The earthquake evacuations and relief efforts continued steadily, with more and more people from outside of Kobe offering their help. By the following day, a large number of volunteers had arrived to assist the victims of the disaster. In addition, many major companies from across Japan stepped in to contribute, supplying essential goods such as food, water, clothing, and medical aid. Overall, the survivors received generous support from all corners of the country, showcasing a powerful sense of national solidarity and compassion.
After a full week of evacuations, it was estimated that the death toll from the disaster had reached between 5,500 to 6,000 people — a staggering number. The entire nation mourned the tragedy that struck Kobe. Flags were flown at half-mast, memorials were held across cities, and moments of silence were observed in schools and offices. The scale of the loss was deeply felt, not only by the victims' families but by all of Japan, unified in grief and reflection.
The Japanese government also began preparing a series of long-term infrastructure projects focused on anti-earthquake construction — blueprints that had been gathering dust for years but were now being fast-tracked into action. These new, reinforced buildings would be implemented in Kobe as part of a broader initiative to rebuild the city with disaster-resistant designs. The government announced financial assistance programs to help Kobe victims not only restore but improve their homes, ensuring better protection in the future.
Meanwhile, ZAGE pledged to support the government's rebuilding efforts with significant investment. The company announced a large-scale donation fund specifically for earthquake-resistant construction in high-risk zones. But Zaboru didn't stop there. ZAGE also began working with several outsourced engineering and design firms to reconstruct critical infrastructure in Kobe, including schools, hospitals, and public parks that had been reduced to rubble by the quake. These were not business ventures — they were direct donations, funded entirely by ZAGE.
The disaster brought all ongoing ZAGE projects in Japan and Osaka to a temporary halt for several weeks. Instead of continuing with their usual work, a large number of employees volunteered to assist with relief efforts in Kobe. Zaboru fully supported their decision, encouraging his team to prioritize helping the victims over company business. It was a moment where compassion took precedence over productivity, and the entire company stood in solidarity with the people of Kobe.
Also in the news, Zaboru has been hailed as a national hero. Unlike many other companies that arrived only on the second or third day after the Kobe Earthquake, Zaboru and ZAGE responded within just hours of the first reports. This swift reaction drew widespread praise from the media, the public, and even government officials. What truly set Zaboru apart, however, was not just the speed of the response — it was his personal involvement. He didn't just send teams and supplies; he was on the ground himself, working shoulder to shoulder with rescue crews, clearing debris, and helping evacuate victims.
Witnesses, including firefighters and survivors, shared emotional accounts of Zaboru carrying injured children to safety, offering water and blankets to the elderly, and coordinating with medical teams to triage the wounded. There were no cameras following him, no media stunts — only the raw determination of someone who genuinely wanted to help. Many who saw him in action said they had gained a newfound respect for the young billionaire, not as a corporate figure, but as a compassionate human being.
In a time of tragedy, his actions spoke louder than any press release ever could. Television broadcasts, and newspapers across Japan carried heartfelt headlines praising his bravery. People began calling him "the real hero of ZAGE" "Real Life Zabo-man" and "the CEO with a soul." It wasn't just admiration — it was gratitude. And as word spread, so did the sense that Zaboru had done something far more powerful than lead a successful company. He had led by example when it mattered most.
ZAGE also delivered an overwhelming amount of supplies, including food, blankets, clean water, and medical aid — all of which significantly helped the Kobe victims in their time of need. The swift and organized response from the company played a crucial role in stabilizing many of the affected zones. In recognition of these efforts, the Japanese government issued an official public statement thanking ZAGE for their rapid mobilization and unwavering support. Their contribution stood out as a symbol of corporate responsibility and compassion during one of the nation's darkest moments.
Now, on Friday, February 12, 1995, Zaboru had just returned from Kobe after spending nearly four exhausting days assisting the rescue teams. With the situation finally under control, he made his way back home, weary but fulfilled. As he stepped through the door, he was immediately welcomed by his family.
Keiko, his mother, was overwhelmed with pride, her eyes brimming with emotion. His father, Zanichi — who also served as the CTO of ZAGE — had been working tirelessly behind the scenes, helping coordinate the delivery of emergency supplies and managing the company's Japanese offices in Zaboru's absence. Both parents had done their part in the crisis, but today, they were simply glad to have their son home safe. While his Sister Sanika are around too and she waiting her brother to return
Now back at home, Zaboru let out a long sigh after showering and changing into comfortable clothes. The weight of the past few days hung heavily on him as he sat quietly in the living room, surrounded only by his family. The adrenaline had faded, leaving exhaustion and a swirl of unprocessed emotions.
Sensing his inner turmoil, Keiko moved closer and gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "You really did your best, son. It's not your fault… Never blame yourself for this. It was a natural disaster," she said softly, her voice full of warmth and strength.
Zanichi, standing nearby, gave a solemn nod of agreement, his eyes reflecting the same mix of pride and empathy. They both knew Zaboru had carried more than any young man should, and now was the time to let him rest — not just his body, but his soul.
Zaboru sat in silence for a moment, his lips trembling as his eyes welled up. Then he began to shake. "B-But Mom… I saw a kid… not even eight years old. He was dead under the debris… and he was holding a ZGB — the thing I created… He must've been playing with it, having fun just before the accident."
His voice cracked, and he could no longer hold it in. The dam broke. He burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably. Keiko immediately wrapped her arms around him, pulling his head to her chest and gently caressing his hair. "Hush, hush, Zaboru… it's not your fault. In fact, you helped them. You should be proud of yourself," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
Zaboru cried harder, burying his face into his mother's embrace. The images of victims haunted him — faces he'd seen, bodies he couldn't save. Each death etched vividly into his memory. And unlike others, he couldn't escape them. His Deep Memory Dive ability ensured that every image, every scream, every moment would stay with him forever. No filter. No forgetting. Just pure, endless replay.
He cried and cried, trying to pour it all out. The weight of guilt, the unbearable sadness, the feeling of powerlessness. In public, he was a multibillionaire, the genius behind a global empire, dubbed the "God of Video Games," "Savior of the Industry," and more. But in his mother's arms, he was just Zaboru — her boy. And to Keiko, that's all he ever had to be.
Keiko smiled through her own tears, trying to remain strong for him. She never wanted him to act so tough all the time. She didn't care about fame or accolades. She just wanted her son to feel safe, to feel loved, to feel like it was okay to cry.
Meanwhile, Zanichi and Sanika stood nearby, watching in solemn silence. The sight of Zaboru — the one who always stood tall and unshaken — now crying with everything he had, struck them deeply. It was rare to see him this vulnerable, and in that moment, they both knew how much he had carried inside without ever showing it. Even Sanika began to cry as well.
Zaboru cried for almost an hour before exhaustion finally overtook him. His sobs grew softer, his breathing slowed, and eventually he drifted into sleep, still cradled in his mother's comforting arms. He looked completely worn out, both mentally and physically — the toll of the past week finally catching up with him. Keiko gently shifted to let him rest on her thighs, tenderly stroking his hair as he slept, her expression calm and full of motherly love. In that moment, nothing else mattered — just her son, safe and at peace, if only for a little while.
To be continue
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