Ep. 12: Shin crashes his Tiger II and faces financial demands that extend his stay in Area 88.
Shin’s damaged Tiger II crashes on the airstrip, leaving him unharmed but indebted to Saki, who forces him to pay for all damages and thereby extends his stay in Area 88. Meanwhile, Makoto is expelled from the base after Greg exposes his true motives to other pilots. Before departing, Makoto reveals to Shin that Kanzaki intends to marry Ryouko. This news pushes Shin to the brink; he rents a Tiger II from McCoy, fully loaded with fuel and ammunition, and heads for the border to defect. Kitori, Mickey, Kim, and other Area 88 mercenaries pursue him to shoot him down but eventually convince him to stay. Shin then leads them into battle against an approaching enemy force. Makoto reaches Japan in time to inform Ryoko that Shin is alive, prompting her to flee her wedding dress. Shin remains at Area 88, continuing to fight in hopes of earning his freedom.
Episodes
- Ep. 8 · Area 88 faces a sniper threat forcing mission cancellations while Shinjou devises a counter-strategy.
- Ep. 9 · Saki orders high-speed canyon run for fuel, with Makoto seeking combat photography
- Ep. 10 · Mercenaries arrive in Area 88, including a ruthless MiG-23 pilot with a red lizard emblem.
- Ep. 11 · Shin nearly secures funds to end his contract while Kanzaki plots to seize Yamato Air Lines and marry Shin's girlfriend.
- Ep. 12 · Shin crashes his Tiger II and faces financial demands that extend his stay in Area 88.