On April 12th, a joyful event lit up the Renkonan household—Zaboru and Ayumi welcomed their second child into the world. She was a healthy and beautiful baby girl, born just three days before her mother Ayumi's birthday, making the month of April even more special for their growing family. Her arrival was met with overwhelming joy and celebration, not only from Zaboru and Ayumi but from everyone in the extended Renkonan family. The house was filled with laughter, tears of happiness, and heartfelt gratitude for the new life joining them.
She was named Arumi—Arumi Renkonan—a name chosen carefully for its grace and warmth, one that would carry both strength and elegance as she grew. Keiko and Zanichi were overjoyed at having another grandchild, and Sanika was already preparing handmade toys and stories to share with her new niece. It wasn't just the immediate family; even close friends and long-time ZAGE employees sent flowers and messages of congratulations. Arumi's birth symbolized more than just the addition of a new family member—it was a reminder of life's continuity, of legacy, and of love that kept deepening with each passing year.
For Zaboru, holding his newborn daughter in his arms was a grounding moment—amid the chaos of leading ZAGE and shaping the entertainment world, this child reminded him of the quiet, beautiful truths he lived for.
Now it was already April 19, 1999, and in just one week since her birth, little Arumi had become the shining star of the entire Renkonan household. Everyone doted on her—every movement, every blink, every soft coo from her was met with admiration and adoration. To say she had become a celebrity would be an understatement. Keiko, Zaboru's mother, was absolutely overjoyed. After having raised two child, and with her first grandchild Zenshin being a boy, she had long dreamed of having a granddaughter. Now, with Arumi in her arms, that dream had come true. She spent hours each day humming lullabies, knitting tiny socks, and joyfully recounting family stories to the sleeping baby.
But it wasn't just the Renkonan side who were smitten—Ayumi's family, the once-feared and now-legit Hamazou clan, were completely enchanted by the new arrival. Even the typically stoic Akechi, Ayumi's older brother and the man known in the underworld as "Rashomon," found himself captivated. He visited quietly, often just sitting nearby and observing the baby with a soft gaze that betrayed a depth of emotion rarely seen from him. Yet, much like when Zenshin was born, he still hesitated to hold her.
He would stand close, hands at his sides, and say in a quiet voice, "I'm not worthy," almost as if she were a sacred object. Ayumi, half-exasperated and half-amused, would gently nudge him and say, "Nii-sama, she's your niece. Just hold her already." But even with her encouragement, Akechi remained cautious, overwhelmed by the weight of love and responsibility he felt toward his sister's children—a tenderness he rarely allowed the world to see.
Now, with Zanichi, Keiko, and Sanika having gone out to purchase the monthly household supplies, the Renkonan home was unusually quiet, save for the soft chirping of birds in the gentle morning light. The stillness gave a rare moment of peaceful intimacy to the core family, and Zaboru cherished every second of it. He stood in the Renkonan backyard, barefoot on the soft grass, holding his newborn daughter in his arms. The morning sun streamed through the tree branches, casting golden highlights on his face and on Arumi's small, sleeping form. A faint breeze stirred the hem of his shirt, but he barely noticed—it was as if time had slowed just for them.
Ayumi sat nearby on the patio bench, sipping warm tea, watching her husband and daughter with a serene smile. Her expression was full of peace and admiration, knowing moments like this were fleeting but unforgettable.
Then came the lively patter of small footsteps on the tiled floor inside the house—Zenshin burst into the backyard, his voice filled with excitement. "Papa! Papa! Let me see my little sister!"
Zaboru chuckled warmly and gently lowered Arumi into the baby crib beside him. As Zenshin ran up with eager footsteps, Zaboru bent down and lifted his small son into his arms, letting him get a closer look at his new sister. Cradled safely, Zenshin leaned forward with eyes wide in wonder and peered over the edge of the crib. His gaze locked onto Arumi's tiny face, and he froze in awe.
He leaned in closer, so near that his nose nearly touched her delicate hand. "Hehehehe... hello, Arumi," he whispered softly, his voice brimming with curiosity and affection. The moment was pure and tender—an innocent connection forming between siblings under the morning sun.
He see her silently for a few seconds, mesmerized, and then broke into a bright smile. "She's really cute, Papa," he said proudly. "I love her so much!"
Zaboru tousled his son's hair and smiled. "I know you do, Zen-chan. And she's lucky to have a big brother like you." Despite being only around one and a half years old, Zenshin spoke with remarkable clarity and confidence for his age. His words flowed smoothly, and he grasped more than most children twice his age. He listened carefully, remembered details, and responded with emotional nuance that often surprised both Ayumi and Zaboru. Watching him interact so naturally with his baby sister filled Zaboru with immense pride—a quiet affirmation that his son was growing up to be thoughtful, sharp, and loving.
Zenshin nodded enthusiastically, puffing out his chest. "I'll protect her! Forever!"
Ayumi laughed softly from behind them, her eyes misting slightly as she watched her husband and son bond over their newest family member. The whole backyard was filled with warmth—not just from the morning sun, but from the quiet, unmistakable glow of family love.
Zenshin then returned to the house, still full of energy, and quickly found his box of crayons and paper. He sat cross-legged on the floor, tongue poking slightly from the corner of his mouth as he focused on drawing. His little hands moved with purpose, trying to recreate what he had just seen—himself, Papa, and baby Arumi under the morning sun. It was messy and colorful, but it was made with love.
Meanwhile, Zaboru gently carried the crib back into the house, careful not to wake Arumi who was dozing peacefully. He set it near the family room where the light was soft and warm, and then lowered himself into the sofa with a content sigh. Ayumi joined him moments later, sitting beside him before leaning her head on his shoulder with a quiet, loving exhale.
"I can't believe we already have two children," she said softly, her voice full of wonder and nostalgia.
Zaboru chuckled, his eyes gazing forward as he reflected on how much had changed in just a few years. "Hehehe... they're so amazing," he replied, his tone gentle and full of admiration. He reached over and intertwined his fingers with hers, the quiet moment wrapping around them like a warm blanket as their home buzzed gently with the sounds of their growing family.
Then suddenly, the sound of a car engine rolled into the quiet rhythm of the household—the familiar hum of Akechi's Honda Civic. Ayumi perked up immediately, already recognizing it before it even stopped in the driveway. She made her way to the front door, and just as she opened it, there stood her older brother, Akechi, his arms nearly overflowing with bags and packages.
To Ayumi's surprise, he wasn't carrying just a small welcome gift—he had brought an entire mountain of baby supplies. There were baby clothes for girls ranging from newborn sizes to outfits for ages one, two, and even five years old. Blankets, tiny shoes, mittens, hairbands, bottles, pacifiers, and more filled his arms and spilled into reusable shopping bags hanging from his shoulders.
Ayumi's eyes widened at the sheer volume of it all. She blinked, sighed, and then laughed, shaking her head in disbelief. "He really went all out," she muttered under her breath with an affectionate smile. Her brother had clearly prepared far in advance—probably the moment he heard Ayumi was pregnant. His planning was thoughtful, touching… and undeniably excessive.
Still, her heart warmed. This was Akechi's way—silent gestures, grand preparations, all in the name of care he rarely spoke aloud. Even if it made her laugh, it also made her heart swell with love. .
"Nii-sama, this is too excessive… we already have all of this," Ayumi said with a laugh, eyeing the pile of baby supplies with amused disbelief. She couldn't help but chuckle again, her voice half-scolding, half-teasing. Akechi, as usual, kept his unreadable poker face and replied in his calm, neutral tone, "Well, I just thought she might need all of this in the future. These clothes will come in handy sooner than you think."
Ayumi shook her head softly, her smile never fading. Even though his face was expressionless, she could feel the care behind his actions. Akechi had always been like this—doing things quietly, without fuss or explanation. But ever since Arumi was born, something had shifted. He wasn't just being dutiful as an uncle; he was genuinely invested. The thought that her infamous older brother—the one known in the underworld as "Rashomon," feared for his cold demeanor and ruthless efficiency—was now fussing over onesies and pacifiers for her baby girl… it made her heart melt.
Ayumi watched him for a moment longer, eyes soft. Akechi may have been silent, but his actions were loud with love. The same hands that once orchestrated fear in Tokyo's darkest alleys were now carefully folding baby socks and inspecting pastel blankets. That contrast, that transformation, made her feel both protected and profoundly touched. Arumi had no idea yet, but her uncle was already one of her greatest protectors—and Ayumi knew he would do anything to keep it that way.
Then Akechi arrived at the front porch, his presence calm and composed as always. Zaboru stepped forward and greeted him with a cheerful, "Oh, Akechi-san!" Meanwhile, little Zenshin's eyes lit up the moment he saw him. "Oji-san!" he shouted with glee and dashed across the room with quick, excited steps. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms tightly around Akechi's legs, hugging him with the pure affection only a child could offer.
For a moment, Akechi's normally stoic expression softened. A true, rare smile appeared on his face as he crouched down and gently caressed Zenshin's head. "Yo, Zen-chan," he said warmly. "Did you protect Rumi while I was away?"
Zenshin's face instantly turned serious, like a little soldier reporting to his commander. "Yes! I protected her, Oji-san! I sat next to her when she was sleeping, I told the noisy bird to go away, and I didn't let anyone get close!" he declared proudly.
Akechi grinned and patted Zenshin's shoulder firmly. "As expected of Zenshin," he said. Zenshin giggled, absolutely beaming from the praise, his small chest puffed out in pride.
Soon after, Akechi sat down on the floor with his nephew, and the two began playing together. They built block towers, made sound effects, and even pretended to defend baby Arumi from imaginary monsters. It was a scene so pure and full of laughter that it made time seem to pause.
Watching from a few steps away, Zaboru and Ayumi exchanged a look and chuckled. Ayumi leaned in and softly whispered to Zaboru, "I never imagined Nii-sama could look this happy. He's really different when he's with them."
Zaboru nodded slowly, his eyes still on the pair. "Yeah... it's like he finally found something worth showing emotion for."
"So... when are you leaving for London?" Ayumi asked softly as she rested her head against Zaboru's shoulder. The question lingered in the quiet living room like a shadow.
Zaboru looked at her with gentle sadness in his eyes. "Well… this month," he said, exhaling slowly. "Are you going to be okay, Ayumi?"
Ayumi chuckled lightly, trying to keep the mood light despite the emotion behind her voice. "I'll be fine," she reassured him. "Mom's here, and there's Sanika, and my Nii-sama too. But..." she paused, looking into his eyes, "I'm really going to miss you. Make sure to call me every day, okay?"
Zaboru smiled and leaned his forehead gently against hers. "Yes. I promise. And you better come visit me next month in London too, alright? I already know I'm going to miss you like crazy."
Ayumi giggled and nodded, holding his hand a little tighter. "Deal."
The two sat in silence for a moment, simply enjoying each other's presence as the golden afternoon light filled the room. Zaboru knew time was slipping, and he was determined to make the most of the remaining days before his departure.
And so, Zaboru made the most of today—every hour, every small moment, every quiet breath. The afternoon sunlight shifted slowly across the walls as he spent time embracing the simple joys of family life: sitting with Ayumi while Arumi napped peacefully in her crib, watching Zenshin draw pictures of castles and rockets with wild imagination, and preparing tea together as the warm scent of the kitchen filled the air.
Later, as twilight approached and the sky dimmed to soft gold, Zaboru found himself standing by the window, gazing out with Arumi in his arms. He gently rocked her, her tiny fingers curled around his shirt, her breathing slow and steady. Behind him, he could hear Ayumi and Zenshin playing a quiet game with Lego, the clack of plastic and occasional giggles creating a soothing rhythm to the evening.
Even in the midst of this joy, a quiet thought repeated in his mind. It would be so convenient if there were already video calls in this world, he reflected with a faint smile. Just the idea of being able to see Ayumi's face, Zenshin's drawings, or Arumi's sleeping form from a world away—it was more than a tech dream right now. It was personal. It was necessary.
With that thought, Zaboru reaffirmed his drive to accelerate the Sendou Fiber project to transform internet speed infrastructure across Japan. Originally targeted for completion sometime next year, after this he will pave a way for video call technology maybe in the next AKAI Phone release.
To be continue
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