Chapter 17: Ayumi Hamazou

"Please teach me to be a game developer! I want to make games too," Ayumi Hamazou said, her voice calm yet resolute as her piercing gaze locked onto Zaboru.

Zaboru blinked, caught off guard. "You… want me to teach you how to create video games?"

Ayumi nodded.

Still processing, Zaboru asked, "Why me, though? There are professional developers out there. I'm just a high school student."

"You're at my age," Ayumi replied, her tone steady, "but you've already created the ZAS machines and those four incredible games. That's not just talent—it's brilliance. I can definitely learn a lot from you."

Zaboru scratched his head nervously. "Well, do you know any programming languages? Can you design characters or handle digital tools?"

Before he could finish, one of Ayumi's bodyguards, a bulky man with a cocky grin, stepped forward. "Hey, punk. You'd better just agree to what Miss Ayumi is asking, or you might end up with a black mark on that pretty face of yours."

The grin widened, but Ayumi's cold voice cut through the air. "Shinou."

The bodyguard froze. "Y-yes, Miss?"

Ayumi's glare could freeze fire. "If you don't shut your mouth right now, I'll cut one of your fingers off. Do you understand?"

Shinou paled, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Y-YES, MISS! I'M SORRY!"

"Like I said," Ayumi hissed, "shut up."

Shinou quickly nodded, backing away.

'She's terrifying!' Zaboru thought, his mind racing.

Ayumi turned her focus back to him, her demeanor softening slightly. "To answer your question, I've been studying programming languages and digital art on my own. I can play music too. I've always wanted to make games, but… I'm not good enough to do it on my own yet."

Her eyes shone with a mix of determination and vulnerability. Zaboru could see it clearly—her genuine passion for gaming. It wasn't just a hobby for her; it was a dream.

'She's scary as hell, and yeah, she's Yakuza, but she's serious about making games. I can't ignore that,' Zaboru thought.

He sighed, finally making up his mind. "Fine, Hamazou-san. Let me make you an offer. Right now, I'm building five more arcade machines at home. You can come watch me work and learn from me. I'll teach you the basics of game development—programming, design, and even hardware—but in return, I'll need your help with creating new machines, consoles, and games. Oh, and I won't be paying you. Consider it the price for learning from me."

Ayumi's lips curled into a sly smile. "Interesting. So, you're asking me to come to your house and work as your assistant, huh?"

Shinou cracked his knuckles, his grin returning as he loomed over Zaboru.

"No! It's not like that!" Zaboru stammered, his hands waving frantically.

Ayumi chuckled softly. "Relax, I'm just kidding. You can call me Ayumi, by the way. Calling me 'Hamazou' might cause… misunderstandings."

Zaboru nodded quickly. "Got it. Ayumi-san."

"So, when do we start?" Ayumi asked, leaning forward slightly, her curiosity evident.

"Tomorrow," Zaboru replied, scratching the back of his neck. "After school. It's already late tonight."

"Alright. See you tomorrow then." Ayumi turned to leave but paused. "Need a ride home?"

Zaboru shook his head. "No thanks. I brought my bicycle. See you later!"

As Ayumi walked back to her car, Zaboru let out a heavy sigh.

'What the hell just happened?! The Yakuza boss's daughter loves video games? And what choice did I have? If I'd said no, my body would've been found floating in a river tomorrow!'

---

Inside the sleek black sedan, Ayumi leaned back in her seat, a satisfied smile on her face. Her driver, Junjou, glanced at her through the rearview mirror.

"Hohoho, that Zaboru lad is something else, isn't he, Miss? I can't believe a high schooler made those arcade machines from scratch. Back when I was his age, all I knew was punching people."

Shinou grumbled from the front seat. "Tch. What's the point of making those machines anyway? Punching people is way better!"

Ayumi clicked her tongue, glaring at him. "Shut up, Shinou. An ape like you could never understand how amazing Zaboru's accomplishments are. I've tried making games myself. It's ridiculously hard, and what he's done is nothing short of extraordinary."

Shinou pouted, crossing his arms like a scolded child.

Junjou chuckled. "Hoho? Has our little Ayumi finally blossomed into a young lady in love? Hahaha! Before I kick the bucket, I'd love to see Miss Ayumi with a boyfriend!"

Ayumi's cheeks turned pink. "Shut up, old man!" she snapped, but a small smile tugged at her lips.

Junjou had been with her since she was a child, and despite his teasing, he was like a second father to her.

As the car drove through the quiet streets, Ayumi gazed out the window, her thoughts drifting to Zaboru.

'I'll prove myself. I'll learn everything I can from him… and maybe, just maybe, I'll finally create the games I've dreamed of.'

To be continued…