KOF: Rise of the King of Fighters

The Blue Cross Federation's sirens still echoed faintly in the distance, but Yan Yue drove the SUV faster and faster, leaving that dangerous area far behind.

The atmosphere inside the car was somewhat somber, so Yan Yue casually said, "Doctor, don't overthink it... I won't make things difficult for you... We're safe for now."

Dr. Makijima slowly opened his eyes. Those eyes, which once shone with the light of wisdom, were now bloodshot, yet still sharp enough to pierce through the heart.

She didn't answer immediately, but turned to look out the car window, reminiscing about the past.

"Safety? Over the years, I've forgotten what the word 'safety' even means."

Yan Yue tightened her grip on the steering wheel, remained silent for a moment, and then voiced the question that had been on her mind:

"Doctor, I've never understood this. The Southern Cross Federation was a force that NESTS had nurtured. As a core member of NESTS's technology team, why would they want to arrest you?"

This question was like a key that unlocked the long-sealed memories of Dr. Makijima.

She gave a bitter smile, a smile filled with self-mockery and helplessness.

"Support from Yonex?"

Ha, Yan Yue... you only saw the surface...

The Southern Cross Federation is like a dog kept by NESTS; it wags its tail and begs for mercy most of the time, but the moment its master reveals a weakness, it pounces and bites out its master's throat.

"A weakness in NESTS?"

She paused, coughed a few times, and her voice became even weaker: "Ever since your identity was exposed, Zero's plans have been completely thrown into chaos, and they've started to panic."

The higher-ups knew that the secret of the mecha could no longer be kept hidden, and that the forces they had oppressed and exploited would come knocking on their door sooner or later.

So they began their secret withdrawal, and the Southern Cross Federation's mech-based sub-base had quietly moved all its core equipment and data a month ago.

Yan Yue frowned slightly: "Why didn't they take you with them when they left? With your value, NESTS shouldn't have abandoned you."

“Value?” Dr. Makishima repeated the word, his laughter tinged with a deep sadness.

Do you think NESTS really values ​​me?

What they value has always been the technology in my head, the blueprints for mecha and super-powerful weapons that would allow them to dominate the world.

I helped Acrom complete the development of the second-generation mech, the Maxima… You know what? Even before that, I already knew I was just a pawn in their game.”

His gaze drifted into the distance, as if he had returned to that brightly lit laboratory, to the days when he worked alongside Akrom on research projects.

“Akrom is my most respected mentor. The reason I joined NESTS was because of his invitation.”

I used to think that we were striving for the progress of humanity and creating a force that could protect the world.

But later I discovered that NESTS was experimenting on living people... which had already gone against their original intentions..."

“I know their ambitions, but Akrom has told me time and time again that as long as we master the core technology, we can change all of this and make the mechs a true force for justice.”

I believed it, and like a fool, I studied day and night, pouring my heart and soul into it, and finally completed the theory..."

At this point, Dr. Makijima's voice was filled with pain and regret: "But I never expected that my mentor would betray me too..."

He handed my experimental data to Zero... and that's when the rift between me and Acrom began to appear..."

"After that, due to the failure of the Gulichali mission and the betrayal of K and Maxima, the upper echelons of NESTS completely lost their trust in me."

They think I tampered with the design and that I'm in cahoots with Maxima.

Although Akrom didn't harm me out of consideration for our teacher-student relationship, he no longer trusted me as much as before.

When we were leaving the sub-base, he tacitly allowed me to leave on my own...

I know I'm no longer of any use. All the data on the Jaeger has been given to Acrom, and NESTS will no longer care whether I live or die..."

Yan Yue listened quietly, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

He knew Dr. Makishima was kind, but he never imagined that the kind and gentle middle-level manager—Akrom—would be the person who hurt and disappointed Makishima the most, and also the most dangerous and ruthless.

"Then how did the Southern Cross Federation find you?" Yan Yue continued to ask.

"They've been keeping an eye on the base all along..." Dr. Makijima's voice returned to calm, a hint of mockery in his eyes.

"After the Nest withdrew, the Southern Cross Federation finally broke free from their control. They had long coveted the technology of the mechs."

They assumed I was still in the base, that I possessed the core technology and experimental data of the mecha supercomputer, so they immediately sent troops to attack the base and capture me.

Makijima gave a wry smile: "But what they don't know is that NESTS took all the important data with them when they evacuated."

Most of the technologies in my mind are already established theories; the real core data, manufacturing processes, and materials are no longer with me.

They arrested me like I was an empty shell; they could only extract some trivial details from me, nothing more.

"I know they won't let me off easily. They're still clinging to hope, thinking I must be hiding some secret... Ha, how absurd..."

After saying that, Makijima changed the subject and looked at Engetsu, "Now that I'm in the hands of you, an enemy of NESTS, what are your plans?"

Yan Yue was taken aback; he hadn't expected Dr. Makijima to suddenly ask this question.

"Doctor, I saved you because you helped me repair my combat suit before, and I promised you that I would help you once you needed it..."

But more so because of Maxima and K...

Their physical condition had been poor. Maxima's core modules had been damaged in multiple battles, and its energy circulation system was becoming increasingly unstable;

K's gloves are broken, and the flames are becoming increasingly out of control; his body is barely able to take it anymore...

"We had no choice but to take the risk of coming to find you the moment we left NESTS..."

Dr. Makijima's gaze remained unchanged, still fixed on Engetsu: "So, you saved me, but in essence, you still want to use my technology, don't you?"

Use me to repair Maxima and K, then let them continue fighting for you, continue to be embroiled in this endless conflict.

"..."

Yan Yue felt a little conflicted, as if she hadn't said anything to her at all. However, Yan Yue quickly adjusted her mindset and continued to persuade her.

"Perhaps, you can understand that I'm taking advantage of you... It's okay if you think that way..."

Makijima sneered, "Humans are greedy... Are you sure I'd help you...?"

"But similarly, you can use me to do what you want... Right now, I just hope you can save them; they're just pitiful victims in the NESTS renovation project..."

"Since NESTS' approach is wrong, we have no choice but to resist. We can't let the world remain shrouded in gloom forever..."

Therefore, I morally appeal to you; I need your strength to deal with the out-of-control NESTS...

We can't let innocent people die because of these technologies anymore, can we?

Dr. Makijima looked at the urgency and sincerity in Engetsu's eyes and remained silent for a long time.

She could sense the sincerity in Yan Yue's words. She knew Yan Yue's style when she was with NESTS.

But years of experience have made her afraid to trust anyone easily. She has seen too much betrayal and exploitation, and her once passionate heart is now wrapped in layers of shackles.

Dr. Makijima repeated the word softly, his eyes filled with confusion, "Perhaps..."

My name is inextricably linked to these mecha warriors. As long as I live, I will forever be hunted by these forces, forever unable to escape this conflict.

Her gaze dimmed: "Yan Yue, do you know? I used to think that technology was a force that could change the world, that it would make humanity more prosperous..."

"Whether it's mecha warriors or Project K... they're all the same..."

"Since you created this power with your own hands and witnessed the disaster it brought, you are now in control of it."

Then you also have a responsibility to try and win them back…

"Responsibility?..." Dr. Makijima's eyes were filled with guilt and self-reproach.

That's right, the mecha warriors are all based on Makijima's theories...

She closed her eyes and sighed softly:

"Yan Yue, perhaps you are right."

I'm really tired... I don't want to get involved in these struggles anymore, and I don't want to see anyone get hurt or die because of my skills.

I just want to be an ordinary person again, find a place where no one knows me, and spend the rest of my life quietly..."

“Before that, I will help you fix them. After all, I participated in their creation, and I can't just watch them head towards destruction…”

"Is that so?" Yan Yue said this on the surface, but she was secretly delighted.

After all, if K's gloves can be repaired, everyone won't have to live in constant fear that K will blow up the submarine.

Dr. Makishima's gaze hardened. "But I have one condition..."

He nodded heavily and said solemnly, "Doctor, I promise you."

I will let you go as long as you can fix Maxima and K.

I will arrange a safe place for you, so you can live a normal life, and no one will bother you again. This is my promise to you, and also my promise to myself.

“No… I don’t need your help with this…” Dr. Makijima shook his head.

“I hope you can stop Acrom and Zero’s insane plan…”

Yan Yue nodded, "Of course... I would have done it even if you hadn't said anything..."

Makijima turned and leaned against the passenger seat, saying nothing more. He knew exactly what was going on.

"Since you can seal away the great serpent, then it is up to you to settle the conflicts among humans..."

I'll trust you one more time; perhaps you really are as the rumors say—the human emperor…

……

The following day, on a Southern Cross Federation ship, soldiers collectively experienced dizziness. The ship's energy had been stolen. The thief was unknown. Some government officials pointed the finger at the previously evacuated NESTS.

However, unnoticed, a submarine had already sailed into the high seas of the Pacific Ocean.