Chapter Twelve: The High-Level Meeting

Tetsuya would say no more. Keigo Masaki was an exceptionally intelligent man, and equally proud. When it came to handling such matters, he would naturally make the best possible decisions. Tetsuya had already revealed to Masaki things that would only be known in the later stages of "Ultraman Tiga." Now, all that remained was to wait—for Masaki to make the most thorough preparations, to lay out what he believed to be an impeccably tight plan. As for Tetsuya, he would seize the fruits of Masaki’s victory at the very last moment, just as he was about to succeed.

“You are a most intriguing person...” Masaki said slowly, “I believe your aim isn’t that so-called thirty million reward...”

“Tell me, what is your true purpose?” His piercing gaze fixed on Tetsuya, his voice grave.

“I will take your hope from you at the moment of your victory...” Tetsuya shrugged, laying bare his true intent. This wouldn’t change anything; at the very least, Masaki would not give up his quest to become a giant because of it. If anything, it would only make things more difficult for Tetsuya, but that was of little consequence, for Tetsuya knew every one of Masaki’s plans thanks to his familiarity with the story.

“Very well...” Masaki slammed his fist onto the control panel of the treadmill, the machine instantly emitting the sound of cracking and a burst of static.

“I have no interest in competing with someone like Daigo...” Masaki grinned. “You will be a worthy opponent!”

Tetsuya said nothing, leisurely heading for the door. Yet just as he was about to step out, he unexpectedly struck a metal exercise apparatus with his fist, snapping it in two at its center.

“I will be the toughest adversary you’ll ever face...”

With a wave of his hand, Tetsuya walked out, leaving his voice behind: “Remember to transfer the money to my account...”

Meanwhile, at sea, in the TPC Far East Headquarters, Captain Megumi Hijikata was working with Tetsushi Yoshioka, Chief of the TPC Police Bureau, to investigate the missing Golza’s whereabouts. Noriyasu was at the central computer, overseeing operations.

“These are images captured by the reconnaissance drone over the pyramid. Neither the sonic scanner nor the energy detector has been able to locate any trace of the monster Golza...” Megumi reported.

Tetsushi Yoshioka listened intently but said nothing. Just then, the central computer suddenly switched screens, locking onto a particular location, and Director Sawai appeared on the display.

Seeing this, all three immediately stood to show their respect.

“Emergency notice: a monster has appeared on Kurashima Island in the Southwest Archipelago. It seems miners at the quarry were attacked.”

Upon hearing this, Megumi asked urgently, “Is it Golza?!”

On the screen, Director Sawai bowed his head slightly. He had always been a pacifist. Back in the twentieth century, as Secretary-General of United Nations Affairs, he had vigorously promoted the establishment of TPC and the abolition of the Defense Forces. As a result, TPC’s equipment was not overly militarized—largely due to his influence. Yet the emergence of new monsters now revealed the flaws in his previous policies; with outdated weaponry, TPC would be unable to stand against monsters.

So, when Captain Megumi questioned him, he replied after a moment’s thought, “No, it’s a different monster than Golza... Right now, it seems to be inactive, but I don’t want any more casualties.”

“But... how can the Victory Team possibly fight a monster as things stand!?”

“I understand... I’ll convene a meeting with the higher-ups to discuss. But time is of the essence... Captain Megumi, begin refitting the Victory Team’s aircraft for combat use immediately.”

At this, the always hawkish Tetsushi Yoshioka broke into a rare smile and responded, “Understood!”

Noriyasu immediately relayed the instructions to all Victory Team members, and Yoshioka began briefing them, after which work commenced on upgrading the Victory Swallow.

The next day, the conference room was filled to capacity. All TPC officials, great and small, had gathered—a scene not seen in years. Tetsuya attended as the head of Caro Base.

Director Sawai wasted no time and went straight to the point. In casual settings, he could be warm and friendly with the Victory Team, but in formal circumstances, he was reserved and meticulous.

“With a new monster appearing on Kurashima Island, it’s clear there are more than just two monsters on Earth; in the future, even more unpredictable ones may emerge. As TPC stands now, we are simply not equipped to fight them. Though the giant exists, humanity must rely on its own strength. Therefore, I propose...”

He folded his hands on the table, his gaze steady as he looked at everyone present.

“TPC must now make a significant push to strengthen our military capabilities so we can fight monsters, protect peace, and safeguard human life!”

As Director Sawai spoke so decisively, Tetsushi Yoshioka flicked open his folding fan and smiled.

But sitting nearby, Chief of Staff Masayuki Nanbara frowned deeply. He was highly trusted by Director Sawai; the two had worked closely together, both advocating for disarmament in the past. However, Nanbara was a thoroughgoing pacifist. He was the first to challenge Sawai's proposal: “If we rush to develop armaments like this, won’t other nations become wary of us? Could this hard-won peace be shattered?”

Yoshioka snapped his fan shut and glared at Nanbara, retorting, “So we’re just supposed to let the monsters rampage across Earth? If we put international suspicion above protecting our people, what’s the point of TPC? That’s what’s truly irresponsible toward peace!”

“But we can’t just ignore the concerns of other countries!” Nanbara retorted, slapping the table.

As the two argued back and forth, Tetsuya’s clear voice broke in: “May I offer an opinion?”

Director Sawai thought highly of Tetsuya, considering him almost a brother. Hearing his words, Sawai smiled and nodded.

“I believe other nations’ concerns will only arise after TPC begins strengthening its arsenal. But the monster is already here; we must deal with this immediate threat. As for international reactions, we can negotiate and seek their understanding. But the monsters rampaging now, or those about to—these are our responsibility to confront. That is TPC’s duty!”

Director Sawai nodded, thus defining the issue, and turned to Dr. Kenmura. “What’s the status of the Artedis’s construction?”

Dr. Kenmura pondered, then replied, “The Max Power System is in the final testing phase. Dr. Yatsuo is working on the last technical hurdles. If all goes well, the Artedis should be ready for test flights soon.”

At this, Chief Nanbara’s frown deepened, but he said nothing. TPC had never ceased searching for more powerful weapons, for all humanity realized their future lay in space, and such tools would be their safeguard. Nanbara’s only concern was that excessive military development might undermine the fragile peace on Earth. Deep down, he remained a staunch supporter of TPC.

“What about the Texas Cannon and the Spire Missiles?”

“The Spire Missiles have passed testing and, if authorized, can be equipped on the fighters at any time. If not, they’ll be stored away. As for the Texas Cannon, testing is complete—it’s extremely powerful!”

At this, Tetsuya interjected, “I request permission to equip the Texas Cannon and Spire Missiles on the White Dragon, and I also apply for the Max Power System to be installed on it, using the White Dragon as a test platform in actual combat!”

Chief Nanbara slammed the table and stood abruptly. “You’re the head of Caro Base—what do you need these weapons for?”

Tetsuya smiled, stood as well, and declared, “I request to resign as head of Caro Base and apply to join the Victory Team, to fight for the defense of Earth!”

Everyone present was left dumbfounded, even Captain Megumi shot him anxious looks.

What was the direction of humanity’s future? Surely, it was the cosmos.

TPC had only two bases in space: Caro Base on the lunar surface, and the Delta Space Station. Both held crucial positions within TPC. Tetsuya, in his thirties, already led Caro Base—a boundless future awaited. If humanity pushed further into space, his experience and credentials at Caro would have propelled him to the very top of TPC’s leadership. And yet, Tetsuya was giving it all up so readily—was he mad?

“This matter... must be reconsidered...” Even Director Sawai was unsettled by Tetsuya’s sudden announcement, intending to postpone the decision.

But several high officials immediately stood, voices overlapping:

“If Gale Tetsuya believes he cannot shoulder the responsibilities of Caro Base and voluntarily resigns, why reconsider?”

“If Tetsuya is so devoted to fighting for humanity, we should support him!”

“That’s right! Gale Tetsuya has been back from Caro Base for so long and never once mentioned its affairs or wanted to return. We should grant his wish to stay on Earth!”

Hearing these officials’ insincere, thinly veiled words, Tetsuya smiled inwardly. Caro Base was a pitfall—they were welcome to leap in. He would return to clean up the mess later. Besides, his goal was to become a giant; only by remaining on Earth could that possibility grow.

“Yes, I am willing to resign as head of Caro Base, but only if I join the Victory Team, and my White Dragon must be equipped with the most advanced weaponry!”

Ignoring Captain Megumi’s attempts to dissuade him, Tetsuya declared his conditions even more firmly.

Director Sawai, gazing into Tetsuya’s resolute eyes, finally nodded heavily. “I approve your application!”

“In addition, as for explanations to other countries, I will soon invite world leaders here to discuss TPC armament matters together. But as for arming TPC, there is no time to lose!”