Chapter 113: Zaboru's Official Secretary

Monday, December 2, 1991 - Morning

After brainstorming ideas for the SpongeBob game on Sunday, Zaboru returned to his usual grind. The next batch of ZEPS releases was scheduled for Saturday, December 21, featuring Ninja Gaiden, Gun-Nac, and Metroid. These three titles were in their final stages, with the ZAGE team ensuring they were polished and market-ready.

With ZEPS demand skyrocketing across Japan, Zaboru realized that relying on a single manufacturer, Saiko Machine, was no longer viable. He needed another manufacturing partner. He planned to speak with Tetsuo, the owner of Saiko Machine, to see if he had any recommendations.

ZAGE had also finally established a proper HR department. After an extensive search, Zaboru had found competent professionals to manage hiring and employee relations. The HR team now had three members. However, one key position remained unfilled—his personal secretary. One of the HR staff had recommended a candidate, describing her as a skilled but relatively inexperienced secretary.

Yumi Ichijou, also known as Yumi-sensei to her former students, had previously taught at Hibana High School, where Zaboru had studied. Despite her role as a teacher, she had always aspired to work in business. She had earned a degree in business administration, but fear held her back from pursuing a secretarial career—especially with all the unsavory rumors about secretaries being taken advantage of by their bosses. Instead, she had chosen the safer path of teaching.

However, when a friend informed her that a promising young company, ZAGE, was hiring a secretary and had fairly relaxed entry requirements, Yumi saw an opportunity. She had already resigned from Hibana High, meaning nothing held her back from taking this leap. Determined, she now stood in front of ZAGE's office building, mentally preparing herself.

'Breathe, Yumi. You can do this. Just be calm, confident, and professional. Soon, you'll have a stable career and a great salary.'

With that, she pressed the doorbell.

"Please come in," a voice from the intercom responded.

Yumi stepped inside and approached the receptionist, explaining that she was here for a secretary interview. After verifying her documents, the receptionist smiled and informed her that the boss was expecting her. With a polite nod, Yumi followed the receptionist through the halls of ZAGE's office until they reached the boss's room.

"Come in," a voice called from inside.

Yumi stepped in, bowed out of respect, and then looked up—only to freeze in shock.

"Wha—WHAT!?" she blurted out. "Zaboru!? What are you doing here!?"

Zaboru raised an eyebrow at her outburst. "Oh, Yumi-sensei?"

The receptionist blinked in confusion and asked, "Wait, you two know each other?"

Realizing her blunder, Yumi quickly composed herself, taking a deep breath. She nodded, choosing her words carefully. Meanwhile, Zaboru smirked.

"It's fine," he reassured the receptionist. "I know her. You can leave us."

After the receptionist left, Zaboru gestured toward a chair. "Have a seat, Ichijou-san."

Yumi nodded and sat down. Though Zaboru had once been her student, she needed to respect him as her potential employer now. She straightened her posture and spoke formally.

"I apologize for my sudden outburst, Renkonan-san. It was just... unexpected."

Zaboru chuckled. "No problem. Let's get straight to it. Do you have any experience as a secretary?"

Yumi shook her head but responded confidently. "While I lack direct experience, I have a business degree and fully understand the responsibilities of the role. I hope ZAGE can give me an opportunity to prove myself."

Zaboru nodded, slightly impressed by her professionalism. He continued asking about her skills, work ethic, and ability to handle tasks efficiently. As the interview progressed, he found himself increasingly satisfied with her responses. Despite the initial shock of seeing her, she had managed to maintain composure and respect the employer-employee dynamic.

For his final question, he suddenly switched to English instead the usual Japanese. "There's a strong possibility that ZAGE will go global soon. Can you handle international affairs and communicate with foreign clients?"

Yumi was caught off guard but quickly adjusted, replying in slightly imperfect English, "Yes, I think I can. And I will try my best."

Zaboru smiled, his decision made. He led her to the HR department, where they discussed salary, benefits, and contractual details.

To her surprise, the contract terms were generous. The salary was much higher than she had expected, and the benefits were excellent. After finalizing the paperwork, Yumi was officially hired as Zaboru's secretary. She would start work the next day.

Before leaving, HR provided her with an overview of Zaboru's schedule and materials to review before her first day.

As she walked home, Yumi let out a deep sigh. 'I never expected my new boss to be my former student… I knew Zaboru had graduated early to start his company, but I didn't realize it had grown so much. That brat is really something. But now that he's my boss, I need to treat him with the respect he deserves.'

With that, she mentally prepared herself for the next chapter of her career.

To be continued...

*Author note : Lol finally he get his secretary! , will Ayumi jealous!? , well i don`t know!?*

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