Saturday, 14 September 2001.
Over the previous week, a YouTuber known as BuKa had suddenly become one of the most discussed gaming personalities on the internet. His real name was Buran Ken, though most of his viewers casually called him Buranki. He was already quite famous among serious gaming audiences because his content did not blindly worship ZAGE like many other popular channels. He enjoyed ZAGE games, but he also openly supported Sonaya, Microsoft, Apple, and other companies whenever they produced something worthy of attention.
That balance had earned him a reputation for being independent.
Buranki was also more than an ordinary commentator. He was a highly skilled gamer who had once competed in a major Street Fighter tournament in 1996. Although he had never become the champion, his performance had been strong enough for the competitive gaming community to remember his name. His analysis videos often went beyond simple praise or criticism. He discussed mechanics, balance, difficulty, player psychology, and even how certain games could influence the direction of the industry.
That credibility was precisely why his latest video caused such an enormous reaction.
The video was titled "The Truth About Zaboru's Reviews."
In it, Buranki expressed his disappointment with Zaboru Renkonan for remaining silent about Apple's latest iPlay release, The Dark Guild. According to him, the game was not merely decent. It was one of the first strong redemption titles for the struggling iPlay console, with impressive combat, enjoyable online co-op, memorable characters, and enough mechanical depth to prove that Apple could still compete creatively.
Buranki did not directly call Zaboru dishonest. Instead, he raised a more uncomfortable question.
Was Zaboru slowly becoming more corporate?
For years, Zaboru had built his public reputation around being a gamer before being a businessman. He often praised good games from rival companies, even when that praise could benefit ZAGE's competitors. He had reviewed Sonaya titles fairly, spoken positively about Microsoft projects, and recently given a strong review to Sonaya's newest Sherif Juan game. That behaviour made players trust him because he seemed capable of separating business rivalry from his love of gaming.
But when The Dark Guild arrived, Zaboru said nothing.
Buranki's video questioned whether that silence meant Zaboru's principles were beginning to change. Perhaps ZAGE had become too large. Perhaps Zaboru had become more careful about helping competitors. Perhaps the man who once proudly called himself a "bad businessman" was finally becoming a very good businessman—and a less honest gamer.
The video exploded almost immediately.
Zaboru's fans flooded the comments to defend him, arguing that he had no obligation to review every game released. Others said he was probably busy managing Black Berry Z01, ZAGE's August releases, and the many companies under him. Some even accused Buranki of using Zaboru's name for attention.
However, many viewers also agreed with him.
They admitted that Zaboru's silence felt strange. The Dark Guild was exactly the kind of game he normally played and discussed. It had dark fantasy, character-focused combat, online multiplayer, different playstyles, and unusual mechanics. The idea that he had simply ignored it seemed difficult to believe.
Within days, the argument spread beyond YouTube. ZAGE Forum, gaming magazines, small online columns, and even several television entertainment programs began discussing the same question.
Why had Zaboru Renkonan not reviewed The Dark Guild?
On Saturday, Buranki was invited onto the infamous ZEMITSU Podcast, one of Japan's most popular and unpredictable gaming discussion programs. The three regular hosts—Mitsu Tadano, Kiara Sawamura, and Nigo Guroki—were already seated inside the studio when Buranki arrived.
The recording began with a short introduction before Kiara immediately turned toward Buranki. She did not look openly hostile, but her expression was clearly guarded. "Buranki-san, your video has created a rather large argument over the last week. Some people think you made a reasonable criticism, while others believe you unfairly attacked Zaboru over one game. Could you explain your main point again without the dramatic title and editing?"
Buranki leaned back slightly, apparently unfazed by her tone. "My point is simple. We have always known Zaboru Renkonan as a so-called bad businessman. He praises rival games whenever he thinks they are good, even when doing so might strengthen another company. He has done that many times, especially with Sonaya. He even reviewed their latest Sherif Juan game not long ago and rated it highly. That honesty is part of why people respect him. But when The Dark Guild arrives a genuinely good game and possibly the most important release iPlay has had so far he suddenly becomes silent. Why?"
Kiara frowned. "Because he is not obligated to review it. Zaboru has released five major games, a revolutionary phone, and probably has hundreds of company matters to deal with. You are speaking as if one missing review automatically proves his personality has changed."
"I never said it proved anything," Buranki replied calmly. "I said it raises a question. There is a difference."
"Your title was 'The Truth About Zaboru's Reviews,'" Kiara pointed out. "That sounds more like a conclusion than a question."
Buranki smiled slightly. "Titles need to attract attention."
Kiara immediately narrowed her eyes. "So you admit that you exaggerated it for views?"
"I made the title interesting. The argument inside the video was still clear."
"That is convenient," Kiara replied. "You use a dramatic title that makes people believe Zaboru has become fake, then hide behind the word 'question' when people criticise you."
The atmosphere became noticeably sharper. Mitsu glanced between them before speaking in his usual measured tone. "Let us separate the title from the argument for a moment. Buranki-san, your concern appears to be that Zaboru's silence conflicts with the identity he has publicly built. But do you have any evidence that he has actually played The Dark Guild?"
Buranki nodded. "Direct evidence? No. But realistically, do any of us believe he has not played it?"
Mitsu did not immediately answer.
Buranki continued, "Zaboru is one of the most obsessive gamers in the world. He personally follows major releases, especially games from rival companies. The Dark Guild was marketed for months as iPlay's redemption game. It uses online co-op, multiple playable characters, RPG progression, and dark fantasy combat. Those are all things he has discussed before. You seriously expect me to believe that he never touched it?"
Kiara crossed her arms. "Possibility is not proof."
"Then why are you so certain my conclusion is wrong?" Buranki asked.
"Because you are judging someone's character based on silence."
"And you are defending his character using the same silence."
Kiara paused.
Buranki leaned forward slightly. "That is the point, Kiara-san. His silence created this ambiguity. If Zaboru played it and disliked it, he could say so. If he played it and enjoyed it, he could say so. If he has not played it, he could simply mention that. Instead, there is nothing. For an ordinary businessman, that would not matter. But Zaboru has spent years telling everyone that the gamer inside him comes before business."
Kiara's expression hardened. "He never promised to report every game he plays. You are turning a personal philosophy into a public contract."
Nigo, who had remained silent until then, finally spoke. His tone was calm, but more direct than Mitsu's. "I think both of you are avoiding the most interesting issue. The question is not whether Zaboru must review The Dark Guild. He clearly does not. The real question is why people feel entitled to his opinion in the first place."
The others turned toward him.
Nigo continued, "Zaboru has reviewed so many rival games fairly that the public now treats his fairness as a service. When he praises a competitor, people celebrate his honesty. When he says nothing, people feel something has been taken away from them. That is unusual. We have reached a point where one man's lack of commentary becomes industry news."
Mitsu nodded slowly. "His influence makes silence louder than it would be for almost anyone else."
"Exactly," Nigo said. "However, that influence cuts both ways. Buranki-san is correct that Zaboru's praise can affect sales. If Zaboru publicly gives The Dark Guild an eight or nine, many players who trust him may consider buying an iPlay. His review would not be neutral in practice, even if it were honest."
Buranki gestured toward him. "That is precisely why this matters. If Zaboru only reviews rival games when their success does not threaten ZAGE, then his fairness becomes selective."
Kiara shook her head. "That is an assumption. You do not know whether business competition is the reason he stayed silent."
"But you also cannot explain why this game is different," Buranki replied.
Kiara's frustration became more visible. "Maybe nothing is different! Maybe he was tired. Maybe he wanted to play privately. Maybe his wife asked him not to review it. Maybe he has personal information we do not know. Why do you immediately choose the interpretation that damages him?"
Buranki gave a faint chuckle. "You just created four excuses without evidence, but you criticise me for raising one possibility."
"They are examples, not accusations."
"And mine was a question, not a conviction."
Kiara stared at him for several seconds. "You know exactly how your audience would interpret it."
The studio grew quiet for a moment.
That accusation carried more weight than the previous ones. Buranki's expression remained relaxed, but his fingers shifted slightly against the arm of his chair.
Mitsu noticed. "Buranki-san, did you expect this level of backlash?"
"I expected disagreement," Buranki answered. "I did not expect people to act as though questioning Zaboru was a personal crime."
Nigo leaned forward. "Some criticism was excessive, certainly. But your video also implied that money might have changed him. That is not merely asking why he skipped a review. You connected his silence to moral decline."
Buranki nodded without retreating. "Because it is a possibility. ZAGE is no longer the small game company it once was. Zaboru controls consoles, publishing, animation, music, online services, stores, sports companies, technology companies, and now mobile communication through Black Berry. Power changes people. Sometimes slowly enough that even they do not notice."
Kiara let out a short, disbelieving laugh. "And you discovered that transformation because he did not upload one review?"
"No," Buranki replied, his voice becoming firmer. "I am asking whether this could be the first visible sign. That is what commentary is supposed to do. We question powerful people before the change becomes obvious, not afterward."
The conversation became tenser.
Kiara leaned closer to her microphone. "Then question him fairly. Do not pretend you are worried about his soul while using his name to create your most successful video."
Buranki's smile disappeared. "You think I need Zaboru to become relevant?"
"I think that video became larger because his name was in the title."
"That applies to this podcast episode too."
Mitsu immediately raised one hand before Kiara could answer. "Both points are fair, and neither helps us understand the issue."
Kiara leaned back, visibly irritated, while Buranki adjusted his posture.
Mitsu continued, "Let us discuss The Dark Guild itself. Buranki-san, you rated it between 8.5 and 9.0. What specifically makes Zaboru's opinion so important if the game already has strong reviews?"
"Because Zaboru is not only a reviewer," Buranki said. "He is one of the most respected game developers alive and without doubt a best game developer right now so When he praises a mechanic, developers listen. When he criticises a design decision, players discuss it for weeks. His review could validate The Dark Guild as more than a good iPlay game. It could validate it as an important game."
Nigo raised an eyebrow. "So part of your frustration is that his silence hurts a game you personally want to succeed."
Buranki did not deny it. "Yes. I love iPlay. I want Apple to improve. I want the console industry to have more competition because competition creates better games. If ZAGE dominates everything, the industry becomes less interesting."
Kiara responded immediately, "Then your video was not purely about Zaboru's honesty. You wanted him to promote a product you support."
"I wanted him to apply the same standards he applied before."
"By giving Apple free marketing."
"By reviewing a good game honestly."
The two stared at one another again.
Nigo exhaled softly. "There is the real disagreement. Buranki sees Zaboru's silence as selective fairness. Kiara sees the expectation itself as exploitation."
Mitsu nodded. "And without Zaboru explaining his reason, neither interpretation can be confirmed."
Buranki relaxed slightly. "That is all I wanted people to acknowledge. His silence is unusual."
Kiara shook her head. "No, you wanted people to interpret it negatively. If you had only said it was unusual, the video would not have caused this argument."
Buranki smiled faintly. "Maybe the argument needed to happen."
"Convenient again."
Mitsu glanced at the clock and decided to move toward the final segment. "Then let us finish with one direct question. Buranki-san, do you believe Zaboru Renkonan is becoming less honest?"
Buranki paused before answering. For the first time during the discussion, he appeared to carefully measure his words. "I believe he may be becoming more calculating. That is not automatically dishonesty. But the more powerful ZAGE becomes, the more difficult it will be for Zaboru the gamer and Zaboru the businessman to remain the same person. The Dark Guild may be a small example of that conflict."
Mitsu then looked at Kiara. "And your response?"
Kiara's irritation softened slightly, though her loyalty remained clear. "I think it is unfair to decide that he has changed when we do not know what is happening behind the scenes. Zaboru has earned more trust than one missing review should erase. People can ask questions, but they should not disguise suspicion as disappointment and pretend that makes it harmless."
Finally, Mitsu turned to Nigo. "Your conclusion?"
Nigo thought for a moment. "Zaboru does not owe Apple a review. Buranki is correct that the silence is unusual, and Kiara is correct that unusual does not mean corrupt. The only thing this controversy proves is that Zaboru's public voice has become so influential that even choosing not to use it has consequences."
The debate ended without a clear winner.
Some viewers believed Buranki had raised a legitimate concern about Zaboru's changing priorities. Others felt Kiara had exposed the weakness in his argument. Many praised Mitsu and Nigo for keeping the discussion grounded, while others simply enjoyed watching Kiara and Buranki grow increasingly frustrated with one another.
The podcast episode spread rapidly across the internet.
Clips of the debate were reposted everywhere. Phrases such as "What happened to Zaboru the gamer?", "Silence is also a statement," and "Does Zaboru owe Apple a review?" became common discussion titles. What had begun as one YouTube video now looked like a real controversy.
Far away from the studio, Zanki Zagashira watched the full podcast from his private room.
He sat comfortably in front of the screen, one leg crossed over the other, while the final credits rolled. His eyes lingered on Buranki's face before a slow grin appeared.
"Hehehe… very good, Buranki," he muttered. "You defended the argument without looking like an Apple servant. You allowed them to attack you, admitted enough personal bias to appear honest, and still kept the suspicion alive."
Zanki picked up a report beside him. It contained summaries of the video's performance, forum reactions, podcast clips, and several media articles that had already begun repeating the controversy. The strategy was working exactly as intended.
They did not need everyone to believe Zaboru had changed.
They only needed people to begin asking whether he had.
"Our money was not wasted on you," Zanki whispered.
Buran Ken was one of iPlay's paid agents.
The public did not know that Apple-linked intermediaries had quietly funded his channel, provided him with early access, promoted his videos through hidden networks, and encouraged him to question Zaboru's silence. Even Buranki's criticism of Apple from time to time had been useful. It protected his reputation as an independent voice and made his praise of The Dark Guild appear more sincere.
Zanki had not paid him to openly lie.
That would have been crude and easy to expose.
He had paid him to choose which truths deserved attention, which questions deserved repetition, and which suspicions should be left unresolved.
That was far more effective.
A lie could be disproven.
A question could survive forever.
Zanki looked at the frozen image of Kiara confronting Buranki and smiled more deeply. Zaboru's supporters had defended him passionately, but their defence only spread the controversy further. Every argument, every angry reply, and every podcast clip pushed the same question into another person's mind.
Why was Zaboru silent?
Zanki leaned back and closed his eyes with satisfaction.
The first crack did not need to be deep.
It only needed to be visible.
To be continued.
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