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 Nov 15, 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! (41000 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 10: Project Orange Road

//Author's note: Happy 30th birthday to Kyosuke and 28th for Hikaru!!!

[In the Aoyami Dori resturant]

(Song in the background "I've been thinking about you.")

"How are the oysters?"

Madoka: They're fine. And you? (chugs some of her Heineken beer)

"I feel full and satisfied. I can talk now with some food in my stomach. You
can shoot your questions at me when you're ready."

Madoka: I have so many things to ask you...my mind is filled with a million
questions. But the one I want to ask you the most is what happened on that
day?

"What day would that be?"

Madoka: You know. The day Ryoko-san told me you were dead.

"The day I made my exit? My sister kept my secret well, though it wasn't her
intention to deceive you. The cops told her I was dead. She only knew the
truth much, much later.

Madoka: So deska. But why would the police try to cover up the situation?

"It was a matter of circumstances. My boys were involved in a full-scale gang
war. The coppers wanted to end the violence through the point man. They
offered me a deal. Leave Tokyo and start anew and they would clean up my long
record. But stay or step right back and they would shut down sis's cafe and
put me behind bars for good. It was a difficult decision for me.

Madoka: But you ultimately decided to leave.

"I thought it was the best thing for everyone. I didn't want to endanger the
people I loved any further."

Madoka: But why didn't try to contact me? No letter,...not even a telephone
call.

"It is my fault Mado-chan for not explaining the whole situation. Given the
situation, I wanted to let things be. Contacting you would only offer a false
hope and make it all the more painful for you. You had made your peace with my
death and moved on. But most of all, I didn't want to disturb your memory of
me. Now though it seems too late now that you have discovered me.

Madoka: No, you were wrong in thinking that. I will always forever cherish our
time together and keep our memory of us.

"That's water under the bridge now. Let us talk about the here and now. What
have you've beenup to for these years? Are you married?

Madoka: No, no yet anyway. Why do you ask?

"I couldn't help but notice the sparkling red ruby ring you are wearing now.
Which must mean it is an engagement ring. I conveys the true nature of your
fiery spirit. He must know you the same way as I do. Who is the lucky man?

Madoka: His name is Kasuga. Kasuga Kyosuke.

(coughs)

Madoka: Something the matter?

"Oh, it's nothing. I thought I heard of that name before."

Madoka: Perhaps from the newscast? Last year, he was rescued by the UN in
Bosnia.  He's become somewhat of a media sensation.

"It might be. There are some Japanese newsbriefs in Hawaii."

Madoka: Hawaii? You live there now?

"Yes. That was where I relocated to start my new life shortly after that day.
I work for the world reknown construction corporation Yamazumi Kensetsu."

Madoka: Yes, I know. That is how I eventually tracked you down. But why have
you returned back here now?

"On account of business. It was high time I ended my "exile" from Tokyo. The
police won't be chasing me now after so many years. "

Madoka: Are you happy?

"I am satisfied. Does satisfaction equate to happiness? I do not know. But
from the tone in your voice, I can tell you feel uneasy."

Madoka: It has been a nerve-wacking few weeks for me ever since I suspected
your reappearances. All sorts of scenarios and possibilities clouded my head.

"But how do you really feel about us now?"

Madoka: That is a question I can't answer right now.

"Are you trying to hide your true feelings from me again? You have to do
better than that."

Madoka: Please don't push me Syuujirou.

"I understand. I must apologize Mado-chan, but I have to end this conversation.
I need to be in attendance for an important meeting. I hope I understand."

Madoka: I do. It will take some time for all of this to sink in.

"If you need to see me again, you know where to find me. Ja!"

(kisses her hand before leaving)


(walking out)

Syuujirou: 


[Outside the resturant]

Aso Tamaki: Is he someone you know?

Kyosuke: No! I don't know who Madoka is with, but I have my suspicions!

Shiori: Is something the matter? You're sounding angry.

Kyosuke: No, no. I'm fine. Let us go get that lunch I was promising you two.



[At Waseda University]

Kohami Yumi: You don't look too good.

Rikako Muto: Why do you say that?

Yumi: Aren't you bummed out still from dumping Morisaki-san?

Rikako: Why should I? It's all his fault! He should know me by now.

Yumi: You two sure have been through a lot of crazy stuff.

Rikako: I do remember the zany times we went through. But things like this
happen when you pair up two decisive, blunt individuals.

Yumi: Any regrets?

Rikako: Not in the least. I have nothing to be sorry about.

Yumi: Spoken like a proud Tokyo citizen.

Rikako: 

Akane: (at the podium) Order, order you young courageous leaders out there!
Our foe at hand shall fall in the final encounter of this season!

Yumi: (whispers) The meeting has started.

Akane: Thank you all again for attending another WLC meeting. You all were not
expecting this much action from a club like this, but I appreciate all the
contributions and support given for this effort. All your hard work will not
go unrecognized. Let us give ourselves a hand!

(*clapping sounds*)

Akane: Now, we nearing the end in terms of our adversary, the pig man himself:
Shinohara Asuma!

(* a chorus of boos and jeers ring out*)

Akane: This will be the last event to decide this whole affair once and for
all. We will be engaging in a motorcycle race in the all-city finals. It is a
winner takes all.

(a collective huh?)

Akane: I know only some of you have heard this news already, and the rest of you
are now hearing the news for the first time. I know it sounds daunting, but we
can do it if we put our minds together. Now what do you say?

(A guy comes crashing into the room!)

Manami: Koji-san?

Muroke Koji: (with some bandages around his head) And there you are
Manami-san! You're ok. Along with everyone else. Yokata!

Akane: What the hell is the meaning of this? You're an agent of Shinohara,
trying to disrupt this meeting!

Muroke: No, no! Haven't you all heard? There's a disaster at the Tokyo Subway
system!

Akane: Just a bunch of lies to cover yourself! Have you no shame man?

Muroke: I'm telling the truth! But if you don't believe me, you can listen to
this: (plucks out a hand radio)

"...again, the area has partially cleared, but the streets are still crowded
in the aftermath of this horrifying tragedy that has struck our nation's
transportation system. Again, police have not revealed the cause or nature of
this disaster. We will keep you posted with live updates."


(girls start to scream, as they scatter out of the room)

Muroke: (to Manami) I'm glad you're safe. Keep well. I've got to check on the
rest of the folks. Bye!

Kurumi: What was that all about? He's the enemy y'know! You can't be
fraternizing with the other side.

Manami: You got it all wrong Kurumi-chan! He was just concerned about the
welfare of others. He's like that.

Kurumi: Yeah right. Like I'm suppose to believe that. I think there's
something more going on between you two. I'll find out.

Manami; You wish!

(the 2 sisters start to clash!)

Akane: There goes the neighborhood!

[At the Shin ABCB]

Yukari: You look pale Madoka. You look like you saw a ghost.

Madoka: I might as well have. A ghost from my past, except that he's real.

Yukari: How can I help? Is it someone we know?

Madoka: Remember that period I started rebelling? From the time when Yuu-kun
transferred to another middle school across town and it was just me and Hikaru
left?

Yukari: I remember. You started to let your hair grow long and developed your
body.

Madoka: And do you remember him?

Yukari: Not that jocular dropout, Mishima?

Madoka: Yes, him. He was the one I saw today.

Yukari: But I heard he died a long time ago. In some sort of gang fight.

Madoka: That's what I thought too. But now he's back. I suspected as much, but
I'm not quite sure how to take it now.

Yukari: Is this difficult for you because you still have feelings for him?

Madoka: I do have feelings for him, but I have feelings for Kasuga-kun as
well. You knew my relationship with Syuujirou.

Yukari: You two were quite close. You were always riding behind in his bike
and he did those wheelies. You two were your typical Bonnie and Clyde.

Madoka: We were young and wild.

Yukari: But how is he now?

Madoka: He still has that wild, coolness to him. All the qualities I saw in
him are still there. Hard-driven, hard nosed, and hard bodied.

Yukari: But how does he feel about you?

Madoka: I'm not quite sure. But he does know about Kasuga-kun. I told him of
our engagement.

Yukari: And how did he take it?

Madoka: He was calm and collective. I couldn't tell what he was thinking.

Yukari: Sounds like a straight-faced poker player. But the main question is
how you feel?

Madoka: I had special feelings for Syuujirou, but I have established the bond
with Kasuga-kun already.

Yukari: Would you have linked up with Kyosuke at all had you  not lost contact
with Mishima?

Madoka: That's something I have to search my heart for to find the answer to.

Yukari: You need to find that out quickly. For what happens if suddenly
Mishima comes up and confesses his love to you and wants to restart things
over again. If you trully love Kyosuke, can you say no to him?

Madoka: I think I can.

Yukari: But you sound so unsure. You should have a good heart to heart chat
with Kyosuke to resolve the conflict in your heart. I believe you know what to
do afterwards.

Madoka: That is good advice. I'm glad you're here to talk to. It's hard to get
a woman's perspective, being my okaasan and sis are living abroad.

Yukari: That is what family is for, or soon, when I marry Shun. Then we will
be all in the family.

Madoka: I'm looking forward to that.


[Ryokurin Ryo dorm]

(inside the lower classmen's dorms, where Tatsuya Youta is listening to the
baseball ballgame)

(Muroke rushes in!)

Muroke: Have  you seen Zumi-san?

Tatsuya: Who?

Muroke: The one who is Shinohara's roommate.

Tatusya: Ah, no, I haven't.

Muroke: Thanks anyway. By the way, who's winning?

Tatsuya: Giants are down by 1 going into the eight inning.

(downstairs)

Shun: There you are Suka! You look spent!

Hasukawa: (yawns) I'm totally beat! Never have I seen so many people in my
life!

Shun: If you want to be a doctor, you gonna have to prepare for those
all-nighters. I'm glad you were not hurt at all by the catastrophe.

Hasukawa: Arigatou. Although I sure could lie in bed now.

Shun: So no playing "Breath of Fire" for you tonight?

(Muroke runs up to them)

Muroke: Good! You're back! Have both of you seen Zumi-san today?

Shun: No, I can't say I have.

Muroke: How about in the hospital?

Hasukawa: I didn't see him among the many patients there.

Muroke: Boy, this is bad!

Hasukawa: What's wrong?

Muroke: I'm afraid he might be missing! I checked with the people at the
university, and they said they haven't seen him at all either. His last known
appearance was yesterday from Shinohara. I'm afraid something bad might have
happened to him.

Hasukawa: Don't worry Muroke. We will help you in your search.

Shun: Yeah! Let me round up the rest of the RAs and we discuss what we can do.

Hasukawa: I'll go and call up the hospital to have them check their patient
list for his name.

Muroke: 

[Back at the Ayukawa mansion...]

Madoka: Kasuga-kun. Why do you have this wicked frown on your face?

Kyousuke: Why don't you tell me?

Madoka: I'm not going to play games with you.

Kyosuke: But I think you are. How long were you going to wait before telling
me?

Madoka: Tell you what?

Kyosuke: That the mystery man who's been "haunting" you is really your old
flame.

Madoka: How did you...

Kyosuke: I have my methods. My dream is to be an investigative reporter, you
know.

Madoka: I was going to tell you about that...

Kyosuke: Were you? Like you were going to tell me that you met him today for
lunch as well?

Madoka: I was...but you've been spying on me! How could you?

Kyosuke: I wish I was! It was a lucky bone that chance threw to me that I saw
you two together!

Madoka: We were just meeting for the first time. I had finally found his
whereabouts. He was suprised I tracked him.

Kyosuke: (sarcastic) Really? How am I suppose to know if you haven't met him
earlier before? Like in a love hotel?

(Madoka slaps Kyosuke!)

Madoka: Bakayaro! You're obviously in no mood for intelligent talk. I'm going to wait
until you calm down and be your rational self again.

(storms out)

(Ojiichan leaks out from the corner!)


Ojiichan: You sure got a good whacking from the missus.

Kyosuke: You saw the whole thing? Great!

Ojiichan: This Mishima's influence is much greater than his spectre! This
calls for a plan!

[3 Days later...]

(Hikaru arrives in Tokyo)


I was finally back in Tokyo again. I originally, had not planned to stop off
here at all. I was in bed recovering from the dizziness I felt after the
roller coaster ride for a couple of dears before I found out. But when I heard
of the disaster, I knew I had to come.

(picks up a paper from the newsstand)

"Nerve Gas Subway Attack Special Report"

...Police will only reveal that the method of the attack was chemical in
nature, collaborating reports of hundreds who have suffered severe side
effects from inhaling the deadly, poisonous gas. No group has yet step forward
to take responsibility yet...

Hikaru: Despicable! Who would do such a thing?

(walks into the Aoyomi Dori hotel to check in)

(From a distance, we see Nagasi, clinging to Mishima)

Nagasi: 


[At the Tokyo Police Station]

The whole station looks like it is on full alert. All sorts of people and
moving in and out, with Inspector Jackson in the middle of things,
coordinating all the activities.

Jackson: Alright people! Here's the game plan. From the reconnaissance we have
gathered, the main headquarters of this Shoko Asahara and his cult is in this
location near Mount Fuji. Depite having the appearance of a peaceful group,
this place is actually a heavily fortified stronghold, with around-the-clock
guards heavily armed. The only thing we have going for us is the element of
surprise. That is why this delicate operation will require coordinated
cooperation from the various branches. We have to cover this five mile radius
around the proximity. Group D, the local militia, will be situated in the
surrounding area. Your job is the clear out anybody within a 1 mile radius
near the base. Once the other phases of the operation come into play, you will
maintain your position and cover anybody fleeing the scene. Group B will be
the undercover agents who will infiltrate the internal compound. We have been
studying their habits and it seems that they send out a supply truck at 10 am
and it returns back at 3 pm. Once you're in, disable the communications and
alarms systems and signal back. That will give the go-ahead to Group A, who
will be a group of commandos from our very own SWAT team. You will have less
than 3 minutes to take out your main targets. Upon th 3 minute mark, the final
assault will begin with Group C, Japan's army will storm in to finish it up.
Is there any questions?

"Is it a shoot to kill mission?"

Inspector Jackson: Absolutely! The type of individuals we are dealing with are
sick bastards and they deserve no mercy. Repeat! Use of deadly force is
authorised! But beware, for they might be holding hostages. Use your own
discretion. I would like to add one final note which should be plainly
obviously to everyone. Absolutely, positively none of this can be leaked
out to the media!


[At Ryokurin Ryo]

Muroke: I have a bad feeling about this.

Taku: You have to keep your spirits high. Everyone is doing the best we can to
find Zumi-san.

Muroke: I thank you and  the whole gang here for your efforts, but I'm afraid
it goes deeper than that.

Taku: What do you mean?

Muroke: I mean I believe there's a connection between the group that Shijama
was affliated with and the poison gas attack on the subway.

Taku: Honto?

Muroke: Yes. That was why I was so adamant about not getting the police
involved in the search for this whereabouts. That was why I was so concerned
about his involvement with a cult. And now look what this has led to.

Taku: But, if that is true, you must tell the police.

Muroke: I'm sure that should already know that by now. But the key thing is
that we must find Shijama first before the police does. I fear for his life
now.


[At the Kingdom Hotel]


(Hikaru is in her room unpacking her things)

Hikaru: So I am back here again. But only for a short time.

(phone rings)

Hikaru: 
Mosh Moshi? Yes, speaking. What? A message for me? Just wait, while I get a
pen and paper. Ok, I'm ready. The message is "Come by the Aoyami Hospital and
see me." Is there a name to the message? No? I'll know when I get there? Ok.
Thank you very much.

Hikaru: Strange...who would leave such a message?


[At the Ayukawa Mansion]

Madoka: Damn that Kyosuke!

"What are you fretting about dear?"

Madoka: Kasuga Obaasan! I'm sorry if I disturbed you.

"Has my grandson done something stupid again?"

Madoka: It's just that he's been a pig-headed fool, not understanding the
position I am in and jumping to conclusions.

"Oi, Oi. It is the nature of the Kasuga men to act pig-headed. Ojiichan still
behaves like a child. But I handle him. Just like you will handle Kyosuke."

Madoka: I'm just so confused now.

(pats her hands) "Just give it some time. You will see as you grow older that
if you wait patiently enough, things will resolve by themselves."

Madoka: I can only wait so long though. 

[Kyosuke walking on the streets by himself]

I went through all that trouble hapharzardly using the Power! to combat what I
thought was a ghostly spirit, and it turns out that I was facing a flesh and
blood man, which turns out to be a more deadlier foe than I expected. For it
was obvious from Madoka's motions and the past scenes I saw that she had
feelings for this man. But knowing Madoka's nature to vacillate in the affairs
of the heart, I knew she would hedge at making the right decision. So I was
going to take the matter into my own hands. That was why I was going to follow
ojiichan's advice for a change.

(*flashback*)

Ojiichan: Remember Kyosuke. You have to be a manly man. Woman love that. So
you must fight for her. It up to the men now to decide the matter. You must
confront Mishima one on one.

(*end of flashback*)

I knew it was inevitable that we will meet. It would be our destinies.
Question was, how was I going to find him? Where would I start if I were a
detective? I boasted too much of my prowess as an investigative reporter. But
now I was stuck. Having all the Power! in the world didn't help me at all. How
do I find a man that has been missing for nearly 10 years?

(but as I looked up, I saw him driving past me, with a female passenger beside
him)


Kyosuke: (starts to wave) That looked like Madoka! How could she see him again?
And where are they going?


[In the passenger car, a black Mercedes]

Nagasi: Oh lookee here. A man waving to us. (looks back)

Mishima: (looking through rear mirror) I see him. Someone you know?

Nagasi; From his dress, I daresay it's that clutsy boyfriend of that Ayukawa
composer I was telling you about, Kasuga Kyosuke. Nothing special about him.

Mishima: So I see. 


[At the apartment]

#1: So little buddy. What brings you here?

Muroke: I came about that Asahara cult thing.

#1: Oh that. It is mighty unfortunate that we weren't able to infiltrate them
before their attack. Although you did give it your best try.

Muroke: So you have the same suspicions as well.

#1: No suspicions. That cult did it. Your friend was in bad company.

Muroke: That's what I came to you for. Shijama-san is still missing!

#1: Mighty unfortunate. He shouldn't have been hanging with the wrong crowd.

Muroke: But it was not his fault! He must have been brainwashed!

#1: But I can't do anything now. By now, the police forces should be moving in
on their headquarters.

Muroke: You've gotta be able to do something. Don't you have any connections
you can help me with?

#1: Yep. But it won't help in the operation. Nope, I think it is a lost cause.

Muroke: Then he is trully doomed.

(*Shriek!*)

Kaori: (comes out all wet, wearing baggy clothes, her hair messed up) That's
the last time I give Taki a bath!

(Taki, the dog runs out out and shakes violently, spraying water all over)

(*rough rough!*)

Muroke: (puts his hands around Taki's neck) Taki boy! You can help me!

Kaori: That mutt help you? Doubt it.

Muroke: No, he can help! Even though Taki's retired, he's still the best
tracking dog in all of Japan. I feel Shijama must be somewhere close in the
city.

Kaori: That's a laugh!

#1: Ain't a laughing matter. Taki is the best. Being part wolf helps him.

Kaori: I think that whole wolf thing is totally blown out of proportion.

(Taki turns to Kaori and grows menancingly)

Kaori: Alright, alright. Calm down! I won't insult your ancestry again!

#1: We'll start at the last location he was at and work our way from there.
But no guarantees.

Muroke: Thanks #1. I owe you one.

#1: No, you owe me 2 favors now. But we'll discuss that later. (whips out his
long barreled silver gun and brandishes it)

Muroke: Is that really necessary?

#1: You can never have enough firepower. Let's go.

[Aoyama Institution]

Hikaru: Who would be wanting to see me here in this place?

"Excuse me maam. Are you by any chance Hikaru Hiyama?"

Hikaru: Yes, I am nurse. How did you know my name?

"Someone left a message for you. They said to look for the person with the
golden hari. We don't get too many blondes in here."

Hikaru: I see. So what is the message?

"It says to meet an old friend in room 404. I can take you there."

Hikaru: Thank you. 


[Out on Orange Road]

(Mishima and Ryusei enter an establishment)

Ryusei: Is the the final establishment on this block that is holding up
things?

Mishima: It is the case. The old man refuses to give this up.

Cute Waitress: You boys want somethin'?

Mishima: Yes. Where's the owner?

Cute Waitress: The boss? He ain't coming out for no one.

Ryusei: Inform him that we wish to make his acquaitance.

Cute Waitress: I told ya already that the boss is BUSY!

Ryusei: (glares at her through his sunglasses) It would be in his best
interest for him to appear, should some unforseen misfortune suddenly befall
on him.

Cute Waitress: Man, you guys must be Yakuza. It ain't worth my trouble.
I ain't stickin' my neck for that hentai. I'll go haul his sorry ass for ya.
Just don't involve me, understand?

Mishima: The miss has a way with words. Let's see how you handle the old man.

Ryusei: I have never failed a negotiation. This shall be no different.


[Back in the Aoyama institution]

(as they walk down the hallways, they hear cries, screams, and shouts)

Hikaru: What type of place is this anyway?

Nurse Ogawa: We pride ourselves on being the best facility to treat and
rehabilitate those unstable invidiuals in our society.

Hikaru: You mean, you treat the sick.

Nurse Ogawa: Yes, in a manner of speaking; mental illness is no laughing matter.

Hikaru: You mean, this is a mental institution?

Nurse Ogawa: We prefer not to call it that. It tends to present a stigma
within our patients. Here we are. Room 404. This subject, Anzai-san is a
particularly perplexing subject. Perhaps your visit might help her.

Hikaru: Shuri!

Shuri Anzai. My closest confidant in New York before her condition. I felt so
awful about the situation which precipitated the turn of events which changed
both of our lives. To be reduced like this all because of a play.

Nurse Ogawa: Anzai...we have a little visitor for you.


Shuri: To meet me? Whoooo? (turns her head and her face starts to show fear)
Aieee! Ghost ghost!

Hikaru: No Shuri, I'm not a ghost. Don't you remember me? It's your friend
Hikaru.

Shuri: (turns her head, eyes closes, waving both her hands in front of her and
shakes her head) No, no you suppose to be dead. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Don't
hurt me Hik-chan! I didn't mean to do it...I swear...please, don't haunt me no
more.

Nurse Ogawa: Nobody is going to hurt you. Stay calm. I'm sorry, but I believe
it would be best if you leave.

Hikaru: I understand. 

[Back to the shop]

Old man: What the damn hell you fellas want? What business do you want here?

Mishima: Very simple. We want to purchase this property.

Old man: I told you carpetbaggers before; I ain't sellin'.

Ryusei: Might I ask the reason why? Is not the offer price agreeable to your
terms?

Old man: I don't care about the money. This is the best gig around. I get to
be a gawk hawk.

Ryusei: I don't seem to follow you.

Old man: 'Course you don't sonny boy. You're still young; you can still pick
up the ladies. But me, I'm an eye-sore. No chicks for me. But this cafe gets
all the pretty young girls from the schools. In their fuku suits and short
mini-skirts. Oh, such pure ecstasy! You can't trade that for anything.

Ryusei: I see your point. Sorry for bothering you. We are leaving.

(outside)

Mishima: I am quite disappointed. Is that the best you can do?

Ryusei: You don't understand. When a man is not motivated by money or power,
then you must appeal to his other senses. Nothing I said could have change his
mind.

Mishima: Since he won't listen to your words, then perhaps he will be
persuaded by fistful intimidation.

Ryusei: No need to resort to violence. It makes thing messy. Besides, he has
already revealed his weakness, which I will exploit to the fullest extent. By
tomorrow, he will sign over the deed.

Mishima: Definitely?

Ryusei: If it has been said, then it shall be done.


[At Channel 12 news]

(Kyosuke enters)

(He sees Shiori!)

Kyosuke: Shiori-san! What are you doing here?

Shiori: Hi Kasuga-san. We're here on business.

Kyosuke: We?

Shiori: Yeah, she just went in to talk with Aso-san about a proposition.

Kyosuke: She?

(out exits 2 women)

Kyosuke: (surprised) T-t-tamura-san!

Tamura Haruka: A pleasant surprise to meet again with you Kyosuke. As usual,
your work has brought together interesting bedfellows.

Kyosuke: What do you mean?

Tamura: I'm not saying; perhaps your colleague might interject a word or two
to you. Tamaki. I hope you give my offer serious consideration.

Aso Tamaki: I will.

Tamura: Remember that I don't take no for an answer! Ja!

Kyosuke: Wonders of all wonders. Tamura-san here along with Shiori. What's
going on Aso?

Aso Tamaki: Come inside and I'll tell you.


[At Mount Fuji]

Inspector Jackson: What is the status?

"The undercover agents have infiltrated the compound. We're in!"

Jackson: Good. Phase 1 is completed. Start Phase 2, mark now in 15 minutes.

"Hai."

Jackson: 

[To the search by Muroke and #1]

Kaori: (holding onto the leash) God! Where is this mutt dragging me?

#1: That means he must be hot on the trail. You picked the perfect specimen to
track with.

Muroke: Uh...maybe too good. (holds onto a smelly sock)

#1: He seems to be losing the scent...dangle the sock in front of him again!

Muroke: Okay...but I hope Taki can make it quick.


[At Channel 12 station]

Kyosuke: What was that all about? Why was Tamura-san here to see you?

Aso: You know her?

Kyosuke: Uh yeah. I use to work at the station.

Aso: How did you find the working environment there?

Kyosuke: Hectic, quick, and frenetic. News and deadlines non-stop. Definitely
a challenge for those who want the fast-paced life.

Aso: So that how it is...why did you leave?

Kyosuke: It was my choice. I felt I was not ready for the big time.

Aso: Do you think I am ready?

Kyosuke: Why do you ask that? And what's with all those questions?

Aso: I was offered the lead reporter job by TTV.

Kyosuke: You were?

Aso: Yes. She was impressed with my ability for substituting for the live
report.

Kyosuke: That sounds like your dream job come true. That's what you always
wanted, right?

Aso: It is, yet it is still a shock to my system. I didn't give my decision
right away. I informed her that I needed some time to think it over and talk
it over with my husband.

Kyosuke: It is certainly a big step and big decision for your future.

Aso: Thanks for talking it over with me. It really helps.

Kyosuke: No problem. 

[At Mt Fuji]

(*radio crackle*)

"Agent G reporting. Repeat. The eagle has landed. Perimeter guards disabled.
Perimeter defense grid has been deactivated."

Jackson: Roger that. Okay people! They're in! Now it's time for us to begin
our assault. We move in now. And everyone! WATCH YOURSELF!

"Hai!"

Jackson: This is it...the moment of reckoning.


[Back to the search]

Muroke: He's stopped!

#1: Hmmm, curious.

Kaori: Sure is! This mutt led us to the foulest place in town! This better not
where he hooks up with his girlfriends!

#1: No, this must be the place. Taki's nose has never failed me. It's time to
move in and go inside.


[At Yakushima Island]

We see Goro sitting in his back chair by the fireplace, clanging the silver
balls in his hands.

"Master! A Mishima Syuujirou-san here to see you."

Goro: Let him enter my study alone.

"As you wish, Master."

Mishima: Greetings Goro.

Goro: Are you here to bring me good news?

Mishima: Your desire to derail the  construction plans is going according to
as planned, although that may be tenuous soon. I am not sure of Haroken's
talents, but he boasts he can punch through the last obstacle by tomorrow.


Goro: I shall not be surprised if he does so.  He is a man of extraordinary
talents. What is he does succeed?

Mishima: Then I must make sure that the project fails. Perhaps an accidental
explosion during demolition might do the trip.

Goro: (evil laugh) Excellent. What of my directive to eliminate the snooper,
Kasuga Kyosuke?

Mishima: My plan to dispose of him is under way. His place of occupancy have
been scoped out and measured. However, it might prove quite difficult to
arrange an "accident" in that location due to certain visitors that have shown
up there the past week. Now I plan to lure him off-site onto my trap.

Goro: I earnestly hope you deliver on these two directives for me. I must
stress how extrememly important it is for me.

Mishima: You can count on me. A mercenary never fails the master he serves at
the moment.

Goro: That is good to hear. Then I conclude our meeting. By the next time, you
shall bring me the heads of Ryusei Haroken and Kasuga Kyosuke in each hand.

Mishima: As per your wish. Atikamess!

(as Mishima leaves the room and the premises, a shadow emerges!)

Goro: What do you think?

"I have seen Mishima's handiwork. You should be able to trust him."

Goro: Still, I want you to follow him. Make sure he gets the work done.

"You suspect something of him? You don't trust him?"

Goro: (Har Har Harrrr!) In my "business", what matters is results. You never
depend on trust. I detected a bit of hesitancy in Mishima's body language.
Something unsettling is troubling him. Because of the variable, I wish to
eliminate any uncertainty. And of course, you don't have to attend to Ashara's
affairs any more.

"That is true. Then your wish is my bidding."

Goro: As it should...as it should...(Brr ha ha ha haaaa!!!)

[Back to the search]

Kaori: Hey, what's wrong with the mutt now?

#1: (sniffs the air) Hmmm...I think Taki's senses is a bit out of whack,
given the multitude of foul smells in this dump. It will take longer to search
it out.

Kaori: We better not do a room to room search in this dump!

Muroke: No need for that! The transmitter I placed on Shijama should be able
to picked up now within this short range. (takes out an instrument and we hear a
blip sound) Yes...it looks like it's working. Follow me!

[Inside the temple of Asahara]

After a display of pyrotechnics, where we see the assualt aerial troops drop
in from the sky, and as the frontal troops storm in and secure each of the
inner areas, Inspector Jackson stands on the outskirts.

Inspector Jackson: Report!

Areas A, B, C and D are secured. We have found little resistance once we have
penetrated the inner areas. However, we still have not found the main point
man, Shoko Asahara.

Inspector Jackson: (whips out the blueprint) Gather a group and concentrate
the search in this area. I suspect there are some secret rooms in that
complex. If it looks like a dead end, then dynamite your way through.

"Understood sir!"

[Back to the mysterious building]

Muroke: The signal is getting stronger...he must be in that room!

#1: (puts his ear against the door) Stand clear. (whips out his gun in the
attention position)

(He bangs through and targets his gun)

#1; It's clear. Let's go in.

(inside they see what appears to be a utility room)

#1: Appears your little gizmo isn't functioning properly.

Muroke: But it can't be! He must be here somewhere.

They see a pile of clothes near the incinerator. Muroke walks towards it and
the signal now buzzes.

Muroke picks up something: This is his shirt...Oh my god! Have they killed him
and dumped his body in this furnace!

(Taki runs over and sniffs the shirt. Then he runs out the door)

Kaori: Now what is that crazy mutt doing?

#1: He must have picked up the scent again! Let's go follow him.

(They see Taki pawing at the door labeled 666)

(The door opens!)

"Get out of here stupid dog!"

#1: You better watch what you say buddy. (points the gun right at his head)
Let's go in and see what we have here.

"Whatever you say."

Muroke: Shijama!

(They see Shijama, his hands tied up, lying half unconscious on the seedy
couch, wearing only a robe)

Zumi Shijama: (eyes half opened) Is that you Muroke?

Muroke: Yeah, it's your best pal and buddy.

Zumi Shijama: Am I dead? Do I go to heaven?

Muroke: No, you still kicking and alive.

Kaori: Let's get him out of here!

#1: I quite agree.

"What are you going to do with me?"

#1: Normally, I would tortue your brains out, But perhaps I just blow your
brains out instead.

"No, no! Please I talk!"

#1: Go ahead then, lest my trigger finger should prove itchy.

"When the feds raided our facility, a bunch of us managed to escape out the
back way. But because we were at the lower ranks, we had no contact with the
main base. But the colonel told us to lay low and wait for his contact. "

#1: What about him? (points to Shijama)

"We were to watch over them, in case they might squeal to the police and tip
off our network. It became harder to control him as the drug wore off, so I
tied him up."

#1: And this colonel figure...did he have a scar on his left cheek?

"Yah. Wicked wound down his jaw line."

#1: Too bad you trusted him. He left you high and dry. Like what we are going
to do with you.

Taki grows menacingly.

"What are you going to do to me?"

#1: You know, my dog here does have a taste for human meat, in particular
limbs...

"Please, I beg you mister!"

#1: Given that our friend here looks to be in reasonable shape, I'll give you
a break!

(#1 delivers a sharp blow to the back of his head, instantly knocking him out)

#1: Tie him up. I will call the "collectors". 


[The Next Day]


[In the hotel room of Hikaru]

Hikaru is watching the news...

"Breaking news...A surprise raid was made by federal officials and state 
troopers on the compound of Shoko Asahara, near Mount Fuji. Authorities 
have captured and detained most of the members inside. Their is no word yet
whether Asahara himself is in custody or not. Word is that the police have 
strong  suspicions that the group was responsible for the catastrophic 
nerve gas attack on the subways of Tokyo. More after these messages.


[On Orange Road]

(Mishima makes his way back to the old shop.)

Curiously, he sees a sign 'Closed' on the front door.

Mishima: Hello there?

"I'll be right with ya in a minute. I'm helping the Master pack up."

Mishima: You are leaving?

Old Man: Yes siree sonny boy. Y'all should be happy now. This place is sold.

Mishima: Sold? How? What did my associate say to you exactly?

Old Man: He from yesterday? He wasn't here.Two guys came in the morning. They 
turned out to be the H Gods!

Mishima: What nonsense are you talking about?

Old Man: You dunno? Surprised, given they are your people. 

Mishima: Who are these people you're talking about?

Old Man: The hentai manga masters, Hatta-san and Komatsu-san. It was so sweet.
They offered me nirvana, swapping my dingy shop for the big times! I get to
spend out my days in the heart of the Shinjuki Red Light District!

Mishima: 

[Back at Cable 12 News...]

(Aso Tamaki and Kyosuke riding on the motorscooter)

Aso: Are you ready?

Kyosuke: I am, but where are we going to now? And have you decided yet?

Aso: I don't want to think about it until after I finish this.

Kyosuke: You mean your special profile on the local, cultural structures
still left in the area?

Aso: Yes. I want to finish all my obligations before I make a decision. This
area will be the last cultural segment I will be reporting on.

Kyosuke: This area looks very familiar.

Aso: How so?

kyosuke: I used to go to junior high school nearby. 

Aso: Is that so? That you should be able to give me a tour of the "hotspots".

Kyosuke: There's nothing much to say about here, except it's a good environment
for young adolescents to grow up in. You have the nearby temple, the barber
shop there, the super mart store, the bookstore. Some of the more racy
elements was the Disco Mobeius. But my favorite shop that all the kids hung
out at was the ABCB.

Aso: This is strange.

Kyosuke: What?

Aso: I didn't know they were doing construction in this area.

(They see several bulldozers and cranes, with part of the street blocked off)

Kyosuke: Hey, what are they doing here! We got to find out what's going on.

Aso: Ok then. You get the camera ready. I'll ask the questions.

(they walk up to one of the construction workers, while Kyosuke rolls the
cameras)

Aso: Excuse me sir. I'm the local reporter covering a special segment on 
historical landmarks in this area. Might I ask what you are doing here?

"You're a lady reporter? I suggest you report clear away from this area. Its
dangerous."

Aso: But why are you here?

"We're going to level this whole area and build a spanking new supermall 
complex." 

Kyosuke: What? You can't do that?

"We have the permits, so we can. We're going to level this whole Orange Road
block and remake into a paradise."

Kyosuke: I don't believe the city would authorize this. And you would need 
to have an ordinance passed by the locals to allow this.

"Listen, I don't know about the mumbo jumbo you're talkin' about, but my job
is to just demolish these buildings and clear them away. If you have a problem
with that, you can talk to my foreman."

Aso: Who is your foreman then? We would like to ask him a few questions.

"He should be right over towards the end of the block. In that cafe place.

Kyosuke: That's the ABCB cafe. 

"There he is, coming out."

Kyosuke: (shocked) Mishima Syuujirou!

[End of Chapter]