Monday 8 February 1996.
Just a few minutes after the earthquake struck, Zaboru became aware that it had occurred in Kobe. Without wasting a moment, he sprang into action, fully understanding the urgency of the situation.
"Quickly contact Sora Distribution and have them deliver food, medicine, and clothing to Kobe immediately. Use the two helicopters ZAGE just acquired to transport the cargo. Also, purchase as many supplies as possible from nearby supermarkets. Money is not an issue!" Zaboru commanded firmly.
Then he turned to the rest of his team. "Everyone, postpone your current tasks. We're shifting all efforts to support the people of Kobe. Let's move — now!"
With that, the ZAGE Tokyo employees sprang into action without hesitation. Zaboru immediately called the Osaka branch, instructing them to prepare teams and supplies as well. Every second counted.
Zaboru, alongside his Tokyo team, moved quickly to load supplies into waiting cargo trucks. Boxes of instant food, clean water, medical kits, blankets, and clothing were stacked with urgency. Workers moved like clockwork, fueled by adrenaline and purpose. Outside, the helicopters that ZAGE had recently acquired were being prepped — their engines roaring to life, ready to take off.
Zaboru, without second thoughts, climbed aboard one of the helicopters himself. Though a Company Owner and Billionaire, he refused to stay behind and delegate from safety. He knew his Enlightenment Body gave him more stamina and strength than an average human, and in a disaster like this, every capable hand was needed. As the rotor blades chopped through the air and the helicopter lifted off toward Kobe, Zaboru's expression was calm but resolute.
He wasn't just sending aid — he was bringing it personally.
On the helicopter, Zaboru gazed out the window, his thoughts drifting into the past. "Back then, I just watched desperately and wished I could help…" he murmured to himself.
In his previous life, all he could do was sit in front of a TV, powerless as the news showed the devastation. He had felt helpless, frustrated, and heartbroken. The images of people crying for help, the collapsed buildings, the loss—it haunted him. But he had no power, no influence, and no resources to make a difference. All he could do was hope that someone else would step in.
But now… everything was different.
"Now, I'm the owner of a multibillion-dollar global company — ZAGE. And I can help. I need to help. It's not just a choice anymore, it's a responsibility."
This wasn't about profit, fame, or business. This was about doing the right thing with the power he now held. That's why Zaboru spared no expense. No limits. If it could save lives, ease suffering, or provide comfort to even one person, it was worth it.
And as the helicopter pushed through the sky toward Kobe, he was more determined than ever to make sure his second chance in life wasn't wasted.
Not long after, the ZAGE helicopter arrived, loaded with crates of instant food, clean clothing, and essential medical supplies. On the ground, Japanese government agents, firefighters, and police officers were already hard at work, aiding victims and coordinating the rescue effort. Ambulances were parked in rows, and doctors and medics tended to the injured wherever space allowed.
As the helicopter descended, the distinct letters "ZAGE" painted on its side caught everyone's attention. The responders below paused momentarily, surprised and curious. A few exchanged glances before nodding in recognition. It was a welcome and unexpected arrival — a rare moment of relief amid the chaos. The presence of corporate aid, especially from such a prominent company, gave hope that more help was on the way.
Zaboru stepped down from the helicopter and immediately approached the nearby firefighters and Jietai personnel. He greeted them with a respectful nod, his expression serious but calm. Without wasting time, he offered his assistance in evacuating victims. The rescue operations were still underway across multiple areas of the city, and this location was just one of the designated safe zones where survivors were being brought in.
When Zaboru saw the rows of body bags laid out near the camp, he clenched his teeth. He had known there would be casualties — the destruction around him had already hinted at the scale of the tragedy — but seeing so many lives lost in one place hit him hard. Still, he took a deep breath, steeled his heart, and pushed his emotions down. This was not the time to grieve. It was time to act.
He threw himself into the rescue effort without hesitation. With the strength of three average men, Zaboru moved fallen beams and heavy rubble with ease. Hours passed, but he didn't slow down. Sweat ran down his face, dust coated his clothes, and his hands were scraped and bleeding, yet he kept going. Rescuers around him took turns, but Zaboru pressed on, fueled by something deeper — a sense of responsibility that burned in his chest.
During the search, he uncovered several survivors trapped under debris, pulling them out carefully and directing medics to their aid. Each life saved was a victory, a small light in the darkness. But not every moment brought hope.
Under a collapsed home, Zaboru found a small body — a boy no older than seven. The child had been clutching a ZAGE ZGB handheld console, with a cartridge of Pokémon Crystal still inserted. The device was cracked but recognizable. It was clear the boy had been playing when the quake struck. Zaboru's heart shattered at the sight.
When the child's body was brought back to the emergency camp, his mother, brother, and sister broke into heart-wrenching sobs. The mother collapsed to her knees, wailing, while the siblings clung to each other. Through their cries, Zaboru overheard them mention their father — who was missing and feared dead.
Zaboru turned away, tears filling his eyes, but he refused to break down. There was still more work to do. More people to help. More lives to try and save. And he would carry the weight of this boy — and so many others — in his heart as he continued.
Zaboru's heart was shattered, but he pushed through the pain and continued helping however he could. Not long after, ZAGE's land-based supply convoy arrived — a fleet of trucks carrying crates of clothing, clean water, food, medicine, and blankets. The relief effort accelerated as these vital supplies were quickly distributed to victims across the area. The arrival of the trucks brought a fresh wave of support and hope to the rescue teams and survivors alike, reinforcing Zaboru's belief that every action, no matter how small, could make a difference.
Meanwhile, a firefighter who was currently resting glanced over at Zaboru, who was still searching through the nearby debris. He nudged his colleague — also taking a short break after hours of exhausting work — and spoke between bites of a plain bread roll.
"I can't believe that Zaboru never gets tired. He really doesn't give up. I'm impressed," he said.
His friend nodded in agreement. "Honestly, he's not what I imagined. I thought he'd be arrogant — you know, being a young billionaire and all — but he's the exact opposite. He's... genuinely kind."
They had both seen Zaboru earlier, kneeling alone amidst the rubble, silently crying after finding the body of a young child. But he didn't let himself fall apart. After a few quiet moments, he wiped his eyes, stood up, and returned to the search.
Times were tough. Every bit of help mattered. And Zaboru was giving everything he had.
It had been several intense hours of nonstop searching and rescue work. The firefighters and Jietai around Zaboru, concerned for his well-being, repeatedly urged him to take a break. But Zaboru refused to stop. His Enlightenment ability gave him an abnormally strong body and endurance far beyond a regular human, allowing him to function with very little rest. He understood that this ability was a gift — one he had to use to its fullest potential during this crisis.
Despite the dust choking the air and the weight of sorrow hanging heavy over the rescue zone, Zaboru pressed on, lifting, digging, guiding, and supporting the team around him. The sheer physical effort he contributed was remarkable, but even more impactful was his invisible influence. His unique "Aura of Influence" ability had begun to affect the rescuers nearby. Those around him felt invigorated, less fatigued, and somehow more focused. His presence became a source of strength — a quiet motivator that pushed everyone to go the extra mile.
Firefighters who were previously on the verge of exhaustion found new energy. Volunteers who had been overwhelmed with despair regained clarity and resolve. Zaboru's leadership wasn't about shouting orders or commanding attention. It was about setting the tone, leading by example, and radiating a strength that others unconsciously followed.
Without them even knowing The searching and evacuation efforts grew more organized, faster, and more efficient. Even the medics and logistical support teams reported better coordination.
After a couple of hours of relentless searching and rescue work, Zaboru finally allowed himself a short break. He sat on a concrete slab near the edge of the camp, his clothes dusty and torn, his face marked with exhaustion. As he unwrapped a piece of bread and took a slow bite, he stared silently at the devastation around him — the shattered buildings, the displaced families, and the distant cries echoing through the ruins.
With a heavy sigh, he closed his eyes and made a quiet vow to himself. "I will help with everything I can…" he whispered. It wasn't just a fleeting thought — it was a promise born from the deepest part of him. He began mentally drafting plans to donate a substantial sum of money to aid the Kobe victims. But that wasn't enough. He envisioned rebuilding the schools that had collapsed, restoring community centers, and financing the reconstruction of homes that had been reduced to rubble.
Zaboru also planned to reach out to government officials and propose a long-term partnership — not just for rebuilding, but for preparing infrastructure to withstand future disasters. He wanted to sponsor shelters, medical outposts, and emergency response systems. As he sat there, chewing quietly, the gears in his mind turned steadily. This was no longer just about ZAGE delivering emergency aid. It was about using his power, his company, and his second chance at life to bring lasting change.
Finishing the last bite of bread, he wiped his hands on his pants and stood up once more, eyes burning with renewed resolve. The work wasn't over — not even close.
Worst of all, this disaster had occurred completely outside his predictions. As someone from 2024 in his previous life, Zaboru knew every major catastrophe that had happened during that time — and with his Deep Memory Dive ability, he could recall them in vivid detail. Yet this earthquake, though similar in scale and devastation, had struck on a different date than he remembered.
That unsettled him. If this tragedy had deviated from the timeline he knew, then could other disasters follow the same pattern? Could future accidents from his previous life still happen — but at unexpected times, making them impossible to predict?
That uncertainty weighed heavily on him. It shattered the illusion of control he thought he had. He realized now that even with foreknowledge, the world still held surprises — and danger could strike without warning.
Because of that, Zaboru made a silent resolution: from this point forward, ZAGE must always remain vigilant. They would prepare for any emergency, no matter how sudden. He would not allow himself or his company to be caught off guard again. If disaster was inevitable, then readiness had to be relentless.
To be continue
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