Despite his suit's cutting-edge digital technology, Kotaro yet again loses sight of the "Zebra." His pride in tatters, he rides aimlessly down nighttime R246, as if to calm his frustration-racked nerves and quell his envy.Dan returns to the Genesis Café and a slightly worried Sanae. Having no parents or kin of his own, Sanae raised Dan like a son, and she can't help but be concerned for his well-being.But then, freelance journalist Makina appears at the Café. Knowing nothing of Sanae's worries, she approaches Dan—who's relaxing at the counter—tricks him into showing her his Hyuga Corp. ID card, and promptly snares it from him.What is Makina after? What are Kotaro's true aims?The fates of these three riders begin to entwine...