For Tenjo Hikari and Yusei, dealing with the Fusion Army seemed quite easy. After all, everyone's individual capabilities and dueling levels were evident, and even if Yusei had "abandoned the Dragon Sign identity," he was now no ordinary person. He had been transformed into the United God, and some people in the Fusion Army, even with scientific support, were delusional to think they could oppose Yusei, a technological masterpiece of the Future People.
But things weren't looking good on Crow's side.
Originally, he went out today troubled by worries, unable to focus. While rescuing a little girl on the way and just when he thought he'd get her to safety, a large group caught up quickly.
Moreover, these people looked nothing like ordinary police officers. They didn't have any prior police demeanor, immediately resorting to firearms and cannons. Even in duels, they rushed without mercy.
As a repeat offender who had been to prison multiple times, Crow couldn't possibly equate these people with those he remembered.
So, even though they proclaimed "capture the felon," he couldn't believe them.
Before this, amidst the girl's screams behind him, he realized she knew these people and was familiar with their methods.
Despite Crow's superior driving skills, these Dimension Police were unreasonable, often using Physical Image projections to block Crow's way, forcing him to change routes repeatedly, yet unable to shake them off.
Moreover, being closest to the Upper Area, this place had the most Fusion Army police officers. Fusion Army soldiers were blocking almost every place, forcing Crow higher in altitude, even towards the Upper City Area, just to barely avoid capture.
"Damn it..." Crow swerved to dodge another physical attack, gritting out a low curse.
In a Racing Duel, using tangible cards to directly destroy the opponent's path or cut off their tires is a dirty tactic strictly prohibited in such duels.
Seeing this scene, Serena held onto Crow's trunk, throwing things like Fusion Army helmets and glasses to impede their pursuers.
"Crow, how are things on your end?"
"Ah—Master!" Serena instantly recognized the voice.
Surprisingly lucky, she encountered her master's acquaintance in this Dimension.
Neither Tenjo Hikari nor Crow dwelled on her sudden outburst. Crow quickly responded, "It's bad. Those guys are using physical attacks—"
"Hang on, Yusei and I are almost there!"
Just as he said this, Crow noticed the billboard ads on the surrounding roads and buildings suddenly changed content.
"Emergency alert: Terrorists have broken into an elementary school in District 5, forcibly abducting and controlling several children. Many rioters are attacking. Officers on duty must urgently return to defense—"
Crow's eyes widened, his pupils shrinking like sharp spikes.
He saw the photo of the wanted criminal—it was his friend: Shinji!
"Shinji!!!"
He instinctively roared.
At that moment, instead of retreating to block off roads, the police intensified their assault on him. Distracted, they abruptly rammed into him, destabilizing his vehicle. Additionally, a strange explosive detonated, almost flipping over Crow's Blackbird.
Crow and Serena were explosively ejected from the vehicle, Crow instinctively shielding Serena mid-air.
Fortunately, the explosion didn't produce much debris, so neither was injured.
"Be careful; don't hurt Miss Serena! Are you crazy!? She's the professor's daughter!"
Though Akaba Leo wasn't particularly kind to Serena, she was still recognized as his "real daughter." To them, it was merely a father-daughter conflict. Their mission was to retrieve Serena, not kill her.
Even for the other two girls identical to Serena, the professor's orders were to "bring them back intact," so they couldn't act recklessly.
These Fusion Army members, masquerading as police, saw Crow downed, immediately disembarking and announcing, "No rush, nor heed the Security Bureau's orders. Our task is to bring back Miss Serena; we can't let her escape again!"
Crow hazily felt his thigh numbed under his fallen D-wheel but didn't mind it, tormented more by his inner turmoils.
Because of his "weakness," he couldn't stop Shinji from becoming more extreme;
Because of his lack of "strength," he couldn't resist these physical attacks;
If he were more "powerful," he wouldn't have to helplessly watch Yusei transform himself, forcing a facade of happiness!
Eager to "fly," with Tenjo Hikari's modifications, he soared with his D-wheel, yet now felt like a caged bird, just gazing at the sky.
The sky...
The blood-red sky.
He zoned out briefly, snapping back fiercely, roaring as he lifted the D-wheel's side, startling the nearby Fusion Army soldiers.
"Get on!"
Serena didn't hesitate, throwing the last smoke grenade, scrambling aboard.
"Don't worry; he won't escape!"
"Surround him; there's nowhere to flee!"
On the suspended road, if the Fusion Army used D-wheels as barriers, Crow had no way through.
The start was too slow!
At that moment, Crow unleashed an inhuman burst of strength, leaping onto the vehicle despite the numb right leg, relying on gravity, flooring the pedal, crashing sideways.
Due to the Fusion Army's massive Physical Image assaults, many road barriers lay shattered,
So—this was Crow's escape—he shot through the broken barricades, into the air, Serena gasping as he pressed a button, and then Blackbird grew 'wings,' soaring sideways!
Fusion Army soldiers stood agape as Crow propelled his D-wheel across the suspended road gap, landing on another road.
"Really...grew wings?"
Bang! Boom—
The car landed, the D-wheel shaking, jolting twice, as Crow quickly scanned the vicinity, relieved seeing the nearby police ignoring him, rushing to the upper area.
It seemed like a different batch, which meant—
But then, he realized something shocking!
If those police were after the girl behind him, then the others returning were—
Boom!
While pondering this, the ground erupted in pale blue flames, spanning the road, drawing patterns mid-air, embedding in everyone's eyes.
Meanwhile, under Crow's stunned gaze, Shinji drove his D-wheel, forcefully pushing away obstructing police, departing like the wind.
Crow, in that instance, saw Shinji's vehicle with two children tied like livestock, bawling in the back!
"Shinji!!!!"
He roared, his numbed right leg seemingly gaining strength, flooring the pedal, chasing relentlessly.
"Crow!!!"
Although Crow hadn't said a word, Shinji understood Crow's actions from his shout—
Crow fiercely punched the D-wheel's control panel.
"Duel Mode activated."
Cold, mechanical voices echoed from the two machines.
As if signaling that their friendship might no longer exist, leaving only the cold duel.