Soul Drive: Ignition

Chapter 2: Crumble

"Is that so?" Mr. Stark leaned back in his chair, a disbelieving smirk playing on his lips. "You see, I recently received a package from your government containing five Mach units. Care to explain why I have them and not the scientists who created them?"

"Sir, we—" Ami stammered, but Mr. Stark cut her off.

"Let me be clear," he said icily. "If you're attempting to breach our contract, I can think of numerous ways to ensure mutual destruction."

"Mr. Stark, please," Ami pleaded, desperation creeping into her voice. "We aren't trying to deceive you. The devices were sent as a sign of good faith, after they were recovered from the lab."

"Good faith, my ass," Mr. Stark muttered before abruptly ending the call.

***

In Osaka, Goro, stood in the doorway of his modest home, face etched with concern as two somber government employees presented him with Hiro, swaddled in a blanket. Their words echoed in his ears: "He's the only family either Tadashi or Mary had. Hiro is yours now."

"Mine?" Goro's voice cracked, the weight of the situation settling on his shoulders. He extended his arms, taking Hiro from the employees and cradling him close to his chest.

"Thank you," Goro whispered, choking back tears as he closed the door behind them. With unsteady hands, he wiped the tears that clung to his cheeks, trying to maintain a brave face for Hiro. "I'll take care of you, little one. I promise."

Hiro gazed up at him with wide, innocent eyes, unaware of the tragedy that had befallen his parents. Goro's heart ached as he held the one-year-old, mourning the disappearance of his brother while silently vowing to protect and love Hiro as his own.

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Fifteen years had dissolved like mist under the sun, and Masato Tanaka found himself seated in his sterile office, surrounded by documents and blueprints of the once-illustrious Mach project. The walls were adorned with various schematics, a testament to his dedication and obsession with cracking the code that would unlock the true potential of these cybernetic suits.

"Useless," he muttered under his breath as he skimmed through yet another file of a military-trained pilot who'd failed the rigorous Mach testing. He tossed the folder onto the ever-growing discard pile and rubbed his temples, frustration mounting.

"Dammit," he mumbled, pushing back from his desk. "It's not their physical capabilities that matter—it's their damned mental fortitude!"

Masato's eyes flicked over to the phone on his desk, an idea stirring in the depths of his mind. He picked up the receiver, dialing a number he knew would lead him down an unconventional path.

"Hello? Yes, this is Masato Tanaka. I need the authorization to expand our search for potential Mach pilots," he said firmly, his voice laced with conviction. "I want access to the psych wards in the country."

The voice on the other end hesitated before granting Masato's request. He hung up the phone, a determined glint in his eyes.

"Time to find the minds that can handle these suits," he whispered to himself as he gathered his things and left his office.

Masato spent days visiting psychiatric facilities, sifting through medical records, and conducting interviews. It was during one such visit that he stumbled upon a file that piqued his interest—Nori Aoki, a 16-year-old with anger issues and a history of emotional instability.

"Interesting," he mused, examining the contents of Nori's file. "This might be exactly what we need."

Masato made his way to Nori's room and glanced through the small window, finding the teenager sitting alone, a stormy expression etched onto his shaved head. His muscular frame exuded raw power, but it was the fire in his eyes that intrigued Masato the most.

Masato turned to the boy's doctor "So this is Nori," he began, trying to keep his tone neutral. "My name is Masato Tanaka. I've been looking for someone with his... unique set of skills."

"Skills?" The doctor scoffed, eyeing Masato warily. "You mean my anger issues?"

"Of course not," Masato replied without missing a beat. "I believe that his emotional intensity could be the key to unlocking the true potential of a project we are working on, one to improve the mental health of thousands of soldiers."

"Are you serious?" the doctor asked skeptically, his brow furrowing. "Why him?"

"Because," Masato explained, leaning in to emphasize his point, "those who adhere to the status quo will never be able to push the boundaries of what's possible. It's people like him, those who are misunderstood and underestimated—that can change the world."

The doctor stared at him for a moment, considering the man. There was something about Masato's words that resonated with him, an air of mystery and intensity.

"Alright," the doctor agreed, his voice firm with determination. "You may speak to the boy, but I doubt he will choose to come with you."

"Excellent," Masato said, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "I believe I know how to motivate him. Together, we're going to make history."