Saturday 26 December 2000.
ZAGE Event Building (ZEB) Japan.
Today, the ZEB building was officially opened to the public, marking one of ZAGE's most anticipated end-of-the-year events. This annual occasion had become something fans looked forward to, not just as a celebration, but as a rare opportunity to experience ZAGE's world up close. Exclusive merchandise was being sold—items that were only available during this limited-time event—which naturally drew in massive crowds. Many people came not just to enjoy the atmosphere, but specifically to purchase these rare goods, knowing they wouldn't get another chance once the event ended. The excitement around these limited releases created long lines and constant movement throughout the building, as fans eagerly searched for their favorite items before they sold out.
The merchandise itself was on another level—there were even life-size statues of Kamen Rider Black RX displayed prominently, towering over visitors and drawing constant crowds for photos, along with life-size Kamen Rider costumes that were actually put up for sale. And these weren't just ordinary cosplay outfits; they were authentic, high-quality replicas made with the same level of detail and materials used in professional productions. The craftsmanship alone made them feel like collector's items rather than simple merchandise. Despite the extremely high price—something that would cost a small fortune—there were still dedicated fans willing to purchase them without hesitation, treating them as once-in-a-lifetime acquisitions that wouldn't be available anywhere else.
There were also limited-edition Pokémon cards and Yu-Gi-Oh cards being sold, drawing huge attention from collectors and competitive players alike. Many of these cards were exclusive prints that could only be obtained during this event, making them extremely valuable both in rarity and sentiment. Alongside them, there were also newly released action figures featuring popular ZAGE characters, designed with high detail and quality, making them highly desirable for fans. These figures were only available during this specific event, which created an even stronger sense of urgency among visitors, as many rushed to secure them before stock ran out. For collectors, missing this opportunity could mean never getting their hands on these items again, and that alone made this section of the event one of the busiest areas in the entire building.
There were also special edition controllers and console accessories available, many of them designed with unique themes tied to popular ZAGE franchises, making them highly appealing to both collectors and dedicated players. These weren't just cosmetic upgrades either—some featured enhanced builds or limited-run designs that added to their exclusivity. On top of that, there were attractive promotions, including discounts of up to 20 percent for those purchasing Steam Wallet Gift Cards at the event, especially for larger denominations. This made the area particularly crowded, as many visitors saw it not only as a chance to grab rare items, but also as an opportunity to stock up on digital credit at a better value than usual, further adding to the overall excitement and constant activity within that section.
Then the atmosphere became even more lively as many of the people who came here were also wearing cosplay outfits, proudly dressing as their favorite characters from various ZAGE franchises. Some walked around confidently, fully in character, while others gathered in groups to take pictures, striking iconic poses that drew cheers and attention from nearby fans. The level of effort was impressive—some costumes were handmade with incredible detail, while others were clearly high-end replicas, showing just how passionate the community had become. This constant interaction, laughter, and excitement filled every corner of ZEB, making the entire venue feel alive with energy rather than just crowded with people.
At the same time, the first main agenda of the day began to take shape. As usual, ZAGE would start by honoring the E-Sport champions who had recently secured victory in their respective tournaments. One by one, the athletes were invited to the stage, receiving not only their prize money but also the symbolic "Champion Card," a recognition that carried prestige within the ZAGE competitive scene that can be used for get free game in ZAGE store. The audience responded with loud applause and cheers, acknowledging their skill and dedication. Even for those who came mainly for merchandise or entertainment
And the next event on the first day would be the very first live performance of the Zaraki Band, something that had already been quietly building anticipation among fans who had followed Zaboru's previous music ventures. Unlike the earlier segments of the event, this one carried a different kind of energy—not just celebration, but expectation. For many in the audience, this wasn't just another performance; it was a debut, a statement, and a glimpse into something new that ZAGE was bringing into its expanding entertainment world.
And right now, behind the scenes, Kana Mizuno—the new female vocalist and guitarist of the Zaraki Band—was trying to steady herself. She inhaled deeply again and again, her fingers slightly trembling as she whispered under her breath, "Kana… you can do this… Kana, you can do this…" Her voice was soft, but the nervousness was clear. This wasn't just any performance. It was her first time standing in front of such a large crowd, and the weight of that moment pressed heavily on her shoulders. Nearby, Zaboru watched her for a moment before letting out a quiet chuckle, understanding exactly what she was feeling.
"Kana-chan, relax. You're not going to mess this up. We've already seen how good you are and how hard you've trained for this, so don't worry," Zaboru said calmly, his tone reassuring rather than forceful. Kingo, standing nearby, grinned and nodded in agreement, while Masayoshi gave her a confident thumbs-up. Bradley added a small, encouraging smile, his presence steady and supportive. None of them said too much, but their confidence in her was clear—and that alone helped ease the tension just a little.
Kana inhaled deeply, trying to steady her nerves. "But… this will be my first time singing in front of everyone…" she admitted, her voice soft but honest. Zaboru chuckled lightly, not dismissing her fear but easing it. "Don't worry, you'll do just fine. You've prepared more than enough for this," he said, his tone calm and confident. He gave a small nod toward the stage. "Anyway, let's go." Kana took one more breath, then nodded along with the rest of the team, gathering her courage as they moved forward together.
Then Zaboru and the rest of the Zaraki Band stepped onto the stage, and the reaction was immediate. The audience erupted into cheers, the energy surging as soon as they appeared. Zaboru grinned widely, feeding off the atmosphere before stepping forward and shouting, "HELLO ZEB!!!!" The crowd answered instantly, "HOY!!!" their voices echoing across the venue. Zaboru laughed softly, clearly enjoying the response. "Well, we are the Zaraki Band—as you might already know!" he continued, his voice strong and commanding. "And today, let me introduce the members. First of all, our bassist—Bradley Kiyotake!" Bradley stepped forward and bowed his head, earning loud applause from the audience. Zaboru nodded, then continued without pause. "And next… our female vocalist—Kana Mizuno!" Kana stepped forward shyly, bowing politely as the crowd clapped enthusiastically. Her nervousness was still there, but seeing the warm reception, a small smile formed on her face, and to the audience, she looked both charming and full of potential.
Zaboru grinned and stepped forward, raising the mic with an easy confidence. "Today, we're bringing a new song for you—this one's in English," he said, glancing over the crowd with a playful smirk. "But hey, you guys in Japan study English, right? So this should be fine!" The audience burst into laughter, the tension easing instantly. In this world, after all, the number of people who could understand English was quite high, and many fans were already curious to hear something different from Zaboru's usual style. The mood shifted from anticipation to excitement, as people leaned in, ready to experience something new.
Zaboru took a small breath, adjusting his stance as the band behind him prepared. He glanced briefly at Kana, giving her a subtle nod of reassurance, then faced the audience again. "This is our song… 'Bring Me To Life'," he announced, his voice steady and clear, carrying across the entire venue as the lights dimmed slightly and the stage prepared to transition into the performance.
Then the piano began to play, the first notes echoing softly across the entire venue. The atmosphere shifted instantly, the noise of the crowd fading as everyone focused on the stage. Kana took a small breath, then began to sing—and the moment her voice came out, it was powerful, clear, and full of emotion. It wasn't just good… it was striking. The kind of voice that immediately pulled people in without effort.
How can you see into my eyes
Like open doors?
Leading you down into my core
Where I've become so numb
Without a soul (Oh)
My spirit sleeping somewhere cold
Until you find it there
And lead it back home
Then Bradley sing as well the Rap part
(Wake me up) Wake me up inside
(I can't wake up) Wake me up inside
(Save me) Call my name and save me from the dark
(Wake me up) Bid my blood to run
(I can't wake up) Before I come undone
(Save me) Save me from the nothing I've become
The audience was completely flabbergasted by how incredible the song was. At first, there was a brief moment of stunned silence, as if everyone needed a second to process what they were hearing. Then, almost all at once, the crowd began to move—people started nodding to the rhythm, raising their hands, and jamming along with the music. Despite the fact that it wasn't Zaboru singing, Kana's voice stood out in a way no one expected. It wasn't just good—it was captivating, emotional, and powerful in a way that resonated with the audience deeply. Some even began whispering among themselves, comparing her performance to Z&Z's previous vocalist, and many silently agreed that for this kind of song… Kana was even better.
Then the song continued, and Kana's confidence grew with every line she delivered. The slight nervousness from earlier had completely disappeared, replaced by a strong and steady presence on stage. Her voice carried effortlessly, hitting every note with precision, while the band supported her perfectly. The energy in the venue kept rising, turning the performance into something unforgettable rather than just a simple debut. By the time the final notes approached, the audience was fully immersed, some even singing along despite hearing the song for the first time. And when the song finally ended, there was a brief pause—just a heartbeat—before the entire venue erupted into loud applause and cheers. Zaboru grinned widely, clearly satisfied with how everything turned out.
"Hehehe, not bad, right—our new female vocalist?" Zaboru called out with a grin, turning the mic toward the crowd. The audience answered immediately, louder than before—"YEAH!"—their voices echoing across the hall. Zaboru laughed, clearly pleased with the response, then lifted his hand to hype them up even more. "Alright, let's keep it going—no slowing down! Kana, next one—'Blue Bird'!" he said, glancing at her with a confident nod that carried both trust and encouragement.
The band transitioned smoothly, instruments shifting tone as the next song began to build. Kana took a steady breath, her earlier nerves completely gone now, replaced by a bright, genuine excitement. When the intro kicked in, she stepped forward with a natural rhythm, her movements more confident, her presence stronger than before. The crowd reacted instantly—cheers rising again as many recognized the song, while others simply followed the energy of the moment. Phones went up, lights flickered, and the entire venue felt alive.
As Zaraki Band continued performing, the flow between members became seamless—Kingo and Masayoshi locking into rhythm, Bradley anchoring the sound, and Zaboru guiding the stage with ease. Kana, at the center, smiled widely, the kind of smile that couldn't be forced. This was her dream, unfolding right in front of her, and it showed in every note she sang and every step she took. The audience didn't just watch—they responded, clapping, swaying, and singing along where they could, completely drawn into the performance.
By now, it was no longer just a debut. It felt like a breakthrough. The atmosphere grew warmer, louder, more connected, as if the barrier between stage and crowd had disappeared. And at the center of it all, Kana stood shining—no longer the nervous girl backstage, but a true performer owning the moment while the entire ZEB moved with her.
To be continue
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