Hyatt Centric Hotel Basement, Tokyo

April 2, 2028, 14:02

The dimly lit basement parking lot pulsed with the steady hum of fluorescent lights. Streaks of oil and soot clung to the concrete walls, the air thick with the acrid tang of gasoline and exhaust.

Maya exhaled sharply, arms crossed as she leaned against a support pillar. "Alright," she muttered. "Now we just have to wait for Alex to bring the SUV. Let's hope he's not slow."

Sawyer raised an eyebrow. "Curious—what's your definition of fast?"

"Faster than you think," Maya shot back before shifting her focus. "Oh, right. Bro, you armed?"

Adam gave a curt nod. "Yeah."

"Joshie?"

Caldwell tapped his jacket. "Yup."

Maya glanced around at the rest of the group. "And the others?"

Itami sighed. "Unfortunately, no. Well—except for Rory over there."

Rory smirked, resting a hand on the shaft of her massive wrapped halberd. "My weapon and I are inseparable."

Maya shook her head. "No worries. You won't be unarmed for long."

Headlights swept across the garage as an SUV rolled up, its engine purring. The window lowered, revealing Alex behind the wheel.

"Took you long enough," Maya called. "Pop the trunk."

Alex sighed. "Hang on..."

The lock clicked, and the trunk swung open. Two rifle cases and three duffle bags were inside, but Maya paid no mind to them. Instead, she ran her hands along the trunk's roof, searching.

"Where the hell is it..." she muttered. Then her fingers found a hidden latch. "Got it."

With a tug, a concealed rack slid down, revealing an array of neatly secured handguns.

Adam let out an impressed whistle. "Okay, that's actually pretty cool, sis."

Maya grinned. "Dad taught me. If we ever find the time, I could install one in your car."

Adam snorted. "The world will end before that happens."

A murmur of curiosity rose behind them. Pina and Bozes exchanged glances, while Tuka leaned in for a closer look. Lelei studied the weapons intently.

"Strange," Lelei remarked. "They're much smaller than the rifles you carry. Are they meant for something else?"

Rory folded her arms. "They don't look as powerful."

Caldwell chuckled, stepping forward. "That's because they aren't. These are handguns—smaller, less powerful than rifles."

Bozes was skeptical. "Then why use them at all?"

Caldwell smirked. "Because we're in the middle of Tokyo. Walking around with rifles would be... Quite impolite."

Maya clapped her hands together, cutting off the impromptu lesson. "Alright, enough explanations. My JSDF friends—take your pick."

Kuribayashi stepped forward first, barely glancing at the selection before grabbing a Glock with a satisfied nod. "This'll do."

Yanagida followed, taking his time before settling on another Glock.

Tomita reached in last, pulling out a SIG Sauer.

When Itami moved to make his choice, Maya beat him to it. She plucked a Heckler & Koch VP9 from the rack and held it out to him.

"You should know this one, right, Mr. Former SFG?" Her voice carried a teasing lilt, her fingers lingering on the grip as she handed it over.

Itami hesitated before taking it. "Thanks, I guess?"

The words had barely left his mouth when he felt a light slap on his backside.

She leaned in slightly, her grin playful. "Come on, Lieutenant. A little confidence wouldn't hurt." 

Adam, his face twisted in utter disgust, groaned. "Maya..."

She blinked at him innocently. "What?"

Meanwhile, Itami, caught between amusement and mild panic, suddenly felt an intense glare boring into his back. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was

Rory stood stiffly, her crimson eyes locked onto Maya. Her fingers tightened around the shaft of her halberd, her gloves creaking under the pressure. The normally mischievous glint in her expression was gone, replaced by something much darker—something that made the hair on the back of Itami's neck stand on end.

Lelei, Tuka, Pina, and Bozes instinctively stepped away, each feeling the suffocating weight of Rory's killing intent.

Lelei, adjusted her hair and murmured, "This is... unsettling."

Tuka gave a nervous glance at Itami, her elven ears twitching. "She looks like she's about to tear someone apart."

Pina swallowed hard. Despite all her training in diplomacy and warfare, standing next to Rory in this moment made her feel like a fragile doll.

Rory's voice was low, edged with barely restrained irritation. "Unbelievable. Who does that woman think she is?"

Alex let out a heavy sigh. "This is going to go horribly wrong."

Maya waved him off. "No, it won't. Now..." She reached into her pocket, pulled out a set of car keys, and tossed them to Adam. "Hand these out to whoever's going to be driving."

Adam caught them, arching a brow. "Taking orders from you now?"

Maya smirked. "What? Not gonna listen to your precious little sister?"

Adam exhaled sharply. "Alright, fine."

Maya clapped her hands together. "Good. While you guys get set, I'm grabbing my ride. Alex, Sawyer—make sure you're both ready for direct action. Bro, catch the others up on our plan."

Sawyer sighed as he took the duffel bag Alex handed him. "Aye, aye..."

Adam crossed his arms, scanning the group. "Alright, listen up. The bus we were supposed to take? It's going out as bait. Meanwhile, we'll be moving the princess, Bozes, and the girls back to the other side of the Gate through a separate route."

Kuribayashi raised an eyebrow. "And what about the CIA?"

Adam's expression remained firm. "Maya, Alex, and Sawyer will be running distraction, drawing as much attention as possible while we get the VIPs out. We're moving as soon as we get the green light from the PSIA."

He glanced around. "Now, we need to decide who's driving. We can't afford any mistakes."

After a brief discussion, they settled on Itami and Tomita. Both knew Tokyo's streets better than anyone, making them the best choice for navigating quickly and avoiding trouble.

While they finalized the plan, Alex and Sawyer unzipped their duffel bags, revealing Spiritus Systems Mk4 Micro Chest Rigs. They clipped them on, adjusting the straps until the rigs sat snugly against their torsos. Exchanging a glance, they turned back to the trunk.

Alex grabbed one of the rifle cases and set it down on the garage floor with a solid thunk. He popped the latches and flipped it open, revealing three SIG MCX Rattlers—stocks folded, suppressors lined up beside them, each rifle uniquely customized to their preferences.

Without hesitation, they each grabbed their weapons, securing their rifle slings in place.

Alex exhaled. "Phew."

Sawyer gave his gear a final tug before nodding. "Alright, that should do it."

A low whistle came from Caldwell. "Jeez, you spooks look like you're about to hit Tora Bora."

Alex shrugged. "Can never be too cautious, Captain." He grabbed two radios from the trunk and handed one to Caldwell. 

Caldwell chuckled as he took the radio. "Can't argue with that." He passed the second radio to Yanagida.

Yanagida glanced between them. "How many are we expecting?"

Sawyer adjusted his sling. "Twenty, maybe thirty? We don't have exact numbers yet."

Itami frowned. "So there could be more?"

Alex nodded. "Most likely."

A low, throaty purr of an engine cut through their conversation. Instinctively, the group turned toward the sound just as a sleek, dark blue sedan rolled up beside them. Adam recognized its silhouette immediately—Maya's favorite. A Subaru Impreza. Its headlights cast a soft glow across the garage floor as the doors unlocked with a quiet click.

Maya stepped out, grinning wide.

Sawyer raised an eyebrow. "Jesus. That's our ride?"

Maya smirked, running a hand over the car's hood. "Yep. Pretty good for bait, huh?"

Alex crossed his arms. "How?"

"A little gift from our supervisor," Maya said, her tone dripping with amusement. "Guess being an obedient dog finally paid off."

Alex exhaled, unimpressed. "It's not bulletproof, is it?"

Maya gave him a thumbs-up. "Checked—nope!"

Alex shook his head. "Great. So our lives depend on your driving."

Maya gasped, clutching her chest in mock offense. "Wow, Alex. You don't trust your fearless team leader? I'm hurt."

Sawyer smirked, handing her a duffel. "Alright, fearless team lead—here's your gear."

Maya quickly geared up, and Alex passed her the last MCX Rattler.

Adam arched an eyebrow. "Funny, I distinctly remember you calling them your bodyguards. Didn't mention they were your personal hit squad."

Alex scoffed. "Excuse you?"

Maya shrugged, unbothered. "Well... they might as well be my bodyguards."

Adam smirked. "Huh. So my little sis is already a team lead."

Maya shot him a playful grin. "Proud of me?"

Adam's expression softened. "Always was."

For a moment, they exchanged a look—one of unspoken understanding. Then Maya cleared her throat, snapping back to business.

"I spoke with Komakado earlier—he's mapped out our route."

She pulled out her phone, tapped a few times, then flicked her wrist, sending the file to Adam's device. His phone buzzed as the route transferred.

Adam glanced at the screen. "You sure about this?"

Maya hesitated, tapping her chin. "There should..." she paused dramatically, "should be no problems."

Sawyer shot her a skeptical look. "Yeah, that's real reassuring."

Maya smirked. "No worries, our supervisor will be watching. If there's any traffic, she'll tell us to avoid it."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "That's... slightly more reassuring, I guess."

Maya grinned, jerking her thumb toward the car. "Well, unless you've got a better plan—just get the fuck in. We're leaving the SUV to the PSIA"

Sawyer sighed dramatically. "Shotgun."

Alex groaned as he yanked open the back door. "Great. Stuck in the back."

Maya rolled her eyes, sliding into the driver's seat. "The rest of you, grab your rides—they should be parked nearby. Make sure the VIPs get out clean."

Itami nudged Tomita. "No pressure, huh?"

With murmurs of acknowledgment, the team dispersed, heading for their assigned vehicles. One by one, engines rumbled to life, headlights flickering on as they prepared to roll out.

Alex settled into the backseat with a resigned sigh. "I swear, if we crash—"

Maya smirked, shifting into gear. "Oh, ye of little faith."

Sawyer buckled in, throwing her a side-eye. "Yeah, and for good reason."

Maya ignored him, tapping her earpiece. "Alright, comms check. Ark, this is Angel-1. Do you read?"

Laswell's voice came through, steady and sharp. "Roger. All vehicles, check in."

Caldwell's voice crackled over the comms. "Vic-1, all good."

In Vic-1, Itami sat behind the wheel, Adam riding shotgun. The girls occupied the middle row, while Caldwell took the farthest back seat.

Yanagida chimed in next. "Vic-2, we're ready."

Tomita gripped the wheel, his expression focused. The princess and Bozes sat in the middle, while Kuribayashi was in the rear, keeping watch for any tails.

Laswell continued. "PSIA is prepping the bus. Once it's moving, Angel-1, take Kori Dori Street and head for central Tokyo. You should be able to lose them in the traffic."

She didn't miss a beat. "Vic-1, Vic-2—hold position. Wait five minutes after Angel exits the parking lot before rolling out. Understood?"

"Roger that, ma'am," Caldwell confirmed.

"Copy," Yanagida added.

Laswell's voice was calm but firm. "Alright, standby. Five minutes."

As the minutes went by, Maya's foot began tapping anxiously against the car floor, her grip tightening on the steering wheel.

"Come on..." she muttered under her breath.

Sawyer glanced at her. "You're way too excited for this."

Laswell's voice cut through the comms. "Bus is moving. Ten seconds, Angel."

Maya released the parking brake, fingers flexing against the wheel. The seconds ticked by.

Laswell came back. "Alright, Angel—go."

Ginza Korido-dori Street, Tokyo

April 2, 2028, 14:12

The moment Maya hit the street, she spotted them—five vehicles of various makes and models immediately falling in behind.

Alex shifted in his seat. Aiming his MCX through the rear window. "We've got company."

Maya's voice remained steady. "Hold fire, Angel-2."

She keyed her radio. "Ark, this is Angel-1. We've got tails. You see them?"

Inside the PSIA headquarters, Laswell sat in the TOC, coordinating with her Japanese counterparts. Her response came almost instantly.

"Seen. PSIA is plotting a route. Do not engage unless fired upon."

Maya snickered.

Sawyer glanced at her. "Something funny?"

"Oh, you know," Maya said, gripping the wheel. "Just Mama Bear reminding us to behave."

Laswell's voice crackled back over the radio.

"Angel-1, here's your route. Go wild. PSIA told the police to stay out of your way."

Maya grinned as she looked at her phone. "Alright, boys. Hang on—this might get bumpy."

Tires screeched as she yanked the wheel left, weaving through traffic with a reckless precision that sent pedestrians scrambling.

"Catch me if you can, you second-rates!" she taunted.

Hyatt Centric Hotel Basement, Tokyo

April 2, 2028, 14:16

The air was thick with tension, broken only by the low rumble of idling engines. Inside both vehicles, hands hovered over gearshifts, eyes flicking between the dashboard clock and the exit ramp.

14:16:55.

Tomita exhaled slowly, fingers tightening around the wheel. "Almost time."

Kuribayashi cracked her knuckles. "Took long enough."

14:16:58.

Bozes adjusted her seatbelt, jaw set in quiet determination.

14:16:59.

Itami's grip firmed on the steering wheel, his foot pressing lightly against the gas.

14:17:00.

Caldwell's voice cut through the radio. "Go."

Engines roared to life as both vehicles shot forward, tires screeching against concrete. They tore up the ramp and burst onto the sunlit streets, seamlessly blending into traffic.

"Itami, status?" Yanagida's voice crackled over the radio.

"We're good," Itami replied, eyes scanning the road ahead.

"Copy. Stick to the route PSIA mapped out for us," Yanagida said.

Caldwell, seated in the back, glanced over his shoulder. "No sign of a tail... yet."

Adam exhaled sharply. "Emphasis on the 'yet.'"

The girls sat in silence—Rory hummed softly, Lelei remained composed, but Tuka's fingers fidgeted against her lap.

Itami's gaze flicked to the intersection ahead. "Coming up on a red light."

Both vehicles eased up, smoothly decelerating.

In the second car, Kuribayashi glanced behind them, her eyes sweeping the traffic.

Tomita exhaled. "Never thought I'd be driving through Tokyo like this."

Yanagida's voice was calm. "Ease up, Seargent."

Kuribayashi's brows furrowed. A red sedan lingered several cars back—its windows were tinted darker than usual. Too dark.

"Hey," she muttered. "Red sedan at our four. Looks off."

Bozes leaned forward. "Are we in danger?"

Tomita kept his hands steady on the wheel. "Most likely."

Yanagida's posture stiffened as he keyed his radio. "Vic-2 here. Possible tail—red sedan, four o'clock."

Back at PSIA Headquarters, Laswell leaned against the table, eyes locked on the monitor. "Seen. Hold your position, Vic-2." She turned to her Japanese counterparts. "We got a traffic cam there?"

A PSIA agent nodded. "Yeah, pulling it up now."

The screen flickered, loading the live feed. Laswell's gaze zeroed in on the red sedan. She pointed. "That one."

The agent's fingers typed on the keyboard. "Running the plate now."

Laswell waited, breath held, eyes drilling into the screen.

A moment later, the agent spoke. "It's a rental. Picked up earlier today. Registered under a known alias of an MSS operative."

Laswell exhaled sharply. "Sloppy. No surprise there—they had to throw this together as fast as we did." She keyed her radio. "Vic-1, Vic-2—be advised. That red sedan is likely hostile. Stay sharp."

Adam's calm but firm voice came through. "Everyone, but the drivers. Take your guns out, but remember—we must be engaged to engage."

The passengers quietly unholstered their sidearms. The air inside both vehicles thickened, tension coiling tight.

Tuka shifted uneasily. "How can you all be so calm?"

Lelei barely glanced at her. "Because panicking won't help."

Rory smirked, gripping her weapon. "I say, let them come."

Outside, the traffic light loomed red, stretching the moment unbearably.

Then—green.

"Go," Adam ordered. "But not too fast. They don't know we're onto them yet."

Both vehicles eased forward at a normal pace. In the back seats, eyes remained locked on the red sedan as it followed, steady and patient.

Caldwell murmured, "Only one. Looks like Maya's distraction worked."

Adam didn't relax. "Yeah. But one's still enough to be a problem. We need to lose him."

Itami smirked. "Well, I do know a way."

Adam glanced at him. "Yeah?"

Itami tapped the wheel. "This is Vic-1, requesting permission to deviate from route."

Silence hung in the comms for a beat before Laswell responded, her voice firm. "Negative, Vic-1. Stick to the route."

Itami clicked his tongue. "Ma'am, if we stay on course, they might figure out we're the real target—and call in backup."

On the other end, faint conversation could be heard as Laswell debated with the PSIA agents. A moment later, she came back on the line, sighing. "Alright, Lieutenant. It's your city. You can deviate—but don't take too long."

Itami smirked, shifting gears. "Roger. Vic-2, stay close. We're taking a little detour."

Itami flicked his turn signal at the last second, cutting onto a narrower side street. The two vehicles weaved through Tokyo's dense network of roads. Sunlight gleamed off glass skyscrapers, and the steady hum of the afternoon rush filled the air. Pedestrians crowded the sidewalks, taxis and delivery bikes zipped between lanes, and electronic billboards flashed above the intersections.

In Vic-2, Kuribayashi kept her eyes on the mirror. "Still with us," she muttered.

Tomita frowned. "They're not even trying to be subtle."

The red sedan clung to their tail, moving smoothly through traffic but never straying too far. The dark-tinted windows made it impossible to see inside.

In Vic-1, Adam kept his gaze forward. "Itami, you actually got a plan, or are we just giving them a tour?"

Itami smirked. "Tokyo's got plenty of places where a car can disappear. Just need to pick the right one."

He guided them onto a major avenue, packed with cars and pedestrians waiting at crosswalks. The early afternoon crowd was thick—salarymen on lunch breaks, tourists with cameras, students in uniform heading home. The sheer density of movement made it difficult for anyone to move too aggressively without drawing attention.

Laswell's voice came through the comms. "Lieutenant, that sedan's staying locked on. Got a move in mind?"

Itami's eyes flicked to the rearview mirror. "Yeah. Just need them to commit."

Up ahead, he spotted a major