Chapter 98: 94 Fishing? Remember to Wear a Helmet

The next day, Qi Ming had just arrived at the command room when Staff Officer Quentō summoned him outside.

“Officer Qi Ming, you’re truly prophetic—your foresight is uncanny. Perhaps humans and Earth monsters can indeed unite on certain matters.”

But the tone made Qi Ming feel something was amiss.

Staff Officer Quentō continued: “Yesterday, I reported the full details to Director Tsuchibashi Yu, but…”

“Director Tsuchibashi Yu believes an enemy’s enemy is not necessarily a friend.”

“Monsters have no intelligence—they merely react instinctively to external stimuli. They cannot be trusted.”

“He also asked, ‘What of those who died because of Earth monsters? Did we do wrong by killing them?’”

At this, Staff Officer Quentō sighed:

“Officer Qi Ming, you’re still young. Your understanding of this world may not yet be deep enough.”

“Some ‘authorities’ hold importance far above right or wrong—they must not be challenged in the slightest.”

Qi Ming thought to himself: this was nothing hard to understand; in the original script of *Blaizer*, Tsuchibashi Yu was exactly this kind of man.

He discovered the downed V99 ship carried no weapons yet refused to admit fault, doubling down on his mistake until the V99 sent a full fleet to overwhelm Earth.

In this world, he’s the TPC director—if this incident became public, wouldn’t it expose his past decisions as flawed?

Staff Officer Quentō added: “However… Director Tsuchibashi Yu said that while dealing with Earth monsters, we may handle the specifics ourselves—but if anything goes wrong, he will hold us accountable.”

So he wants to improve the odds through proper channels but refuses to bear any risk of failure.

Here, Staff Officer Quentō remarked:

“Though we won’t attack Earth monsters anymore, any ‘cooperation’ will inevitably be hindered.”

“Perhaps only when Director Tsuchibashi Yu retires and a new director takes over can he fairly grant Earth monsters justice—without burden.”

Qi Ming nodded, thinking: this is just settling scores with the predecessor.

After speaking, Staff Officer Quentō glanced around, confirmed no one was nearby, then finally asked Qi Ming:

“Officer Qi Ming, you can predict the future.”

“Can you read my face? Do you think I have a chance to become the next TPC director?”

If he stood in that position, he could better protect Earth and lead humanity forward!

Qi Ming stared at his round face for a moment, then said: “If you truly want TPC to return to the right path, we’ll nominate you as the next leader.”

Staff Officer Quentō felt a surge of hidden joy—did that mean he had a chance?

Then Qi Ming added: “If you’re confident you can take over TPC, find a time to invite Tsuchibashi Yu fishing.”

“Then seize the chance to kill him with a rock. If anyone later dares oppose you or sabotage you behind the scenes, come to me—I’ll handle them all.”

Staff Officer Quentō: “?”

He thought Officer Qi Ming was joking again—how could power transfer possibly happen this way?

But upon deeper thought, it wasn’t entirely impossible… though it would require overwhelming, all-around power—far too unrealistic. His faction hadn’t prepared for such a move.

…………………………

After speaking with Staff Officer Quentō, Moroboshi Dan approached.

Moroboshi Dan looked hesitant: “That blue giant… he looks familiar. He seems to be…”

Qi Ming: “You’re right—he’s Hikari.”

Moroboshi Dan’s face turned pale: “You know Hikari? It really is him… how did he become like this?”

Qi Ming briefly explained how Hikari’s beloved planet Arber had been devoured by Bogaru, driving him mad with rage and determined to seek revenge at any cost.

Moroboshi Dan: “To defeat a demon by becoming one—doesn’t that still mean the demon wins?”

Qi Ming nodded: “Captain, after I smashed your jeep’s hood, your IQ seems to have recovered somewhat—but Hikari probably can’t hear reason now.”

Moroboshi Dan: “I must convince him to turn back!”

Qi Ming: “Then you handle Hikari. I’ll handle Kōya Fujimiya.”

Moroboshi Dan: “Kōya Fujimiya?”

Seeing his interest, Qi Ming outlined Fujimiya’s early psychological journey in *Gaia*.

Due to the quantum computer Krysis’s prophecy that humans would ultimately destroy Earth, he decided to eliminate humanity to save the planet.

Moroboshi Dan: “No problem—I’ll convince both of them!”

…………………………

The following week passed in perfect calm.

Qi Ming finally had a chance to breathe.

Yet he didn’t fully idle—he took time to visit Staff Officer Inagaki, who turned pale.

He’s not seriously going to make me clean the command room, is he? How am I supposed to save face?

But Qi Ming only asked Inagaki to use his authority in the Space Development Bureau to procure more “Suo’gu Ore.”

“Suo’gu Ore… what’s that?” Inagaki looked baffled.

Qi Ming: “It’s a mineral from the Moon. You don’t even know that?”

Inagaki: “After years of continuous development, we’ve found the Moon isn’t entirely barren—it’s full of surprises.”

“There are many types of minerals, and plenty of traces suggesting monster activity.”

“There’s even a ruin called the [Valley of the Royal Family]—no one knows who built it…”

He rambled on at length, meaning: I’m swamped with duties, can’t handle everything.

Qi Ming told him to pay special attention to Suo’gu Ore and ship several tons to the base—it would be crucial.

Inagaki quickly agreed, fearing Qi Ming would cause a scene and ruin his reputation.

Why did Qi Ming want Suo’gu Ore? Naturally, to combat the Chaos Virus, which might strike Earth again at any moment.

Regarding the Chaos Virus, Aizen Makoto had already erected a massive protective shield covering the entire Kataka Archipelago, effectively blocking its intrusion.

Qi Ming trusted his technical skill—this at least ensured basic defense.

So he visited the island at Aizen’s invitation to inspect the shield, then was dragged along to a “side” talk show debating whether monsters should be protected.

The show was arranged by Aizen Makoto.

Qi Ming knew exactly what Aizen was after—but he understood: to make a horse run, you must let it eat.

So he fully cooperated, gave every appearance of respect, and on camera lavished praise on Aizen as a righteous hero with foresight.

After the show aired, thanks to Qi Ming’s eloquence and appearance, public approval for the monster reserve—and Aizen himself—skyrocketed, leaving Aizen ecstatic.

…………………………

Back at the command room base, Nishi Jo told Qi Ming a major problem had arrived.

“An asteroid named ‘Yaoxing Koa’ is heading straight for Earth! If it hits, everything is over!”

An asteroid colliding with Earth—wasn’t this from Episode 7 of *Ace*, “Monster vs. Ultra Monster vs. Alien”?

In that episode, Officer Yamakawa’s fiancée seemed to…

Kishida: “Earth is in danger!”

Qi Ming: “Officer Yamakawa’s fiancée is in danger.”

(End of Chapter)