Saturday, 7 June 1994
Now, in a bustling all-purpose venue owned by ZAGE—officially named ZEB [ZAGE Event Building] America—the space is packed with excited video game fans. For American ZAGE supporters, this marks a brand-new kind of experience, one they've never encountered before because so far ZAGE events are always held in Japan.
First, the fans are delighted to find many exclusive ZAGE merchandise items that only appear at specific ZAGE events. One standout piece is an intricately detailed Mega Man figure, nearly 100 cm tall, priced at $30,000—and yes, someone actually bought it! Another highlight is a set of TMNT action figures, each around 50 cm tall, featuring the four iconic turtle brothers posed with their respective weapons. This set was priced at $15,000 and has already been sold. These high-end collectibles are drawing a lot of attention from hardcore fans and collectors alike. There are also many special dolls, action figures, and even T-shirts being sold by ZAGE USA, and they're selling like hotcakes.
As for the tournament itself, it closely mirrors the Street Fighter tournament held in Japan. Contestants from numerous U.S. states have gathered in L.A. to compete, and just like its Japanese counterpart, it's mandatory for every participant to use an E-sports nickname. The event has progressed smoothly, moving through the Best of 32, Best of 16, and semifinals, and now reaching the grand finals: Ouzzy, Champion from Los Angeles, versus Sevin W, hailing champion from Washington. Ouzzy plays as Scorpion, while Sevin W chooses Sub-Zero—an iconic matchup that has the crowd buzzing with excitement. True to form, the tournament brings unmatched hype and intensity. The entire showdown is also being broadcast live on the Nickelodeon channel, drawing in viewers from across the nation.
After an exciting match, Sevin W becomes the winner, taking home $40,000. Second place wins $25,000, and both semifinalists earn $12,000 each. This prize money has the players thrilled!
Then Zaboru steps onto the stage and personally presents the rewards to the players. Unusually, Zaboru is not wearing his helmet. He appears in public without his iconic mask—a truly rare sight—and there's a reason behind this bold gesture, which will be revealed in due time. Additionally, next month, Sevin W will be honored with a custom Champion Card, meticulously handcrafted by Zaboru himself.
Zaboru smiles and says, "Good job, everyone, and congratulations to Sevin W. Do you have a speech you want to give to the audience?"
Sevin W's real name is Seth Vincent, a 26-year-old salaryman from Washington who works at Microsoft. He has a slightly large build, black hair, and right now he is one of ZAGE's most devoted fans. Speaking into the mic, he says, "Thank you! Thank you for this chance. I really love playing Mortal Kombat, and I really love this event. I hope ZAGE can always deliver events like this every year—I love it very much!"
The audience claps. Then Sevin adds, "But I want to ask something—Zaboru-san, I know you don't usually challenge champions willingly. But right now, I want to challenge you in Mortal Kombat!"
The audience roars. They want to see this live. But in the last Street Fighter tournament in Japan, some people complained that Zaboru stole the spotlight from the players by doing this and Zaboru is refraining from challenging the champions by himself right now but if the champions is the one who challenge Zaboru it's a different story together.
Zaboru, meanwhile, smiles. "Ooh? You're ready for a challenge?"
Sevin W nods. He's genuinely excited to fight Zaboru, even though the whole gaming community knows Zaboru is extremely good at games. Still, he wants to try!
Zaboru smiles again. "Very well. If you're able to beat me, you'll receive an additional reward!"
Both head to the arcade arena. Sevin W uses Sub-Zero, and Zaboru picks Johnny Cage. The announcer shouts, "Whoa! Zaboru is using Johnny Cage? Isn't that a bad matchup against Sub-Zero?!"
The match begins. Sevin W plays with his usual aggressive style—countering and freezing opponents. But Zaboru is just too good. He predicts when Sevin W is about to use the freeze projectile, and while Sub-Zero's animation hasn't been canceled yet, Zaboru uses Johnny Cage's sliding kick to counter. Sevin's moves are clearly being read and outplayed!
Even though Sevin W gives it his all, he loses 3-0. He never had a real chance against Zaboru.
Sevin then holds Zaboru's hand and bows. "Arigato, Zaboru-san," he says, mimicking Japanese courtesy. Zaboru chuckles and pats his shoulder.
"Great job. You are very cool."
Sevin W is thrilled to hear those iconic words from Zaboru.
Then, after the contestants leave, Zaboru and the Zankoku band, known as Z&Z, step onto the stage amidst cheers and applause. The lights dim briefly, then flash back in rhythm with the crowd's excitement. Zaboru raises his hand and shouts with energy:
"Thank you for coming, everyone! As the grand finale of this unforgettable event, we proudly present our brand-new song—'The Beginning'!"
The audience roared in excitement!.
[Intro]
Just give me a reason to keep my heart beating
Don't worry, it's safe right here in my arms
As the world falls apart around us
All we can do is hold on, hold on
[Breakdown]
Take my hand
And bring me back, yeah!
[Pre-Chorus]
So stand up, stand up
Just gotta keep, I wanna wake up, wake up
Just tell me how I can never give up
Kuruoshii hodo setsuna no enrei
[Chorus]
Just tell me why, baby
They might call me crazy
For saying, "I'll fight until there is no more"
Urei o fukunda senkou-gankou wa kankakuteki shoudou
Blinded, I can't see the end
So where do I begin?
The audience starts headbanging. It's a great song! Even though there are Japanese lyrics mixed in, nobody cares—they love it. It's none other than The Beginning from One Ok Rock, from Zaboru's previous life.
With that powerful closing performance, the ZAGE event in the USA wraps up—a huge success. The ZEB remains open for those who want to buy more merchandise.
To be continued…
AN : I know this is short but i think there are many tournaments chapters recently so i want to avoid that and make this one shorter.