Chapter Twenty-One: Deliberations on Military Preparations

“At present, the TPC Director has invited representatives of world leaders to Kumamoto City for international consultations. It is understood that the discussions will focus on TPC’s substantial military expansion in its efforts to eliminate monsters.” This is a reporter from Kumamoto City Television, and we will continue to bring you updates as the story develops.

Facing the camera, the reporter pointed to the significantly increased number of ground defense personnel behind her in Kumamoto City, then added, “To ensure everyone’s safety, Kumamoto City is undertaking extensive security measures. We hope these talks proceed smoothly!”

“OK!” The cameraman gave a thumbs-up, and the female reporter walked over with a smile.

“This really is a major event...”

Someone else glanced around. “Yes, with so many important figures gathered in Kumamoto City, it’s almost unimaginable.”

The cameraman said, “I heard that several cities were considered, but after Keigo Masaki invested a great deal in improving Kumamoto’s security and environment, the final decision was made to hold the meeting here.”

He paused and grinned. “Besides, Kumamoto really is much better than the other cities.”

A young staff member, clearly new to the job, joked, “If a monster were to appear now... that would be disastrous.”

The female reporter shot him a look. “Don’t jinx it...”

But before the words had even left her lips, a massive tremor shook the ground. The group staggered, the female reporter collapsing onto the pavement.

With a thunderous crash, smoke and dust billowed dozens of meters into the air nearby. Something resembling a shark’s fin emerged from the earth, tracing a path along the roadway as if a giant shark were swimming beneath the ground, wreaking havoc. Everything in its path—trains, buildings—was smashed aside as it rampaged down the street.

“A m-monster has really appeared!” the young staffer gasped, staring in disbelief. He had never imagined his offhand comment would come true.

“S-someone help...”

“Run for your lives...”

Panic erupted as crowds scattered in all directions. Screams and explosions rang out in a dreadful symphony, and even some of the security personnel hastily relayed the situation before fleeing the scene.

Meanwhile, the assembled delegates inside the conference hall felt a faint tremor and exchanged uneasy glances, but thought little of it—until a staff member in a black uniform burst through the door and whispered urgently in Director Sawai’s ear.

“What!?” Director Sawai’s expression turned grave. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have just received word—a monster has appeared in Kumamoto City!”

“What!?”

“Isn’t it dangerous here then!?”

“We have to leave immediately!”

The delegates erupted in panic. While they knew in theory that Earth faced the threat of monsters, none had ever truly experienced such terror. Their only encounters had been on screens, from a safe distance—if anyone was insulated from monsters, it was them. Now, confronted with the reality, their fear was even greater than that of ordinary citizens.

“The Victory Team is already on their way! Please, everyone, remain calm!” Director Sawai urged.

One delegate, having just received a message from his security detail, turned pale. “The monster is heading this way! We must evacuate at once!”

“Connect me to Captain Hoshina of the Victory Team!” Director Sawai hastily placed the call.

“I don’t care what you’re doing, you must get to Kumamoto City immediately and stop that monster! You understand the gravity of this situation!”

Captain Hoshina’s voice was heavy with concern. The Victory Team was currently on the coast near Kitagawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture, handling a monster’s remains. Only two fighter jets were available: the Victory Swallow II, piloted by Rina, was occupied lifting the monster’s corpse, while Daigo piloted the Victory Swallow I in support. There was simply no way to redeploy in time.

“I’ll inform Daigo to fly the Victory Swallow I there right away,” Captain Hoshina replied cautiously.

“That won’t do! The Victory Swallow I may not be enough!” Director Sawai’s tone was cold. “You must get here immediately, and bring the most powerful weapons available to eliminate the monster!”

“But Rina is currently operating the Victory Swallow II and can’t get away.”

Director Sawai’s face darkened further, but he had no grounds to argue. After all, it was at his behest that Captain Hoshina had set this operation in motion. Who could have foreseen another monster appearing in Kumamoto City?

Who else could be mobilized now...?

“Wait! The White Dragon! Doesn’t the White Dragon, equipped with our most advanced weaponry, remain unused since Hayate left the Victory Team after the Kyrieloid incident?”

Captain Hoshina had the same realization. “I’ll have Noriyasu pilot the White Dragon there at once!”

“No,” Director Sawai rejected the suggestion. “Call Hayate. Have Hayate pilot the White Dragon to Kumamoto!”

“But Hayate—” Captain Hoshina started, but the only reply was the click of the phone hanging up.

“Get me Captain Hayate on the line immediately,” Captain Hoshina ordered Noriyasu.

But before the call could be placed, Hayate himself entered, idly spinning the latest puzzle cube—the Alexander Star—in his hand.

“Captain Hoshina, you seemed in a hurry to find me. What’s going on?”

“A direct order from Director Sawai—a monster has appeared in Kumamoto City. You are to pilot the White Dragon there immediately!” Captain Hoshina said solemnly.

“Kumamoto City... isn’t that where the TPC armament summit is being held?” Tetsuya stopped fiddling with the cube, surprise evident on his face.

“Exactly. That’s why this is so urgent, Hayate!”

“Leave it to me!” Tetsuya tossed the Alexander Star to Captain Hoshina and sprinted toward the hangar.

Watching him hurry away, Captain Hoshina murmured, “Hayate... I’m counting on you.”

She set the neatly solved Alexander Star on the table and turned to Noriyasu. “Inform Daigo to fly the Victory Swallow I from Shizuoka immediately!”

“I never imagined... that I would pilot the White Dragon again under such circumstances.” Tetsuya smiled and shook his head, then climbed into the White Dragon, launching quickly from the hangar. The craft soared skyward, accelerating until it was nearly a streak of light vanishing on the horizon.

“Geozark, is it... Keigo Masaki, you’re finally making your move!”

“The White Dragon has arrived in Kumamoto City!” Noriyasu, monitoring the situation, reported promptly.

“The Victory Swallow I is still en route!”

“So... so that’s a monster...” Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the delegates could now see the towering, razor-sharp electronic shark’s fin. It looked as lethal as a blade. For many present, it was their first time seeing a monster at such close range, and their legs were trembling with fear.

“Look, the White Dragon has arrived,” Director Sawai pointed to the fighter soaring above, forcing himself to remain composed. Though this was his second time confronting a monster up close, the fear was just as hard to suppress. Nevertheless, this was his responsibility. Ever since he saw Gakuma on Kurashima, he knew that TPC would be facing monsters for a long time to come. Despite his fear, he managed to keep calm.

“You have all witnessed such a monster. Frankly, our current TPC armament is wholly inadequate to face it. That is why I am proposing to strengthen TPC’s military capabilities. Do you agree?”

A representative replied, “But isn’t there still the Giant? Yes, Ultraman Tiga.”

Director Sawai gestured outside, where only the White Dragon was valiantly blocking the monster’s advance, and said quietly, “At the very least, not right now.”