be okay?" he mutters while watching the broadcast. Soon after, the news begins digging deeper into Lucian Miller's past. The report starts showing several old incidents connected to Lucian during his younger years, including stories from former classmates and acquaintances. As these details surface, many viewers become increasingly angry. Online forums quickly fill with discussions, with countless users calling Lucian a hypocrite. Many of them point out the irony that someone who used to bully others is now lecturing the public about the supposed moral dangers of video games.
After that, the show brings in another guest who is introduced as a real expert on the subject. His name is Kings Jonahson, a researcher who has spent years studying how entertainment affects audiences. When the host asks for his opinion, Kings calmly begins to explain his perspective.
"Video games are simply a form of entertainment," he says. "Just like movies or music. Yes, entertainment can influence people, but that influence is not always negative. Even when a piece of media contains darker themes, it does not automatically mean it will harm the audience. In the case of the three games recently released—Castle Wolvenstein, Mafia, and Fallout 2—they certainly contain violence, but violence is not their main focus. They are telling stories or exploring fictional worlds."
He continues speaking in a thoughtful tone. "From what I understand, two of those games are not even based on the real world. They take place in fictional settings or alternate histories, which means their stories are intentionally exaggerated to create dramatic or interesting experiences for players. So why should we panic about them? Fiction has always explored darker themes, whether in books, films, or theater. Video games are simply the newest medium doing the same thing.
If we are truly discussing influence, we should remember that movies have historically had a far greater cultural impact than video games. For example, everyone knows Alfred Hitchcock's film Psycho. It shocked audiences when it first released because of its disturbing themes and intense storytelling. But did that movie suddenly cause society to produce more psychopaths? Of course not. People understood it was a work of fiction meant to tell a dramatic story.
In fact, many films that contain violence or dark themes are often praised for their artistic value. The same logic should apply to games as well. A story about crime, war, or survival does not automatically encourage people to commit those acts in reality. Most players clearly understand the difference between a fictional narrative and real life.
So when we discuss influence, we should do so with nuance rather than fear. At the end of the day, these games are still entertainment—stories that people experience for excitement, challenge, or emotional engagement, not instructions on how to behave in the real world."
The news continues as it begins showing more negative details about both Alberto Rhodes and Lucian Miller. The broadcast highlights past statements, questionable research claims, and several inconsistencies in their arguments during the talk show. Commentators begin pointing out that the discussion earlier was less about genuine concern for society and more about attacking ZAGE itself.
Zaboru looks genuinely surprised. "Wow… that Kings Jonahson really knows how to talk. He completely nailed it," he says while watching the television.
Zanichi smiles slightly and takes another sip of his coffee. "Told you," he replies calmly. "Your reputation is rising very quickly right now, son. And it's not only because of your games. People are starting to realize what kind of person you actually are. Aside from the ZAGE Foundation for cancer research, you've donated a large amount of money in both the United States and Japan to help homeless shelters and community programs. You tried to do all of that anonymously, but somehow the information still leaked to the public."
Zanichi chuckles before continuing. "And that's not even the only reason your name is spreading everywhere. First you dunked on Patrick Ewing in that NBA all star week basketball event, which shocked a lot of people. Then in a recent interview Bruce Lee openly said you were his disciple. Do you understand how crazy that sounds to the public? Between your games, your charity work, and things like that, your name is becoming unbelievably famous right now, son. Hahaha!"
Meanwhile, on the living room floor, little Arumi is drawing on a sheet of paper with colorful crayons. Zenshin sits beside her, but unlike his sister he is already drawing with a pencil like a tiny professional artist. Even though Zenshin is not yet three years old, his drawings look surprisingly refined. He carefully sketches an anime-style character with clear proportions, expressive eyes, and simple yet recognizable details. For someone his age, the drawing looks unbelievably advanced.
Arumi, who is not even one year old yet, happily scribbles on her paper with her crayons. Her lines are messy but energetic, as if she is trying to imitate what her older brother is doing. Watching them makes it clear that Zaboru's children inherited his sharp mind. Even at such young ages, both of them already show unusual intelligence and talent.
Ayumi observes them quietly from the sofa with a warm smile. While gently stroking the soft fur of the rabbit resting on her lap, she watches the two children with pride and affection, enjoying the peaceful family moment while the news continues playing softly in the background.
"Hehehe, Zabo, you're always really popular these days… But all of this feels a little too organized to me. The public opinion suddenly shifted to your side, and the attacks against Lucian Miller and Alberto Rhodes are becoming intense. Even their personal records are starting to appear in public… that's actually a little scary if you think about it. Do you think it might be the work of Nii‑sama?" Ayumi says with a playful smile, though her eyes show genuine curiosity.
Zaboru's eyes widened slightly at the thought. "Dad, do you know something? Is Akechi‑san involved in this somehow? But didn't he say he had no real power in the USA?"
Zanichi only shrugs calmly before answering. "Well, I don't think it's Akechi. He's been in Japan recently, and we even talked not long ago, so it definitely isn't him. But I do agree with Ayumi on one thing… someone might be pulling the strings in the United States."
Zaboru leans back slightly on the sofa and folds his arms while staring at the television screen. His mind begins working quickly, going through several possibilities one by one as he silently analyzes the situation. Who could it be? he wonders. The timing feels too precise to be random. The media backlash, the sudden shift of public opinion, and the exposure of information all feel coordinated. Someone with influence… someone who can push media narratives and shape public perception… he thinks carefully. And someone who would benefit from relieving pressure on ZAGE while pretending to defend it… someone who might even be acting on ZAGE's side without showing themselves openly or someone that genuinely defending ZAGE...
Could it be the Giordano family? the thought briefly crosses his mind.
For a moment he considers it seriously. The Giordano family has connections in the United States, and they are powerful within certain circles. However, after thinking about it more carefully, Zaboru slowly shakes his head.
No… that doesn't make sense, he thinks. They're powerful in the underworld, but this kind of media push feels different.
He continues thinking. Besides, how would they even get information like Lucian Miller's past or details about my charity work? I made sure those donations were done anonymously. Only a very small number of people should know about them.
Zaboru narrows his eyes slightly as another thought appears in his mind. Which means whoever is behind this must have access to information networks… media contacts… maybe even financial influence.
The realization makes him even more curious. Who exactly is trying to protect ZAGE and why?
Zaboru's thoughts are suddenly interrupted when Zenshin gently tugs on his shirt. Zaboru blinks and looks down at his son before smiling warmly. "What is it, Zen‑chan?" he asks softly. Zenshin proudly lifts a sheet of paper and shows his drawing. On the page is Zabo‑man wearing impressive knight armor, with his shining blue eyes glowing beneath the helmet. Behind him stand two powerful figures—Charizard and Greymon—drawn in dynamic poses as if they are protecting him. The composition looks surprisingly cool and detailed for someone so young. Zaboru's eyes immediately light up with genuine excitement. "Whoa! Zen‑chan! This looks so cool," he says with clear admiration. He gently caresses Zenshin's head while the little boy grins widely and nods, clearly pleased that his father likes the drawing. After that, Zenshin quickly runs off to search for something else to read. He returns with a book—actually not just any book, but about art techniques that definitely are heavy for normal 3 years old baby. Watching him, Zaboru cannot help but smile with quiet pride. This little guy will definitely change the world someday, he thinks to himself.
Not long after, Keiko enters the room carrying a large tray filled with food. "Hey everyone, let's eat! Hehehe," she says cheerfully. Everyone smiles and quickly gathers around the table to enjoy the meal. Meanwhile, across the United States, things are beginning to turn increasingly worse for Lucian Miller.
To be continue
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