While Zaboru is meeting with Marvel higher-ups, Sonaya is not idle. Hikaru Kurata, the Sonaya CEO and major shareholder, has been busy for months trying to strike a deal with a big comic company—Marvel's rival, D.C.
Ever since Zaboru and ZAGE released the Spider-Man and Captain America games, Hikaru has felt an unrelenting itch. He has dreamed of entering the superhero genre with the same vigor, and now he's more determined than ever. Ever since he was a child, Hikaru has idolized Batman. The dark knight, the silent guardian, the brooding vigilante of Gotham—these elements have captivated him for decades. Now, he wants Sonaya to take up the mantle and create Batman games worthy of the legend.
So, since late February, Hikaru has been in deep and careful negotiations with Warner Bros, the parent company of D.C. Comics. Meeting after meeting, legal review after legal review, he has persisted with a singular goal: to bring iconic DC characters to life on the gaming screen. After weeks of negotiation, persistence paid off—Warner Bros agreed to a partnership that would grant Sonaya the rights to develop video games based on D.C.'s legendary roster.
Now Hikaru Kurata is grinning in his Sonaya U.S. office workspace, his eyes glinting with ambition. "Zaboru... Zaboru, soon you will learn how to create comic book games properly—from Sonaya... from me."
Junpei Hoshida stands beside him, his usual expression somewhere between admiration and cautious concern. "Boss, though we've already secured the rights to create Batman games, I don't think success is guaranteed yet. We still need to focus on creating gameplay that lives up to the character's legacy."
Hikaru nods with confidence. "That's why I pay you, right? It's your job to make the game interesting—and I believe in you, Junpei." Hikaru smiled. So far, Junpei had always given his best. Although his skills were still a notch below Zaboru's, Hikaru didn't mind—Zaboru was an anomaly, a insane guy for gaming industry. For Hikaru, Junpei's abilities already ranked among the top tier in the industry. His dedication, creativity, and steady hand in managing complex projects gave Hikaru all the confidence he needed. In fact, Hikaru believed that with the right direction and challenge, Junpei could surpass even his own expectations The only downside to Junpei is that he's a bit of a Zaboru fanboy. But to Hikaru, this isn't necessarily a flaw. In fact, he sees it as something positive—if you're going to idolize someone, it should be the very best. And right now, in Hikaru's eyes, no one surpasses Zaboru in the gaming industry. Although Zaboru is his rivals he acknowledge His passion, vision, and relentless innovation make him a worthy figure to aspire to. So, if Junpei draws inspiration from Zaboru, Hikaru believes that could be the fuel that drives him to reach even greater heights.
Junpei sighs and nods. "Yeah, boss. I'll try my best."
Junpei always worries about Hikaru's obsession with outdoing Zaboru. Despite his advice to approach the competition with a clear head, Hikaru remains stubborn and fixated. It's more than business to him now; it's personal, almost a rivalry written in fate. Junpei then thought, 'I hope when the reality hits, Boss will still remain calm and composed, not letting the pressure disrupt his vision or unravel his confidence.'
After the brief conversation, Hikaru leaves the workspace and retreats to his personal suite inside the Sonaya office. He pours himself a glass of vintage wine, the ruby liquid swirling like ambition in a crystal glass.
"The deal with Warner Bros was expensive," Hikaru mutters to himself, sipping slowly, "but it's worth every penny. The two most popular superheroes in the world are within my grasp now—Superman and Batman. If I can do them justice, then it will mark the end of ZAGE's superhero reign. This is the beginning of something new for Sonaya." Hikaru enjoy the wine again he really have good mood right now.
Meanwhile, at the ZAGE USA offices, Zaboru is already back from Marvel. It's now 19:00. The office is silent; all ZAGE employees have gone home, but not Zaboru. He sits at his desk, surrounded by papers and screens, the soft glow of a single lamp casting long shadows.
He receives the news: Sonaya has struck a deal with Warner Bros to produce D.C. superhero games. Zaboru leans back in his chair and chuckles.
"Bold move, Sonaya. I like it," he says to the empty room, a grin spreading across his face. This one is unexpected. He knew securing both Marvel and D.C. would be a near-impossible feat so he just decided to acquire Marvel. Still, seeing another Japanese company take up the challenge is something he finds... invigorating.
He reflects on the history of Superman games. In his previous life, many had tried to create a great Superman game—and all had failed spectacularly.
"But still, the fact that they moved so fast means Hikaru Kurata really wants to follow in my footsteps. He's not giving up yet. He's pushing harder than ever."
Zaboru smirks. He doesn't feel threatened; he feels inspired. The fire of competition is blazing once again, and it's a fire he knows well. Every challenge fuels him, every bold move by a rival sparks new energy within. When rivals aim high, it only means Zaboru will aim higher still. And if those rivals deliver well-made games that push the standards and ignite fan enthusiasm, then so be it. It means the gaming world will flourish with creativity, ambition, and relentless innovation And for Zaboru? He will be absolutely thrilled at the thought of diving into a fresh wave of great games Each new release is another opportunity to unleash "Zaboru The Gamer" For Zaboru, playing excellent games is just important as creating games both are his hobbies after all.
"I'm hoping for great games from you, Sonaya! Don't disappoint me!" Zaboru exclaims with a manic glint in his eyes, grinning like a madman as he continues to scribble new game ideas and brainstorm the next wave of Marvel superhero content.
To be continued
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