Lap 15 - Sniper Pico

Sniper Pico is the 15th episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

## Overview

In the dark, Pico, in the Wild Goose, approaches a warehouse where Octoman and Bio Rex play cards. The two argue with each other, before spotting Pico in the shadows. Not recognizing him, they go to attack him, but Pico shoots through Octoman’s cards and shoots out Bio Rex’s teeth. This attracts Zoda’s attention, though he welcomes Pico, having hired him before. A flashback reveals the Galaxy Police thwarting Dark Million’s attempts to transport treasure, as well as the events of Lap 10. Pico inquires Zoda’s target, which happens to be the director of the Galaxy Police, John Tanaka. Informed of his hit, Pico drives off in his machine. Although Octoman and Bio Rex are concerned about whether Pico will be successful, Zoda sees it as an opportunity to transport the treasure.

At the Galaxy Police headquarters, Tanaka fantasizes about Kate Alen. This is soon disrupted by a message from Jody, informing him that one of Black Shadow’s transports has been captured. Pico, disguised as a delivery man, approaches the Galaxy Police headquarters. The Galaxy Police officers allow him to pass due to a signature requirement, unaware of Pico’s identity and the bomb in the package. Tanaka freshens himself up, excited to see Kate Alen’s performance later in the day. He kisses a poster of Kate in a Galaxy Police uniform, before Pico enters the office to drop off the package. Tanaka’s mundane comments leave Pico on edge, making Pico believe that Tanaka is aware of his plans. Before Tanaka can find a pen to sign for the package, Pico runs out of the office, but is stopped by Jody. Discarding his disguise, Pico jumps out of the window.

Jody runs into Tanaka’s office, warning him to discard the package, which then explodes outside of the window. The rest of the Mobile Task Force arrive, more concerned for Jody than Tanaka. Ryu, in the Dragon Bird, pursues Pico, who hijacked a car. Pico fires his gun through Ryu’s windshield, one bullet grazing the latter’s cheek, before escaping on a Dark Million ship. Ryu returns to the headquarters, as the rest of the Task Force try to determine why Pico would pursue Tanaka. Kody comes to realize it is due to the Galaxy Police's interference with Dark Million's transports. Dr. Stewart presents information pertaining to Pico’s identity, revealing that he is a former soldier and hitman with skilled precision. Considering the last attempt on Tanaka’s life, Tanaka has been assigned to a different office, but must also be confined to it, thus barring him from attending Kate’s performance. Pico, from a distance, assumes Tanaka’s pointing gesture means Tanaka saw him.

Tanaka laments on missing Kate’s performance, but forms a plan to deliver himself to Port Town. Meanwhile, Zoda forms a plan to use a Port Town cruise ship as a way to smuggle the treasure on board. Two Galaxy Police officers move a heavy crate onto a delivery truck en route for the cruise ship, unaware of Tanaka inside. Tanaka struggles to get out of the crate, which knocks him out of the truck. Pico, disguised as a cab driver, pulls up, and Tanaka enters the cab. Upon hearing Tanaka’s intended destination, Pico assumes that Tanaka knows of the smuggling operation.

Lucy apologizes for letting Tanaka escape from the office, as Ryu deduces that Tanaka left to see Kate Alen, reminding Jody of the events during Lap 6. Pico reports his findings to Zoda, still with the assumption that Tanaka knows of their mission. Zoda, Octoman, and Bio Rex are surprised to learn that only one member of the Task Force has arrived.

On the cruise ship, Tanaka watches Kate’s first performance, smitten. Before her second performance, he freshens up and fantasizes about her again, unaware that Octoman has captured him. Jody, Ryu, and Lucy split up to find Tanaka. Bio Rex and Octoman encounter Jody in the basement, but she fights them off. Tanaka is tied up in front of a wheel, with Pico firing around him. On Zoda’s order, Pico aims to kill, but Jody shoots the gun out of his hand. Ryu handles some Dark Soldiers, while Jody frees Tanaka, and Lucy provides cover. Zoda and Pico escape.

Tanaka thanks Jody for saving him. Lucy asks Tanaka what brought him to the cruise ship, to which Tanaka claims he knew of the smuggling operation and had come to stop it. Jody commends him for his “courage.” Kate and Gordon arrive to greet Ryu, though Kate asks for EAD. She gives Ryu a kiss on the cheek before Tanaka makes a comment. Kate doesn’t recognize him, but after Gordon whispers to her, she claims she simply forgot.

In the day, Mr. EAD and Kate drive alongside each other, with Ryu also present. Tanaka, however, remains far behind, begging for Kate’s attention.