Chapter 66: Chapter 63: Visiting Hamazou HQ
*Author note: i know there isnt any video games development lately, but ive planned to do it on weekend lol , when weekend comes i want to focus proceed on ZEPS release , so please be patient, don`t worry about reaction of normal gamers for ZAGE games , that will be main focus on my novels expect for Console and Zaboru brainstorming ideas of his new Games, and this might my final chapter for today, or if im not busy i add one later , anyway Enjoy*
On the morning of Saturday, August 22, 1991, after finishing breakfast, Zaboru picked up his phone and called Ayumi. He needed to confirm whether her family members were available that day.
"Hey, Ayumi, are any of your family members available today? I want to discuss security for my company... Is that alright?" he asked.
Ayumi responded over the phone, "My grandfather, grandmother, and sister aren't here, but my father and Akechi are. I think you can negotiate with them. I'll let them know you're coming."
Zaboru nodded. "Thanks, Ayumi. I'll head over after lunch. Is that alright?"
"Yeah, that's fine. See you later," Ayumi confirmed before hanging up.
As Zaboru set his phone down, he muttered to himself, "Negotiating with Yakuza? Yeah, totally normal for a seventeen-year-old..." He let out a sarcastic chuckle, then shook his head. 'But I'm actually an old man in my fifties. I should be fine… right?' Letting out a deep sigh, he decided to push those thoughts aside.
He went to his father and requested to borrow the truck to drive to Hamazou HQ. Once he had the keys, he set off. After a while, he arrived at the large compound. As he pulled up to the front gate, he was greeted by Junjou, Ayumi's driver.
"Welcome, Zaboru-sama. Akira-sama and Akechi-sama are expecting you."
Zaboru nodded, parked the truck, and followed Junjou into the building. They walked through the corridors until they reached a spacious room with a serene atmosphere. A large, round wooden table sat at the center, with three chairs—two of them occupied by Akira Hamazou and Akechi Hamazou.
Akira, the father of Ayumi and Akechi, puffed on a cigar, his sharp gaze locked onto Zaboru. "Sit," he ordered, his voice carrying authority.
Zaboru obeyed, taking the empty seat. Akira exhaled a cloud of smoke and spoke first. "So, I heard from Ayumi that you started your own company?"
Zaboru nodded. "Yes, Akira Hamazou-san, I've established my own company."
Akira snorted. "A snotty brat like you starting a company? Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen." He let out a mocking laugh.
Akechi frowned, looking at his father disapprovingly. "Are you really underestimating him that much, Father?"
Akira raised an eyebrow. "What, have you been brainwashed by this kid? He's wasting your time with that shitty console of his."
Akechi remained calm, his voice carrying a hint of sarcasm. "What would a brute like you understand? I expect nothing less."
Akira's forehead twitched. "Watch your mouth, boy."
"This is the maximum amount of respect I can give to someone who only values people by their guts," Akechi shot back coolly.
Akira clenched his teeth, but after a deep breath, he regained his composure. "So, brat, you want my family to protect your company?" He leaned forward, his piercing gaze testing Zaboru.
Zaboru raised an eyebrow. Despite Akira's intimidating presence, he refused to be cowed. "I'm sorry, Hamazou-san, but my company isn't 'shitty.' I've built it with hard work, and I won't let some punks ruin it. That's why I'd like to hire your family for protection. I'm prepared to pay for your services."
Akira let out a dark chuckle. "What makes you think it won't be my family that ruins your company?"
Zaboru smirked, meeting Akira's gaze with confidence. "Because if you did, your son and daughter would be furious with you. Akechi-san is looking forward to my company's launch, and Ayumi is my disciple when it comes to making games. Do you really think you can face them if you sabotage my business, Akira Hamazou-san?"
Akechi smiled slightly, while Akira's forehead twitched with irritation. "You dare bring Ayumi into this?!" he growled. Reaching for a nearby katana, he moved as if to intimidate Zaboru.
However, before he could act, Akechi grabbed his arm. "Control yourself, Akira-Hamazou. You're in front of a civilian. If Grandfather or Grand Uncle find out about this, you're doomed."
Akira hesitated, clicking his tongue in frustration. He had only intended to scare Zaboru, but his son clearly had taken a liking to this brat. With a sigh, he leaned back. "Tch. It seems my son is interested in you, brat. Fine. I'll leave the protection of your 'shitty' company to him. I'm done here." With that, he stood up and left the room.
Now alone with Akechi, Zaboru asked, "Is that really alright, Akechi-san?"
Akechi chuckled. "It's fine. I was going to be in charge of security anyway. Now, let's talk business. How much are you willing to pay?"
Zaboru thought for a moment. Negotiating with Akechi could go either way—easy or difficult. After careful consideration, he proposed, "How about this, Akechi-san? I'll pay a protection fee of 40,000 yen per month. I know that's a low offer, but I also know money isn't your only interest. In return, I'll develop a game where the main character is named 'Akechi.' What do you think?"
Akechi's eyes lit up with interest. "It seems you understand me and your own strengths, Zaboru. Very well, I accept. But let me tell you something—your office used to be one of my hideouts. It's already safe. Nobody in their right mind would attack Hamazou property. Only the insane would try."
Zaboru's eyes widened. "Oh… I hadn't realized that!" he muttered.
Akechi nodded. "With this official protection, your employees and future products will be secure."
Zaboru smiled. "That's reassuring, Akechi-san. Thank you."
Akechi nodded. "It's a deal. I'll inform my subordinates to start guarding your office immediately. And I'll be waiting for that game."
Zaboru extended his hand, and Akechi shook it firmly. With that, the negotiation was settled.
As Zaboru left the Hamazou estate and headed home, he reflected on the encounter. The security of his company was now assured. Now, all that was left was to prepare for the big release in two days.