Tuesday, October 7, 1991
With the ZEPS console performing exceptionally well, Zaboru decided it was time to expand his company. He began distributing job flyers and placing ads in newspapers, hoping to recruit new employees. His primary focus was on hiring finance personnel to support Sayuri, marketing specialists to assist Shinsuke, and additional programmers to help him, Yugo, and Yuna in game development and optimization.
As for legal matters, Zaboru had officially appointed Kudou as the company's lawyer after interviewing him the previous day. Now, the two sat together, reviewing the company's assets and legal protections. Kudou wasted no time in patenting everything possible, ensuring ZAGE's intellectual property was safeguarded.
"Boss, why don't you want to patent these game mechanics?" Kudou asked, furrowing his brows. "If you do that, your company will secure the video game sector in the future! No one will be able to copy your innovations."
Zaboru shook his head firmly. "Patenting game mechanics might be good for short-term success, but it will hurt the gaming industry in the long run. Creative developers will struggle to make good games due to unnecessary restrictions. My goal isn't just making money—it's about pushing the industry forward. I want ZAGE to be the best by outperforming competitors, not by weakening them with restrictive patents. The more great games out there, the better the industry as a whole."
Kudou studied Zaboru carefully, realizing that his employer wasn't just a businessman—he was a visionary. It was clear that Zaboru's main mission wasn't wealth, but the revitalization of the gaming industry itself.
"Fine, boss, I get it," Kudou finally said. "But in that case, I'll make sure to patent everything else. The ZEPS design, its characters—there are still some loopholes in the previous patents that could be exploited. Now that I'm here, I'll make sure to fix those."
Zaboru nodded approvingly. "Alright, Kudou-san. Let me know if you need anything from me."
With that, Kudou gathered his documents and quickly left to begin the patenting process.
Zaboru sighed. He still needed to hire a receptionist, an HR recruitment specialist, and a secretary to manage his schedule. Finding a good secretary, in particular, seemed like a challenge. He had even asked his father, Zanichi, if he had any recommendations, but his father had no one in mind.
Just as he pondered this dilemma, someone entered the ZAGE office. Since there weren't many visitors yet, Sayuri had temporarily taken on the role of receptionist. She looked up as the guest approached her desk—it was Akechi.
"Excuse me, I'm here to meet the company owner, Zaboru Renkonan. Is he available?"
Sayuri gave him a polite smile. "Do you have an appointment?"
Akechi shook his head. "No, but just tell him Akechi is here."
Sayuri blinked in surprise. So this was the Akechi—the Yakuza prince who had been protecting ZAGE's office. It was also interesting that Zaboru had named one of his upcoming games The Legend of Akechi after him. Smiling, she nodded. "Please wait here. I'll call the boss."
A few moments later, Zaboru emerged from his office to greet Akechi. "Oh, Akechi-san, how do you do?"
Akechi returned the smile. "I'm doing well. Anyway, I have a proposal—not for you, but for ZAGE."
Zaboru's interest was piqued. "Alright, let's discuss it in my office."
Once inside, they sat across from each other. Akechi glanced around briefly before turning his attention back to Zaboru. "ZAGE seems to be doing well, and I appreciate the consoles and cartridges you sent me. They're great additions to my collection."
Zaboru nodded. As part of their agreement, he had promised to give Akechi one of each console and game cartridge for free in exchange for their early transaction. "You're welcome, Akechi-san. Now, what do you want to discuss?"
Akechi leaned forward slightly. "Zaboru, do you need an investment?"
Zaboru raised an eyebrow. "Hmm. So far, no. I took out a loan from the bank, and it's enough to cover the company's expenses."
Akechi nodded. "Do you plan to keep your company private or open it to public investors?"
Zaboru's answer was immediate. "I'll keep it private, of course. If I ever have to go public, I'll make sure to retain the majority of shares so I always have control. though i don`t have plan to make it public, not in long run atleast"
Akechi smirked. "I see. In that case, I have a proposal for you—I want to invest in ZAGE."
Zaboru was taken aback. "Huh? Why, Akechi-san? Do you really think my company will be that big in the future?"
Akechi nodded confidently. "Yeah. Based on my predictions, your company is going to be huge. That's why I want in."
Zaboru frowned slightly, thinking. "Hmm… The problem is, I don't know how much my company is worth yet. So for now, I'll have to refuse."
Akechi chuckled knowingly. "I figured you'd say that. But keep me in mind—if you ever need capital, I'm ready to invest."
Zaboru smiled and nodded. "I appreciate it, Akechi-san."
With that, Akechi shifted the topic. "By the way, Ayumi asked me to check on Karate Bunny. She said the game is fully optimized and ready for release on ZEPS. She wants to know how and when you plan to release it for her."
"Heh, about that—ZEPS can act as her publisher," Zaboru replied. "Sales will be split, with ZAGE taking 40% of total revenue. However, ZAGE will cover all production costs. Let Ayumi know about this, or better yet, have her visit me so we can negotiate directly."
Akechi considered it for a moment. The deal seemed fair—especially since Ayumi wasn't making the game for money. She simply wanted to release it. "I'll let her know. Anyway, Zaboru, I'm looking forward to your next game."
Zaboru nodded in appreciation, and with that, Akechi bid farewell.
To be continued...