Another world Game Developers in Japan`s 1991-Chapter 419 - 373: Zaboru Helps Hinoko Utsunomiya

Tuesday, 18 November 1992 - Night

The night air was cool and crisp as Zaboru pedaled through the quiet streets of his old neighborhood on his trusty bicycle, the Silver Wrecker. It had been a while since he took a ride like this—alone, beneath the stars, away from the pressure of work. The soft hum of the tires and the street lamps flickering overhead brought him a rare moment of peace.

"Heh, it's been a while since I rode through the night like this. It's really nice," he muttered to himself with a faint smile.

As he passed familiar streets, he slowed down near Utsunomiya Radio and TV Store—a longstanding neighborhood electronics shop run by the Utsunomiya family. To his surprise, he spotted Hinoko Utsunomiya arguing with her father outside the dimly lit storefront.

"Father, like I said, we need to sell the store. We need the money for Mom's surgery, and I promise I'll work harder to pay for Hiro's schooling!" Hinoko pleaded.

Her father, Hisamu Utsunomiya, looked torn. "But Hino, if we sell this place, that's it. We lose our last source of income. I know your mother's health is a priority, but this store... this store is our life."

Zaboru observed from the shadows, heart heavy with empathy. He knew Hinoko well—both in this life and in his previous one. She had always been a kind and dependable presence. Despite her own hardships, she looked out for him, often like a big sister, back when he was struggling. He remembered how she'd bring him warm meals when he was buried in his work back in his previous world or drop by with encouraging words when he felt overwhelmed.

Now, it seemed fate had flipped their roles.

Hinoko now works as a cashier in one of Japan electronics store, doing her best to support her younger brother's education. Her family store, once a modest staple in the neighborhood, has seen better days, and sales have been declining steadily for months. Her responsibilities have grown heavier, and the pressure of keeping her family afloat weighs on her more than ever.

He rolled closer and dismounted his bicycle, stepping up with a calm voice. "Good evening, Hisamu-san. Hino-nee."

Hinoko looked up and instantly tried to mask her concern. "Oh, Zaboru! Hello! long time no see and Business is going great, I hope?"

Hisamu forced a polite smile. "Zaboru-kun, good to see you. How have you been, son?"

Zaboru smiled and nodded respectfully. "Doing well, thank you. Actually, I couldn't help overhearing. Hino-san... are you really planning to sell the store?"

Hinoko shook her head quickly. "No, no—it's nothing you need to worry about, Zaboru. It's our personal issue."

"But it kind of is," Zaboru said, walking closer. "The Utsunomiya family has always looked after mine and my family, especially you, Hino-nee. Let me help."

Hinoko looked stunned. "Zaboru, what do you mean?"

He turned to Hisamu. "I want to buy the store. But not to tear it down. I want to turn Utsunomiya Radio & TV into an official ZAGE retail store. We'll keep the name, but it will specialize in selling ZAGE merchandise and official stuff. Hino-nee or Hisamu-san can stay on as the manager. I think it'll be a great local anchor for our growing brand."

Hisamu was speechless. He looked at his daughter, then back at Zaboru. "That's... that's incredibly generous, but how much are you willing to pay?"

The store had little strategic value in terms of modern retail real estate. If Zaboru even offered 45 million yen, Hisamu would accept. But Zaboru simply grinned.

"Seventy-five million yen."

Hinoko gasped. "Zaboru! That's way too much! This place isn't worth that!"

Zaboru shook his head. "For me, it is. This building means more than just square meters. I see potential, and more importantly, I see people I want to help."

Hisamu's hands trembled. "Yes, we... we accept. We'll sell it for seventy-five million."

Hinoko turned toward her father, mouth agape. "Father..."

"It's alright," Zaboru said, gently stopping her. "I know this is sudden, but trust me. This isn't charity. I'm investing in something I believe in."

Hinoko's voice cracked as her eyes welled up. "Thank you, Zaboru. You... you don't know what this means. My mom can finally get the surgery she needs."

Zaboru nodded. "Tomorrow I'll have the funds transferred and legal paperwork ready. Choose the best doctors. Make sure Hima-san gets the best care." Hima is Hinoko mom and Hisamu wife name.

"We will. We promise," Hisamu said, bowing deeply.

Zaboru mounted his Silver Wrecker once again. "Alright then, I'll leave you both to it. Take care."

As he rode off into the night, the quiet sound of his bicycle echoed down the familiar streets.

Back at the Utsunomiya store, Hisamu looked toward his daughter with an expression of wonder. "We might have just been saved by a miracle."

Hinoko let out a breath and smiled. "Maybe so."

Then, with a glint of mischief, Hisamu said, "You know, you should really consider marrying him. I think you'd be happy."

Hinoko laughed softly and shook her head. "He's... far out of my reach now, Father. But yes, he's something special."

And for the first time in weeks, there was hope in the Utsunomiya household again.

Meanwhile, Zaboru rode through the peaceful streets with a deep sense of contentment swelling in his chest. Helping the Utsunomiya family—especially Hinoko, who had once quietly supported him in his darkest hours in his previous life brought him a unique kind of joy he couldn't quite put into words.

"I really hope the Utsunomiya family gets back on their feet," he murmured to himself, smiling. "And if they need a little push along the way... I won't hesitate to help again."

With that thought, he tightened his grip on the handlebars and pedaled forward, the Silver Wrecker slicing through the chill of the night air as he made his way home.

To be continued...

AN: Did anyone still remember her? From the earlier Chapter when Zaboru first bought the electronics components to make his first ever console?

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