Saturday 14 September 1998 Renkonan Household.
Zaboru was now spending his weekend with his family, having consciously chosen to step away from his usual routine of working tirelessly in his office, even on weekends. Instead of being surrounded by PCs , consoles and whiteboards, today he found himself surrounded by colorful balloons, gift wrap, and the warm atmosphere of home. He was completely immersed in decorating their spacious house, preparing it for a special and heartfelt occasion—the first birthday of his beloved son, Zenshin. To Zaboru, this was not just any celebration—it was a precious milestone that far outweighed any deadline or office task. Work could wait, but his son's first birthday only came once, and he wanted to savor every moment.
Although Zaboru could easily afford to throw an extravagant, over-the-top party thanks to his wealth and influence, he made a deliberate choice not to do so. His philosophy had always leaned away from hedonism or unnecessary opulence. He didn't want Zenshin to grow up surrounded by showy excess. What he envisioned instead was a heartfelt, intimate gathering—a casual and meaningful party that would bring together close friends and family, filled with good food, laughter, and cherished memories. As he moved around the living room and hallway, carefully putting up decorations and arranging the birthday-themed props, the house began to transform into a warm, cheerful setting that felt just right for such a treasured event.
Right now, Zaboru is spending quality time with Ayumi while his father and mother are actively helping with the remaining decorations around the house. Outside, in the sunlit backyard, Zenshin is having the time of his life, laughing joyfully as he plays with Zaboru's energetic little sister, Sanika. She's pushing him around in a makeshift cart—something she had playfully assembled using a toy crate on wheels—and the two of them zip back and forth across the garden like a little race team. Their bright, innocent laughter echoes through the open sliding doors and into the living room, filling the house with a warm, festive atmosphere. At one point, Sanika even adds a small flag to the cart and declares it a royal chariot, prompting Zenshin to clap with glee and yell "Faster!"—a word he recently learned and now loves to shout. The scene is a perfect blend of family, joy, and childhood magic, adding an extra layer of happiness to an already unforgettable day.
As Zaboru continued decorating the living room, he let out a soft chuckle. "I can't believe it... Zenshin's already a year old. And he's really smart, huh?"
Ayumi, tying a ribbon to one of the balloon strings, laughed and replied, "Hahaha, yeah! Time really flies. And I guess he really takes after his father, doesn't he?"
Zaboru chuckled again, pausing for a moment as he looked out toward the backyard where Zenshin was still giggling in delight. It amazed him how sharp and observant his son already was. For a one-year-old, Zenshin was showing signs of remarkable intelligence. He could already speak in short, clear sentences—something that children often didn't fully manage until much later. His walking, while occasionally wobbly like any toddler, was surprisingly steady. He would casually trip or fall, of course, but he always got up quickly, laughing it off with the spirit of someone who wasn't afraid to try again.
What impressed Zaboru and Ayumi even more was Zenshin's love for learning. He was naturally curious, always gravitating toward colorful drawing books. Whenever he flipped through pages and came across a picture of an animal, he'd eagerly point and ask, "Mama?" His curiosity was met with gentle guidance—Ayumi would respond with something like, "That's a Cat," to which Zenshin would giggle and repeat proudly, "Cat!" Not only did he repeat the word, but he remembered it too, and he would later recognize it in different books or even real life cat.
Beyond that, he had a growing fascination with problem-solving games. Puzzle toys, wooden blocks, and logic-based baby games captivated him. He'd sit patiently and focus on getting pieces to fit together, often clapping when he solved one on his own. For his age, his level of attention and comprehension was truly beyond what anyone had expected. Both parents couldn't help but be amazed—and a little curious—about what kind of person Zenshin was already becoming.
Zaboru sighed, a thoughtful expression settling across his face as he watched his son from across the room. It was still hard to believe that Zenshin was just a year old—his behavior, his intelligence, even his emotional expression felt far beyond what a typical child his age would exhibit. His mind couldn't help but drift to a wild, almost fantastical possibility. Could it be? Did my reincarnator abilities somehow pass down to him?
He chuckled softly at the idea, partly amused, but mostly filled with wonder. The more he thought about it, the more the possibility intrigued him. What if Zenshin hadn't just inherited his looks or personality traits, but also something far more unique? Zaboru had long kept his own powers hidden—his uncanny ability to remember everything in perfect detail through Deep Memory Dive, or his enhanced stamina , strenght and endurance thanks to the Enlightenment Body and many things. These weren't things born of training or luck—they were part of the strange ability his reincarnation. And now, with every new thing Zenshin learned at an accelerated pace, every puzzle he solved, every word he remembered after hearing it once, Zaboru couldn't help but feel that spark of possibility ignite.
Maybe his son was already tapping into some dormant potential. Maybe this world, this life, had chosen to carry on that power in a new form. Perhaps it was too early to tell—Zenshin was still just a baby, after all. But the signs were undeniably fascinating. Even if his son didn't possess the exact same abilities, perhaps he would manifest something new unique to himself.
Still, Zaboru reminded himself not to jump too far ahead. The important thing now was to love Zenshin as a child, not as a legacy. Whatever future awaited him, it would come in time. For now, he was just a proud father, watching his extraordinary little boy grow a little more each day..
As the day progressed, the Renkonan family continued working together to put the final touches on the decorations. There was a comforting sense of teamwork in the air, each family member contributing to make the house look festive and warm. Streamers were hung with care, balloons were tied to chairs, and the scent of freshly baked treats drifted from the kitchen. By the time night fell, the house had been fully transformed into a welcoming and joyful space, ready for the celebration. They kept the guest list intentionally small and intimate—only close friends of Zaboru, members of Ayumi's family, and a few trusted companions who had shared meaningful moments with them over the years. It was going to be a celebration filled with love and laughter rather than extravagance, just the way Zaboru envisioned.
Sunday 15 September 1998
Now the main event was finally ready. The decorations were in place, the tables were filled with snacks, drinks, and birthday treats, and the gentle background music gave the house a warm, festive hum. One by one, the guests began to arrive, bringing along their smiles, well-wishes, and gifts. Among them were several higher-ups from the ZAGE office, including the well-respected Shinsuke and his wife Sayuri Yamaguchi. They had brought along their children—Sakura Yamaguchi, a bright and cheerful 13-year-old girl, and her younger brother Shinjiro Yamaguchi, who was 11. Both siblings were massive Zaboru fans. The moment they saw him, their eyes sparkled with excitement, and they eagerly approached to greet him.
Other notable figures from ZAGE also made an appearance. Kurugiya "Kudou" Dousuke, the head of ZAGE's Japanese legal division, arrived in a smart suit and greeted Zaboru with a respectful nod. Several other department leaders and close colleagues of Zaboru were also present, making the gathering feel like a meaningful union of both family and professional worlds. Zaboru had also personally invited his old high school friend, Ryo Miyagi, now the owner of Miyagi Batteries—one of ZAGE's closest partners and collaborators in batteries innovations. Ryo brought along a custom-designed battery-powered toy vehicle as a gift for Zenshin, sparking the little boy's delight.
Ayumi's entire family, the Hamazou—formerly associated with the underworld—also came to show their support. Having left behind their past ties, they dressed appropriately in suits and modest dresses, blending in without raising suspicion from other guests. They maintained strict manners and offered quiet respect throughout the event, clearly determined to avoid any attention. Sanika's boyfriend, Hidetaka Miyazaki, also attended, even though he was already a familiar face around the Renkonan household. He often visited to study game development alongside Sanika under Ayumi's guidance. His presence at the celebration felt natural, and he greeted everyone politely, blending in with the rest of the guests while showing genuine interest in the occasion.
The guest list may not have been long, but every attendee was handpicked with care—each one holding a meaningful place in Zaboru and Ayumi's lives. The air was thick with laughter, chatter, and the warm energy of shared happiness, marking the beginning of a truly unforgettable celebration.
The birthday party was warm, vibrant, and brimming with joy. The entire house echoed with the laughter of children and the cheerful conversations of adults. Little Zenshin was the undeniable star of the show, his eyes wide with wonder and his smile never fading. As the guests gathered around, he blew out the single candle atop his colorful cake with a puff of determination, earning a loud round of applause and cheers. He clapped in delight, clearly enjoying the moment, before being gently lifted down to the floor where a light-hearted dance session had begun. To everyone's surprise, Zenshin joined in with wobbly but enthusiastic steps, bobbing to the rhythm with his tiny arms raised.
Later, when it was time to open presents, Zenshin took the lead with impressive independence. With a mix of excitement and focus, he unwrapped each gift himself, occasionally pausing to examine the toys with curious eyes before carefully arranging them into neat little rows. His tendency to organize things so precisely revealed just how sharp his mind already was—and made him all the more endearing to the guests. The way he lined up the gifts, grouping them by color or shape, left many of the adults in awe and earned more than a few amused smiles and praises.
Meanwhile, Zaboru was busy chatting with his father and other guests, moving from group to group with casual ease. As always, his legendary appetite was on full display. The buffet table was loaded with a delicious spread of party dishes, and Zaboru sampled almost everything without restraint. Those who knew him well simply laughed and nodded—it was just typical Zaboru. Seeing him so relaxed and cheerful was a rare sight that made the party feel even more special.
The celebration carried on with warmth and laughter deep into the afternoon. Family members shared stories, friends snapped photos, and the atmosphere remained lighthearted and full of love. As the sun began to set, the reality settled in—Zenshin was now officially one year old. It was a milestone filled with joy, reflection, and the promise of many more memories to come.
After the party, as the house began to quiet down and the evening breeze gently flowed through the open windows, Ayumi sat beside Zaboru, who was casually munching on a plate of freshly pan-fried gyoza. She glanced at him with a playful smile and said, "So, I've decided I'm going back to work at Akaishidan soon—probably next week or the week after. I'll be joining the development team again."
Zaboru, still chewing, nodded in understanding and smiled warmly. "That's great," he said. "I know how much you've missed creating games."
But just as he was reaching for another gyoza, Ayumi leaned in a little closer and, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, added, "Oh, and… Zabo, I'm pregnant again. Hehehe."
The words hit Zaboru mid-bite, and he nearly choked on his food. Coughing once in surprise, he quickly set down his chopsticks and turned to her, wide-eyed. But then, as the shock wore off, his face broke into an uncontrollable grin. He chuckled, then burst into laughter before wrapping his arms around her in a tight, joyful hug.
"You're serious?" he asked, still laughing.
Ayumi nodded, blushing a little. "Yup. Looks like Zenshin's going to be a big brother."
The moment was filled with warmth and unexpected joy. After a long, beautiful day of celebrating their son's first birthday, the news of another child felt like a perfect, miraculous bonus—a quiet promise of the future that lay ahead.
Zaboru let out a light chuckle, a teasing glint in his eye. "So, does that mean you're going to stop being a developer again for a while? Heheh."
Ayumi grinned warmly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, that part comes later—once this little one is born, Zabo. But for now, I still want to work. I've really missed it, you know? Developing games has always made me feel alive, and being away from it this long has been tough."
Zaboru nodded thoughtfully, his expression softening as he reached for another gyoza. "Alright. As long as you're healthy and not pushing yourself too hard, Ayumi. That's all I care about. You know I'll support you no matter what."
They exchanged a quiet, understanding smile—one that carried the weight of shared dreams, mutual respect, and the unspoken promise of navigating this new chapter together.
To be continue
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