Thursday, October 2, 1992
Zaboru was neck-deep in October preparations. With new releases for both ZEPS and ZGB in the pipeline, plus the looming plans to bring ZGB to the U.S., his calendar was packed. But today marked a different kind of milestone. A significant meeting was scheduled outside his office—one that could change the future of arcade gaming.
Nando Michio, the enthusiastic CEO of Nanco and ZAGE partner in creating Arcade Machine, had booked an exclusive coffee shop he owned downtown. It was quiet, private, and perfect for the kind of conversation they were about to have. Alongside them, a special guest would join: Mido Mitoma, CEO of HanDai, ZAGE's current toy manufacturing partner.
As Zaboru arrived, he spotted Nando already waiting with two cups of coffee. "Zaboru-san! I got your favorite," Nando beamed.
Zaboru took a seat, sipping the warm brew. "Thanks, Nando-san. Let's talk about progress. How are Street Fighter, Streets of Rage, and Rampage Arcade Machines coming along?"
Nando chuckled, puffing his chest with pride. "They're coming along beautifully. My team is pushing full throttle. We anticipate finishing manufacturing and testing by mid-November. The hardware's solid, the control feel is authentic—you're going to love it. So the late November release timeline remains fully viable and on track."
Zaboru grinned, "That's impressively fast! I'm grateful, and as you know, we at ZAGE have an excellent distribution partner—Sora Distribution. I plan to collaborate with them to help distribute our arcade system across Japan and potentially overseas."
Nando chuckled with a wide grin. "Hehehe, this is your arcade system, Zaboru-san! We at Nanco are just the craftsmen behind the scenes—you're the visionary steering this whole thing."
Nando Continues "You're truly one of a kind, Zaboru-san. The way you come up with these ideas not just for arcades but for games across the board is incredible. I mean it: as long as I'm the CEO of Nanco, you'll always have my full support on anything arcade-related."
Zaboru chuckled, appreciating how deeply passionate Nando was about arcades. "Don't worry, Nando-san," he said with a confident grin. "With these three games titles and ZAGE's reputation backing them, I'm certain they'll make an impact the moment they launch." Nando leaned forward, eyes gleaming, and said, "I believe in you, Zaboru-san. This will be a game-changer." Nando then leaned forward, his voice more earnest. "I really hope arcades can finally return to their golden days. And with you behind the revival, I don't just bet—it feels inevitable. You've got the touch, Zaboru-san."
Just then, the bell above the door rang, and Mido Mitoma walked in, adjusting his coat.
"Apologies for the delay," Mido said, bowing slightly. "Car issues."
"No worries at all, Mitoma-san," Zaboru said warmly. "Come, sit. We've just started."
Once seated, Zaboru leaned forward, getting to the heart of the meeting. "Mitoma-san, as you know, HanDai and ZAGE have had a solid partnership when it comes to toys. Your quality and design have always impressed me."
Mido nodded. "The feeling is mutual."
"I'd like to take that partnership further," Zaboru continued. "Together with Nanco, I want HanDai to co-develop our next arcade innovation. Specifically, I want HanDai to produce and supply a new line of exclusive toys for our upcoming arcade project."
Mido raised a brow. "And what kind of arcade project are we talking about?"
Zaboru grinned. He slid a short legal document across the table. "Before I show you, I ask for confidentiality. If you disagree with the project, nothing leaves this room."
Without hesitation, Mido signed. "Very well. Let's see what you've got."
Zaboru pulled out a stack of blueprints and sketches labeled: Project UFO Catcher.
Mido's eyes widened with fascination as he scanned the schematics. "Wait... is this some kind of toy-grabbing arcade machine? A claw machine where you can win real toys just by playing?"
"Exactly," Zaboru said. "The first of its kind. It won't just be a game—it'll be an attraction."
Mido leaned in, scanning the toy mock-ups document. Pikachu plushies. Spongebob figures. Buzz Lightyear in a box. A poseable Starscream. A sleek Zero Suit Samus figure, labeled as a "rare pull." There are also many other Figures , Dolls, and Toys.
"These are... incredible," Mido murmured.
Nando nodded. "Zaboru-san designed every toy sketch himself. We plan to make UFO Catcher the centerpiece of our new arcade initiative."
Mido placed the blueprint down and looked at them both. "Count me in. This is visionary. And don't worry about production deadlines. I can get our factory team working by tomorrow if possible"
Zaboru smiled. "That's perfect. Let's aim for a mid-to-late December launch. Enough time to build hype before the New Year."
"Agreed," Mido said, extending his hand.
The three men shook on it, sealing the deal.
"Also," Mido added, "I'll return to ZAGE tomorrow with my legal team to finalize production rights and distribution terms."
Zaboru and Nando exchanged satisfied looks.
"Sounds like we've just made history," Nando said, raising his coffee.
"You bet we will" Zaboru said with grin
As the meeting wrapped and the trio parted ways, Zaboru took a moment outside the café to breathe in the crisp autumn air. Despite everything on his plate—the October releases, the U.S. expansion, the endless list of tasks—this project felt different. Special. It wasn't just about games or tech. It was about joy. Surprise. That feeling of grabbing a toy through a glass box and cheering as it dropped into your hands.
And now, he was bringing that feeling to life.
And of course, it's not a proper claw machine without a Scam!. The prizes will be intentionally tough to grab, requiring a blend of luck, timing, and impressive skill to win. It's not that Zaboru is being unfair—rather, he understands that this kind of difficulty is part of the thrill and tradition that makes claw arcade machines so addictive and exciting for players.
Zaboru then remembers back when he first played the claw machine in his previous life , it started with just a harmless 100 yen coin , and he played it until his 3000 yen was gone! and he only got one toy! And worse he does not even realize that he already spent a lot of money!.
He smiled, put on his helmet, and rode his bicycle "Silver Wrecker" back toward the ZAGE building. He also wears a facial mask to hide his face because he is famous now.
Like usual Back to work. Back to creation.
To be continued...
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