Another world Game Developers in Japan`s 1991-Chapter 428 - 382: Osamu Tezuka

Tuesday 25 November 1992 Evening

After leaving Dream Catcher Arcade, Zaboru drove through the quiet evening streets of Tokyo, his mind occupied with more than just games. For once, he was letting his employees enjoy a short breather until Wednesday. By Thursday, he planned to assign development tasks for the upcoming December slate. But tonight wasn't about work; it was about respect.

He was heading toward the home of none other than Osamu Tezuka.

Known as the God of Manga in his previous life, Osamu Tezuka in this world was born in November 1938—ten years later than the version Zaboru remembered from his past life, who was born in 1928 and passed away in 1989 at the age of 60 due to stomach cancer. His famous final words, "I beg you, let me keep working!" became a tragic emblem of his passion and work ethic. In this timeline, however, Tezuka was still alive and in his early fifties, continuing his creative pursuits with the same driven spirit.

Zaboru had reached out to him a month ago, requesting a meeting. He had always admired Tezuka's work, especially Kimba the White Lion. But now, after the release of The Mighty Lion King, which drew clear inspiration from Kimba, Zaboru felt obligated to pay his respects—and more importantly, acknowledge the source material that helped shape one of ZAGE's most emotionally resonant titles unlike Disney from his previous world that Disregard it.

Zaboru didn't yet know what kind of personality Osamu Tezuka truly had, so he intended to approach the meeting with full respect and humility. 'I just hope he won't be offended that I drew inspiration from Kimba the White Lion,' he thought. 'I've even set aside 3% of The Mighty Lion King's revenue for him—hopefully, that shows my sincerity and opens the door for a future collaboration.'

Not for long He pulled up in front of Tezuka's residence, a distinct two-story home in a quiet, artful neighborhood. Unlike the functional, messy home of Akira Toriyama, Tezuka's place radiated a sense of thoughtful design and creativity. The door opened after a moment.

"Ah, you must be Zaboru-kun?" came a warm, deep voice.

Zaboru bowed slightly. "Yes, I am. Tezuka-san, thank you for receiving me."

"Come in, come in," Tezuka said, stepping aside.

Inside, the house was a museum of imagination. Framed sketches, sculptures, and a few worn drawing desks gave the space a soul. Zaboru was led to a cozy workshop room filled with brushes, pens, and original manga manuscripts. It was both humbling and inspiring.

"Sit," Tezuka offered. "So, what could the so-called 'Savior of Video Games' want from an old mangaka like me?"

Zaboru blinked. "Excuse me, but why do you call me that?"

Tezuka chuckled. "That's what the papers say, don't they? I do read from time to time."

Zaboru chuckled modestly. "That's definitely exaggerated."

He reached into his bag and handed over a beautifully wrapped gift. Tezuka opened it, revealing a rare selection of imported teas and a bottle of fine sake.

"Oh? You didn't have to go this far. Thank you, Zaboru-kun."

Zaboru nodded, then took a breath. "Tezuka-san, I came here not just to meet you, but also to admit something. One of our most successful recent games, The Mighty Lion King, was heavily inspired by Kimba the White Lion. Your influence on me is undeniable, and while I added my own narrative touches, it wouldn't exist without your original work."

Tezuka raised an eyebrow but didn't speak.

"So," Zaboru continued, "I would like to formally offer you 3% of the total earnings from the game as compensation and recognition. Also, I've publicly credited you in the game's documentation. Here's the agreement, already prepared."

Zaboru handed him a manila envelope. Tezuka opened it, read the contents slowly, then nodded.

"Well, that's quite generous of you," Tezuka said. "Very few would do the same. You didn't have to come here, you know. No one would've sued you."

"That's not the point," Zaboru replied. "Respect matters."

Tezuka gave a small smile, he read the contract for a while then signed the form without hesitation. "There. Consider me honored."

Zaboru bowed deeply. "Thank you, Tezuka-san. That means a lot."

Tezuka rose, stretching his back a little. "Anything else I can help with? I'm quite busy, if I'm being honest."

Zaboru stood as well, sensing the visit had reached its end. "No, that's all for now. I won't take more of your time."

He stepped toward the door, pausing only once to glance at the walls adorned with original manga pages.

"You're a legend, Tezuka-san. It was an honor to meet you."

Tezuka waved a hand casually. "And you're building something, Zaboru-kun. Don't get arrogant, but don't stop either. Keep creating."

With that, Zaboru left the house and returned to his car, the autumn breeze brushing against his jacket. He sat behind the wheel for a moment, quietly smiling.

"Well, he's not exactly warm... but he's everything I expected. A true craftsman."

And with that, Zaboru drove off into the Tokyo night, already thinking of how to channel that meeting into inspiration for his next project.

To be continued...

Please give me your power stone and if you want to support me and get 11 advance Chapter for 3 bucks considering subscribe to my patreon patreon.com/Zaborn_1997

Also Join my discord if you want https://discord.gg/jB8x6TUByc