H       A       R       D
                                    |<      O       R

                                Book D: The Book of Four

                     K i m a g u r e 	O r a n g e     R o a d 
                              P r e m i e r   F a n f i c t i o n

                                   by Robert Kwong
                                      ver 1.0
                                Finished: June 30, 1999


Based on characters from the Kimagure Orange Road Series created by
the venerable Matsumoto Izumi.

As you can see, this is fanfiction harkening back to the old Kimagure Orange
Orange Road Series. This is the 4th book in my fanfiction series. The timeline
for this occurs after ShinKOR II novel and covers some details in Shin Kor III
and beyond. 


HardKor Web Site (With Disclaimer and back-stories:
Book A and Book B chapters)
http://www-ucsee.eecs.berkeley.edu/~rk/HardKor.html

My SuperPage for the General Kimagure Orange Road enthusiast
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/2143/Kor.html

My contact email address for comments or further correspondence:
rk@soda.berkeley.edu

Feel free to email me your impressions and suggestions for the series. Beta
readers always welcome. If you want new stories emailed to you, please e-mail
me at the above address.

Thanks for reading my stories and making it one the most popular KOR fanfic
on the web! (38000 can't be wrong!)I hope you enjoy reading it as I did
writing it. Thanks again.
Robert Kwong
Ark Productions -99-


Legend:
H	  =  Hikaru Hiyama
M	  =  Ayukawa Madoka
R	  =  Ryusei Haroken
K	  =  Kasuga Kyosuke
	
Akane     =  Akane  Kasuga
Kurumi    =  Kurumi Kasuga
Manami    =  Manami Kasuga
Muroke    =  Koji Muroke
Shijama   =  Shijama Zumi
Taku      =  Taku Morisaki
Shinohara =  Shinohara Asuma
Shun      =  Shun Kisaragi
Hasegawa  =  Hasegawa Kazuya
Tasuya    =  Tasuya Youta

[]      - denotes scene changes
()      - indicates person thinking to himself
(**)    - indicates action or special effects.


Book D: The Book of Four 

Chapter 2: Hello Again

"Morisaki-kun! Remember me?"

"Matsuno buddy! Glad to see you! But why am I lying here for?  What happened?"
//Matsuno Yutaka is Morisaki Taku's best friend in high school

"You passed out. The tremors shook you up."

"Tremors? So there was an earthquake!"

"A minor earthquake. More like an aftershock. The main quake occurred at Kobe."

"Kobe. I just came from there."

"Then you manage to avoid the worst of the quake. It hit Kobe really hard down
there."

"How did you find me here?"

"Oh, your roommate called me up about your situation. Naturally, I rushed over
as fast as I could.

"Where is Muroke-san now?"

"He went out to buy something. Here he comes now."

(Muroke enters holding a bag of tofu)

Muroke: Oh, great to see you up Taku-san. I brought this smelly tofu just in
case as a way to wake you up. This place Tengejala has these nice quaint shops
around here.

Taku: It's like that in Koichi also. (takes a whiff of the tofu) Yes, really
strong. Now I'm awake now.

Muroke: I'm glad you like it. How are you feeling now?

Taku: I feel fine. What happened?

Muroke: Well, it was a mad dash between you and some girl from the other team.
You both lunged for the flag post. Right at the same instant, the ground
beneath you two started to tremble. I believe you must have fainted then. We
all were shocked by the force of the tremors. Took us a few minutes for me to
get my bearings straight. When I recovered, I proceeded to hike up the hill
where you were when I found you there unconscious. Try to wake you up then,
but you were shocked pretty good. So I waited for the rest of the guys to
come and helped carry you back to this nearby local area. That's when I
contacted your friend here.

Taku: How did you find out about Matsuno?

Muroke: It was elementary. I remember you talking about visiting your friend in
Kyoto, so naturally I assumed he attended the University of Kyoto. I then used
my computer to check up on your high school and class you were in and cross
referenced it with the student body at U. of Kyoto database.  From the matches
I got, I called up everyone on the list and stumbled upon your friend.

Matsuno: It is simply amazing what you can do with computers these days.

"Am I interrupting?"

Taku: Rikkako!

Muroke: I think it's time for me to be leaving now.

Matsuno: Me too.

Rikkako: No. Please stay. There's a lot we three need to discuss. If you would
excuse us....


[At the Shin ABCB]

(Izzy is slumped over the counter, dreaming, but not asleep)

Izzy: Might obliged o'kari for the song. Empty here. No soul at all.

Yukari: I'm here.

Izzy: Yep. Wonder where all the regulars gone to.

Yukari: As far as I know, the twins are off on some expedition trip. You know
about the hentai duo. Madoka and Kyosuke are flying back from New York after
their trip to find the whereabouts of Hikaru.

Izzy: Is it Hikaru Hiyama you're talking about?

Yukari: You know her?

Izzy: Nope. Just hear bits and pieces here and there. Wanna tell me your bit
about her?

Yukari: Curious fool aren't you?

Izzy: Won't you obliged this drunken fool? (gives a goofy buck-tooth grin)

Yukari: Now how can I resist that. But would would you want to know?

Izzy: I curious...very curious... how she could just pack up and go off.

Yukari: That is an interesting tale. I can at least tell  you what I know. It
all started when she landed this part in a play in high school...


[Back in Singapore]

(We see Ryusei walking across the cross-walk on his way to board a plane. As
he is doing this, we hear the news broadcast roaring from the airport
television)

"Breaking news just in. The authorities have reported that an amazing theft
has been made on the private showing of rare Egyptian antiquities at the Asian
Art Museum. No comment has been made exact nature of the item stolen, but
experts speculate that it is more than likely some form of jewelry used as
ornamentation and  cermonial use. Because of the fantastic nature of the
crime, there is wide speculation that it the work of the infamous world thief
known simply as the Chameleon. More on this story as it unfolds. Stay tuned.

[Inside the room with Taku, Matsuno, and Rikkako]


Rikkako: Do you remember what happened on that hill?

Taku: I do. I remember Shun-san from a distance yelling for us to take cover.
Right after, I felt the whole ground trembling around us. I grasped that flag
post for such a long time, all the while not knowing whose hand I was also
grasping onto. When the shaking was over, I looked up and saw you. I uttered
your name slowly.  Rik-ka-ko. You snapped at me and told me to get my hands
off yours. I quickly released my grip. As I stood up at attention, I knocked
my head against the flag pole post.

Rikkako: (and to Matsuno) And do you remember what I said to you?

Matsuno: Something to the effect that you hated guys with country accents and
that you would never go out with a guy like that or me.

Rikkako: Well, it time for me to make amends. I want to apologize for my crass
and rude behavior in high school. I was going through a rebellious stage at
the time. That's why I wanted you to stay behind.

Matsuno: (scratches the back of his head) Is that the big deal you were
concerned about? Dont' worry about it! I didn't let it get to my head. I've
long forgotten about that incident. Anything else?

Rikkako: No. I guess that's it.

Matsuno: Then it's high time I'm leaving. I think you two have a lot of
catching up to do. Ja!


[Muroke is walking about and stumbles upon a parlor where a shogi match is
being played]

(Here, we see a youthful young woman playing against an elderly, brazen, old
man)

Muroke: A shogi match being played here out in these parts. I'm quite amazed.

Young Lady: "What's to be amazed about kid?"

Muroke: I'm not a kid. I happen to be a college man.

Old Man: "Are you some kind of genius or just a wise guy?"

Muroke: It's the honest truth.

Young Lady: You don't seem to be from here?

Muroke: No, I'm visiting all the way from Tokyo. Allow to introduce myself.
KOJI Muroke. May I ask your name?

"People around here call me Kyoko. As for him, don't ask! He losing to me,
so he's in no mood for idle talk."

Old Man: Humph!

Kyoko: See what I mean.

Muroke: It is fascinating how similar shogi is to western chess, except for
that additional rule that increases the complexity level to the next level.

Kyoko: Western chess? What's that?

Muroke: It is just the most famous game throughout history. Shogi is just like
chess except the only variation is that you can return captured pieces back
into play. Different thinking, different strategies.

Kyoko: Listen kid, would you mind just shutting up and just sitting down and
watch. Sometimes it's better to  watch and learn than to discuss and
over-analyze a situation.


Muroke: Oh sure, no problem.

Tatsuya Youta: Koji-san? The whole gang is looking for you.

Muroke: Oops. Gomen. Nice to have met you all. I'll just leave you two to your
game now.

(as he leaves the parlor)

Old Man: Good riddance! Young people these days. You think you know
everything.

Kyoko: You bet. Checkmate!


[Back to Rikkako and Taku]

Rikkako: We're alone now.

Taku: I know.

(An uneasy silence)


(Taku laughs unexpectedly)

Rikkako: What's so funny? Are you laughing at me?

Taku: No, no, it's something else. I just found it humorous how I was looking
for you all this time and now that you're here, just the two of us alone, I'm
just left speechless. Do you have something to say?

Rikkako: No. I don't. Not at this moment.

(loud shouting start to emanate from outside)

Taku: Where is that yelling coming from?

(from the other room)

Akane and the others are huddled to one side. In comes Shinohara and the
'boys'.

Akane: Ah! So the devil man has decided to come after all.

Shinohara: Better watch your tongue little lady.

Akane: I may be small compared to you, but we're certainly bigger than your
sorry group in terms of the score.

Shinohara: I beg to differ; this recent competition belongs to us.

Akane: What stuff have you been smoking?

Hasukawa: Everyone! Please be quiet. Shun is coming to decide the whole sordid
affair.

Akane & Shinohara: Well? Who is the winner?

Shun: I have to declare this a tie!

Shinohara: Blasphemy! No way!

Akane: I agree!

Shun: that's the way I see it and that's the way I'll rule.

Shinohara: I'm going to protest this!

Akane: As will I!

"You two needn't resort to that."

Shinohara: Taku-san. You up and about.

Rikkako: Shun-san is correct. It was a tie.

Akane: How can you say that?

Rikkako: We have to be fair about this. Otherwise, we'd be no better than
them. Both his and mine hand reach the flag post at the same time.

Shun: There! See! I told you two so! That settles it. Now let us all get back
to Tokyo where we belong! Classes start next week!


[Back in Tokyo, inside the white Lincoln Continental stretched limo]

#1: Where to now Hayakawa?

Hayakawa: Straightway to Narita Airport!

#1: Aye, aye sir. Say, if you don't mind my asking, where's your snazzy red
girl magnet?

Hayakawa: My Jag? It's in the shop.

(phone rings)

Hayakawa: Yes? Nagasi? What is it you want now? You want us to pick  you up?
No way now. Yes, of course we were to pick you up. But we're already half way
there. If we turn back, we're leave Haroken-san waiting. And you know his
temper. He won't be game for that. Leave it like this. I'll make it up by
buying you lunch. How's that? Ok? What? I can hear you! The connection is
breaking up  Bye!

(At the airport)

We see Ryusei walking out of the terminal and glancing at his watch.

R: Late as usual.

We see another group coming up. Ryusei looks them over.

R: #2? Is taht you?

Muroke: Uh? Hey Master! What are you doing here?

R: Business trip as usual. And you? Are you flying in from Hokkaido?

Muroke: Oh no. I came back from there a long time ago. This is different. We
just flew in back from Kyoto. Long story. We were to ride the bullet train
back, but because of the quake at Kobe and all...

R: Quake? I wasn't aware there was an earthquake.

Muroke: Master, you really have to catch up with the local news. That why all
of us flew back.

Taku: (to Muroke) Who is this guy? And why is he wearing sunglasses indoors?

Muroke: Where are my manners? Hey everyone! Let me introduce you to my former
boss, Mr Ryusei HAROKEN.

(The girls group come up toward them)

Akane: Hey, isn't that the creepy, dark guy you two worked for before?

R: I'll see that it's quite an unexpected reunion. I see my former assistant
here as well. The twin Kasuga-sans.

Manami; Oh, Mr Haroken-san. Fancy meeting you here.

R: Yes. Just conducting a routine trip overseas. Shall we all go outside?

(As the whole group moves, we hear the honking of the horn)

#1: Yo Master! We're here! (sees #2/Muroke) And lookee here! We have the
tykster #2!

Muroke: Don't call me that! That was my old "job" name #1.

R: Do any of you need a ride? It's a long way back to the city.

Muroke: Are you sure it's ok? And do you think it will fit everyone?

R: But of course. How about you ladies?

Akane: I don't think so. I'm not riding with them! (points to Shinohara)

(Hayakawa exits the limo)

What's the holdeup?

Yumi Kohama: (*scream*) It's the idol star Mitsuru Hayakawa!

(all the girls rush to mob him, pushing him into the limo)

Hayakawa: Hey! What's going on!

R: That settles it. Looks like a change of opinion. Ok. Everyone else
hop in.

Shinohara: Thanks, but no thanks. We're already takened care of.

(A stretched black limo pulls up right behind; The emblem of Shinohara
Industries is engraved on it)


Youta: That Shinohara guy is really loaded.

Muroke: What else do you expect? His father runs the whole thing.

Shinohara: Enough talking! Get in!


[At the Ayukawa mansion]

K: Madoka. Here's your drink.

M: Arrigatou. I just got off the phone with Master.

K: That's good. We need to contact all the folks that we're back to let them
know we're safe and sound.

M: Have you called up your sisters yet?

K: I tried, but they don't seem be around at all. I wonder where they could
be.


[Back at the Twins house]

(Manamai looking through her bag, flipping each item to and fro over her
shoulder)

Kurumi: Seems like fun! Whatcha playing?

Manami: I seem to lost my journal book.

Kurumi: Is that all? I thought it was something important.

Manami: Where could I have left it?

Kurumi: Maybe you left it somewhere.

Manami: But where?

Kurumi: Why don't you ask around and find out? Mzybe you left it somewhere.

Manami: Sure hope I did. Thanks.

Kurumi: Hey, that's what big sister is for.

Manami: Yeah, but only by 4 minutes!

Kurumi: That's long enough by my standards!

Manami: Get out of here and finish unpacking.

[Back at XYZ Studios]

Nagasi: There you are. About time you came back.

Ryusei; Glad to see you too.

Nagasi: And what happened to you!?

(Hayakawa's silk shirt and khaki pants are ripped and torn and his hair is in
disarray)

#1: Attack of the killer fan-girls.

Nagasi: So the heartbreaker has finally met his match.

Hayakawa: Very funny. I'm going now to change. Shiori will have a fit when she
sees me like this.

Nagasi: So how was your trip? Fruitful?

Ryusei: Somewhat. Caught the Asian Fashion Plex show held in Singapore. Scoped
out a few potential candidates for our upcoming venture.

Nagasi: So the super-agent to the stars strikes again. But you can spare me
the gory details until lunch. Mitsu-baby was suppose to be buying, but not
today. And don't you have something to do? (glares at #1)

#1: Sure. See ya.

Nagasi: Good! He's finally gone. Now we're alone to ourselves. Just the way I
like it.

R: As you wish.

Nagasi: Aren't you going to give me a kiss?

R: If you say so. (gives her a peck on the cheek)

Nagasi: Hey, that doesn't count!

R: (ignoring her) Any important matters come up?

Nagasi: Nothing out of the ordinary.

R: (shifts through some papers on his fax and picks up an interesting looking
fax) What is this?

Nagasi: Problem?

R: Something's happened! This is from #2. Hiyama-san's been abducted.

Nagasi: You mean that? That's no big deal.

R: You knew about this all this time?

Nagasi: Oh, it was just a few days, just after you left.Why? Do you care?

R: (checks himself and calms his voice down) Obviously, this was sent to
enlist my help in the matter. Kidnapping is a series matter, especially if it
concerns one of our former employees. Given that obligation, I shall assist to
the best of my abilities.

Nagasi: Now, now. No need to get worked up. They don't need your help. She's
already been found. So there. Your precious is safe and sound.

R: I'm not sure what you are talking about.

Nagasi: As if. I'm bored of this talk. I'm blowing this joint. Meet you at the
penthouse tonight. Atikamess!

R: (sits back in his black leather executive chair and gently touches the tips
of his fingers on both hands together) So Miss Hiyama is safe. That is good.

(he espies a large package at the base of his desk and takes a look at the
mailing address label:

M, May
144 Kowloon Road
Hong Kong 313431

[Return to Ryokurin ryo]

Muroke: Hey Shijama! We're back.

Shijama: Oh hi Muroke.

Muroke: You sound a bit dejected. Are you ok?

Shijama: Yes fine. What's up?

Muroke: Are you curious at who won this time?

Shijama: Not really, but I guess you're going to tell me.

Shun: It was a draw. Alright people! Time to settle down and let this pass!
Semester's about to start!

Muroke: Talk to you in a bit.

Shijama: yes alright.


(Muroke and Taku return to their rooms)

Muroke: Is something the matter?

Taku: Why do you ask?

Muroke: Because you haven't said anything at all on the trip back. Not a word.
That's strange even for you.

Taku: It must have been the shock of that earthwuarek.

Muroke: Yeah. You were right on with that prediction of yours.

Taku: I wish I wasn't. A lot of people in Kobe were killed or injured.


Muroke: I feel bad that this happened. But I'm glad it wasn't us there. It
feels like we just escaped death. Mabye the stars to tell us something about
our fate.

[A few days later]

[At the Shin ABCB]

Master: Manami-chan! Always good to see you. You're here alone?

Manami: Yes I am.

Master: What can I get you?

Manami: Nothing right now, but you can help me. By any chance, did I leave my
journal book here?

Master: I am not sure. Le me check in back to the lost and found and see.
(departs to the backroom)

"Lost this?"

(We see Izzy pull a book from his lap)

Manami: Why yes. Thank you...Mr...?

"Izzy." That's what the folks in town call me.

Manami: Izzy-san. I thank you for finding this and taking good care of it.
This is very important to me.


Izzy: By the way, it's good.

Manami: Excuse me?

Izzy: Your stories inside. It's good.

Manami: What? You've read my journal?

Izzy: Sure did.

Manami: You're not suppose to do that!

Izzy: Why not? Nothing betta to do for me than sleep and drink. Shouldn't keep
good stuff to yourself.

Manami: It's not like I'm embarrassed to let other people see it. It's just
that it's an invasion of privacy and that...

Izzy: Ah, come off it. Writer's anxiety. You worry that other people won't
like it. Take it from me, I know all about it.

Manami: What, you a writer?

Izzy: Was a writer. No more and no longer.

Manami: So the rumors are true of you being a writer.

Izzy: That word to describe my former self seems vaguely familiar. Yes, I
think I must have been the master of the pen. But I fogot. It's been too long.
Much too long.

Manami: But I heard in the office that you were the one who wrote the play
that Mr Haroken produced.

Izzy: That play...oh that play...I must have wrote it...or did i...and
why...it's all a big blur now...

Manami: You must have really lost it.

Izzy: You're welcome....(nods off and falls asleep).

Manami: Strange fellow. I wonder if he was really a writer or not.

[Kasuga Kyosuke walking towards Cable 12 Studios]

A few days had passed since we returned back to Tokyo, with the memories of
Hikaru's abduction and wild chase still fresh in everyone's mind. I guess what
they say about the strange and bizarre in America is true. Everyone was coping
with the shock of that ordeal in their own way. Madoka had confined herself to
her music room, trying to find understanding in her own way. For me, it was
made worse with the development of the pictures I took in Bosnia. On one hand,
I was glad I went through it, because it allowed me to confront my own worst
fears and denial. On the other hand, it made me sick to my stomach to relive
the atrocities I captured on film. Coupled with these pictures still vivid,
burning in my mind like the wild fires of Serbia, I felt a deep anger inside
of me. I couldn't understand it. What could drive anybody to hate or hurt
another human being? To start wars or "ethnic cleansing" just because they
were another race. It only made me wonder why we humans are so petty?

(*ring ring*)

(Kasuga hears the bicycle bell and sees Aso Tamaki, ace reporter for Cable
News 12)

Aso: Hiya stranger! Long time no see.

K: Hi Tamaki.

Aso: Welcome back. Something wrong?

K: Oh no. Just have a lot of things on my mind. Say, sorry about taking off
for so long. I hope it wasn't too busy.

Aso: Oh, it was not so bad. Just the usual holiday local events. The interview
with the village elders, the coronation of the holiday tree, the coverage of
the holiday cards, and the kawaii interview with the school kids on vacation.
Last week was very interesting. I interviewed a man who collects motorcycle
hubcaps.

K: That's good. What's the hot story this week?

Aso: The Kobe earthquake of course! It's the biggest one to hit Japan in a
long time. It's all over the news. The footage that has been shown is quite
devastating.

K: But what can the station do in terms of coverage? We can't actually go on
scene to get live footage.

Aso: You forgotten already? We have pursue our own unique angle.


K: Then what are you going to do?

Aso: The station is organizing a local charity fund-raising event to raise
money for the victims in the quake. We will have live coverage and enlist
viewers to call in with their pledges.

K: That sounds like a great idea! Maybe I can help out with the local
entertainers.

Aso: If you can, that would be great! I'm counting on me!


[Ryokurin Ryo]

Shun: Suka! You've been glued to the TV all day! Why do you look so gloomy?

Hasukawa: The big quake in Kobe. So many people killed or injured. Such
devastation. And we were so close to the scene.

Shun: Yeah. We were at Kobe the day before it hit. Must be your lucky streak
that saved us.

Hasukawa: Lucky for us, but not lucky for those poor people.

Shun: You don't think it's your fault?

Hasukawa: Maybe.

Shun: Come on Suka! Get those silly thoughts out! Your legendary bad luck had
nothing to do with it.

Hasukawa: I wish I can believe that. And Igarashi. I don't know where her
family moved to.

Shun: You don't think they moved to Kobe?

Hasukawa: It's a possibility. I just fear the worst.

Shun: Suka! No use in beating yourself over it. I'm sure they're fine. I'm
positive.

Hasukawa: I hope you are right.

[In Shinohara and Shijama's room]

(The newest single of Namie Amuro blaring in the background)

Shijama: Shinohara-san. Kindly lower the volume on that music from your super
sound system. It's deafening! I'm trying to meditate here.

Shinohara: Let me be. I'm plotting strategy for the nextround.

Shijama: Is winning so important? Just be at peace with yourself.

Shinohara: Your old abusive self was better than this sissy shit.

Shijama: It's too bad you don't understand. I'm going elsewhere to find the
way.

Shinohara: Wacko house.

[---The beginning of the school semester!---]

Akane and Kurumi and waiting in line to register for their classes.

Manami walks by them.

Kurumi: Yo sis! Why aren't you waiting in line to sign up?

Akane: It's first come first serve!

Manami; I've already signed up already!

(both girls do a pratfall)

Akane: You are indeed the most studious one in the family.

Kurumi: Then why are you still hanging around here for?

Manami; I'm heading off to sign up for an email account.

Akane: A what account?

Manami: An electronic mail or email for short.

Kurumi: You mean with computers and stuff?

Manami: Yes. Nothing wrong with that, right Akane?

Akane: Oh, yes, of course! We women aren't afraid of technology and stuff.

Manami: (smiles) That's the spirit. See you in a bit.

Akane: (whispers to Kurumi) Is something the matter with her? When did she
suddenly get interested in computers?

Kurumi: Don't ask me. I just eat and sleep in the same house as she does.

[At the penthouse]

Ryusei is sitting at the table, with the shogi game still on the table, with a
match in place.

He has one of the captured pieces in his hand, as if unsure where to place it
next on the board.

Right next to the board is the package he received in the office.

Staring at the piece in his hand, he puts it aside inside his shirt pocket and
proceeds to open up the package.

Inside is a letter. It reads:

        Dearest Ryu,

        I know it has been quite some time since our last encounter. That
        is why I'm writing you to let you know that I am still alive and well.
        I couldn't be happier with Peter and we are expecting our first child.
        How is life treating you? I know we made a rule never to exchange
        X-mas gifts, but I decided to break the rule this year. I know of your
        fondness for good marital arts series. Given your particular tastes, I
        happen to have an advance copy of this exciting new series that will
        be debuting later on the airwaves  in Hong Kong later in the year.
        That's the privledge of having a producer as a husband. I hope you
        derive much enjoyment from it. Be sure to make time from your busy
        schedule to watch it.

                                                Warmest Wishes,
                                                Minerva Angela May


Ryusei pcisk up the first video and examines the title:

        "The Return of Condor Heroes 1995"

[Aoumi Mental Institution]

Inside the hospital fo the mentally impaired, we see Madoka looking through a
glass window from outside at a ranting Shuri, Hikaru's former best friend in
New York before her mental breakdown.

"I will be the one! No one is going to stop me! I am not a loser! I have to
get the part or else. I cannot lose. I don't won't to go back home. Please,
don't force me to go back. I get rid of anyone who gets in my way.

madoka: Doctor. What is her prognosis?

Doctor: Currently, she is suffering from mass delusional hysteria. More than
likely, a certain sequence of harrowing events triggered this breakdown with
reality.

Madoka: Is there any way she can be treated?

Doctor: It is hard to say. Success varies in different cases. In time anyone
can be helped. But they must be willing take the first step. We will
administer the usual treatment for her case and see how it goes. If she
responds positively, then there is hope that she can, slowly but surely make a
complete recovery.

[Back in the Tokyo police precinct]

"Look who decided to pop his ugly face back here again.

Jackson: (big grin)  And aloha to you Natsumi! Not looking too good yourself.
After breakfast hangover? How's it hanging?

Natsumi: Plenty low. You must have had fun scoping out the chicks on the
beaches.

Jackson: Can't say there weren't some fine women grazing along the hot, steamy
white sands along Waikiki beach. But it wasn't all fun and games. Spent most
of the time on a stakeout.

Natsumi: Honto? Man, you should be relaxing. Shouldn't be mixing work with play.
That would really suck.

Jackson: Know whatcha mean.

Natsumi: So who' ya trackin'?

Jackson: Mum's the word. Don't want Nogami getting on my ass.

"I'm always on your ass detective! What are you hiding from me this time?"

Jackson: Nogami-san!

Nogami: What? Still tremble at my presence?

Jackson: Of course maam. Your personality just melts away any man's
resistance.

Nogami: Cut the crap and tell me straight what's going on.

Jackson: Oh nothin. Me and Nats' just shootin' the breeze.

Nogami: You think I'm gonna buy that line? I know you're hiding something.
You just watch yourself. I'm going to get to the bottom of this and when I do,
you'll wish you were never born.

Jackson; You're the chief's daughter. I humbly submit to you. (bows deeply to
her)

Nogami: Humph! Faker! (walks away digustingly)

(Jackson and Natsumi high five each other)

[Ryusei riding in the limo with #1 driving]

#1: I trust your visit to Singapore was successful.

Ryusei: Mildly. Performed extensive damage control.

#1: What's the latest skinny on things?

Ryusei: We need to juggle a few of our priorities. Convinced Mao's man to give
the "company" more time to repay the loans. To make up for the short-term
shortall, I will push Kobayashi to hasten the shipping schedule of the
"goods" to Hong Kong for that market. That should appease them for a while.

#1: But what of the master?

Ryusei: He is still in Thailand. We needn't worry about him now. He has given
me complete control over the operations. He won't realize the shortfall in the
inventory.

#1: As for the complex?

R: That is to be resolved between me and Goro. I will make sure he compensates
me richly for his negligence.

#1: He is a dangerous man to mix yourself up with. Beware when you enter the
enemy's own territory.

R: I'm well aware of that. He is a worthy adversary of my talents. I look
forward to the challenge.

#1: We have arrived. Yakushima Island on the other side.

R: You may go. I'll call you up when I'm about to leave.


[End of Chapter]